Nintendo Unveils Surprise Nintendo Direct, Teases Zelda, Donkey Kong, and More

In an unexpected move that sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Nintendo dropped a surprise Nintendo Direct early this morning, showcasing a slew of upcoming titles and surprise revivals. While fans had speculated that a Direct was imminent, few were prepared for the magnitude of reveals, including a new entry in the Legend of Zelda franchise, the long-awaited return of Donkey Kong, and updates to several beloved Nintendo IPs.

The 40-minute presentation opened with an atmospheric teaser for a brand-new Zelda title — one that appears to diverge from the open-world formula of *Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom*. Tentatively titled *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths*, this new installment seems to be a return to more linear, dungeon-centric gameplay. Though no release date was provided, the visuals suggest it is well into development.

Equally exciting was the return of the Donkey Kong franchise with *Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Rise*, a follow-up to Retro Studios’ acclaimed *Tropical Freeze*. The trailer teased dynamic, vertical platforming and cooperative gameplay mechanics, with a new art style that combines 2.5D elements and high-definition animation. Slated for release in early 2025, this announcement marks the first major Donkey Kong title in nearly a decade.

Other highlights included a new Mario sports game, *Super Mario Sluggers: All-Stars*, a remastered collection of the *Star Fox* series titled *Star Fox Legacy*, and updates on upcoming content for *Pikmin 4* and *Splatoon 3*. Fans were also treated to the surprise shadow-drop of a playable demo for *Metroid Prime 4*, finally giving players a taste of the game that has remained elusive since its announcement in 2017.

This Direct was a clear message from Nintendo: they are not only doubling down on franchise favorites but also actively listening to their fanbase. By blending nostalgia with innovation, Nintendo is shaping up 2025 to be one of its strongest years on record. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s something on the horizon for everyone.