The firstNintendo Directof the year was held on February 8 with a multitude of announcements and news across a 40-minute broadcast. The event brought some pleasant surprises, alongside some familiar faces andNintendogames fully expected to appear.
The Nintendo Switch now faces its seventh year on sale, withThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomas the centerpiece, although this presentation shows that there are many other interesting games on the horizon. Nintendo confirmed release dates, presented additional content for games such asSplatoon 3andXenoblade Chronicles 3, and unveiled services such as the inclusion ofGame Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online, among others.
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The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The big highlight of the Direct was the new trailer for the highly anticipated sequel toZelda: Breath of the Wild. At no point did Nintendo hint that it was going to showThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but it was pretty obvious that the game would star in the show. In the trailer presented during the event, new powers, enemies, dungeons, and even new vehicles can be seen.
Nintendo reiterated that Link’s greatest adventure will be released on July 02, 2025, and presented the collector’s edition that will have an art book, poster, steelbook, and four pins. To accompany the game, the company presented a new commemorative amiibo with Link that will offer a new paraglider look and will grant users with materials and weapons when scanned.
Pikmin 4
After a long time since the last installment,Pikmin 4reappears with a large batch of new features, and a colorful look. In a new gameplay trailer, it has been announced thatPikminwill return on July 21 this year on Nintendo Switch. The video starts off showing cute cinematics with adorable music, but soon turns into gameplay loaded with action. This game will include new Pikmin and mechanics, so it aims to be a very innovative title for those who have been waiting years for the release of this installment.
Samba De Amigo: Party Central
The Nintendo Direct also announced the return of Sega’s fast-paced rhythm IP.Samba de Amigo: Party Centralwill arrive sometime this summer exclusively for Nintendo Switch. The game will feature a playlist that includes 40 top hits from the world’s most popular genres, such as EDM, pop and Latin, among many more. It will also include a wide range of mini-games and challenges, plenty of accessories and outfits to unlock and equip, and new online features, such as the 8-player World Party mode.
Sea Of Stars
Indie games have found a real stronghold on Nintendo Switch, and one of those that should be followed will arrive on August 29:Sea of Stars. In this retro-inspired turn-based role-playing title, players will traverse the world, meet a variety of characters and take down the bad guys by attacking at just the right time. A demo is available right now for players to start combining the power of the Sun and the Moon.
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Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp
After a long delay,Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Campis coming to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has announced that the final release date will be August 06, 2025. The remake of the first two titles of theAdvance Warssaga for Nintendo Switch was announced at the Nintendo Direct at E3 2021, and after a delay, it was to be released on April 8 of last year, but the release was postponed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition to a visual upgrade, this revision ofAdvance WarsandAdvance Wars 2will add local and online multiplayer, as well as the ability to design maps and share them with other players.
Metroid Prime Remastered
The long-awaitedremaster ofMetroid Prime, originally released on GameCube, is finally confirmed on Switch. The digital version of the title is already available in the eShop, although the physical version will not be released until February 22. Players explore Tallon IV, and Samus can repel the attacks of hostile beasts thanks to rays, missiles and bombs, among other weapons. The game features HD graphics, improved sound, panoramic format, and new dual stick controls.
Professor Layton And The New World Of Steam
Level-5 had a presence at this event with three different games, and one of its most notable announcements was the return of the beloved puzzle adventure saga withProfessor Layton and The New World of Steam. At the moment, it is not known when the title will be released, nor are there many other details, but players will presumably solve new puzzles with the professor once again.
Nintendo Switch Online: Game Boy And Game Boy Advance
Nintendo Switch’s online subscription service has added the catalogs of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color handhelds, including nine classics. These areSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins,Link’s Awakening DX,Tetris,Gargoyle’s Quest,Game & Watch Gallery 3,Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare,Metroid 2: Return of Samus,Wario Land 3, andKirby’s Dream Land. Additional games will be added in the future, includingZelda: Oracle of SeasonsandOracle of Ages, available with the basic Nintendo Switch Online subscription, and all titles that had multiplayer will be playable online or wirelessly.
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Other Games At The Nintendo Direct
Game Boy content aside, a wide variety of other games made an appearance at the Nintendo Direct. Nintendo marked tons of other games on 2023’s calendar:
New DLCs and Updates For Nintendo Switch Games
Last but not least, Nintendo has broken down the contents of the Switch’s ongoing games. That includes new additions to its RPGs and expansions with which fans will be racking up hours inSplatoon 3orMario Kart 8 Deluxe:
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