Nintendo dropped yet another series of announcements in their latest Nintendo Direct. So many great titles were revealed; some old ones and some good ones; some made us jump from our seats; some that brought tears to our eyes…no seriously this one was emotional. So without further ado, let’s get into a recap of the latest Nintendo Direct!
3DS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn (2019)
Everything in Patchland is entirely made of yarn – enemies, obstacles and even robots. In order to get through levels, you need to use yarn moves. All your favourite stages from the Wii version are back. The 3DS is packed with new features like picking up items to craft even bigger yarn balls, catch some wind, or outrun the speed demon in Devilish Mode. Minigames will even showcase some of the other characters as well.
Mario & Luigi Bowser’s Inside Story / Bowser Jr.’s Journey (January 2019)
Mario and Luigi are back, but this time they need to get to the bottom of a mysterious disease threatening all life in the Mushroom Kingdom. Then both brothers have been eaten by Bowser (ew, gross!), which leads their adventure into the depths of his body, but both are able to control him to find the cure. This allows the player to switch between the brothers and bowser to fulfill the quest.
On top of that, his little boy wants in on all this action! You get to go behind the scenes on his untold story.
Luigi’s Mansion Remake for 3DS (October 12th, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpKgLs3wY4o
Fans of the iconic Luigi’s mansion will love this! Explore the haunted mansion from the original where Mario went missing. On top of that, use the map displayed on the bottom screen to navigate through this creepy house.
This time, they revealed that Luigi’s Mansion will now have Multiplayer! This can be done in two ways: two players can have their own 3DS’ where one player is the ‘greener’ Luigi. Another way to play is to use download play to fight boss battles with your friends. Amiibo’s also play a huge part in this game as they unlock things like hidden rooms for you.
Yo KAI- Watch Blasters (Available Now) – Free Update (September 27th, 2018)
Pick between the Red Cat Core or the White Dog Squad! The battle between the dog and cat lovers have come down to this game. Team up with your friends to fight some pretty epic battles. On September 27th, there is a free software update that will make multiplayer even more enjoyable, adding the Moon Rabbit version to the title screen. Some extra content will be added as well, such as extra areas and quests.
NINTENDO SWITCH RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Splatoon Ver. 4 (March 16th, 2018) – Free Update (March 28th, 2018)
A version 4 update for Splatoon 2 was announced. As this was mostly just a teaser, not much else was said about the update, but more info can be found at the Squid Research Lab.
Megaman 11 (October 2nd, 2018) – Demo Available now
Our favourite blue robot is back in this new side scroller Megaman game. This has been getting A LOT of hype and actually had a demo at both E3 AND Fan Expo 2018. The new double gear action is a fresh take on the series, and as you move faster time slows down and temporarily enhances weapons. Players can also ise the Megaman Amiibo everyday to collect energy tanks. This year is also the 30th anniversary for the series, and what better way than to release this to the Switch!
Mario Tennis Aces – (Ver. 2 UPDATE – September 19th, 2018)
New characters were revealed for Mario Tennis Aces such as Shy Guy, Birdo, Koopa Paratroopa, and Petey Piranha. You can now play with four friends in a Co-op Challenge during limited time events; doing so will unlock new skins for your favourite characters. Nintendo plans to continue to expand this game, which is no surprise due to the fact that in 2018 it has maintained a strong following and continues to demo at Nintendo gaming booths across the world.
Beat ‘Em up Bundle (September 18th, 2018)
A growing trend in gaming is that retro classics are coming back in style. The good ol’ days are back with Final Fight, The King of Dragons, Captain Commando, Knights of the Round, and Warriors of Fate. Some first console releases are also in the bundle, along with other games such as Armoured Warriors and Battle Circuit. You can play with up to four Joy-Cons in a co-op style brawl and in online play.
Super Mario U Deluxe (January 11th, 2019)
Mario, Luigi and Toad are in for a new adventure along side their friends Toadette and Nabbit. Nabbit doesn’t take any damage from enemies and runs through levels quickly, and Toadette can transform into Peachette with the help of her Super Crown. She’s able to double jump and uses her skirt to float slowly in free fall.
Fun fact, it’s Luigi’s first time staring in a Mario sidescroller! With 164 courses, and a multiplayer of up to 4 people, you will have your hands full with this one.
Katamari Damacy REROLL (Winter, 2018)
They are bringing this game back as a remaster for the Nintendo Switch. All you got to do is roll and roll and…roll all over the place and all over stuff. Using the Switch gryoscopes you can use motion control, HD rumble, and have multiplayer battles. Oh and…roll some more!
Let’s Go Eevee/ Let’s go Pikachu – (November 16th, 2018)
Aside from the fact that we are about to get a completely reimagined Pokemon game for the Nintendo Switch, Eevee and Pikachu come with some extra useful secret techniques. Basically they are giving them TM abilities such as cut, surf, and fly. Also, they are the only ones that can learn certain abilities in battle. To take it a step further, they are reintroducing the “petting” feature, but now you can change their hairstyle when in handheld mode.
Let’s Go Eevee/ Let’s go Pikachu Nintendo Switch Bundle – (November 16th, 2018)
On top of that, check out this limited edition Nintendo Switch for the upcoming game! With cute yellow decals on the dock, matching yellow joy cons, and tone on ton Pikachus and Eevees on the back, this has to be the cutest Switch we have ever seen! (Swwwwwoooon!)
Diablo 3 (November 2nd, 2018)
Long awaited Diablo 3 remaster finally got a release date. Explore the full story, dungeons, and even multiple character classes. They also showcased the multiplayer aspect of up to 3 players at a time and offline via co-op. And get this, the Switch version is also getting a Ganondorf skin! Make sure to also put those Amiibos to good use, because they will unlock summons that will help you in battle.
Super Mario Party (October 5th, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAuNwjd4O-4
The series now has a new stage for a 4 player co-op mode. You can connect 2 Switches to expand the game even further, so you can play with your friends. The 4 player board game mode is back by popular demand and there are 80 brand new mini games.
TOWN (2019)
Game Freak has a new IP which, ironically enough takes place in a town. Monsters come and try to destroy it, so it’s up to you and your fellow villagers to keep it safe. The combat is more of an RPG style when fighting against these threats, and you can call your neighbors to come help you out when you need it.
City Skyline (Available Now)
In this ‘build it yourself’ kinda style game, you get to construct and maintain your own city. It sort of reminds me of a cross between building your own google maps in 3D and Roller Coaster Tycoon. Pre-released content will be available called Snow Fall and After Dark, which allows you to build in different conditions.
Daemon X Machina (2019)
You play as a mercenary who pilots Machinas called Arsenals. As you battle you collect parts to create your own for your armoury. You can customize your Arsenal with different weapons and switch between projectiles and melee attacks. You are not limited to only playing in your Arsenal, you can exit it whenever you like to explore the environments around you. In human form you can make adjustments and upgrades that also relay back to your Arsenal. Up to four players can play at once to take down challenging bosses.
Yoshi’s Crafted World (Spring 2019)
Join Yoshi in a world full of boxes and crafts. He can use his egg to open things and get reactions out of the environment. You don’t have to play this game right side up and you can flip it around, play upside-down, or even play the entire course backwards! Make sure to search everything to collect every achievement. Pass your other joy con to a friend, and play the courses together!
Asmodee Table Top Gaming Bundle (December 2018)
Table top gaming has a huge following, so why not bring it onto the Switch, right? Asmodee brings you classics like Carcassone, Lord of the Rings Card Game, Pandemic, and Munchkin, and Catan.
Civilization VI (November 16th, 2018)
Build and maintain an Empire anywhere you go. This popular game is finally hitting up the Switch. Gather your buddies cause Nintendo is introducing the 4 player multiplayer to help you construct the greatest Civilizations of all time.
Starlink Battle for Atlas (October 16th, 2018)
We got some character reveals this time around! Peppy, Falco, and Slippy have joined the roster to help aid you in extended missions to protect the Atlas star system. It’s been also confirmed that Wolf O’Donnell is in this as well!
The World Ends With You: Remix (October 16th, 2018)
A new story segment will be added to The World Ends with You. Shibyua’s map has been completely remixed, and you have 24 hours to find a way out or face the Reapers. New monsters have been added as well as an appearance from the Reaper Coco.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country (September 21st, 2018)
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country follows legendary warriors uncovering history of a doomed kingdom and the tragic story of a hero who went down a dark path that took place 500 years before the game. A refined battle system has been added where you can control the blades, drivers AND their masters. This will help you defend the kingdom against the villain Malos.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remaster (2019)
It’s been 15 years since this game released, and it’s coming to the Switch and it’s a total remaster! For returning fans of the series, new areas have been added to your favourite dungeons, so there is still something here for you to explore. There is also a multiplayer added as well, no link cable required (haha!).
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition HD (Available Now)
If you haven’t had enough yet of Final Fantasy XV, check out the new pocket edition coming to the Switch! Relive the story in this new chibi inspired version of the game.
World of Final Fantasy Maxima (November 6th, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqz4YkvcxU0
World of Final Fantasy is being levelled up. There is a new feature called avatar switch that allows you to transform into legendary characters across the series.
Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! (Winter)
You’re favourite yellow bird (KWEH!) is back in the remaster of 2007’s Chocobo Dungeon! This time you can befriend all the monsters. On top of that they are adding a co-op component.
Final Fantasy XII – Zodiac Age (2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSk8DO37axk
For the first time ever, FF12 will be on a Nintendo system! This is a remaster of the original game you FF fans know and love, with a little twist. You can now use Speed Mode, to speed up your quest a little bit, too. The real time battle system in this game was a huge step up from the turn based one we were all used to. So, use those quick reflexes to command spells and attacks against monsters, enemies, and bosses.
Final Fantasy VII, XI, X, X-2 HD REMASTER (2019)
This particular announcement made me emotional, and it still does when I rewatch it. Relive all the iconic cut scenes, play all your favorite mini games, and replay some of the most outstanding stories in the series. This has been a long time coming, and it’s here on the Switch so you can play wherever you go.
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Bundle (November 2nd, 2018)
For the upcoming Super Smash Bros. game, a new hardware bundle will be available. The dock will have a decal of all your favourite characters from the original game, and limited edition smash joy-cons. The bundle will also have a code for the game itself.
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Character Reveal
This was an amazing teaser for the next announcement, but a fan favourite character from Animal Crossing is joining the roster. Isabelle is back and is contending in the new Smash Bros. Game!
Animal Crossing (2019)
In typical Nintendo Direct fashion, they left their biggest reveals for last. This announcement is something we have been waiting for that we didn’t get when we went to E3. Animal Crossing is coming to the Switch! Get yourself ready to be the mayor of your own town. Have new residents, catch sharks and bugs, and even create your own home. We cannot wait for this!
Other Realease Dates:
- War Frame (November 30th, 2018)
- Just Dance 2019 (October 23rd, 2018)
- Fifa 2019 (September 28th, 2018)
- Team Sonic Racing (Winter)
- NBA 2K19 (AVAILABLE)
- NBA 2K Playground (Fall)
- Lego DC Super Villains (October 16th, 2018)
WOW! This was a BIG Direct, but a lot of great games will be released between now and 2019! We absolutely cannot wait to get our hands on these titles!