Nintendo is preparing to run through a full-sized Nintendo Direct this week, and that means there are around 60 minutes to spend diving into the upcoming games we can expect to arrive on Nintendo Switch, along with a look at what’s next for its next bit of hardware. Here’s what to know about how to watch it, and what the longer-than-usual running time says about the scale of the announcements.
What time is the Nintendo Direct on?
The showcase is to take place this week, Nintendo confirmed, and will last approximately one hour. That’s longer than a typical general Direct, which has historically been in the 35 to 45 minute range. For the specific timing, check out on the event listing on Nintendo’s official channels; if you’ll be watching from outside of North America, the YouTube event page will convert the time for you and offers a reminder button so you don’t forget to tune in for the start.
How to watch a livestream
The broadcast will be available to watch on Nintendo’s YouTube and Twitch channels, featuring regional language support and localized trailers. On YouTube, the “Notify me” bell on the event card will deliver a push alert when the Direct begins. For those who would rather watch on a big screen, it can be streamed on the YouTube or Twitch app on smart TVs and consoles, and there will be a video-on-demand replay available instantly after.
As always, Nintendo will release individual trailers and a roundup press release via its news portal following the expo. Following along on Nintendo’s social channels can also keep you in the loop on high resolution key art and fact sheets as they land.
Why a 60-minute Direct is significant
An hour-long runtime is noteworthy. General Directs don’t generally exceed the 45-minute mark, and a longer show usually means there’s a wide variety of projects to cover like first- and third-party support as well as at least one “one more thing” moment. Past Directs have regularly pulled seven-figure concurrent viewership across platforms, audience-tracking firms such as Esports Charts note, and a longer cut tends to fan those flames.
The extended fights also indicate that the games will be given more than sizzle real time — actual gameplay footage, developer voiceovers and some definitive answers on release windows should all be on offer. When Nintendo spends full minutes discussing individual games (not seconds), that’s sometimes an indicator that preorders, demos, or expansions are inbound.
What to watch for
Nintendo has not announced games ahead of time, but there are a few games that make sense. Metroid Prime 4 is another exclusively first-party title much clamored for, with listeners eager to have some hard info for once in the game’s years-long build up. “Cadence” series—Fire Emblem, Kirby Established cadence-of-a-thing series–Fire Emblem, Kirby–Our cadence-of-a-thing series will deliver a new title (or deluxe edition) now and again.
Third-party allies usually take precedent after main speakers claim a substantial slice of stage time. Big indie games usually announce for consoles on Directs, and publishers drop dates, surprise demos or cloud or performance-upgrade versions in the format. With a Switch successor on the horizon, keep an eye on language about cross-generation support or free upgrade paths — signs that your library will move forward with you.
Don’t neglect classic content, either. Nintendo has employed these presentations to enrich its Nintendo Switch Online retro libraries — initially NES and SNES, then Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance. Another fresh crop of classic games or a yet-to-be-supported platform joining the service would follow that trajectory and give consumers some early victories. If Circa’s console engagement data is anything to go by, appetite for nostalgia classics on Switch is strong, and this keeps these segments relevant.
Pro tips for a smooth streaming experience
First, once you’re on the YouTube event page, click the “Set reminder” button to get an alert when the model creates the stream.
Next, jump into the stream a few minutes early to maintain a clear connection while viewers flood the stream and make the latency issues worsen.
If the feed is stuttering, then just decrease the quality by one—YouTube’s streams of 1080p and 720p generally contain the same information for trailer reveals.
Get a second screen at the ready for official social media posts and press assets which will often summarize the latest in real time – such as what editions are available, bonuses for preordering, or if there’s any kind of demo available for the game.
The bottom line: Thanks to an hour on the clock and nods to updates on current and in-development platforms, this week’s Nintendo Direct smacks of substance. Put that reminder in place and anticipate a fast-paced blend of first-party reveals, third-party shocks and instant download nows as soon as the stream concludes.