The sweltering summer heat is beginning to fade, the kids are heading back to school, and for gamers, that can only mean one thing: the air is crackling with the imminent energy of a Nintendo Direct. After a relatively quiet summer from the House of Mario, the rumor mill has kicked into high gear, and this time, it’s a voice the community has learned to trust.
According to reputable industry leaker NateTheHate, players should officially mark their calendars for a September Nintendo Direct presentation. The leaker, who has a strong track record of accurate Nintendo-related predictions, confirmed the timing in a recent social media post, sending fans into a frenzy of speculation over what the showcase might hold.
The anticipation is palpable. With the Nintendo Switch now in its seventh year, all eyes are on how Nintendo plans to maintain momentum. The question on every fan's mind is simple: will we finally see the long-awaited return of Samus Aran in Metroid Prime 4, or will Nintendo's iconic plumber, Mario, steal the show?
The Source: Why This Rumor Carries Weight
In the wild west of gaming leaks and rumors, credibility is everything. NateTheHate has built a reputation for careful, measured claims, often corroborating and being corroborated by other well-known insiders. His correct predictions regarding the timing and content of previous Directs, as well as specific game announcements, mean his words are taken seriously.
His confirmation, which you can see below, has effectively shifted the community's posture from "if" a Direct is happening to "what" will be in it.
This isn't just blind hope; it's an expectation based on historical patterns and credible insider information. Nintendo traditionally holds a major general Direct in September to outline its holiday game lineup and give a glimpse into the following year.
The Crown Jewel: The Endless Wait for Metroid Prime 4
No game embodies "anticipation" quite like Metroid Prime 4. First announced with a simple logo teaser at E3 2017, the game’s development was infamously restarted from scratch in early 2019, with oversight handed back to the original trilogy’s developers, Retro Studios.
Since then, the silence has been deafening. Fans have been surviving on crumbs, with only a rare job listing from Retro Studios hinting at the game's progress. A September Direct presents the perfect stage for Nintendo to finally break that silence.
The potential for a reveal—even if it's just a developer update or a cinematic trailer—would be the headline-making moment of the entire showcase. After over seven years of waiting, the Metroid community is more than ready to see what Retro Studios has been cooking.
A Celebration for the Mustachioed Hero: What's Next for Mario?
While Metroid Prime 4 is the holy grail for many, the elephant (or rather, the Italian plumber) in the room is Mario. 2023's Super Mario Bros. Wonder was a critical and commercial smash hit, and the Super Mario RPG remake was a delightful dose of nostalgia. But what's next?
Rumors have been swirling for years about a new 3D Mario game, potentially leveraging the same engine used for the spectacular Super Nintendo World theme park attractions. A September Direct would be the ideal venue to unveil the next evolution of 3D platforming from the masters themselves.
Furthermore, with the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo is undoubtedly keen to keep its flagship character in the spotlight. Whether it's a new mainline game, a spin-off, or even DLC for Mario Wonder, news related to gaming's most recognizable icon is all but guaranteed to draw massive viewership.
Beyond the Headliners: What Else to Expect in a September Direct
While Metroid and Mario would be megaton reveals, a typical Nintendo Direct is packed with a variety of announcements. Fans can likely expect:
- Third-Party Partnerships: Showcases from major partners like Square Enix (maybe *Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake*?), Bandai Namco, or Capcom.
- Indie Highlights: A dedicated "Indie World" segment could precede the main Direct, but expect a few standout indie titles to feature in the main show.
- Updates on Announced Games: Titles like Princess Peach: Showtime!, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, and the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake will likely get new trailers and release dates if they are 2024 titles.
- Nintendo Switch Online: The perpetual gravy train of classic games. Could we see Game Boy Advance or Nintendo 64 titles added to the service?
- The "One More Thing...": Nintendo loves its epic finale. This is where they would likely drop their biggest announcement, be it Metroid Prime 4, a new 3D Mario, or a completely unexpected revival.
Managing Expectations: A Word of Caution
As always, it’s crucial to temper excitement with a healthy dose of realism. While NateTheHate's track record is strong, nothing is official until Nintendo themselves press the "upload" button. Furthermore, even if the Direct is confirmed for September, there's no guarantee that every fan's most-wanted game will appear.
The development of Metroid Prime 4 is notoriously secretive, and Nintendo may choose to hold that card closer to its chest for a later date. The key is to enjoy the speculation and community excitement, but to remember that the only sure thing from a Nintendo Direct is a few surprises.
One thing is for certain: if and when the September Nintendo Direct is officially announced, the gaming world will be watching, controllers held tight, hoping for a glimpse into the future of their favorite console. Whether it’s the haunting silence of space or the cheerful "Let's-a-go!" of a plumber, the stage is set for a memorable show.
Yes, there is a Nintendo Direct in September.
— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) August 31, 2025
When: The second week of the month, in the latter half on or around Sept 11 or 12th.
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