All The Announcements And Updates From Nintendo Direct
One of the greatest days for Nintendo fans happened earlier this week as the big summer Nintendo Direct finally arrived!
While we didn't get any news from the much-anticipated Switch 2, Nintendo did reveal a ton of exciting updates for old games and some surprising new games that should make the wait for the Switch's successor a little easier.
The June Nintendo Direct ran for 40 minutes and showcased everything expected in the coming months, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which lets you play as Princess Zelda, our first look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood, Super Mario Party Jamboree, the HD-2D remakes of the first three Dragon Quest games, and so much more.
There was A LOT to take in during the Nintendo Direct, but this roundup will be the place to ensure you don't miss a thing. Whether you missed the event or simply want to revisit the announcements, look no further as you'll find it all below.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Announced for Nintendo Switch – Zelda Takes the Lead in a New Adventure
In a surprising announcement from the Nintendo Direct, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will be released on the Nintendo Switch on September 26, 2024. This new game will feature Princess Zelda as the main character, embarking on an adventure to find Link and other missing residents of Hyrule after strange rifts start appearing. With the help of a mysterious fairy named Tri and a magical staff called the Tri Rod, Zelda can create "echoes" of objects in the environment to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in unique ways. Alongside the game, a limited edition, gold-colored Nintendo Switch Lite with the Hylian Crest will also be available.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Unveiled with Gameplay and 2025 Release Window
After over seven years since its announcement, Nintendo has finally revealed gameplay for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, with a planned release in 2025. Although details on Samus' new adventure remain scarce, this first look is a welcome update for eager fans who have been waiting for news since its initial announcement at E3 2017. Despite a development restart in 2019 under Retro Studios, players can look forward to exploring alien worlds and battling space pirates in this highly anticipated first-person shooter.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership Arrives on Nintendo Switch November 7, 2024
Mario & Luigi: Brothership, the latest entry in the franchise and the first in almost 10 years, will launch on Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024. This new adventure features a unique, colorful cel-shaded art style and sends our favorite brothers on an island-hopping journey across Shipshape Island. As they travel through rainforests, cities, and more in Concordia, they'll encounter familiar faces like Peach and Bowser, promising plenty of platforming fun and exciting combat.
Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes Coming to Nintendo Switch
The highly anticipated Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes are set to arrive on Nintendo Switch, with Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D launching on November 14, 2024. This remake allows players to re-experience the classic RPG with beautifully upgraded graphics as they embark on a quest to save the world from the evil Archfiend, Baramos. Following this, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 will also receive HD-2D remakes, scheduled for release in 2025.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Coming to Switch on January 16, 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set for release on Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025. This enhanced version includes 2-player local co-op, the 80 levels from the original Wii version, and additional stages from the 3DS version. Players will once again battle the Taki Tak Tribe to reclaim Donkey Kong's stolen banana hoard.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Brings The Fun With October 17, 2024 Launch Date
Super Mario Party Jamboree is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on October 17, 2024. This new installment takes players to an "enormous island resort" and features five new game boards, two returning boards from previous games, over 110 minigames, and a new Koopathlon mode that supports over 20 players. It's the biggest Mario Party yet, offering a variety of new and classic experiences.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Announced for Switch
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is set to launch on Nintendo Switch later in 2024. This comprehensive collection brings together seven classic fighting games including X-Men Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and The Punisher. It features original songs from the arcade releases, development documents, never-before-seen art, and supports online play.
New Titles Arriving on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
As of this week, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack welcomes several exciting additions. Players can now enjoy The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Four Swords and Metroid: Zero Mission, alongside two new entries in the Nintendo 64 Mature Collection: Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Perfect Dark. This update introduces online multiplayer for A Link to the Past Four Swords, offering a fresh way to experience this classic adventure.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Arriving July 18
Get ready for Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, launching on July 18 for Switch. This game features over 150 speedrunning challenges from 13 NES classics. Compete online or offline in modes that pit you against other players to see who can master these challenges and come out on top.
Basketball Coming to Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports is getting a slam dunk update with the addition of Basketball this summer. Players can look forward to using motion controls in solo challenges like the Three-Point Challenge, as well as multiplayer modes including Five-Streak Battle and Three-Point Contest. Get ready to hit the court in Spocco Square with up to four players locally or online.
LEGO Horizon Adventures Unveiled at Nintendo Direct
Nintendo Direct gave fans a fresh glimpse into LEGO Horizon Adventures, the upcoming game set in the world of Horizon: Zero Dawn. Announced during Summer Game Fest 2024, this LEGO adaptation is set to debut in winter 2024, promising a new way to experience the Horizon universe this holiday season.
Fantasian Neo Dimension: A Magical RPG Adventure
Coming to Nintendo Switch this holiday season is Fantasian Neo Dimension, an enhanced version of the mobile game Fantasian from Final Fantasy creator Sakaguchi Hironobu and Mistwalker. Featuring English and Japanese voiceovers along with an added difficulty setting, this turn-based RPG adventure promises a unique journey through interdimensional battles to save mankind.
Tales of the Shire: A Cozy Hobbit Adventure
Embark on a cozy journey into Middle Earth with Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, where you create your own Hobbit and immerse yourself in a tranquil life of gardening, fishing, cooking, and building relationships. This life simulation set in The Shire offers a charming experience, complete with outfitting your character and home, solving local problems, and more. Coming to Nintendo Switch in winter 2024, it's a delightful opportunity to live as a Hobbit in Tolkien's beloved world.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure: A Cozy Island Restoration
Prepare for a delightful adventure with Hello Kitty Island Adventure, where players embark on an open-world journey to restore a mysterious island. Interact with beloved Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll while exploring and crafting in this Animal Crossing: New Horizons-like experience. It’s a timed exclusive, so Nintendo Players will be able to access the game first before it makes its way to PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
Disney Illusion Island: Mystery in Monoth Update
Join Mickey and friends in Disney Illusion Island's latest update, Mystery in Monoth, a detective-themed adventure where you help Dash Dolphin solve mysteries, find clues, and close cases. This free update launched on Tuesday on Nintendo Switch, coinciding with the Direct announcement.
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD Coming Out Next Week on June 27
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is set for release on June 27, 2024, with Nintendo showcasing the spooky and fun game once more during the Direct.
Funko Fusion Announcement
Funko Fusion, an action-adventure game featuring over 60 characters from over 20 entertainment worlds including Jurassic World, Back to the Future, Shaun of the Dead, and more, will launch on September 13, 2024, for Nintendo Switch.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded Out Now
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded, a new tower defense game in the Metal Slug series, combines its classic 2D pixel art style with beginner-friendly controls. Players can assemble a team from hundreds of characters and engage in strategic battles through an engaging storyline. The game released on Nintendo Switch on Tuesday.
Darkest Dungeon 2 Comes To Switch Next Month
Darkest Dungeon 2, the sequel to the gothic roguelike RPG, is set to release on Nintendo Switch on July 15, 2024. Players can expect touch controls, customizable difficulty settings, the addition of 10 companion pets, and a new progression hub called The Altar of Hope. An Oblivion Edition will also be available, featuring The Binding Blade DLC with two new heroes and a special questline.
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports Announcement
Get ready for Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, where you can play arcade-style versions of basketball, soccer, golf, and tennis as iconic characters like Roadrunner, Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny, and more. Launching in autumn 2025 on Nintendo Switch, this game will take you to quirky locations such as Galactic Outpost Delta, Porky's Barn, and the Martian Command Center, complete with the full ACME arsenal at your disposal.
Stray Announcement for Nintendo Switch
Embark on a unique adventure as a cat in Stray, coming to Nintendo Switch this holiday season. Explore a long-forgotten cybercity and experience the world through the eyes of a cat, causing chaos and discovering the mysteries of this enchanting journey.
MIO: Memories in Orbit Announcement
Explore a hand-drawn world as MIO, an android navigating a derelict spaceship overrun with lush vegetation and rogue machines in MIO: Memories in Orbit. Coming to Nintendo Switch in 2025, this Metroidvania promises a visually stunning adventure.
New Crewmate and Imposter Roles Added To Among Us In Latest Update
Among Us introduces new features in its latest update, including the Tracker crewmate with map-tracking abilities, a Noisemaker to alert players of eliminations, and a Phantom Imposter who can vanish. This update, featuring new roles for crewmates and imposters alike, launched on Tuesday.
Just Dance 2025 Comes To Nintendo Switch This October
Just Dance 2025 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in October 2024, featuring 40 new songs and a range of dance challenges. Artists like Ariana Grande, Enur, and Sia will be featured, adding to the hundreds of songs available in the game.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Launch Date Announced
Get ready to solve mysteries alongside Miles Edgeworth in the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, coming to Nintendo Switch on September 6, 2024. This collection includes remasters of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit, the latter of which will be available in English for the first time.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
Embark on an oceanic adventure with Marona and her Phantom companion Ash in Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, a grid-less tactical turn-based game set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2025. Join Marona as she uses her unique ability to communicate with Phantoms to solve puzzles and battle ghost pirates across the world of Ivoire.
Farmagia: Monster Combat and Farming Adventure
Prepare for an adventure in Felicidad, where Hiro Mashima's creative vision meets monster combat and farming simulation in Farmagia. Set to release on November 1, 2024, this game invites players to cultivate their army of monsters to overthrow a tyrannical overlord and restore peace to the realm.
Defending The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy - A New Era for Danganronpa Fans
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy brings a fresh twist for Danganronpa fans, immersing players as Takumi Sumino in a battle against School Invaders. Scheduled for an early 2025 release, this game promises an engaging narrative where Takumi and 15 companions fight to reclaim their ordinary lives from adorable yet perilous bear aliens.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven - A Remake for Generations
Prepare to rule and expand your empire in Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a full remake featuring English voiceovers, original compositions by Kenji Ito, and strategic turn-based battles. Launching October 24, 2024, it promises an epic journey to defeat tainted heroes and protect your realm.
Fairy Tail 2: The Final Chapter Unfolds
Experience the epic conclusion of the "Alvarez Empire" arc in Fairy Tail 2, an action-RPG from KOEI Tecmo and Gust. Join Natsu and friends in collaborative real-time battles as they face their ultimate challenge. Coming to Switch this winter 2024, it promises a dramatic retelling of Fairy Tail's final chapter.
The New Denpa Men: Scouring Radio Waves
Embark on a quirky adventure in The New Denpa Men, where you'll explore radio waves to find and collect small creatures. Arriving July 22, 2024, on Nintendo Switch, this unique game offers island decoration, fishing, mini-games, and more for a whimsical experience.