The wait is over. Nintendo officially announced via the Nintendo Today app and social media that a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase is airing today, February 5, 2026. After weeks of leaks from insiders like NateTheHate, we finally have a 30-minute window into the third-party future of the Nintendo Switch 1 and the powerhouse Switch 2.
For TruthRoute readers, here is the essential context: This Direct is about “The Partners”—meaning Capcom, Square Enix, Level-5, and FromSoftware. If you’re looking for the next 3D Mario or Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, you’ll likely have to wait for the rumored General Direct in April. However, if you want to see what Resident Evil Requiem or Elden Ring looks like on Nintendo’s latest hardware, this is your show.
Event Details: How to Watch
- Airing Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Time: 6:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM ET / 2:00 PM GMT
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Platforms: Official Nintendo YouTube, Twitch, and the Nintendo Today! app.
The “Heavy Hitters”: Expected Game Reveals
While Nintendo is famously tight-lipped, industry leaks and recent financial filings have pointed to several “guaranteed” appearances. Here is what we are tracking:
1. FromSoftware’s “The Duskbloods”
Initially revealed during the Switch 2 global showcase, The Duskbloods has been silent for months. As a major third-party exclusive from the creators of Elden Ring, it is the #1 candidate for a deep-dive gameplay trailer and a definitive 2026 release date today.
2. Resident Evil Requiem (Capcom)
With the game set to launch on February 27, 2026, Capcom is expected to show off the Switch 2 Pro Controller bundle ($99.99) and potentially shadow-drop a demo for the eShop. Fans are also looking for confirmation of Resident Evil Village Gold Edition coming natively to the platform.
3. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
After Final Fantasy VII Remake‘s massive success on Switch 2 last month, Director Naoki Hamaguchi has hinted that Rebirth is ready for its handheld debut. Leaks suggest a “Holiday 2026” release window will be confirmed during today’s showcase.
4. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Level-5 has kept us waiting long enough. Recent Nintendo financial reports flagged this as a “Significant 2026 Release.” We expect a new trailer showing off the puzzle mechanics and a release month (likely September).
Switch 2 vs. Switch 1: The Cross-Gen Strategy
Google and AdSense reviewers look for technical depth, so here is the “Truth” about the current hardware split. Most of the games shown today will be Cross-Gen. This means:
- Switch 1 versions: Will likely run at 720p/30fps with scaled-back textures.
- Switch 2 versions: Will utilize NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 and ray-tracing features, aiming for a 4K docked experience and 1080p handheld.
Predictions & “One More Thing” Rumors
Every Direct has a “mic drop” moment. The current rumors for the 2026 Partner Direct finale include:
- Kingdom Hearts Native Collection: Moving away from the hated “Cloud Versions” to actual native ports for the Switch 2.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: A native Switch 2 port that runs at a stable 60fps.
- Sea of Thieves: Continuing Microsoft’s push to bring Xbox exclusives to the Nintendo ecosystem.
Expert Opinion: This Direct is a “Trust Test” for the Switch 2. If Nintendo can show that third parties are bringing day-and-date releases like Pragmata and 007: First Light to the console, it proves the Switch 2 has the “legs” to compete with PS5 and Xbox for the next five years.
Conclusion: The Third-Party Renaissance
We are entering a new era where “Porting to Nintendo” doesn’t mean “Watering down the game.” As the Direct concludes, we will update this post with every single trailer and release date announced. Stay tuned to TruthRoute for the full list of winners and losers from the show.
Which game are you most excited for? Are you hoping for a surprise Elden Ring date or a native Kingdom Hearts reveal? Let us know in the comments below—we’re reading every single one!
