The latest Nintendo Direct video presentation delivered a flurry of exciting announcements for Nintendo Switch owners. From new entries in beloved franchises to visually enhanced classics, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. Let’s dive into the highlights of this captivating showcase.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the long-awaited next instalment in the Super Mario Bros. series, steals the show with its innovative gameplay. Touch a Wonder Flower in the game, and you’ll unlock a world of surprises and transformations that will keep players on their toes. With playable characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more, Super Mario Bros. Wonder promises an unforgettable adventure when it launches on October 20th. Pre-orders are now available on the Nintendo eShop.
Fans of role-playing games can rejoice as the iconic plumber takes on a new genre in Super Mario RPG. Originally released on Super NES, this beloved title returns with stunning new graphics, inviting players to join Mario, Bowser, and their friends in an epic quest to recover seven stars and save the Star Road. Prepare to embark on this timeless adventure when Super Mario RPG arrives on November 17th for the Nintendo Switch..
Luigi’s Mansion 2, a fan-favorite from the Nintendo 3DS, is getting a visually enhanced version for the Switch. Join Luigi as he bravely explores haunted mansions teeming with ghostly inhabitants in a quest to save Evershade Valley. While more information about the game is yet to come, fans can expect bone-chilling challenges and thrilling encounters in this spooky adventure set to release in 2024.
But that’s not all—Princess Peach will also grace the Nintendo Switch with her own game in 2024. Though details are scarce at the moment, the prospect of playing as the iconic princess in her own standalone title is sure to excite fans.
Pikmin enthusiasts have much to celebrate as well. Pikmin 4, the latest entry in the series, introduces new gameplay elements, including night expeditions and the handy Glow Pikmin. Set on an uncharted planet, players will explore underground caves and face off against hostile creatures while striving to collect treasures and save the castaway. Prepare for an out-of-this-world experience when Pikmin 4 lands on the Nintendo Switch on July 21st. A demo will be available on June 29th, alongside HD versions of Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2, allowing fans to enjoy all four main Pikmin games on a single console.
Nintendo also showcased a plethora of games from their publishing and development partners. From the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Trilogy to the charming and immersive Palia, there’s no shortage of gaming goodness coming to the Switch. Fans of the iconic stealth action series can look forward to Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1, offering an extensive package that includes Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, along with bonus content.
In addition to these announcements, the Nintendo Direct presentation unveiled new DLC for popular titles. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter offers Mario and his friends a melodic adventure filled with new enemies and areas to explore. Players can jump into the new paid DLC today, and a demo of the main game is also available on the Nintendo eShop.
The presentation also brought exciting news for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe fans. Wave 5 of the Booster Course Pass DLC adds a new course, Squeaky Clean Sprint, and introduces three new Mushroom Kingdom characters: Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek. Get ready to race on this fresh content when it arrives later this winter.
As well as the 2 part DLC for Pokemon Violet and Scarlet called “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” we saw a new game Detective Pikachu Returns: Discover the origin of the great detective Pikachu! Partner with the tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu who calls himself a great detective to unravel multiple mysteries across Ryme City. With the help of many other Pokémon, Tim Goodman and his talkative Pikachu partner work together to solve a series of mysterious incidents in this cinematic adventure game. Track down Detective Pikachu Returns when it launches for Nintendo Switch on 6th October. Pre-orders begin later today on Nintendo eShop.
WarioWare: Move It!: Get ready for more microgame mayhem in the latest WarioWare game. Hold a set of Joy-Con controllers, then move your body to take on a flurry of lightning-fast microgames. React quickly with the right movement, and you’ll be on the road to victory. Sync up your actions to beat each microgame. Plus, up to four players*4 can live it up across various minigames in Party Mode locally. Get your body moving to over 200 microgames in WarioWare: Move It!, launching on Nintendo Switch 3rd November. Pre-orders begin today on Nintendo eShop.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: New amiibo of Zelda and Ganondorf are planned for release in summer 2023. A vast number of players are currently exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and this journey can be enhanced by scanning select amiibo figures to unlock valuable in-game items, as well as special fabric for the paraglider, to help Link in his adventure
Splatoon 3: The next Splatfest for Splatoon 3 has been confirmed: Which flavour of ice cream is best? Vanilla? Strawberry? Or Mint Chip? This Splatfest 5 will be held from 15th July at 10:00am AEST / 12:00pm NZST until 17th July at 10:00am AEST / 12:00pm NZST. Guide your favourite flavour to victory. Plus, get splatting in themed battles with Challenges. More splat-tastic events are on the way, too. Be on the lookout for more info in the future.
In fact, Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe championships are coming to Australia & New Zealand later this year. More information will be shared in the future.
HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – TURBOCHARGED: The world’s raddest cars are back and taking fun to the next level! Zoom into wild racing action with over 130 vehicles and pull off outrageous stunts to avoid obstacles, find shortcuts and knock your rivals out of the way. Unleash your creativity by modifying your vehicles and building your own tracks. Race locally with friends in split-screen co-op*4 or up to 12 players can hit the track online*5. Grab the wheel when this game speeds onto Nintendo Switch 19th October.
There was a lot to unpack from today’s Nintendo Direct with a few new titles as well as a few remakes. The conversion of games like the Batman series will be great for people who have never played those before and it should give the aging console a little bit more life before Nintendo announce whatever will replace it.
