Years ago, Nintendo started doing its digital Nintendo Direct presentations as a way to announce new games throughout the year instead of just at big shows like E3. The Nintendo Direct presentations have proven popular enough that Nintendo has hosted them consistently, including special ones focused on indie games and others where it highlights titles coming from third-party publishers. However, a proper Nintendo Direct focused on first-party Nintendo games hasn't taken place since September 2019 (unless one counts the Super Mario 35th anniversary Direct). Luckily, the wait will soon be over, as Nintendo has announced a Nintendo Direct for February 2021.
The next Nintendo Direct will take place on February 17, 2021 at 2:00pm PT. Nintendo has confirmed that the February 2021 Nintendo Direct will be roughly 50 minutes long, and it will be focused on Nintendo Switch games that are scheduled to launch within the first half of 2021. Nintendo didn't provide any clues beyond that, but it did say that one of the games being showcased during the Nintendo Direct is the ambitious crossover fighting game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
It's likely that the Nintendo Direct for February 2021 will reveal the next Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC fighter. The latest addition to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC roster was Final Fantasy 7 villain Sephiroth, but there are still three more DLC characters that are in the works for the game. There have been quite a few "leaks" and rumors about who that character could be, so fans will just have to tune in to find out more.
Nintendo's slate for the first half of 2021 is pretty bare when it comes to first-party games, though there are some third-party exclusives on the way. This includes Bravely Default 2 from Square Enix, set to launch for the Switch later this month, as well as Monster Hunter Rise, which is coming to the Nintendo Switch in March. It's possible one or both of those games will be part of the presentation, as Nintendo didn't specify that it was going to focus exclusively on first-party Nintendo games.
With Nintendo's 2021 release schedule largely unknown at this point, the Nintendo Direct could announce pretty much anything. It's possible it will feature some previously-announced Switch games like Bayonetta 3, Metroid Prime 4, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, but it could also highlight games that haven't been revealed yet.
As for what those games could be, there are many possibilities. 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise, so maybe Nintendo will reveal its plans for that during the Direct. Or maybe Nintendo will finally announce the long-rumored Pokemon Diamond and Pearl remakes. Then again, Nintendo may want to give Zelda its own dedicated Nintendo Direct and save any Pokemon announcements for Pokemon Day on February 27.
Whatever Nintendo has in store, fans will simply have to tune in to the Nintendo Direct on February 17 at 2pm PT.