Nintendo's release schedule has apparently leaked, revealing a 2022 launch window for Bayonetta 3 and a previously unseen Kirby game ahead of the September 23 Nintendo Direct. Initially revealed at The Game Awards 2017, nothing else of PlatinumGames' Nintendo Switch-exclusive sequel has been seen in the intervening years. This has led many to assume the game has been or will be canceled, but that may be contradicted by new information spreading online.
Responding to continuing questions about the large gap between the sequel's reveal and any new footage, PlatinumGames head and Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya strongly implied Bayonetta 3's absence is Nintendo's responsibility. It's less clear if that means the game has been in a state which Nintendo has been unwilling to show for four years or if the publisher is waiting until it deems the time is right, and either answer would be plausible. Kamiya stated PlatinumGames is excited and ready to showcase Bayonetta 3, and it appears the occasion may have finally arrived.
On Nintendo of Japan's official website, the release schedule includes "Kirby Discovery of the Stars" in Spring 2022 and a general 2022 release date for Bayonetta 3. The leak was quickly shared by ResetEra user oracion, who implies the games will be shown at the upcoming Nintendo Direct. At publication time, the release date schedule page still lists each game for their respective release windows, but it's worth keeping in mind that these 2022 projections could be placeholders and are still subject to change. The timing of the release schedule change, however, seems to point to imminent announcements.
A showing from the long-dormant PlatinumGames series at Thursday's Nintendo Direct would be a notable deviation from the publisher's claim about the presentation predominantly focusing on Nintendo Switch games coming in Winter 2021. Aside from vague developer comments and a recent hint that Bayonetta 3 might drop the character's voice actress, information about the game has been oddly hard to come by over the years. However, Nintendo and PlatinumGames haven't given any cause to suspect either planned to abandon the title in that time, so the title was bound to make its next appearance at some point.
If Bayonetta 3's release window is confirmed during the fast-approaching Nintendo Direct, it's probable a story cinematic might finally pull back the curtain on how the game's plot will interlock with first two entries. Gameplay could possibly be shown for the first time, as well, but it's just as likely that footage could be held back for future release to more slowly build up hype for the Nintendo Switch game.
Sources: Nintendo of Japan, oracion/ResetEra