The "Partner Showcase" on February 5 gave us plenty of third-party ports—including the surprise Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition for Switch 2—but it left a massive, plumber-shaped hole in the schedule. As we enter the third week of February, the industry is on high alert for a Nintendo General Direct.

1. The 3D Mario "Switch 2" Reveal

It has been nearly nine years since Super Mario Odyssey redefined 3D platformers. According to prominent insiders like Nash Weedle, the wait ends this week. Sources suggest that Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8 (who recently finished Donkey Kong Bananza) has split their team to finalize a "Big 3D Mario."

Rumors suggest this title, tentatively called Mario Kart World or simply Super Mario World 3D, will be a true "Open Zone" experience, taking the planetoid exploration of Galaxy and applying it to a seamless, massive map that serves as the ultimate tech showcase for the Switch 2’s hardware.

2. Zelda’s 40th Anniversary (February 21)

While the blockbuster Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is still fresh, the original The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 40th Japanese anniversary this Saturday.

Nintendo rarely lets these milestones pass without a tribute. Expectations are tempered for a new mainline game, but a **"Legacy Collection"** featuring the long-requested 4K remasters of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker for the Switch 2 is the leading theory for a "one more thing" announcement.

3. The "Switch 2" Third Party Surge

Building on the Partner Showcase, we expect to see concrete release dates for the Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ports. With Sony's Spider-Man 2 hitting PS Plus this week, Nintendo needs a first-party counter-punch to maintain the "Switch 2" momentum.