Nintendo’s latest Direct broke audience records, surpassed Apple’s event in views, and brought major Switch 2 news. Yet, the Pokémon Megadimension DLC announcement created a storm of criticism. Here’s what it all means.

Nintendo Direct 2025: Why the Switch 2 Reveal Outshined Apple and Sparked a Pokémon Controversy

Nintendo broke audience records with its latest Direct, even surpassing Apple’s event in views. Major Switch 2 news and the controversial Pokémon Megadimension DLC announcement are shaking the gaming world.

A Nintendo Direct Bigger Than Apple’s Event

The September 2025 Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 didn’t just attract gamers, it pulled numbers that shook the tech industry. With more than 6.3 million viewers, Nintendo managed to outperform one of Apple’s flagship events of the year.

For years, Apple’s keynotes were seen as untouchable in terms of hype and cultural reach. Now Nintendo has proven that a gaming presentation can compete at the same level. This success reflects how gaming is no longer a niche interest, but mainstream entertainment capable of setting global trends.

The New Nintendo Strategy: Shorter Roadmaps and Stronger Trust

Veteran fans remember when Nintendo announced games years before release, sometimes making players wait half a generation. That model is fading. Analysts and former employees note that the company is now highlighting projects that are closer to launch.

This approach avoids disappointment from delays and makes Directs feel more immediate. Fans can watch a presentation and expect to play those titles within months. It is a practical strategy that strengthens trust between Nintendo and its audience.

Key Announcements That Defined the Direct

The latest Direct wasn’t just big on numbers; it delivered content that set the internet on fire.

• A clear roundup showing every Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 title from the full lineup in this handy infographic from Nintendo Life News Portal.
• The return of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch with enhancements and Switch 2 support. Watch the official trailer.
• The official title reveal and teaser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, expanding Mario’s big-screen universe in 2026. You can also find the announcement on Nintendo’s news hub here.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park, an expanded release that adds new attractions and activities in the Flower Kingdom for Switch 2.
  
• Mario Tennis Fever, a new entry in the sports series, is coming to Switch 2, with an official reveal trailer.
  
  

This mix shows Nintendo’s dual plan: keep core fans happy with beloved Galaxy content and Wonder upgrades, while adding fresh, competitive experiences like Mario Tennis that speak to multiplayer and community play, and make the core RPG fans happy while also experimenting with new formats that broaden the audience.

The Pokémon Megadimension DLC: Why Fans Are Angry

Not everything landed well. The Pokémon Company drew heavy criticism by announcing the paid DLC Megadimension before Pokémon Legends: Z-A even launches.

Players voiced three main criticisms:

• The timing feels exploitative, since fans are asked to commit to extra content before even seeing the base game.
• The value is questioned because the DLC includes new storylines, cosmetic items, and two mega evolutions (Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y) that many feel should have been part of the main title.
• The trust between the company and the community is shaken, as early monetization strategies make players worry about being charged for incomplete experiences.

Social media reactions were swift and heated, calling the move unfair and damaging to one of Nintendo’s strongest franchises.

Donkey Kong Bananza DLC: Another Controversy Brewing

Alongside the Pokémon uproar, fans also raised eyebrows at the announcement of paid DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming Switch 2 platformer. The add-on promises extra levels and exclusive banana-themed challenges, but its reveal before the base game’s release felt too early for many in the community. Players argued on forums and social media that Donkey Kong, a franchise known for delivering complete adventures, should not be split into premium pieces. The debate mirrors the concerns around Pokémon, highlighting a broader worry: Nintendo must balance monetization with the expectation of full, satisfying experiences at launch.

Why This Moment Matters for Nintendo’s Future

The Direct proved Nintendo can dominate headlines and even rival Apple in attention, but the Pokémon DLC debate highlights how fragile community trust can be.

For Nintendo, the winning formula is clear: deliver Directs filled with near-term releases, avoid overhyping distant projects, and keep engagement high. For The Pokémon Company, the lesson is different: monetization must feel fair, and communication timing is everything.

Nintendo stands at a crucial point in its history. Switch 2 is shaping up as one of its most promising launches, but the way the company handles fan expectations will define whether this momentum turns into long-term success.

Conclusion: A Victory with a Warning

The September 2025 Nintendo Direct definitely made some noise among the audience. Surpassing Apple’s event in global attention shows how far gaming culture has come. The strategy of focusing on immediate releases is paying off with both trust and record engagement.

Yet the backlash over Megadimension proves that excitement can flip into frustration when companies announce paid extras too soon. Nintendo has the audience and the momentum, but to keep it, it must also listen carefully to its community.

You can also read in Spanish: Resumen del Nintendo Direct 18/06/2024: Nuevo Zelda, Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong y más sorpresas