Nintendo’s July continues to heat up with multiple rumors, official confirmations, and a few unexpected revelations. From updates on Donkey Kong Bonanza and Switch 2 partnerships to new movie plans and a possible Dragon Quest 7 remake, here’s everything you need to know.
Donkey Kong Bonanza: Performance and Movie Reveal
Donkey Kong Bonanza continues making headlines, and not just for gameplay. With leaks emerging from Famiboards and early cartridge copies surfacing, spoilers are now out in the wild. Developer commentary has also addressed the game’s occasional performance dips. According to the director, slowdown effects were often used intentionally for visual impact, and some frame drops during voxel-based destruction are known but deemed minor. The team prioritized playability and “fun” over 100% framerate stability.
Meanwhile, an even bigger DK bombshell dropped via a U.S. copyright record: an animated Donkey Kong movie is in development. Universal Pictures and Nintendo Studios LLC are listed as partners. While untitled, this project will likely tie into the DK-themed areas in Universal Studios parks and possibly spin off from the Mario movie sequel. Seth Rogen is expected to reprise his role. A 2028 release appears possible, post-Zelda.
Golden Sun or Mario Tennis? Camelot’s Next Game (Nintendo News)
Camelot Software Planning, the developer behind Mario Tennis Aces and the Golden Sun series, appears to be in the late stages of development on a new Switch 2 title. Based on employee listings and automation testing logs, regional localization is underway, typically one of the final phases before launch.
While many fans are hopeful for a new Golden Sun, historical trends suggest Camelot might instead be working on another Mario Tennis. Given that Aces launched in 2018, a new tennis game in summer 2026 would align with Nintendo’s typical early-gen strategy. Still, a six-game pattern between past Golden Sun titles keeps the RPG dream alive.
Dragon Quest 7 Remake in Development
A report from MP1st and corroboration from journalist Jason Schreier suggest that Square Enix is developing a remake of Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past for modern platforms, targeting a 2026 release.
Unlike HD 2D projects such as DQ3, this version is classified as a full remake. Internal documents reportedly refer to the project explicitly as a “remake,” hinting at more significant changes than a simple remaster. Schreier confirmed the remake’s existence but clarified it won’t be on the scale of Final Fantasy VII Remake—rather, it will likely be an ambitious, mid-scope update.
Fans of the PS1 and 3DS versions can expect visual improvements and possibly modernized gameplay, though the exact scope remains unknown.
Nintendo Direct Rumors: Still Likely for July (Nintendo News)
YouTuber BeatEmUps unintentionally sparked Direct speculation when listeners misinterpreted his offhand podcast comments as confirmation. He later clarified the joke himself and stated that he lacks insider knowledge on the exact date—though he still trusts his source, who claims Nintendo plans a Direct for July.
With Donkey Kong Bonanza releasing this month and a Pokémon Presents already scheduled, possible Direct dates could include the final week of July. The 31st, a Thursday, remains a strong contender for a reveal window.
