Nintendo Direct was streamed this morning (5th September), sharing details of new games for its Switch console and announcing high-profile upcoming titles. New software add-ons are also upgraded to its Switch Online subscription service.
Here is what you need to know from today’s Nintendo Direct!
▍New Animal Crossing: New Horizons Revealed Gameplay
Players got their first glimpse at Animal Crossing: New Horizons with a new trailer revealed during the live event. Although new additions can be found to the Animal Crossing franchise, like the island’s Resident Services building, crafting mechanics, and 8-player online multiplayer, the heart of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will remain familiar with the series.
The game is scheduled for release March 20, 2020.
▍Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Confirmed for Nintendo Switch
Classic JRPG Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is announced for Switch and is scheduled to release sometime in 2020.
Xenoblade Chronicles first released on the Wii in Japan in 2010, making its way to other countries over the next two years. A spiritual successor, Xenoblade Chronicles X, released on the Wii U in 2015. A true sequel, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
Although the gameplay of the new game is not yet confirmed, a little hint is hidden in the newly released trailer.
▍Overwatch: Legendary Edition Released Next Month on Nintendo Switch
Blizzard’s massively popular hero-based online shooter Overwatch is finally coming to Nintendo Switch on 16th October. New hero Baptiste and Sigma will also appear in this edition.
▍Luigi’s Mansion 3 Reveals New Mode
A few new floors is revealed in Luigi’s Mansion 3, including Tomb Suites, a neon-lit disco hall and a pirate-themed restaurant. A new competitive multiplayer mode allows 2-8 players to compete in a battle to capture the most ghosts, with the teams being split by Luigi and Gooigi as the playable characters.
▍Free-to-start Super Kirby Clash Now Available on Switch
A new Kirby game called Super Kirby Clash is already available on Nintendo Switch and it is free to start!
The game supports Up to four players as a team, with each taking on a specific role. Players fight a number of boss battles while crafting weapons and spending materials to buy new gear. It includes over 100 quests and can be downloaded freely on Nintendo Eshop.
▍Trials of Mana Remake Coming to Switch
As one of the most beloved RPG’s of the 16-bit era, Secret of Mana is at the top of many RPG fans’ best-of lists. The follow-up, known as Seiken Densetsu 3 in Japan, was released in 1995, but never saw a global release.
Square Enix brings good news with the release of an all-new remake of the game under the name Trials of Mana. The classic RPG will be arriving on Nintendo Switch in April of 2020.The game will be recreated with 3D animation and the battle system is also being rethought, adding evades, jumps, and combos.
▍Little Town Hero Gets a Release Date
Pokémon games’ publisher Game Freak brings its newest game, Little Town Hero, to Nintendo Switch on October 16, 2019. It’s a single-player role-playing game that uses strategy and a challenging battle system. It was also revealed that Toby Fox, the creator of the indie hit, Undertale, is the main composer for Little Town Hero’s music.
▍Terry Bogard Joins the All-star Lineup of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo revealed the next fighter joining the line-up for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch: Terry Bogard from the classic SNK fighting series Fatal Fury. Previously announced Banjo will be available later today. Terry, meanwhile, is expected to launch in November.
▍The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Showoff Gameplay Trailer
A gameplay trailer is revealed for the remastered version of The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. The new Chamber Dungeon mode allows you to customize your labyrinth.
▍New Pokemon Sword and Shield Features
The newest instalments of Pokémon, Sword and Shield, will have some pretty detailed character customization options, which allows players to create your look from head to toe.
A new feature, Camp, which allows you and your Pokémon to spend some time in the wilderness. You’ll be able to play with a handful of Pokémon in this 3D environment, waving toys and showing them affection.
You can even make over 100 different curry recipes, while different curries will give various bonuses to your gang of Pokémon.
▍Original Game Deadly Premonition 2 Coming to Switch
A sequel to 2010’s cult favorite Deadly Premonition is on its way and it will be released on Nintendo Switch. Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise was announced with a brief trailer.
The sequel will follow FBI agent Aaliyah Davis as she investigates an old serial killer case in Boston. Aaliyah’s new case also has a connection to a 14-year-old case in New Orleans that was investigated by FBI agent Francis York Morgan, the protagonist of the first game. Players will control both characters, as their stories intersect and reveal clues about each other’s cases.
▍Other Remasters and title Announced
■ Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore, released on 17th January, 2020
■ The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition, released on 17th October, 2019
■ Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, spring, 2020
■ Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games 2020, released on 1st November
■ Tetris 99, Release date unconfirmed