Str8JaktJimIn what has become an annual event, the September Nintendo Direct aired last night. Packed full of gaming goodness, let’s have a look at what the Big N have in store for us!
Nintendo Direct Staples
The Nintendo Direct kicked off with more footage from the upcoming Splatoon 3 DLC, Side Order. In a very stark environment, the Inklings meet Acht and infiltrate the Spire of Order. Strengthen your characters abilities in this single player campaign. Side Order is planned to release in Q2 2024.
In a pleasant surprise for me, the Mario Vs Donkey Kong series is making a return. While not the March of the Minis series I loved from the DS, the latest game returns to its roots. Donkey Kong has stolen the Mini-Mario toys and Mario must get them back! Mario Vs Donkey Kong releases on the 16th February 2023.
Returning Classics
When it was announced, Prince of Persia – The Lost Crown immediately drew my eye. Returning to its 2D roots, this update of the classic franchise introduces a ton of amazing platforming along with intriguing combat. Prince of Persia – The Lost Crown releases on the 18th January 2024.
More footage of Super Mario RPG was shown off. Along with returning staples, the Nintendo Direct showed off new features. Now timing attacks with Action Commands perfectly will damage all enemies. Timed Action Commands will build up the Action Gauge that allows Mario and his friends to unleash a powerful Triple Move. Super Mario RPG releases on the 17th November.
Prince of Persia isn’t the only retro series making a comeback. Tomb Raider returns in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. This remaster features the first three Tomb Raider games plus their expansion content. The Tomb Raider Remaster launches digitally on the 18th January 2024.
More From Previous Nintendo Directs
Back in June Nintendo teased a new Princess Peach game. Now we know that title to be Princess Peach: Showtime!. Peach and her Toads are attending a show at the Sparkle Theatre when Grape and the Sour Bunch crash the stage. It’s up to Peach to save the play! Using different roles, Peach can transform into a swordfighter, a detective, a pâtissier and more to defeat the Sour Bunch. Princess Peach: Showtime! releases on the 22nd March 2024.
More of Detective Pikachu Returns was shown next in the Nintendo Direct. Can Detective Pikachu and his Partner Tim find Tim’s dad? Detective Pikachu Returns releases on the 6th October 2023.
Interesting New Titles
Ten teams of three will face off in new battle royale game BATTLE CRUSH. This fast paced brawling title launches in Q2 2024 with a closed beta in October.
Joining the likes of Tetris 99 and Mario 99 is F-Zero 99. Race against other players to claim first spot. Your power meter is key but watch out! It will decrease if you crash. Players can use their power meter for a speed boost but if the meter runs out it’s game over. F-Zero 99 is available exclusively for active Nintendo Switch Online members now.
League of Legends has two new titles on the way: the story driven Song of Nunu and the crafting RPG Bandle Tale. Song of Nunu launches on the 1st November 2023 while Bandle Tale releases in 2024.
Indie hit Dave The Diver splashes onto the Switch. Explore the deep sea and manage a sushi bar in this casual, single player RPG. Dave The Diver releases on the 26th October 2023)
Show Cappers
The final wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC was revealed. Booster Course Pass Wave 6 showed off new track Daisy Circuit (Mario Kart Wii) and characters Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline and Peachette. Launching is early 2024 for active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members for free or via paid DLC.
As the Nintendo Direct is want to do, a surprise was left until the end. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is getting the remaster treatment! Originally a GameCube title, the second Paper Mario game will be launching for the Switch in 2024.
The Nintendo Direct Has More
There was a lot more shown off in this Nintendo Direct. Check out other titles coming to the Switch in the near future.
- Horizon Chase 2 (Now)
- Super Crazy Rhythm Castle (14th November 2023)
- SPYxANYA: Operation Memories (2024)
- Another Code: Recollection (19th January 2024)
- SaGa Emerald Beyond (2024)
- Trombone Champ (Now)
- Wartales (Now)
- Contra: Operation Galuga (2024)
- Unicorn Overlord (8th March 2024)
- Luigi’s Manion 2 HD (2024)
- Wario Ware: Move It! (3rd November 2023)
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (23rd April 2024)
- Eastward: Octopia DLC (2024)
- Wargroove 2 (5th October 2023)
- Among Us Fungle Map (October 2023)
Chris Inglis
