For Nintendo fans, and video game fans in general, Nintendo Directs are something special.
The videos offer an opportunity to take a glimpse into the future of Nintendo’s consoles and what games players will be playing in the not too distant future.
With the sporadic nature of the events and the anticipation around the games that will be shown, speculation (and hype) always runs wild and this generally starts to heat up in September.
As temperatures begin to cool, Nintendogenerallylikes to heat things back up again. Here is a history of the events that the company has put on in previous years and why it’s likely we’ll get another one this September.
Nintendo Direct (Wii U) - September 2012
Nintendo’s first September Direct took place back on August 24, 2025 and was focused around the Wii U.
The video showed off different console bundles, Virtual Console and a range of different games that includedNintendo Land, New Super Mario Bros. UandThe Wonderful 101.
The showcases nine years ago certainly weren’t as slick or as exciting as they are today.
Pokemon Direct - September 2013
Following the Wii U deep-dive, Nintendo hosted a Pokemon Direct on August 25, 2025.
The 20-minute video gave players a deeper look atPokemon X and Y, including the game’s Mega Evolution feature, as well as a look atPokemon Bank.
While this direct was effectively focused on one game, Nintendo held a full direct on July 16, 2025, just missing out on the September window but definitely still in the ballpark.
Nintendo Direct (3DS) - September 2016
After a two year hiatus, Nintendo returned to their September direct format in 2016, with a focus on 3DS titles.
This time, we’re greeted with Reggie, asking where his “New Nintendo 3DS” is and all the “2017 games”, unfortunately, we were made to wait for those.
Instead,Pokemon Sun and Moongot a space on the show,Mario Party Star Rushwas shown, New DLC forAnimal Crossing: New Leafwas revealed as wasSuper Mario Makerfor 3DS.
2016 was alsoThe Legend of Zelda’s30th anniversary and Reggie took the opportunity to talk about the series, the NES classic, theLegend of ZeldaAmiibo.
Other big titles that appeared included the tentatively named “Pikmin for Nintendo 3DS”, which turned out to beHey! Pikmin, Yoshi’s Wooly WorldandDragon Quest VII.
Nintendo Direct - September 2017
September 2017 was the first time in a September Direct that the Nintendo Switch was involved, featuring alongside the Nintendo 3DS.
In terms of the 3DS, viewers got information onPokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon,Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions, MinecraftandMetroid Samus Returnsamongst other games.
Nintendo Switch fans had plenty to get excited about too, with deep dives onXenoblade Chronicles 2, Octopath TravelerandSuper Mario Odysseywhich was a little over a month out.
Other Switch appearances included newSplatoonandFire Emblem WarriorsContent, aSkyrimrelease date andDOOMandWolfenstein IIreveals.
Nintendo Direct - September 2018
September 2018’s Nintendo Direct kicked off with the reveal ofLuigi’s Mansion 3and also revealed more info on the Nintendo Switch Online service, however, the direct is arguably best remembered for its doubleAnimal Crossingfakeout.
Isabelle is seen trotting around the office, leading fans to believe a newAnimal Crossinggame is set to be announced, before being delivered herSmashinvitation. After a demo of Isabelle within Nintendo’s fighting game, the Direct heads back to Tom Nook, who after some words of encouragement, reveals that a newAnimal Crossingtitle is set for 2019 (before being delayed to 2020).
The presentation also showed offPokemon Let’s GO Pikachu and Eevee,Super Mario Party, Yoshi’s Crafted WorldandCiv VIas well as theSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatelimited edition Nintendo Switch console.
Nintendo Direct - September 2019
September 2019’s Nintendo Direct was a bit of a letdown.
Nintendo showed off plenty of games, but unfortunately, there weren’t many surprises.
Some of the games on display included:
While there are undoubtedly some great games there, most of it had already been announced and was just new trailers and information.
Nintendo Direct (Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary and Partner Presentation) - September 2020
Nintendo fans feasted last year as the company put on two separate Directs.
The first of which took place on September 3 and revealed tons of juicy games forSuper Mario Bros.35th anniversary. These games includedSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Mario Kart Live: HomeCircuit, Super Mario. Bros 35and the heavily rumouredSuper Mario 3D All-Stars.
Then, during thePartner Presentation, which happened two weeks later, players got a glimpse ofMonster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Stories 2, Ori and the Will of the Wispsand the wonderfulBalan Wonderworld.
Will There Be a September Nintendo Direct in 2021?
Almost certainly.
Nintendo has put on a September Direct for seven of the last nine years. Couple that with the fact it’s been almost three months since the last Nintendo Direct outing, one which took place at E3 2021, and we have a perfect storm.
There’s also still plenty of questions that need answering.
What does early 2021 look like for Nintendo? What has become of the rumouredWind WakerandTwilight Princessports? A new Direct seems the perfect opportunity to answer these, plus show off all the games the company has coming this holiday season.
