Nintendo is officially back at Gamescom. After skipping the show floor in 2024, the gaming giant has confirmed it will attend Gamescom 2025, set to take place in Cologne, Germany from August 20–24. The news was announced via Nintendo’s German social channels, accompanied by a teaser encouraging fans to “mark your calendar in red.”

This marks Nintendo’s first appearance at the European trade show since 2023, and the timing couldn’t be more strategic. With the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 set for June 5, Gamescom gives the company a prime opportunity to showcase its next-generation console to a global audience — just two months after release.

A Grand Stage for the Switch 2

While Nintendo is typically reserved when it comes to Western trade shows, their return to Gamescom signals a larger push for visibility in the post-Switch era. Sources suggest that the company is planning a full-scale booth presentation, complete with hands-on demos, behind-closed-doors press briefings, and exclusive developer sessions centred around the Switch 2’s hardware capabilities.

Expect a heavy emphasis on 4K upscaling, faster load times, and cross-generational enhancements. Nintendo is reportedly working closely with several first-party studios to optimize key Switch-era titles for the new hardware — many of which could make an appearance on the show floor.

A strong first-party presence is almost a given, but third-party support is also heating up. Industry insiders indicate that Ubisoft and Bandai Namco are preparing Switch 2 versions of upcoming titles to align with the console’s launch window.

Nintendo’s return to Gamescom in 2025 is more than a PR move — it’s a strategic milestone. As the Switch 2 enters the most critical phase of its lifecycle, Nintendo is stepping out of its comfort zone to directly engage with fans and media on the ground.