I know what you mean. I had the same thought after Iwata passed. I can understand if they don't want to continue them since it was kind of a special thing that Iwata did; however, I think they can and will continue them.
I think it'd be best to "rebrand" them and call them something else. Maybe like Nintendo Broadcast or something, just so it doesn't automatically make you think "Iwata did these so much better, the new guy sucks." or whatever.
Nintendo consumers have come to expect the Directs and we even get a little antsy when we haven't seen one in awhile. Which probably shows how good we had it and how spoiled we got over the years. I don't know any other game company that announces games several times a year instead of all at once at the big game conferences. Anyway, regardless, I think they'll continue them. I hope they do!
TL;DR - Yes, they will, but maybe they'll change the name and content a bit.
It'll be awhile before I figure out how to do one of these. :P
