Kenya, July 30 -- Nintendo fans are buzzing with anticipation as the company announced a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase set for July 31, 2025, fuelling hopes for a Hollow Knight: Silksong update.
The 25-minute livestream, focusing on third-party games for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, has sparked speculation about a potential release date or new trailer for the long-awaited Metroidvania sequel by Team Cherry.
With the Switch 2's recent launch and a playable Silksong demo confirmed for Gamescom 2025, the Nairobi gaming community is eagerly awaiting news on this highly anticipated title.
The Partner Showcase, distinct from general Nintendo Directs, highlights games from third-party developers and publishers, meaning no first-party titles like Mario or Zelda will appear.
Hollow Knight: Silksong, first announced in February 2019, has become a focal point of fan speculation, especially after a brief gameplay snippet aired during the April 2, 2025, Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct, confirming a 2025 release window.
Despite Team Cherry's minimal updates, the game's protagonist, Hornet, wielding her needle-like weapon, has kept fans hooked. Nairobi-based gaming enthusiast Juma Otieno expressed cautious optimism: "We've waited six years for Silksong. This showcase could finally give us a release date, but I'm ready for disappointment too."
The gaming scene, growing rapidly with local esports tournaments and gaming cafes, is particularly excited about Silksong's potential appearance.
The game's intricate 2D art, challenging gameplay, and haunting soundtrack align with the preferences of Kenyan gamers who favour indie titles like Celeste and Hades. Local gaming hubs, such as Nexus in Nairobi's CBD, plan watch parties for the livestream, expecting updates on other third-party titles like Borderlands 4 and 007 First Light, both confirmed for Switch 2.
However, Silksong remains the top draw, with its subreddit and X posts trending as fans debate whether Team Cherry will deliver.
Team Cherry's silence since the April reveal has frustrated some fans, with many recalling the January 2025 "chocolate cake" controversy, where a cryptic post by team member Matthew "Leth" Griffin sparked false hopes of an imminent announcement.
Griffin later clarified that "the game is real, progressing, and will release," but the incident left the community wary of overhyping. Despite this, recent developments, including Silksong's confirmed demo at Gamescom and its inclusion in Xbox's indie lineup, suggest progress.
Analysts predict a release between September and December 2025, potentially tied to the ROG Xbox Ally's holiday launch.
The Partner Showcase's timing, just before Gamescom, adds weight to expectations. Unlike previous showcases, which disappointed Silksong fans with no-shows, this event follows Nintendo's strategic push to bolster Switch 2's third-party support.
Speculation points to possible reveals from developers like Nippon Ichi Software, which recently teased a Switch 2 game before retracting the post.
Other rumoured titles include ports of Elden Ring and Final Fantasy VII, but Silksong's unique indie appeal makes it a standout candidate for a spotlight.
Nintendo's Partner Showcases have a history of surprises, with past events unveiling indie gems and unexpected ports. However, fans on platforms like Reddit's r/Silksong caution against over-optimism, citing Team Cherry's reluctance to share updates until the game is polished.
"I've run out of clown makeup," one user posted, reflecting the community's mix of hope and exhaustion. In Nairobi, gaming communities remain undeterred, with local streamers planning to analyse the showcase live on Twitch, hoping to catch Silksong's release date or new footage.
The showcase's focus on third-party games aligns with Nintendo's goal to diversify Switch 2's library, appealing to Kenya's growing gaming demographic, where mobile and console gaming are surging.
With Silksong's demo slated for September's ACMI Game Worlds exhibit, a July reveal could set the stage for a late-2025 launch. If Team Cherry skips this showcase, fans may need to wait for September's rumoured Mario 40th Direct or The Game Awards.
For now, Nairobi's gamers, like their global counterparts, are glued to Nintendo's YouTube channel, ready for any Silksong news that might emerge.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.