An alleged industry insider says the first Nintendo Direct of 2026 could be closer than we thought — and that it may even show off a long-awaited first-party Nintendo game. French leaker BeeFun claims a huge Nintendo Direct is planned for February 10, 2026, with the spotlight reportedly falling on a new 3D Super Mario title for Nintendo Switch 2. If true, this would be one of the biggest Nintendo Direct 2026 reveals many fans have been hoping for.
Why a February Direct makes sense
Nintendo has a history of scheduling a big early-year showcase. February Directs have varied in focus — the February 2020 Direct was dedicated to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, while February 2024 was a Partner Direct emphasizing third-party releases. There was no February Direct in 2025, making that year an outlier rather than the new normal. With that pattern, a February Nintendo Direct 2026 on or around February 10 is a believable timeline.
Why the Mario rumor raises questions
Despite the hype around a potential 3D Super Mario reveal, there are reasons to be cautious. February 2026 is already stacked with major Nintendo anniversaries: Pokémon turns 30 and The Legend of Zelda hits 40. It would be logical for Nintendo to center special showcases around those milestones — a Pokémon Presents and Zelda-focused content seem likely. Putting Mario front-and-center in the same Direct feels a bit unexpected.
Another concern is development capacity. The core Nintendo team known for 3D Mario work reportedly just wrapped Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo could be balancing multiple projects, or a new Mario could be entrusted to another internal studio, but neither situation is typical of Nintendo’s usual release approach. That makes the claim of a big 3D Super Mario reveal at the February Direct something to treat with cautious optimism.
Third-party signs point to an upcoming showcase
There are stronger, more concrete signs that something is coming soon. Recent reporting has produced near-incontrovertible evidence that Call of Duty is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, and that kind of third-party blockbuster usually arrives with a formal announcement. If Call of Duty on Switch 2 is real, Nintendo may choose to highlight it in a Partner Direct-style Nintendo Direct rather than a first-party-focused show.
What to watch for in early February
If BeeFun’s February 10 claim is accurate, expect a packed presentation. Possible elements include:
– A third-party slate showcasing big Switch 2 ports like Call of Duty
– Announcements or teasers tied to Pokémon’s 30th and Zelda’s 40th anniversaries
– Potential first-party reveals — if Nintendo does plan a new 3D Super Mario, it could be the surprise headliner
Until Nintendo confirms dates or content, treat the February 10 rumor as plausible but unverified. Nintendo often keeps its cards close to its chest, so leaks and insider reports are useful to follow but not definitive.
Bottom line
A Nintendo Direct in early February 2026 is looking increasingly likely, and the possibility of a new 3D Super Mario for Nintendo Switch 2 would be a massive draw — even if anniversaries and development realities make that reveal uncertain. Keep your calendar open for early February and watch for official word from Nintendo.
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