Nintendo Rumored to Host July Direct, Teasing 2025 Game Lineup and Possible Shadow-Drops

Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo is reportedly gearing up for a new Direct presentation in July, offering fans a clearer picture of its plans for the rest of 2025.

While titles like Mario Kart World (a launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2), Donkey Kong Bananza (releasing July 17), and Metroid Prime 4 (expected sometime in 2025) have already been announced, Nintendo has kept much of its future slate under wraps. The company also skipped out on June’s Summer Game Fest, leading many to suspect it would host its own showcase instead.

According to YouTuber Wood Hawker, known for his channel BeatEmUps and the Nontendo podcast, a new Nintendo Direct is coming “next month.” During the podcast’s June 20 episode, Hawker mentioned that he received insider information, though he declined to name his source.

He claimed the July Direct could include surprise GameCube shadow-drops, with Pokémon Colosseum potentially leading the way. Interestingly, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is said to be coming later, suggesting Nintendo may be spacing out GameCube releases for the Switch 2.

In addition to retro content, Hawker hinted at a few third-party ports heading to the new console. Games like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are all allegedly on the list.

One of the more exciting tidbits? A possible teaser for the next Animal Crossing, expected in 2026. According to Hawker, Isabelle might appear in a teaser card at the end of the Direct, similar to how Nintendo often ends their showcases with a “one more thing” moment.

He clarified that he doesn’t know if the Direct will happen before or after Donkey Kong Bananza, and emphasized that while he’s unsure how accurate everything is, he wouldn’t be surprised if it pans out.

As always, take these rumors with a grain of salt—but it looks like Nintendo fans could have plenty to look forward to next month.