Key Nintendo Direct predictions: Zelda anniversary, Smash DLC, and surprise announcements
Introduction: What to Expect
Nintendo has surprised fans with the announcement of a 50-minute Direct presentation airing February 17, 2021 – their first full-length showcase since September 2019. This special broadcast comes at a crucial moment, landing just before two major franchise anniversaries and potentially revealing long-awaited updates for several flagship titles.
The February Direct promises updates on existing games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate along with new titles coming to Switch in early 2021, but history suggests Nintendo has bigger surprises in store.
For optimal viewing, set reminders for 2 PM ET on February 17, as Nintendo Directs often contain blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reveals. Pro tip: Watch with a friend to catch all the details, as Nintendo frequently packs multiple announcements into single frames or quick montages.
Legend of Zelda 35th Anniversary Plans
With The Legend of Zelda’s 35th anniversary on February 21, Nintendo will likely mirror their Super Mario 35th celebration strategy from 2020. This suggests we’ll see multiple classic Zelda games remastered for Switch, with Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD being prime candidates considering their Wii U exclusivity.
Smart collectors should watch for limited edition Zelda hardware bundles – Nintendo typically releases special console variants for major anniversaries. The Mario 35th red Switch was notoriously hard to find, so pre-order the moment announcements drop if you want to secure Zelda-themed gear.
Breath of the Wild 2 Updates
The Breath of the Wild sequel’s continued silence since its E3 2019 reveal has fans anxious for updates. While the lack of news suggests a 2021 release may not happen, Nintendo has surprised before – remember when they shadow-dropped Metroid Dread’s announcement and release within the same year?
If BOTW2 does appear, watch for subtle gameplay changes in the trailer – the original’s most exciting features (chemistry engine, climbing mechanics) weren’t obvious in initial reveals. Savvy fans should analyze any new footage frame-by-frame for clues about gameplay innovations.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate DLC
Nintendo has confirmed Smash Ultimate content in the Direct, making a new fighter reveal nearly guaranteed. Crash Bandicoot emerges as a strong contender following Crash 4’s Switch confirmation, though insiders suggest we might see a character from the Tales series instead.
When evaluating potential fighters, consider these factors: recent game releases (Crash 4), upcoming anniversaries (Tales series’ 25th), and Nintendo’s partnership history (Square Enix for Sephiroth). The safest bet? Have your eShop funds ready – new fighters typically release shortly after announcement.
Metroid Prime 4 News
Metroid Prime 4’s development reboot in 2019 means we shouldn’t expect a 2021 release, but Nintendo could surprise us with a development update or teaser trailer. The Prime series’ signature scanning mechanic presents unique challenges for HD development – if shown, look for how Retro Studios modernizes this feature.
For fans wanting Prime content now, consider replaying the original trilogy on Wii U Virtual Console (the only legal digital option) or hunting down the Metroid Prime Trilogy physical release, whose value has skyrocketed since Prime 4’s announcement.
Pokémon 25th Anniversary
Pokémon’s 25th anniversary celebrations will likely include updates for Sword/Shield and Pokémon GO, but the community’s real hope is for Diamond/Pearl remakes. If announced, watch for how they handle the original’s underground base system – a feature that could translate beautifully to Switch Online functionality.
The confirmed Post Malone and Katy Perry collaborations suggest Pokémon’s music focus this year. For collectors, limited edition Pokémon Center merchandise typically drops shortly after announcements – set up stock alerts if you want first access.
Fortnite Crossover Possibilities
With PlayStation’s Kratos and Xbox’s Master Chief in Fortnite, pressure mounts for Nintendo to join the crossover trend. Samus Aran fits Season 5’s bounty hunter theme perfectly, but Nintendo’s historically protective of their IPs – they only recently allowed Mario in a non-Nintendo mobile game (Mario + Rabbids).
If a crossover happens, expect Nintendo to impose strict usage rules – perhaps limiting the skin to Switch players only, similar to how they handled the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Zelda and Animal Crossing DLC exclusives.
How to Watch the Direct
The February 17 Nintendo Direct streams at 2 PM ET on Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. For the best experience:
- Use YouTube for easy rewinding when analyzing quick reveals
- Join the Nintendo subreddit live thread for real-time reactions
- Have your Switch nearby – some announcements trigger immediate eShop updates
We’ll update this article with all confirmed announcements immediately after the stream concludes.
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