It’s a crisp spring morning, you’re sipping your coffee, and the gaming world is buzzing with anticipation. The Nintendo Switch 2—yes, the sequel to the little hybrid console that could—is just days away from its grand unveiling on April 2nd. Rumors have been swirling for months, speculation is at an all-time high, and fans are practically vibrating with excitement. But hold up—Nintendo’s not ready to let go of the original Switch just yet. The company dropped a casual little bombshell today: there’s a Nintendo Direct happening tomorrow, March 27th, at 10 am ET / 7 am PT, and it’s all about games coming to the current Switch. Oh, and before you get your hopes up, they’ve already made it crystal clear: “There will be no updates about Nintendo Switch 2 during this presentation.” Classic Nintendo, keeping us on our toes.

The Direct promises “around 30 minutes” of news about upcoming Switch titles, which is enough time to pack in some surprises, tease a few release dates, and maybe even drop a trailer or two that’ll have us scrambling to pre-order. With the Switch still chugging along after eight years on the market—selling over 140 million units worldwide, according to Nintendo’s latest figures—this feels like a victory lap of sorts. But it’s also a reminder that the company isn’t abandoning its current hardware just because something shinier is on the horizon. So, what can we expect from tomorrow’s showcase? Let’s dive in.

The Switch’s first-party lineup: slim, but mighty

Last week, Nintendo gave us Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a beefed-up remaster of the Wii U cult classic that’s been keeping JRPG fans busy exploring its sprawling alien landscapes. It’s a solid release, no doubt, but it also highlights a glaring truth: the Switch’s first-party calendar is looking a little sparse these days. Sure, Princess Peach: Showtime! dropped earlier this month to charm the platformer crowd, but beyond that, the horizon’s been quiet. Where’s the next big Mario? What about a new Animal Crossing update to keep our islands thriving?

That said, there are still some heavy hitters in the pipeline that could steal the spotlight tomorrow. Take Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, for instance. Announced way back in 2017, this long-in-development sequel has been a rollercoaster of hype and delays. After scrapping its initial progress and handing the reins back to Retro Studios in 2019, Nintendo finally gave us a tantalizing teaser last year. Could tomorrow bring a release date—or at least a meaty gameplay trailer? Fans are starving for more Samus, and with the Switch 2 looming, this could be the perfect send-off for the current console.

Then there’s Pokémon Legends: Z-A, revealed earlier this year during the Pokémon Day broadcast. Set in a reimagined Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, this open-world-ish spin-off promises to shake up the formula again after the success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Game Freak hasn’t shared much since the initial announcement, but a Direct feels like the ideal stage to drop some new details—maybe a glimpse of those rumored “Mega Evolution” mechanics making a comeback. It’s slated for 2025, so don’t expect it in stores tomorrow, but a little hype never hurt anyone.

Remasters and rumors: Zelda on the Wind?

Nintendo’s been on a remaster kick lately—Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and now Xenoblade Chronicles X have all given older titles a fresh coat of paint for Switch owners. So it’s not a stretch to think tomorrow might bring another blast from the past. The rumor mill’s been churning about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker getting the Switch treatment, and honestly, it feels overdue. The GameCube classic already got an HD glow-up on the Wii U, but with that console’s tiny install base, a Switch port would bring Link’s cel-shaded sailing adventure to millions more. Same goes for Twilight Princess—another Zelda fan-favorite that’s been whispered about for years. If Nintendo’s looking to pad out the Switch’s twilight years, these could be easy wins.

There’s also the chance we’ll see some smaller surprises. Maybe a new Mario Party to keep the couch co-op crowd happy, or a curveball like a Donkey Kong revival. Nintendo’s never been afraid to pull a rabbit out of its hat—remember when Bayonetta 3 just casually dropped a release date after years of silence? Tomorrow’s 30 minutes could be packed with anything from indie darlings to unexpected ports.

The Switch 2 shadow looms large

Here’s the kicker: whatever Nintendo announces tomorrow isn’t just about the Switch—it’s about the Switch 2, too. The company confirmed earlier this year that the next console will be backwards compatible with Switch games, a move that’s got fans breathing a sigh of relief. That means every title revealed in this Direct isn’t just a last hurrah for the current hardware—it’s a launch library bonus for the Switch 2. Whether it’s Metroid Prime 4 or a hypothetical Wind Waker remaster, these games will carry over, likely with some graphical bells and whistles if Nintendo plays its cards right.

It’s a smart strategy. The Switch has built a legacy that’s tough to top—blockbusters like Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons turned it into a cultural juggernaut. By keeping the current console relevant even as the successor creeps closer, Nintendo is ensuring a smooth transition. Plus, with the Switch 2 reveal just a week away, this Direct feels like a deliberate palate cleanser—a way to say, “Hey, we’ve still got plenty to offer right now.”

Why it matters

For the average gamer, tomorrow’s Direct is a chance to see what’s next for a console that’s probably sitting on their TV stand or tucked into their backpack. The Switch has been a companion through late-night gaming sessions, long commutes, and lazy weekends, and it’s not ready to retire just yet. Sure, the Switch 2 hype train is full steam ahead, but there’s something comforting about Nintendo giving the original a proper send-off.

So, set your alarms for 10 am ET tomorrow (or 7 am PT), grab a snack, and settle in for 30 minutes of Nintendo goodness. Will it be a blowout with Metroid and Zelda stealing the show? Or a quieter affair with some indie gems and a surprise remaster? Either way, it’s a reminder that Nintendo’s not done with the Switch—and thanks to backwards compatibility, these games will live on into the next generation. In a world where consoles often get left in the dust the moment a successor arrives, that’s a pretty cool legacy to leave behind.