Nintendo’s Yoshiaki Koizumi took the virtual stage once again this Wednesday, September 13, to host a new Nintendo Direct focused on the 3DS and Switch platforms. The head of entertainment planning and development at the video game powerhouse went over already announced titles and new games.
Six months into the Nintendo Switch’s tenure as the company’s current home console, we have seen some good signs for the future, while others remain missing. For instance, Nintendo reps have yet to talk about the entertainment side of things, clearing out the platform’s capability to support streaming services.
However, what Nintendo does best is making games, so rest assured they have covered those grounds. Here are all the announcements coming to the 3DS and the Switch revealed at the latest Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo 3DS: Pokémon, Mario, Metroid, and more
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon kicked off the direct with some new details about the main series sequel. Koizumi showed off Necrozma’s fusions with Solgaleo and Lunala, and how it will play a role in the game later on. UB Burst will be a new Ultra Beast exclusive to Sun while UB Assembly will come to Moon.
There are also going to be new areas to explore and in which to find Pokémon, as well as new clothing styles and accessories. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will even change the way in which you first encounter your starter partner.
Among other Pokémon-related news, the Gold and Silver versions of the game debut this September 22 on the Virtual Console and they are available for preorder. Getting either copy comes with a gift Celebi for players of Sun, Ultra Sun, Moon, and Ultra Moon upon launch.
Following up with the classics, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga+ Bowser’s Minions is a remake of the GBA port scheduled for release on October 6. The game will feature updated 2D graphics and Amiibo compatibility.
Kirby: Battle Royale will bring online battles and different multiplayer modes to the world of Kirby on January 19. There will also be a story mode. Meanwhile, Yo-kai Watch will finally get an English port titled Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters, which will include more features for franchise fans on September 29.
Layton’s Mystery Journey is eyeing a worldwide release for October 6, while Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney will debut in November. Also on November 10, Mario Party: The Top 100 will bring the 100 best mmini-gamesof the series to the 3DS, and Metroid: Samus Returns will finally hit this Friday, September 15.
The Alliance Alive, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, and Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth were all teased, while Minecraft New Nintendo 3DS Edition was confirmed as available right now. A New Nintendo 2DS XL in orange and white is coming on October 6 as well.
Nintendo Switch: Super Mario Odyssey, updates, and new IPs
The Nintendo Direct started with some extended Xenoblade Chronicles 2 footage and gameplay details, including a closer look at the world of Alrest and the titan empires that inhabit it. Players will be Drivers with support Blades, which in turn will have different classes you’ll have to balance in battle. It hits December 1.
Later on, Koizumi-san introduced Project Octopath Traveler by Square Enix. This HD2D RPG adventure has a unique graphic and gameplay style, letting players choose one of eight characters and embark on a quest that they’ll need to solve their own way. Battle mechanics and commands are also hybrid styles.
While this is a work in progress up to the title, we saw some definitive footage of upcoming games as well. Fire Emblem Warriors comes out this October 20, Rocket League Switch this holiday, Morphies Law this winter, Skyrim this November 17, and Pokkén Tournament DX on September 22.
Arena of Valor is another new IP that is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. A MOBA style game a la League of Legends, it features 35 different heroes of seven different classes. Different game modes will also be available in a free beta launching this winter.
Unannounced titles for the Switch revealed during the Direct include Dragon Quest Builders for Spring 2018, Doom this holiday season, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus in 2018, and Arcade Archives Mario Bros. on September 27. NBA 2K18 and FIFA 18 come out this month, while WWE 2K18 hits next year.
Splatoon 2, Flip Wars, Snipperclippers, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and ARMS will all get updates coming soon or available today. Kirby for Switch is now officially titled Kirby: Star Allies and it comes to the hybrid console next spring.
Square Enix, SEGA, Capcom, and Rockstar Games all have titles coming out before the end of the year, and the Nintendo eShop will be updated with new games over the next couple of months including Battle Chef Brigade, Super Meat Boy Forever, and more.
Last but not least, Super Mario Odyssey is still coming on October 27, and we got to see some new kingdoms and ways in which to use Cappie. Koizumi described more in detail how to collect power moons for the Odyssey, which you can also decorate now.
There will be a snapshot mode to take screenshots of the game, and you can edit them right on the Switch and export them to social media or use as wallpapers. A themed edition of the console will come bundled with the game on launch date and include a case for the portable screen.
Source: Nintendo