Rumours suggest Nintendo Direct is happening and will be on 29 June, this is according to industry blogger and writer Alanah Pearce. June is the month that used to host industry event E3, but while this is absent in 2022 many leading video game publishers are having their own events. It looks like Nintendo is joining the summer of games with its own huge Nintendo Direct.
We've already had updates from SonyPlayStation, Microsoft for Xbox, Capcom and other publishers, and Nintendo is the biggie left to go. Sony Santa Monica writer, Alanah Pearce, has the inside scoop, and Nintendo Direct should happen on 29 June, according to her informed guess.
It's a guess backed by other Nintendo fans and sites, that also pose 28 or 29 June for the new Nintendo Direct
Asked about Nintendo Direct by a viewer after her Twitch stream of the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase, Pearce responded: "No, but I believe there is a Nintendo Direct coming on the 29th […] “I don’t know if that’s been announced. You heard it here first. Let me check."
This is an educated guess on Pearce's part but she has insider knowledge of the industry and how these things play out. You can watch her Twitch stream from the recent Xbox/Bethesda Games Showcase, where she makes her pitch. But it's a guess backed by other Nintendo fans and sites (see below), that also pose 28 or 29 June for the new Nintendo Direct. Either way, the hype is building. It's also a date backed up by games news site Videogames Chronicle.
The information is accurate. The window of airing is either June 28 or June 29 -- may depend on time zone/regional location. It was never planned for the coming week. It's been slated for late June for many, many weeks. This is not the result of a delay. It's as planned. https://t.co/XPIFkZqQchJune 13, 2022
While it's hearsay for the moment, of course, we can't help but speculate about what gaming goodies Nintendo may have up its sleeve. If you're feeling inspired by all this Nintendo talk, then check out our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch deals and treat yourself to a shiny new console. Or take a look at our guide to the best Nintendo Switch games to play right now.
Every year we are treated to at least three Nintendo Direct events, where we get an exclusive insight into what Nintendo games, software, consoles and accessories are in the works. The last Direct event was in February so fans think we might be due an update from Nintendo – but what can you expect to see at the event? Let's take a look at what we'd love to see.
01. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the biggest franchises for Switch, can we expect the sequel soon? (Image credit: Nintendo)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is scheduled for 29 July release so it should absolutely make the Nintendo Direct in June, if there is one. This open-world sci-fi RPG series is set to double-down on the things fans love, for example expanding the party size to seven for even larger co-op play. There will also be a new combo system to support the larger team size so players can join together into even larger forms, known as Ouroboros.
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02. Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
The sequel to Zelda: Breath of the Wild is real but will we see more gameplay this month? (Image credit: Nintendo)
We've already had trailers of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 but the name hasn't been confirmed and we've yet to see gameplay walkthroughs. The game is now delayed until early 2023 but that shouldn't mean Nintendo will sleep on promoting the one game that can sell Switch consoles, or make people upgrade to a new Switch. Let's hope we see something this summer.
03. Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3 has been in development for five years, will it make a rumoured June Nintendo Direct? (Image credit: Sega)
Bayonetta 3 was first confirmed all the way back in 2017, it feels like another life. This one is due this year and should feature all the wild guns 'n' high-kicking gameplay expected from the series. The series is renowned for its incredible character and creature designs, so from a creative viewpoint Bayonetta 3 could be one the year's highlights. Fingers crossed it actually releases this year.
04. And the rest…
(Image credit: Microsoft / Mojang Studios)
We're hoping to see, perhaps, news on the remake of Donkey Kong Country, an update on the Minecraft spin-off, the upcoming action strategy game Minecraft Legends, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Splatoon 3 and The Lord of the Rings: Gollum – this last one has been on our radar for a long time.
Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.
