E3 2021 is just over a week away and - alongside Xbox and Ubisoft - we're taking a look at Nintendo's potential plans for speculation. Traditionally, Nintendo act as the last major E3 conference and 2021 is no different, taking place on June 15 with a "Nintendo Treehouse: Live" event to follow.
Here's what we're expecting from Nintendo at E3 2021.
Read More: E3 2021: Schedule, Dates, Lineup, Event Times, Predictions, And How To Watch
Nintendo Switch Pro
You've likely seen the repeated rumours by now about a "Nintendo Switch Pro". Said to be packing an OLED screen and capable of running games at 4K, this much-speculated mid-generation upgrade would follow a trend, where Nintendo's previous handhelds got DSi and New 3DS upgrades.
Given the massive power difference between Switch and PS5/Xbox Series X|S, it's not unrealistic to believe Nintendo will try and compensate.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel
Having announced a Breath of the Wild sequel at E3 2019, we haven't heard much about it since. Nintendo's told us a few times that development is still progressing, while also releasing a prequel entry with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity last November. As it's been two years since we had an update, many are hopeful.
Donkey Kong
We recently saw rumours that a new Donkey Kong game is being revealed, one corroborated by multiple sources. Allegedly, this would be worked on by the Super Mario Odyssey team within Nintendo EPD, but those sources differed on this being a 2D or 3D game.
No Pokémon News
Nintendo's got a history of doing separate Pokémon broadcasts right before E3. Having done so in both 2017 and 2019, rumours that a separate Pokémon Presents Broadcast is happening this month has appeared. Considering we got release dates for both Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokemon Legends: Arceus recently, we wouldn't rule out a main presentation no-show.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
So far, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has seen 10 DLC characters between two "Fighters Pass" sets and a standalone with Piranha Plant. Currently, Fighters Pass Vol.2 has seen four out of six characters revealed, so where better to announce our last two characters than at E3. After all, the 2019 conference is where Nintendo revealed Banjo & Kazooie's addition.
Shin Megami Tensei V
As for third-party games, we're placing bets that Shin Megami Tensei V will appear. Developed by Atlus, this Switch exclusive RPG saw an unfortunate leak where Atlus published gameplay/story/release date details early on the official website. As such, we'd be very surprised if this doesn't appear.
Metroid
Alongside one particular Switch Pro rumour, Emily Rogers of Nintendo World Report stated they believed a new Metroid game would release around October. While it's unlikely to be Metroid Prime 4, rumours have long circulated about a new 2D entry, which we last saw in 2018 with 3DS remake Metroid: Samus Returns.
Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3 was first announced in 2017 and since then, we've heard very little about this upcoming sequel. However, back in January, PlatinumGames director Hideki Kamiya confirmed "we’ve been working on new stuff like Bayonetta 3, not that I can say too much… but I hope we can give an update during the year". If they plan to provide an update, E3 would be an excellent place.
Super Mario Party 2
Alongside those reports of a potential Donkey Kong game, known leaker Zippo stated their belief that a sequel to Super Mario Party was likely. Given Super Mario Party's surprise addition of online multiplayer recently, it's not something we'd rule out for this long-running sub-series.
When Does Nintendo's E3 Conference Start?
That begins at 9am PDT / Noon ET / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST on June 15. You can watch it below.