A brand-new Nintendo Direct has arrived, and it was an exciting show filled with new updates. Fans were treated to a fresh look at “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and a shadow drop of “Metroid Prime Remastered.”
This Direct had a plethora of other significant announcements, and we’ve compiled all the reveals and trailers of the upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was the highlight of the latest Nintendo Direct, giving fans a brand-new look at the much-anticipated sequel to 2017’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Collector’s Edition
Nintendo also shared a first look at the game’s collector’s edition, which will cost $129.99 and includes a physical version of the game, an artbook, a steelbook case, an Iconart steel poster, and a set of four-pin badges.
New Link Amiibo
In addition, a new Link amiibo will be available, giving players access to special materials, weapons, and fabric for Link’s paraglider.
Release Date
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is still set to be released on May 12, 2023. The standard edition of the game will retail for $69.99.
Metroid Prime Remastered
After years of rumors, Metroid Prime Remastered is finally here!
Release Date
The game is available today on the Nintendo Switch eShop, with physical copies also available on February 22.
Controls
In this remaster, players can enjoy new dual-stick controls, as well as an additional control option that recreates the feel of the original game.
No Mention of Metroid Prime 4 or Remasters
Unfortunately, there was no mention of Metroid Prime 4 or remasters of Metroid Prime 2 and 3 in the latest Nintendo Direct.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 started off February’s Nintendo Direct with a peaceful and beautiful look at the game’s world and creatures.
New Creatures
Along with familiar Pikmin, players were introduced to a new dog-like creature named Oatchi. This character can help with enemies, remove obstacles, and carry the player and Pikmin across the water. Additionally, a new Ice Pikmin was revealed, which can freeze enemies, bodies of water, and more.
Release Date
Pikmin 4 will be released on Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2023.
Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games
Nintendo has confirmed that Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games will be available on Nintendo Switch via Nintendo Switch Online, starting today, February 8.
Game Boy Games Availability
All Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will have access to the Game Boy games, which include Tetris, Super Mario Land 2 – 6 Golden Coins, The Legend of Zelda, Link’s Awakening DX, and more.
Game Boy Advance Games Availability
With the Expansion Pack, players will have access to Game Boy Advance games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Wario Ware, Inc.: Mega Microgame$, and more.
Features
Both Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games can be played with filters based on the look of the Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Color. Players can enjoy these games locally or online with friends.
Future Releases
Nintendo has also teased that more games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Ages, Pokemon Trading Card Game, Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, and more, will be added in the future.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Wave 4 Booster Course Pass
The latest wave of the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be available in the spring of 2023, featuring a new course on Yoshi’s Island and a new racer, Birdo.
Returning Characters
In addition to the new course and racer, it has been confirmed that fan-favorite characters from previous Mario Kart games will be returning in future waves of the Booster Course Pass.
Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass
Nintendo has announced the expansion pass for the game Splatoon 3. This pass will take the players back to Inkopolis from the first Splatoon game.
Squid Sisters to Return
The Squid Sisters will be returning for special concerts in the first wave of DLC, which will arrive in Spring 2023.
Side Order DLC
A second DLC drop for the expansion pass will arrive in the future, called Side Order. There were not many details revealed about this single-player campaign, but the first look was exciting.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Remaster
Fans are in for a treat as Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is getting remastered. The Nintendo Direct event showed us a glimpse of the remastered version of the 2011 Wii title.
New Epilogue
A new epilogue has been added to the remaster, which will unlock after completing the Story Mode. The remaster allows for up to four players to play together on the same Switch.
Demo Available on eShop
To make things even better, Nintendo has released a demo for Kirby’s Return to Dream Land on the eShop. Fans can now get a taste of the remastered version before its release.
Fire Emblem Engage DLC Plans Revealed
New Emblems
Nintendo has revealed its DLC plans for Fire Emblem Engage, which will include new Emblems Hector, Soren, Camilla, Chrom, Robin, and Veronica.
Wave 4
Wave 4 of the DLC plans will feature a new story called Fell Xenologue.
Disney Illusion Island Release
Adorable Artstyle
Nintendo has given us another look at Disney Illusion Island, a co-op platformer starring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck. Each character has their own special abilities and the art style is adorable.
New Disney Adventure
In this new Disney adventure, our heroes must find three magical books and save small furry creatures named Hokuns.
Release Date
Disney Illusion Island will be released on July 28, 2023.
Sea of Stars Release Date
Sea of Stars, the upcoming RPG that serves as a prequel to The Messenger, has been given an official release date of August 29, 2023. If you can’t wait that long, a demo for the game will be available on the Nintendo eShop today.
Octopath Traveler 2
A demo for Octopath Traveler 2 will be released today, February 8, on the Nintendo eShop. Players who choose to purchase the full version of the game will be able to transfer their saved progress from the demo. The full version of Octopath Traveler 2 will be available on Switch on February 24, 2023.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Learn about Bayonetta’s earliest days as a young apprentice witch named Cereza in the new spin-off, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon.
This game explores the journey of Cereza and her infernal demon partner Cheshire, as they solve puzzles and complete their quest using elemental powers of wood, rock, water, and fire. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon will be released on March 17, 2023.
Dead Cells Invaded by Castlevania
Fans will soon be able to explore a new version of Dead Cells. On March 6, 2023, the game will be invaded by the world of Castlevania and will bring new levels, music, characters, and more from the beloved Castlevania series.
Etrian Odyssey Remastered Collection
Atlus has confirmed that the first three Etrian Odyssey games will be available on Switch and Steam on June 1, 2023. The games have been remastered and feature 24 new illustrations of their characters. Each game can also be purchased individually.
Baten Kaitos I & II Return
Two older games are getting a new life on Switch and those games are Baten Kaitos I & II. The Baten Kaitos games feature a card-based RPG system and take players to the sky islands above a polluted Earth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, various new and remastered games were showcased during the recent Nintendo Direct. Fans can look forward to upcoming releases of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass, Splatoon 3’s Expansion Pass, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Expansion Pass, and more.
Each of these games offers unique gameplay experiences and fans can choose from a range of genres, from platformers to RPGs.