We announced earlier that Nintendo would be releasing another Nintendo Direct video. Man is this update jam-packed full of goodies! We watched the full 34:22-minute video so you don’t have to!
Firstly, let’s start off with a list of the main announcements so you know where to jump to:
- 3DS News
- WarioWare Gold
- Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
- Detective Pikachu
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Nintendo Switch News
- Kirby Star Allies
- Okami HD
- Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido
- Octopath Traveler
- Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
- Dark Souls: Remastered
- Mario Tennis Aces
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Undertale
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
- Little Nightmares Complete Edition
- South Park: The Fractured But Whole
- Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
- ARMS
- Splatoon 2
- Super Smash Bros. ????
- My Nintendo News
Now that you know what’s coming up, let’s jump right in, shall we?
3DS
WarioWare Gold
WarioWare Gold will bring 300 microgames to the 3DS for you to enjoy. As mentioned in the announcement, it’ll be the “most jam-packed game in the series yet”.
The game will feature various control schemes across its hundreds of games:
- Button input (of course)
- Tilt input
- Touchscreen input
- Microphone input
WarioWare launches on the 7th July 2018.
Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers
Another new game coming to the 3DS is Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers. Nintendo describes it as an “action meets tower defence” game.
In the game, you get to team up with Dillon with a specially animalised version of your Mii character
The game will launch on the 25th of May 2018.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
This 2009 Nintendo DS game is now coming to coming to the 3DS.
The game will be launched sometime in 2019.
Detective Pikachu
Of course, we covered this particular game earlier. In today’s announcements, the game has been given a confirmed release date. The game will also be available for pre-purchase ahead of the final launch date.
Detective Pikachu and its promotional extra large amiibo both launch on the 23rd of March 2018.
Luigi’s Mansion
Hell yeah! Luigi’s Mansion is heading to the 3DS! The game is a remake of the classic Nintendo Cube game. You’ll be able to explore the mansion from Luigi’s Mansion 2 where Mario went missing.
There will also be a new boss rush mode.
No specific release date has been provided but it’s coming out sometime in 2018.
Nintendo Switch
Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies is finally arriving next week! As stated in the announcement, “fan favourite characters can become Kirby’s friends”. Some of these friends include:
- King Dedede
- Meta Knight
- Bandana Waddle Dee
Of course, more dream friends will be added after the game has been launched. More specifically, the first update will include the following friends:
- Rick, Kine & Coo
- Marx
- Gooey
Kirby Star Allies launches on the 16th March 2018 and the first free game update is on the 28th March 2018.
Nintendo also announced that a free demo of the game will be available for you to try out the game!
Okami HD
Okami is coming to Switch! The original game was first released in 2006. With the title being released on Nintendo Switch, it will make use of the system’s features in a couple of different ways:
- Use the touchscreen mode while playing in handheld mode
- Use the JoyCons while playing in TV or tabletop mode
No specific date was given for its release but expect it to launch in mid-2018. (FYI: They say, “Summer 2018” but obviously this applies only to the Northern hemisphere. Guys, people live Down Under too, you know ????)
Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido
Personally, I don’t even know what to make of this game but hey, it’s Japan. Here’s a description of the game from Nintendo themselves:
Musashi must wage all-out conveyer belt sushi battles to defeat The Empire and topple its sushi monopoly
In terms of how you play the game, your character eats sushi to pile up plates of matching colours. You can then throw these collections of plates at your opponent in order to defeat them.
The coolest part of this game, of course, is its online multiplayer mode. TBH, I’d love to see this game being played competitively on stage just to see the sushi flinging goodness.
Sushi Striker launches on both the Switch and 3DS on the 8th of June 2018.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is a mixed HD-2D RPG featuring pixel sprites over a high definition backdrop. Two new main characters from the game were announced:
- Tress (merchant): Her speciality is buying items from NPCs that other characters don’t have access to
- Alfyn (apothecary): His speciality is scoping out information from NPCs that other characters don’t pick up
In addition to two new characters, information about the job system was announced. While characters start out with a basic job, they will also be able to equip an additional job.
Also, in addition to the standard edition of the game, you’ll be able to buy the special edition. The Special Edition includes:
- A pop-up book that includes all 8 playable characters and information about them and their places of origin
- An adventure map
- A replica coin of the in-game currency
Octopath Traveler launches on the 13th of July 2018. On launch, you’ll be able to purchase either the standard edition or the special edition. You’ll be able to buy soundtrack at a later date.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
Travis Strikes Again is an interesting game. It’s not just one game but a combination of 7 games including an action game, a racing game and a puzzle game. Each game also has its own boss at the end. For funsies, this is how Nintendo describes its storyline:
The legendary gaming console, the Death Driver Mk II: Travis Touchdown wanders into the game world and embarks on a rampage of epic proportions
In the game, you play as Travis. Travis enters the Death Driver Mk II (literally) and gets involved in various virtual adventures. By the looks of it, the game is very Tron-inspired. One could argue it’s also a bit reminiscent of Ready Player One ????.
Other than the game’s colourful multi-game features and plotline, you and a friend will be able to play co-op multiplayer using a JoyCon each. In addition to the multiple games, there’s also a main adventure/story mode.
Travis Strikes Again launches sometime in 2018.
Dark Souls: Remastered
Dark Souls: Remastered is coming to the Switch. Nintendo announced a few interesting bits of news about the game:
- There will be a network test before launch so players can test game
- You’ll be able to buy a Solaire of Astora amiibo (with Praise the Sun gesture)
Dark Souls on Switch will be available on the 25th of May 2018. The Solaire of Astora amiibo will also be available on the same day as the game launch.
Mario Tennis Aces
Mario Tennis Aces looks like it’ll be a super awesome tennis game for the Switch. You’ll be able to play over 15 different characters. Each of these characters, of course, will have their own distinct features.
Different in-game shots
The game features a variety of shots. Here’s the summary of each of them and their in-game mechanics:
- Basic shots: Basic, Topspin, Slice, Lob
- Zone Shots: Pinpoint where you want to aim at using motion controls. If your racket is hit, it’ll take damage. 3 hits and your racket breaks = instant KO. Stop zone shots with blocks
- Zone speed: Slo-mo mode. Zone speed is an easier way to block zone shots. Use this and zone shots by using energy gauge (fills up over time)
- Trick shots: Jump over to catch a distant ball. Successful trick shots fill up your energy gauge
- Special shots: Eats up a lot of energy. May destroy opponent rackets in one hit. These can also be blocked by players.
If you’re finding the shot system a bit complicated, the game also comes with a Simple rules mode. In this mode, you can use basic shots only.
Multiplayer features
Another exciting feature of Mario Tennis Aces is its multiplayer gameplay. You can play with up to 4 people on a single system. In addition, you’ll also be able to play online multiplayer games:
- Play with friends or others
- Play in events and online tournaments which will be held frequently. Matchmaking will be based on your gameplay record during the event
- Grab participation bonuses: Playing online multiplayer gives you access to special outfits or additional characters
JoyCon features
For those of you who are familiar with the Switch, you’ll know that the JoyCon has awesome motion detection features. The best part is that you’ll be able to use your JoyCons to swing in the game. It’s a good way to get moving while playing the game!
Story Mode
If you thought all of the above wasn’t enough game content, you’ll be excited to know about Story Mode. Story Mode is a single-player option that allows you to go on various missions/campaigns and learn more about the game’s background story.
Mario Tennis Aces launches on the 22nd June 2018. Ahead of the launch, there will also be a pre-launch online tournament. You’ll be able to try out the game before it’s out during this event!
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Here is how Nintendo describes what you do in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker:
Explore a variety of tricky sandbox-style levels inspired by Japanese box gardens
From the trailer, the game reminds me of PEZ in how it’s a 3D-perspective puzzle game. You can use the touchscreen to rotate the camera and see different parts of the level.
What’s cool about Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is that it includes Super Mario Oddysey levels. You’ll be able to explore locales from a variety of kingdoms.
Of course, the game isn’t single-player only. You can also play using the 2-player multiplayer mode. In the mode:
- You use a JoyCon each
- Either you or your friend controls Captain Toad
- The other player can do turn-of-cover fire
In addition to the Nintendo Switch edition, the game is also coming to the 3DS. The 3DS version will feature:
- 3D visuals
- Touchscreen controls
The game will launch on both the Switch and the 3DS on the 13th of July 2018
Undertale
“Coming… Eventually” is all we got from today’s Nintendo Direct announcement. Hopefully, they’ll release more info about the game soon.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot is coming to a Nintendo system for the very first time. It’ll feature over 100 platform levels where you can play as either Crash or Coco. It’s exciting to see this game coming out on a new system.
You’ll be able to grab the N. Sane Trilogy on the 10th of July 2018
Little Nightmares Complete Edition
Little Nightmares is a puzzle platformer with complex 3D puzzles to master. Nintendo describes it as:
Acharmingly horrific adventure like no other
In the game, you have the option of playing as 2 different characters and follow their stories. One of these characters is called Six and the other is called “the Kid”. The game has 8 chapters and includes all past DLC.
One cool feature of the game is for those of you with Pacman amiibos. If you tap your Pacman amiibo figure, you’ll be able to grab an exclusive in-game “Pacu” mask for your character.
Little Nightmares launches on the 18th of May 2018.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
South Park is coming to the Switch! What is this? It’s pretty fantastic, I say. You’ll be able to play this “outrageously offensive superhero adventure” anywhere using the Switch.
All past DLC for the game will be available for purchase individually or as part of a season pass. Here are the upcoming DLCs:
- 1: Danger Deck
- 2: From Dusk Till Casa Bonita
- 3: Bring the Crunch (includes additional story) (available later 2018)
South Park: The Fractured But Whole (hee hee) will be available on the Switch on the 24th of April 2018. DLC Packs 1 and 2 will also be available on launch date.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Hyrule Warriors was first available on the Wii U back in 2014. This year, it’ll be making its way to the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo announced today that the game will be available on the 8th of May 2018. ????
ARMS
On the 31st of March 2018, Nintendo is hosting another 3-day Global Testpunch. You’ll be able to play ARMS for free during the Testpunch!
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2’s European Championship is coming!:
Europe’s best Splatoon 2 teams will splat it out for ultimate glory at the Splatoon European Championship finals at Polymanga 2018 in Switzerland on the 31st of March
In addition to the tournament, a special virtual concert will be happening. It’ll feature Pearl and Marina who’ll be accompanied by a live band.
Won’t be able to make either the tournament or the concert? No worries! You’ll be able to watch the tournament and concert live on YouTube.com/NintendoUK.
Excitingly, Version 3.0 of Splatoon 2 is coming soon. Here’s what’s coming up in Version 3.0:
- 100 new pieces of gear
- More stages: Piranha Pit, Camp Triggerfish, Wahoo world
- Rank X: Higher than S+. More details to come soon on this new rank
Octo Expansion DLC
Octo Expansion is a single-player DLC where you play as a new Octoling character called Agent 8. Here is a list of features:
- Set in a subterranean testing facility world connected by a subway train
- 80 testing facilities
- Variety of missions for Agent 8
- New stories that shed light on beloved characters
- Escape the underground to join multiplayer battles
The DLC will be available in mid-2018. When you buy the DLC, you’ll also be able to grab bonus gear.
Super Smash Bros.
Above: My face when I saw the Super Smash Bros. teaser.
Of course, the only hint we got about the game is that it’s coming sometime in 2018. I’m super keen to know more. This blurry shot of the playable characters wasn’t enough for me:
If you squint hard enough, you might be able to make out more characters (other than Mario, Zelda and maybe some Splatoon guys):
Check out the teaser here:
My Nintendo
My Nintendo Gold Points can be redeemed on select digital purchases
Choose to use points during checkout on Nintendo website or Nintendo eShop
Watch the Nintendo Direct video
Well, if all of the above wasn’t enough summarised info for you, you can always watch the video below. Hopefully, you were able to find all the tidbits you were looking for. Here’s to another exciting Nintendo Direct announcement!
