Nintendo has officially confirmed that two highly anticipated digital events will take place next week. The first appointment is set for September 8 with a special presentation entirely dedicated to The Legend of Zelda, celebrating the series' 40th anniversary. The following day, September 9, a general Nintendo Direct will air. Both shows will be broadcast at 10 AM ET, which is 7 AM PT.
The Zelda presentation will last about 30 minutes, while the main Nintendo Direct will extend for 45 minutes. Right after the Direct concludes, fans can tune in to a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that will last approximately 110 minutes, offering a deeper look at the games shown. This format has been used before, but this year it carries special significance given the important milestone for the franchise.
Rumors of a Direct intensified after Ubisoft's announcement about Just Dance
Speculation about a possible Nintendo Direct began earlier this week when Ubisoft revealed it would show new footage of Just Dance Decades of Hits. The French publisher had scheduled its event for September 10, but the frequency with which Just Dance titles appear in Nintendo broadcasts led many to assume that date would actually be for a Direct. The official confirmation arrived right on time, and the rumors proved to be well-founded, albeit one day earlier than expected.
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Nintendo has accustomed its followers to a regular September slot for nearly a decade, with the exception of 2024. This tradition fueled anticipation, and now that the Japanese company has confirmed both shows, excitement is at an all-time high. The burning question is what surprises these broadcasts will bring, especially after a 2026 that, unlike 2025, has seen a slower release pace for first-party titles.
A quieter 2026 but with high hopes for the future of Switch 2
After the launch of Switch 2 in 2025 and a promising start, this year has seen a slowdown in major releases. However, fans know that Nintendo often saves its juiciest surprises for autumn. The upcoming Direct could be the perfect opportunity to showcase new projects, possibly tied to beloved franchises or new IPs. September will also see the release of Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave, a turn-based tactics game that should receive a new trailer during the presentation.
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The software lineup seems destined to fill up in the coming months, and the September events could kick off a season rich with news. The presence of a separate Direct for Zelda is no coincidence, given that this year marks the series' 40th anniversary. Nintendo has not yet celebrated this milestone properly, but it might do so in grand style with major announcements.
Zelda in the spotlight with remakes and a live-action movie on the horizon
As for The Legend of Zelda, expectations are sky-high. A remake of Ocarina of Time, one of the most beloved entries ever, has already been announced, and a live-action film based on the series is in the works. A teaser trailer during the special would be more than welcome, and it is not out of the question to see official confirmation about The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD coming to Switch, a rumor that has circulated for a long time without concrete evidence.
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The decision to dedicate an entire event to Zelda's birthday demonstrates how much Nintendo values this intellectual property, which for four decades has continued to enchant generations of players. With two events so close together, next week promises to be one of the hottest of the year for all Nintendo enthusiasts. All that remains is to mark the dates on the calendar and get ready to discover what the house of Kyoto has in store.
