A flurry of unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 titles appearing on various international ratings boards has ignited speculation among fans that a major Nintendo Direct presentation is imminent. Games such as Hell Is Us, Blood West, and a potential port of Devil May Cry 5 have all surfaced through these rating classifications, suggesting that Nintendo may be preparing to reveal its upcoming slate of games for the successor to its hugely successful hybrid console.
This surge in ratings is particularly noteworthy given Nintendo’s release schedule for the current year. To date, 2024 has seen a somewhat unusual pattern of Nintendo Direct presentations. While typically the first quarter of the year plays host to a significant Nintendo Direct, 2024 has instead featured a series of smaller, more focused showcases. These have included a Partner Showcase, an Indie World presentation, and a dedicated stream for Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream. The only major first-party announcement on the horizon for next year is Pokémon Winds and Waves.
This quiet period for first-party announcements is especially curious when considering the impending launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. The current Switch model, despite its enduring popularity, has been observed to be losing sales momentum in Western markets. It would therefore be logical for Nintendo to be gearing up for a substantial reveal of new titles to coincide with the launch of its next-generation hardware. The recent emergence of these unannounced Switch 2 ratings strongly suggests that such a reveal is indeed on the cards, potentially through a long-awaited seventh Nintendo Direct.
New Titles Emerge on Ratings Boards
The most compelling evidence for an upcoming Direct comes from the appearance of several unannounced games on the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America. These include:
- Hell Is Us: This title has previously been announced or released on other platforms, but a Switch 2 rating indicates a potential port for Nintendo’s new console.
- Blood West: Described as a stealth shooter, Blood West is another game that has made its mark elsewhere, and its rating suggests it could be heading to the Switch 2.
- Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival: This title also joins the list of games that have surfaced through rating board classifications, hinting at potential new content or releases for the Switch 2.
Beyond the ESRB, Taiwan’s ratings board has also provided clues, listing upcoming adventure game UN: Me and, perhaps most significantly, Devil May Cry 5 from Capcom.
The inclusion of Devil May Cry 5 is particularly intriguing. The first three games in the Devil May Cry series are already available on the current Nintendo Switch. Given the recent surge in sales for Devil May Cry 5 on other platforms, it stands to reason that Capcom would be keen to bring this critically acclaimed title to Nintendo’s next-generation system.
Fan Speculation and the Possibility of an April Direct
The simultaneous appearance of multiple unannounced Switch 2 titles across different ratings boards has naturally fuelled considerable speculation among the gaming community, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Many fans believe this clustering of ratings is too coincidental to be insignificant and points towards an imminent Nintendo Direct.
Discussions online highlight the unusual absence of major first-party announcements throughout the year, with users expressing anticipation for a significant reveal. Comments suggest that an announcement could be expected in April, given the timing of these rating board discoveries. The sentiment is that a substantial Nintendo Direct is overdue, especially with the Switch 2 on the horizon and the current console experiencing a slowdown in sales.
While the exact timing remains speculative, the sheer volume of these unconfirmed Switch 2 ratings appearing at once is a strong indicator that Nintendo has a significant amount of new software to announce. Whether these are ports of existing popular titles or entirely new projects, the gaming world will be eagerly awaiting an official confirmation from Nintendo, which is increasingly expected to come in the form of a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation.
