How to watch the Pokémon Direct on August 18

Nintendo announced a new Nintendo Direct presentation that players can tune into on August 18. This showcase is part of the Pokémon Presents sub-category, meaning if you don't care about Pokémon, you shouldn't bother tuning in. For everyone else, this'll be a great look into what could be some of the best Nintendo Switch games over the next year, with new information on Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

How to watch the Pokémon Direct on August 18

The Pokémon Presents Nintendo Direct is set to begin on August 18 at 6:00 a.m. PT/9:00 a.m. ET. You'll be able to watch it live on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. If for some reason you miss the live showcase, you'll be able to watch the recorded video or videos that'll be uploaded to the channel afterward.

Nintendo has not stated how long the showcase will be. Considering the length of past Pokémon Presents however, it's sure to be at least 20 minutes and could go for even longer, depending on just how much of each game is being shown off.

What to expect at the Pokémon Direct on August 18

Nintendo confirmed that the Pokémon Presents showcase will be focused on a couple of games. Specifically, players will be learning more about the upcoming Gen 4 remakes, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These remakes are currently slated to arrive for the Nintendo Switch on November 19, 2021. They feature a Chibi art style that's designed to recall the look and aesthetic of the Nintendo DS games. It takes place in the Sinnoh region, with plenty of gyms to challenge.

Meanwhile, players will also get a new look at Pokémon Legends: Arceus, an open-world adventure that's a bit unlike any Pokémon game that's come before. This title is scheduled for a January 28, 2022 release date. It also takes place in the Sinnoh region, but far in the past, long before the events of any of the many Pokémon games trainers have ever played. It's promising the ability to capture Pokémon out in the open, making it a true role-playing experience.

If you're interested in going ahead and reserving your copy of one or both games, preorders have gone live, so you can preorder Pokémon Legends: Arceus or preorder Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl right now.

While the free-to-play MOBA Pokémon Unite recently launched for the Nintendo Switch, we wouldn't expect to see further updates on that at this particular showcase. Developer TiMi Studios is currently working on a version of the game for mobile devices however, so it is possible we could get a surprise update.