A new report from industry insider NateTheHate suggests that Nintendo’s first Direct presentation of 2026 is planned for the opening week of February, with Thursday, February 5, currently emerging as the most likely target.
The information was shared during a podcast discussion addressing the timing of Nintendo’s next major broadcast. According to Nate, “From what I have been told, the first direct of 2026 will be held during the opening week of February with an expectation of broadcast on Thursday, February 5th.” He added that the date has not yet been fully verified through his strongest sources and may change if new information becomes available.
Nate emphasized that there appears to be growing agreement among his contacts regarding an early February window. “It feels as though there is a consensus building around that first week of February,” he said, while also noting that Nintendo typically favors Thursdays for Direct broadcasts. He cautioned that time zone differences could result in a Wednesday broadcast in some regions.
Despite offering a tentative timeframe, Nate stated that he currently does not know what type of Direct Nintendo is planning. “I do not know the format of the Direct,” he explained, adding that it could be a general Nintendo Direct or a partner-focused showcase. While he expressed hope for a general presentation that could outline major first-party plans for 2026, he made clear that no confirmation exists at this stage.
He also stressed that any discussion about potential content is purely speculative. “Any mention of a February direct will be done in a broad general sense,” Nate said, explaining that predictions and wishes should not be interpreted as indicators of the actual format or lineup.
This new report arrives after an earlier claim suggested a different February timeline. French journalist BeeFuN previously stated that Nintendo would not hold a Direct in January but was preparing a major February presentation. In a social media post, BeeFuN said, “There will be no Nintendo Direct in January. However… In February, there will indeed be a huge Nintendo Direct featuring upcoming games for 2026, including the one everyone is waiting for: a new 3D Mario.”
At present, Nintendo has not officially announced any Direct for February 2026, nor has the company commented on these reports. As such, both the early February window cited by NateTheHate and the previously mentioned February 10 claim should be treated as unconfirmed.
Still, with multiple sources pointing toward a February broadcast, expectations are beginning to build that Nintendo will soon outline its plans for the year ahead. Whether the presentation takes the form of a general Direct or a partner showcase, clearer details are likely to surface as the month approaches.
