Nintendo appears to be preparing for a significant announcement event, as speculation around a new Nintendo Direct continues to grow. A recently scheduled maintenance session involving “stage data” has sparked renewed discussion, particularly as it falls in the final days of July — a timeframe repeatedly pointed to by insiders as the likely window for the next major Nintendo presentation.
According to Nintendo’s official maintenance schedule, network services for both the current Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 will be temporarily unavailable from Wednesday, July 30 at 11:00 PM to Thursday, July 31 at 12:30 AM Pacific Time. The maintenance, which affects access to stage data and related features, has been interpreted by some observers as backend preparation for new announcements or downloadable content, potentially tied to an upcoming Nintendo Direct.
This maintenance aligns with persistent rumors that Nintendo is planning to host a new Direct at the end of July, shortly after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza. Notable insider NateTheHate, who has maintained credibility within the gaming community, reaffirmed on July 25 that a Direct is still expected this month. When asked directly if plans had changed, he responded, “I said a week ago that a Direct would take place this month & I have heard nothing to suggest otherwise.” He later added, “That is the timing I had speculated over a week ago,” suggesting that the anticipated event remains on track.
In a reply to a follower asking about a potential predictions episode, Nate confirmed that such an episode is planned alongside MVG, pending formal confirmation of the Direct.
Further bolstering expectations, VGC has independently reported through its sources that a Nintendo Direct is “imminent.” Multiple publishers, including Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, and Bandai Namco, are said to be waiting for Nintendo’s presentation to unveil new projects aimed at the new Switch hardware. According to NateTheHate, “Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, Namco, and many others are just waiting. They have games they want to announce. Switch 2 has a lot of support coming.”
In addition to the heavy third-party presence, Microsoft is also rumored to be participating in Nintendo’s upcoming showcase. The company is reportedly preparing to announce more Xbox titles for PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 as part of its evolving multiplatform strategy. Games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and other first-party Xbox content are said to be in development for Nintendo Switch 2.
The list of rumored titles for the Switch 2 is growing steadily. In addition to Red Dead Redemption 2, which Nate confirms is actively in development for the platform, other games mentioned include Metaphor: ReFantazio, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Metal Gear Solid: Delta, and more. Regarding speculation about Death Stranding, Nate commented, “Death Stranding 1 is on nearly every device that can run it — it’s on iOS devices, ffs. If 505 wants to port it over to Switch 2… then it’ll be on the platform. Personally, I think it will find its way to the platform; but that’s my own hope/speculation.”
While Nintendo has yet to officially confirm a new Direct, all signs appear to point to a presentation in the final days of July. With insider remarks, partner publisher silence, and now timed maintenance on key online services, anticipation continues to build for what could be one of the company’s most revealing showcases in recent memory.
