Nintendo will host two back-to-back broadcasts next week, starting with a The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8, 2026, followed by a general Nintendo Direct on September 9. The events will detail anniversary celebrations and upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo is breaking its historical pattern of hosting a single Direct in a given window by scheduling two presentations in 48 hours. The news was first announced on the Nintendo Today app.
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct: September 8
The first broadcast is a dedicated showcase for the Zelda franchise. It airs Tuesday, September 8, at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. BST. The livestream is expected to last roughly 30 minutes and will contain a variety of The Legend of Zelda-related information about the series’ 40th anniversary,
according to Nintendo Life.
Industry analysts and outlets expect the presentation to focus on the Ocarina of Time remake. While the remake was teased in June 2026 and is slated for a 2026 launch, specific gameplay details and a firm release date remain unconfirmed. Rumors regarding the remake first appeared in March. IGN reports that the timing is critical as the year winds down and Nintendo maintains a monthly launch cadence for Switch 2 titles. With Switch Sports Resort already dropping in October, there is speculation whether Zelda will launch in November opposite GTA 6.
Beyond the game, the showcase may address the live-action Legend of Zelda movie. While Nintendo has officially confirmed Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason as Link and Zelda, other casting reports—including Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf and Dichen Lachman as Impa—remain unconfirmed by the company. IGN suggests a teaser trailer or official casting announcements could be part of the broadcast.
General Nintendo Direct and Treehouse: September 9
Twenty-four hours later, on Wednesday, September 9, Nintendo will air a general Direct at the same time (7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. BST). This presentation will run for approximately 45 minutes and focus on Switch 2 games arriving this winter.
The broadcast will be followed by a 110-minute Nintendo Treehouse session, which will provide deeper gameplay dives into the titles featured in the Direct.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: Launching September 17.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort: Launching October 22.
- Pokémon Winds and Waves: Slated for 2027.
- Xenoblade Genesis: Slated for 2027.
MobileSyrup also notes that the Direct could provide a release date for The Duskbloods, a multiplayer action-RPG from FromSoftware currently listed for a 2026 release.
Zelda Library Accessibility on Switch 2
As the series hits its 40-year mark, the available library spans multiple generations of hardware, from 8-bit origins on the Nintendo Entertainment System to enhanced editions with updated and gorgeous 4K visuals. The library on both the Switch and the Switch 2 includes titles such as Hyrule Warriors, Cadence of Hyrule, and Echoes of Wisdom, where players can play as Zelda.
| Access Method | Available Titles/Systems | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Online (Standard) | NES (Original, Zelda II), SNES (A Link to the Past), Game Boy/Color (Link’s Awakening DX, Oracle of Ages/Seasons) | $20 (Amazon) |
| NSO Expansion Pack | Nintendo 64 (Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask), Game Boy Advance (The Minish Cap, Four Swords) | $50 |
| Switch 2 Hardware | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | N/A |
Despite the broad availability, certain titles remain inaccessible on modern hardware.
Broadcast Logistics and Viewing
Both Directs will be streamed via Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, including the Nintendo of America YouTube channel or regional variants.
Viewing Times:
- North America: 7 a.m. PDT / 8 a.m. MDT / 9 a.m. CDT / 10 a.m. EDT
- UK/Ireland: 3 p.m. BST
- Europe: 4 p.m. CEST / 5 p.m. EEST
- Asia/Oceania: 11 p.m. JST / 10 p.m. AWST / 12 a.m. (Wed) AEST
The events coincide with other major industry movements, including Apple’s fall keynote on September 9 and recent State of Play presentations from PlayStation.
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