The latest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase dropped a slate of exciting third-party titles coming to the Switch this year and beyond. From blockbuster RPGs to indie surprises, here are the 8 must-play games every Nintendo fan should add to their watch-list.
What Is the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase?
The Partner Showcase is Nintendo’s dedicated stream for highlighting third-party and indie partners. Unlike a general Direct, this event focuses on multiplatform releases, timed exclusives, and Switch-specific features. The July 2025 edition aired on July 15, and you can still catch the replay on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase :Top 8 Third-Party Games Revealed
Below, each game is listed with its genre, developer, release window, and any Switch-exclusive features.
- Diablo IV (Switch Port)
- Genre: Action RPG / Studio: Blizzard Entertainment
- Release: Q4 2025
- Switch Feature: HD Rumble for spell effects, optional touchscreen loot management
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Genre: Open-World Stealth / Ubisoft Montreal
- Release: Late 2025
- Switch Feature: Gyro-aim for silent assassinations
- Persona 3 Reload
- Genre: JRPG / Atlus
- Release: October 2025
- Switch Feature: Dual-screen calendar UI in handheld mode
- Street Fighter 6
- Genre: Fighting / Capcom
- Release: August 2025
- Switch Feature: Touch controls and local wireless training mode
- Sea of Stars
- Genre: Indie RPG / Sabotage Studio
- Release: Q3 2025
- Switch Feature: Exclusive “Retro Filter” for pixel-perfect nostalgia
- Tchia
- Genre: Open-World Adventure / Awaceb
- Release: September 2025
- Switch Feature: Full touchscreen map navigation
- Lords of the Fallen
- Genre: Action RPG / CI Games
- Release: November 2025
- Switch Feature: Performance mode (60 FPS) vs. Resolution mode (1080p docked)
- Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
- Genre: Run-and-Gun / Studio MDHR
- Release: Q4 2025
- Switch Feature: Local co-op via single Joy-Con each
Which Titles Are Exclusive to Nintendo Switch?
Among these announcements, Sea of Stars and Tchia boast Nintendo Switch exclusivity (at least for the first 12 months). Their unique use of Joy-Con features and touchscreen controls makes them standout experiences you won’t get on other platforms—at least initially.
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase : Release Calendar & Watch-List
| Game | Release Window | Pre-order Link | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo IV (Switch Port) | Q4 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch |
| Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Late 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Persona 3 Reload | October 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch, PS5, PS4, PC |
| Street Fighter 6 | August 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Sea of Stars | Q3 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch (Timed-Exclusive) |
| Tchia | September 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch (Exclusive) |
| Lords of the Fallen | November 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course | Q4 2025 | Pre-order on eShop | Switch, PS5, Xbox, PC |
Bookmark this table so you never miss a launch date!
Community Reaction & Previews
Fans lit up social media after the showcase:
“Sea of Stars on Switch? Finally!” — @RetroRPGFan on Twitter
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows gyro-aim is a game changer.” — u/GamerGuru42 on Reddit
FAQ
Q1: What is the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase and how is it different from a regular Nintendo Direct?
The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase is a dedicated livestream event that focuses exclusively on third-party and indie developers bringing games to Nintendo platforms. While a standard Nintendo Direct covers first-party titles, hardware news, and major platform updates, the Partner Showcase zeroes in on the broader ecosystem—highlighting multiplatform releases, timed exclusives, and Switch-specific enhancements. It’s designed to give fans of non-Nintendo franchises a deeper look at upcoming titles optimized for Switch, as well as to spotlight smaller studios that might not get screen time in the main Direct.
Q2: Which of the announced games are exclusive or timed-exclusive to the Nintendo Switch?
Among the eight titles featured, Sea of Stars and Tchia stand out as Switch exclusives (or timed-exclusives). Sea of Stars will launch first on Switch with unique Joy-Con mini-games and a retro visual filter only available on Nintendo hardware. Tchia, likewise, leverages the touchscreen for its open-world map navigation and motion controls for in-game gliding. Other titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Diablo IV will appear on multiple platforms concurrently, but only those two indie hits will be initially locked to the Switch ecosystem for at least the first year.
Q3: When and where can I watch the full Partner Showcase replay?
The July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase originally streamed live on July 15. If you missed the broadcast, the replay is available on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel and also on the Nintendo website under the “News” or “Video” sections. You can bookmark the direct replay link for easy access, so you can rewatch trailers, developer interviews, and gameplay demos at your own pace.
Q4: How do I pre-order these third-party games on my Switch?
To pre-order, open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch console and search for the game title (e.g., “Diablo IV”). Select the game page, then choose “Pre-order” or “Pre-purchase.” You can also visit the eShop on the web via your PC or mobile device—just log into your Nintendo Account and pre-order from there. Once you’ve placed your pre-order, the game will automatically download (if you enable auto-download) when it’s released, and you’ll receive an email reminder on launch day.
Q5: Will the Switch versions have any performance differences compared to other consoles?
Yes—Nintendo has confirmed a Performance Mode and a Resolution Mode for several ports. For instance, Lords of the Fallen will run at 60 FPS in Performance Mode with dynamic resolution, while Resolution Mode targets a steady 1080p when docked. Diablo IV on Switch will use HD Rumble to enhance spell effects and offers optional touchscreen loot sorting. These tailored modes ensure you get the best blend of visual fidelity and smooth gameplay depending on whether you’re playing handheld or docked.
