Rumor: Xbox Drama Could Have Delayed February 2024 Nintendo Direct Plans

gamerant.com:

Rumors have persisted that Nintendo was planning on hosting a Nintendo Direct at some point this week, but now it seems plans may have changed thanks to the ongoing Xbox multi-platform drama. For those who may have missed the hubbub, reliable insiders have claimed that Xbox is going to be more aggressive with its multi-platform approach, bringing some of its console exclusive games to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms.

These rumors reached a fever pitch last week, to the point where Head of Xbox Phil Spencer had to step in and announce a Business Update event for Thursday, February 15 at 12pm PT. Xbox fans have been anxiously awaiting the event to learn what the future holds for the Xbox brand, but Nintendo fans, meanwhile, have been waiting for the first big Nintendo Direct event of 2024. Unfortunately, they may have to wait even longer than expected.

Multiple insiders suggested that the first Nintendo Direct event of 2024 would take place at some point this week, but now it looks like that may no longer be the case. Insider Jeff Grubb has said that he «heard earlier this week» that Nintendo was «discussing moving the Direct» because of the Xbox event. Grubb clarified that he never knew the date «for sure,» and that all he heard was that the Nintendo Direct was supposed to take place «by the middle of Feb.»

If the Nintendo Direct has been moved as rumored, it's possible that Nintendo will simply host it next week instead. It's also worth pointing out that there are rumors pointing to the Nintendo Switch 2 console reveal potentially happening at some point in March. If that's the case, perhaps Nintendo won't host its traditional February Nintendo Direct and wait for a special event that includes the Switch 2 announcement.

Then again, Nintendo may not want to overshadow its upcoming Switch games with a Switch 2 reveal, even if the Switch 2 is backward compatible as the rumors have suggested. It's more likely that Nintendo will host a Switch-focused Direct this month as