Nintendo Schedules Two Directs for September 8–9: When U.S. Fans Can Watch
- Nintendo fans, set your alarms early: we are getting a massive double feature this week.
- Things kick off on Tuesday, September 8, with a dedicated The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, followed by a general Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, September 9.
- Rather than cramming everything into one massive stream, Nintendo is keeping the two events distinct.
Nintendo fans, set your alarms early: we are getting a massive double feature this week. Nintendo has officially confirmed two separate back-to-back presentations scheduled for September 8 and September 9, giving us two consecutive mornings packed with reveals, updates, and major celebrations.
Things kick off on Tuesday, September 8, with a dedicated The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, followed by a general Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, September 9. Both showcases go live bright and early at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, as announced on Nintendo’s official event page.
Rather than cramming everything into one massive stream, Nintendo is keeping the two events distinct. Tuesday’s broadcast delivers a focused, 30-minute celebration purely honoring Link and Zelda’s four-decade legacy. The following morning, Wednesday’s general Direct steps in with a beefier 45-minute presentation spotlighting a much broader lineup of upcoming titles.
Nintendo Direct September 2026: U.S. Start Times & Schedule
To help you figure out exactly when to tune in from your corner of the country, here is the complete breakdown of U.S. start times for both broadcasts:
| Presentation | Date | Pacific | Mountain* | Central | Eastern | Approx. length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct | Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 | 7 a.m. PDT | 8 a.m. MDT | 9 a.m. CDT | 10 a.m. EDT | ~30 minutes |
| Nintendo Direct | Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 | 7 a.m. PDT | 8 a.m. MDT | 9 a.m. CDT | 10 a.m. EDT | ~45 minutes |
Nintendo confirmed the dates, Pacific launch times, and approximate runtimes across its official channels, so plan your morning coffee accordingly.
Where to Watch the Broadcasts Live
Both presentations will be streamed live directly through Nintendo’s official U.S. event hub and their official YouTube channel. Mobile users can also watch via the Nintendo Today! smart-device app, provided they have an active Nintendo Account on a compatible device (though availability varies by region and standard mobile data charges apply).
What to Expect from Each Presentation
The spotlight on September 8 belongs entirely to Hyrule. Billed officially as The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, this 30-minute broadcast is tailored specifically to celebrate 40 years of the iconic franchise. While Nintendo is holding its cards close to its chest without naming specific projects, excitement among players is running sky-high — especially with long-standing community anticipation surrounding rumors of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake and classic collection revivals.
Wednesday’s show pivots to the broader Nintendo ecosystem. According to Nintendo’s official UK briefing, the September 9 broadcast will focus primarily on games heading to Nintendo Switch 2 this winter. With next-generation anticipation already building off landmark announcements like Final Fantasy XIV’s confirmed arrival on Switch 2, fans are eager to see what new first-party heavyweights and third-party blockbusters will define Nintendo’s upcoming holiday and winter calendar.
Nintendo Treehouse: Live Drops In Right After Wednesday’s Direct
The fun won’t stop when the September 9 Direct ends. Nintendo has also scheduled a Nintendo Treehouse: Live broadcast to roll immediately afterward. The Treehouse crew will provide in-depth gameplay demonstrations and live commentary for select titles featured during Wednesday’s showcase. While Nintendo hasn’t set an exact standalone start time, expect the stream to go live shortly after the 45-minute Direct concludes.
All viewing information and scheduling details have been verified via Nintendo’s U.S. event page and Nintendo UK.
Be sure to check back with GameEmpress as both presentations air for breaking announcements, reaction roundups, and deep dives. In the meantime, head over to our Gaming News section and browse our complete Gaming coverage for all the latest console scoops.