It's been a while since the last Nintendo Direct, but fans think that recent changes to the Nintendo eShop may indicate that one is nearly here. Considering that Nintendo often announces Nintendo Direct events narrowly before they premiere, fans often look for any evidence that something is on its way.
The last major Nintendo Direct was held back in September of 2022, which revealed details on both major and minor games, including finally naming the Breath of the Wild sequel as Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Other reveals included Pikmin 4, Fire Emblem Engage, and the now recently-released GoldenEye 007.
Eagle-eyed fans have been keeping a watch on the Nintendo eShop, and some recent changes to a couple of titles has many speculating that a Nintendo Direct is incoming. According to the report, the pages for Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have been recently altered with new NSUIDs. These codes are used to identify and differentiate games and the regions they're available in. While no images or details regarding these games have been added on the eShop, assigning new NSUID codes often occurs shortly before pre-orders open for a new game.
With Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom set to release in May of this year, it would make sense for Nintendo to open pre-orders soon. Many would likely rush at the chance to place their pre-orders for the long-awaited sequel. However, it's rare for Nintendo to open pre-orders for a major headlining game without first holding a showcase to give fans more information and a glimpse at the game. So far, the reveals around Tears of the Kingdom have been brief and limited, so the game is arguably overdue for a deep dive in the form of a Nintendo Direct.
However, while there's some credence to these claims, there's still no guarantee that it means a Nintendo Direct is coming. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is enough of a powerhouse that even if the company showed next to nothing of the title prior to its release date, it would surely sell well. That being said, fans are beginning to get anxious and worried about the game, as so little of it has been shown so far. That is in keeping with other recent Nintendo reveals, though, as Splatoon 3's Nintendo Direct was shown only a month prior to its release date. A lot remains to be seen, but the one certainty is that fans are more than ready to play Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Source: Famiboards (via NintendoSoup)