Summer Game Fest 2025 is set to welcome back Nintendo after a two-year absence, sparking excitement among fans. Read on to discover what Nintendo might reveal at the event and explore the anticipated titles from the Xbox Games Showcase.
Summer Game Fest 2025 Partners Updates
Summer Game Fest (SGF) 2025 is just around the corner, generating significant buzz as it promises to be the biggest edition yet. On May 28, SGF announced via X (formerly Twitter) that this year’s event will feature over 60 partners — a record number — including the long-awaited return of Nintendo.
This marks the first time in two years that the Japanese gaming giant will participate in SGF. In recent years, Nintendo focused its attention on standalone Nintendo Direct presentations. However, with the upcoming release of its next-generation handheld console, the Switch 2, the timing seems perfect for their comeback.
It’s important to note that while Nintendo will be part of SGF 2025, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll host a dedicated stage show. More likely, the company will share new details about the Switch 2 and provide updates on launch titles planned for the system.
Xbox Games Showcase Could Feature Everwild and State of Decay 3
Xbox also continues its tradition of participating in Summer Game Fest through the annual Xbox Games Showcase. Set to take place during the weekend festivities, this year’s presentation is expected to highlight major new releases from Microsoft's studios.
While fans are already anticipating the next Call of Duty title, Gears of War: E-Day and Reloaded, and the Outer Wilds 2 Direct, two other projects have been generating considerable hype: State of Decay 3 and Rare’s unannounced IP, Everwild.
State of Decay 3 was originally unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020. Four years later, the 2024 showcase featured a cinematic trailer incorporating in-game assets — a promising sign of progress. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has even expressed personal enthusiasm for the franchise, stating in an interview with Xbox Era in February 2025, “Yeah, State of Decay is just one of the franchises I love back from the original one, so that one stays on the board. I do think the work that Double Fine’s doing and how Tim kind of solicits feedback from the team.”
In addition, Spencer mentioned Rare’s new IP Everwild, which was first teased back in 2019 under the description: "A unique and unforgettable experience awaits in a natural and magical world." During the same interview, he shared recent insights from his visit to the Rare studio, saying, “And the other one, I’ll say because I was recently out at Rare. It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making.”
These recent comments, along with growing fan anticipation, suggest both titles could appear in the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase. However, no official confirmation has been made by Xbox regarding the event’s final lineup.
Fans can watch the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 live on June 8 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. The event will stream across Xbox’s official YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook channels. Immediately following the showcase, viewers can tune into the The Outer Worlds 2 Direct.
Check the timetable below to find the exact start time of the stream in your region:
