What did you think of today’s Direct? (Picture: Nintendo)
A bunch of brand new Nintendo Switch titles are coming later this year, including a new 2D Mario and Detective Pikachu 2.
There were several rumours and theories floating around about today’s Nintendo Direct even before it was formally announced.
Things like a Nintendo Switch 2 reveal and a Metroid Prime 4 update obviously didn’t happen, but a few others turned out to be 100% correct, such as claims of a new 2D Mario platformer and a remake of a fan favourite SNES game.
Nintendo had quite a lot to show in its 40 minutes so here’s a quick round-up of every game reveal and update from the Direct.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero
Usually, Pokémon news would be saved for a Pokémon Presents showcase, but Nintendo kicked things off with new gameplay footage for the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC.
The first expansion, The Teal Mask, is scheduled for this autumn, followed by the second expansion, The Indigo Disk, in the winter.
Sonic Superstars
Sonic Superstars popped up to show some new footage, but otherwise didn’t confirm anything fans didn’t already know. It launches this autumn for Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Palia
A free-to-play online multiplayer adventure game with life-sim elements, Palia is scheduled for a Switch launch this winter.
Persona 5 Tactica
After previously being revealed at the Xbox showcase, strategy game spin-off Persona 5 Tactica is confirmed for a Switch release too on November 17. There was no sign of a rumoured Switch port of Persona 3 Reload though.
Mythforce
Inspired by Saturday morning cartoons, Mythforce is a first-person roguelike with online co-op. It launches for Switch later this year.
Splatoon 3
There was no update on the next paid DLC expansion for Splatoon 3. Just confirmation of the next Splatfest, which runs from July 15 to July 17 and will decide the better ice cream flavour: vanilla, strawberry, or mint chip.
Detective Pikachu Returns
After being announced in 2019 without so much as a trailer or release window, the sequel to the Detective Pikachu 3DS game not only has a new title but also a launch date of October 6.
Super Mario RPG
The rumoured SNES remake turned out to be for Super Mario RPG. Although it seems to have dropped the Legend Of The Seven Stars subtitle, this precursor to the Paper Mario games launches on November 17.
Princess Peach title
Nintendo only teased some brief gameplay of this one and didn’t even share a title, but Princess Peach will be getting another solo adventure in 2024 – her first one since 2005’s Super Princess Peach.
Luigi’s Mansion 2
Described as a visually enhanced version of the original Nintendo 3DS game, a port of Luigi’s Mansion 2 is in development for Switch. There’s no launch window though.
Batman Arkham Trilogy
While the world still waits for Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad game, their critically acclaimed Batman Arkham trilogy is coming to Switch this autumn. It’ll include Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight plus all the DLC.
Gloomhaven
This digital adaptation of a beloved board game already launched for PC in 2021, but now it’s coming to Switch too on September 18.
Just Dance 2024
As was announced at Ubisoft’s last showcase, this year’s Just Dance game will launch for Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 24.
Silent Hope
A new action-roleplaying game with roguelike elements, Silent Hope has you play as seven unique warriors to explore constantly changing dungeons, gather treasure, and craft new equipment to track down a reclusive king. It launches on October 3.
Fae Farm
This farming sim debuted at Summer Game Fest and looks to be a Switch console exclusive (a PC version is also confirmed). It offers local and online co-op, and launches on September 8.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbo Charged
Hot Wheels fans on Switch will be happy to see this racing game make the jump to Nintendo’s console. Boasting over 130 vehicles and online multiplayer for up to 12 players, it launches on October 19.
Manic Mechanics
A new co-op title all about repairing vehicles as quickly as possible, Manic Mechanics arrives on Switch on July 13.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter
The second expansion in this strategy game crossover between Nintendo and Ubisoft is out today, adding a new planet and a new villain. A third expansion featuring Rayman is still to come later this year.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
The newest entry in the Dragon Quest Monsters subseries, it’s essentially a Dragon Quest take on Pokémon, with you gathering monsters to battle enemies. This game will let you fuse your monsters into more powerful ones and launches for Switch on December 1.
Pikmin 4
We’ll have a proper preview for Pikmin 4 in the near future. All you need to know for now is that it arrives on July 21, has a new Pikmin type called Glow Pikmin, and there’ll be a free demo available from June 29.
Pikmin 1 and 2
Pikmin fans can also rejoice knowing that the first two games will be coming to Switch, which means the entire mainline series can be experienced on one console. These HD versions are available today digitally, with a physical release containing both games arrives on September 22.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1
Not only is the Metal Gear Master Collection coming to Switch on October 24, but you’ll also have the option to buy the first three Metal Gear Solid games individually.
Vampire Survivors
Unsurprisingly, the 2022 indie hit Vampire Survivors will see a Switch port on August 17. This leaves PlayStation as the only major platform it’s not available for.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale
A new rhythm game where you play as funky pigeons, Headbangers Rhythm Royale offers 20 minigames and online multiplayer for up to 30 players when it launches on October 31.
Penny’s Big Breakway
They may not be working on Sonic Superstars, but the team responsible for Sonic Mania is launching an original 3D platformer in early 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 5
As expected, the next batch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC made an appearance, confirming a wholly original racetrack called Squeaky Clean Sprint and three new characters: Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Square Enix had accidentally leaked this beforehand, but this full-fledged remake of Star Ocean: The Second Story marks the game’s first appearance on a Nintendo platform. It’ll launch for Switch as well as PlayStation and PC on November 2.
WarioWare: Move It!
The second WarioWare game for Switch, this one almost feels like a throwback to the days of the Wii as its selection of microgames make use of your arms and body. It launches on November 3.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
The finale of the Direct, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is not the next entry in the New Super Mario Bros. series of games but is another 2D platformer with four-player co-op. It launches on October 20.
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A bunch of brand new Nintendo Switch titles are coming later this year, including a new 2D Mario and Detective Pikachu 2.