Nintendo Direct: All trailers, games and announcements

Domagoj Belancic

22/6/2023

Translation: machine translated

Nintendo presents new games in a Direct livestream. Mario fans in particular will get their money's worth.

The Nintendo Switch is slowly but surely getting on in years. Many fans are worried about whether Nintendo will continue to support it with new software after the release of "Pikmin 4". Are the development teams preparing games for the successor and letting Nintendo's hybrid console die?

Think again. At the Nintendo Direct, the Japanese video game giant unveiled a host of new games for the Switch. With new Mario games, surprising remakes and long-awaited sequels, Nintendo has some high-calibre titles in its line-up.

Follow this link for an overview of all announcements and trailers.

An overview of all games from Nintendo

"Super Mario Bros. Wonder": A new 2D Mario with crazy items

Mario fans have had to wait a long time for a new 2D platformer. The last 2D game, "New Super Mario Bros U", is now 10 years old.

"Super Mario Bros. Wonder" stands out visually from the old "New Super Mario Bros" games. Everything looks livelier, more colourful and more dynamic. Beautiful! The co-op mode for up to four players has been retained from its predecessors. For the first time, Princess Daisy can also be played alongside the usual suspects.

The trailer shows new worlds, new enemies and new items. With the "Wonder Flower", Mario's adventure turns into a crazy drug trip - there's no other way to describe the gameplay shown. You don't know in advance what exactly happens when you swallow the plant. The strange elephant fruit transforms the plumber into a fat elephant that can kick enemies away with ease.

The short video is bursting with crazy ideas. This is how 2D Mario is fun!

Release: 20 October 2023

"Super Mario RPG": Remake of the SNES classic

The very first Mario role-playing game is getting a remake for the Nintendo Switch. The SNES classic has been redeveloped from the ground up. The isometric 2D view gives way to a beautiful 3D world. The gameplay and turn-based battles remain (thankfully) untouched.

If you've never played a Mario RPG before, this is the perfect place to start.

Release date: 17 November 2023

"Pikmin 4": New underground world and exploration at night

The new trailer for "Pikmin 4" reveals some exciting details about Nintendo's cuddly strategy game. There is now an underground world to explore in the world of the Pikmin, which brings a breath of fresh air to everyday Pikmin life, both visually and in terms of gameplay. This somehow sounds familiar...

Another new feature is that you can go exploring at night for the first time. But beware: the enemies are much more aggressive at night than during the day. A new type of Pikmin is also available to you in the dark: The "Glow Pikmin" glow in the dark and have powerful special attacks in store.

Compared to its predecessor, "Pikmin 4" looks like a big leap forward in terms of both graphics and gameplay. Fans won't have to wait long before they can go on a discovery tour with the plant-like creatures.

Release date: 18 July 2023

"Pikmin" & "Pikmin 2": HD remaster of the original games

Have you never played the first two "Pikmin" games on the Gamecube and Wii? Now you can catch up. HD remasters of the classics are now available in the Nintendo eShop.

The third instalment in the series was released two years ago as a "Deluxe" version for the Switch.

Release: available now

"Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon": New edition of one of the best 3DS games

Completely surprisingly, the 3DS game "Luigi's Mansion" is also getting an HD remaster. If you have never played the ghost hunter adventure before, I strongly recommend that you do so. For me, it's one of the best games in the Mario universe.

Release: 17 November 2023

New game with Princess Peach (?)

About the Mario universe: Princess Peach is also getting her own game. In the short gameplay excerpt from minute 14:19, you can see Peach jumping around on a stage. Nintendo will only release more information "at a later date". There is also no official trailer yet. A very strange way to announce a new game.

Release: 2024

"Wario Ware: Move It": Microgame collection with full physical action

I love "Wario Ware" games. The principle is simple: you play various microgame collections and try to survive as long as possible. Each microgame only lasts a few seconds before the next one comes along. Over time, the games become faster and more hectic.

"Move It" is played with two joycons and requires full physical effort. In addition to a single-player campaign, there are also numerous multiplayer modes. I'm looking forward to the microgame chaos with the fat anti-hero.

Release: 03 November 2023

"Detective Pikachu Returns": Solve criminal cases with Pikachu

The cult 3DS adventure game "Detective Pikachu" is getting a sequel. In this "Pokémon" spin-off, the cute electric rodent is a coffee-addicted detective with a sexy voice. Yes, you read that right.

As absurd as the premise sounds, the first instalment received very positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Even a film adaptation made it to cinemas in 2019.

Release date: 06 October 2023

News on the "Pokémon" expansions "The Teal Mask" & "The Indigo Disc"

The previously announced expansions for "Pokemon Crimson & Purple" are back with new trailers.

In "The Teal Mask" you go on a school trip and visit a new region in Paldea. In "The Indigo Disc", you complete an exchange semester at the "Blueberry Academy". There is also a new region to explore in a huge underground terrarium. New (legendary) Pokémon are also part of the game.

We can only hope that the expansions will launch better technically than the base games. These were quite buggy at the time of release and constantly lagged.

Release: Autumn 2023 and winter 2023

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe": Wave 5 of the booster track pass

Wahooo! There are new tracks for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe this summer. Including a completely new miniature race track in a bathroom. Nintendo is also adding new characters to the game: Petey Piranha, Wiggler and Kamek will also be racing in the new update.

Release: Summer 2023

An overview of all games from third-party developers

Third-party studios also continue to support the Nintendo Switch. Here you can find an overview of all games and trailers

"Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince": Classic "Dragon Quest" with a pinch of "Pokémon"

Square Enix announces a new "Dragon Quest Monsters" game at the Nintendo Direct

The hero of "The Dark Prince" has been cursed by a demon - he can no longer harm monsters. To get revenge, he recruits monsters to fight in his place. In the best "Pokémon" style, you put together a team of monsters over the course of the game to battle other trainers and wild beasts.

Release: 01 December 2023

"Penny's Big Breakaway": Nostalgic 3D platformer gameplay

The game looks like a classic 3D platformer from the late nineties. The protagonist Penny is accompanied by a yoyo-like creature (?) that she can use in battle and to move around the levels. The whole thing is being developed by the "Sonic Mania" team. Looks promising - and not just for nostalgic reasons.

Release: early 2024
Already available for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Silent Hope": Without words

An evil king has stolen all the words in "Silent Hope" - no one can speak anymore. Seven warriors want to defeat the tyrant. To do so, they travel to procedurally generated dungeons where lots of monsters and loot await them. The loot is processed into weapons and potions at their headquarters.

I am particularly taken with the fat, round and happy-looking cows that can be seen in the trailer from minute 0:53.

Release date: 03 October 2023
Also available for: PC

"Sonic Superstars": The blue hedgehog also runs on the Switch

The new 2.5D "Sonic" game was already announced at the Summer Game Fest Showcase. Impressions of the Switch version are now available for the first time.

The game also looks beautiful on Nintendo's ageing hardware. In terms of gameplay, you can expect the typical Sonic platformer action with a few fresh elements. In addition to new items, there is also a four-player co-op mode for the first time in a "Sonic" game.

Release: End of 2023
Also coming for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Persona 5 Tactica": Sweet strategy game for "Persona" fans

The strategy game in the cute chibi art style was already announced for Xbox at the Xbox Games Showcase. Atlus has now confirmed that the game is also coming to the Switch. The game is set in the "Persona 5" universe and offers turn-based, tactical battles on a tiled playing field.

Release date: 17 November 2023
Also available for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Vampire Survivors": Slaughter monsters with friends

The addictive bullet hell game finally appears on Nintendo's hybrid console. It's the perfect game for playing a quick round on the go. There is also a new co-op mode for up to four players.

Release: 17 August 2023
Already available for: Xbox, PC

"Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1": A piece of gaming history on the go

The game collection already announced at the Summer Game Fest Showcase will also be released on Nintendo's handheld console. It includes the "Metal Gear Solid" trilogy, the old "Metal Gear" 2D games and bonus content such as soundtracks, artbooks and videos. The games in the "Metal Gear Solid" trilogy will also be available individually in the eShop.

Release: 24 October 2023
Also available for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Star Ocean the Second Story R": Remake in the "Octopath Traveler" style

The PS1 RPG classic "Star Ocean 2" is getting a remake and a complete overhaul. The fantasy world now shines in a chic 3D look with 2D pixel art characters - similar to "Octopath Traveler". The turn-based combat system, soundtrack and voiceovers have also been overhauled.

Release date: 02 November 2023
Also available for: Playstation, PC

"Palia": Cosy MMO farming sim

"Palia" is an MMO in which you can relax. Grow vegetables, build houses and socialise with other players. There are also numerous secrets to discover outside your small home village. But you don't have to. You can also stay at home all day and decorate your house without any pressure.

Release: End of 2023
Also available for: PC

"Fae Farm": Farming sim with dungeons

And another farming sim. In the magical world of "Fae Farm", you don't just fulfil your duties as a farmer. You also explore mysterious dungeons. Up to three other players will help you with this.

Release date: 08 September 2023
Also available for: PC

"Mythforce": Eighties nostalgia to play

This colourful roguelike is inspired by old Saturday morning cartoons. The game is played from a first-person perspective with up to four warriors

Release: 2023
Also available for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Batman Arkham Trilogy": Three excellent Batman games in one package

The complete "Arkham" trilogy will also be available on the Nintendo Switch from the end of 2023. The package includes all three games and all story expansions

Release: end of 2023
Already available for: Playstation, Xbox, PC

"Gloomhaven": The popular board game comes to the Switch

The video game adaptation of the tactical tabletop game "Gloomhaven" is getting a Switch port. The standalone expansion "Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion" is also included. The game is already available for PC and will also be released on Xbox and Playstation. Cross-play between all platforms is supported.

Release: 18 September 2023
Already available for: PC
Also available for: Playstation, Xbox

"Manic Mechanics": Delightfully chaotic

"Manic Mechanics" looks like "Overcooked" with cars. So you can expect a crazy party game with lots of chaotic co-op action.

Release: 13 July 2023

"Just Dance 2024": That was a given

And every year the "Just Dance" groundhog greets us. Ubisoft's dance game is now in its fifteenth (!) round.

Release date: 24 October 2023
Also available for: Playstation, Xbox

"Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope": New story expansion "The Last Spark Hunter"

The second expansion for Ubisoft's excellent Mario strategy game is available now. Another expansion featuring the limbless Rayman is due to be released by the end of the year.

A demo of "Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope" is also available in the Nintendo eShop.

I tested the game last year. If you're even remotely interested in strategy games, you should definitely give this unique crossover a chance.

Release: now

"Headbanger Rhythm Royale": Excuse me?"

"Headbanger Rhythm Royale" is a battle royale music game with pigeons. No, you haven't misread that. A battle royale music game. With pigeons.

Up to 30 pigeons compete against each other in various music mini-games. The weakest are gradually eliminated. The best bird is crowned the "Headbanger". I have so many questions for the developers, first and foremost: How do you come up with such a crazy idea?

Release date: 13 October 2023
Also available for: PC

Domagoj Belancic

Senior Editor

Domagoj.Belancic@digitecgalaxus.ch

My love of video games was unleashed at the tender age of five by the original Gameboy. Over the years, it's grown in leaps and bounds.