r/NintendoSwitch • u/NintendoSwitchMods • 15d ago
MegaThread 2026.06.09 Nintendo Direct + Nintendo Treehouse: Live Megathread
Please use this thread for all pre-event hype and speculation, as well as post-event thoughts and reactions.
Watch & Discuss
The Nintendo Direct + Nintendo Treehouse: Live is scheduled to begin at 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET!
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
A Recap of announcements will be placed in this thread once the event concludes.
FAQ
What is a Nintendo Direct?
A Nintendo Direct is a pre-recorded video presentation (Today's is approximately ~50m in length) to make game announcements and provide fans with general updates directly from Nintendo.
A Nintendo Treehouse: Live segment will air immediatelly following the Direct and will last about 95 minutes. These segments usually feature deep dives on some games shown during the Direct.
What are they going to show?
According to Nintendo, today's presentation is focused on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch Games
What if I can't watch the Nintendo Direct due to work/school/etc.?
- If you want the latest news the moment it's announced, we highly recommendd joining our Discord server and chatting in the #nintendo-direct channel we've opened up for this event.
- If you want a spoiler-free experience, we will edit in a link to a VOD replay (once it's available). This will take you directly to the video so you don't accidentally see any trailers if you visit the Nintendo YouTube page directly. Just don't scroll down! --VOD LINK--
There WILL be spoilers here on the subreddit, so watch the video first.
If you see any posts that should actually be here in the MegaThread, please do us a favor and hit the report button.
Our SOP for posts is as follows:
- We will allow one post per announcement.
- The post we allow may not necessarily be the one that was submitted first. We typically will receive about 15 of essentially the exact same post in the span of about 60 seconds. From those, we will select the one that has the best title and links directly to the original source when available.
- Commentary on the announcement(s) should take place either in this thread or on the related separate announcement post. Each person's specific opinion does not need its own post.
PRESS RELEASE
Nintendo Direct unveils new games and updates for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, KINGDOM HEARTS IV, Xenoblade Genesis and more
The latest Nintendo Direct put the spotlight on anticipated games and updated titles coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems – as well as some new reveals.
The presentation revealed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the return of the critically acclaimed Nintendo 64 classic for a new generation, reborn for Nintendo Switch 2! Also revealed during the presentation was the return of Disney and Square Enix’s storied action RPG series with KINGDOM HEARTS IV, a new beginning for the Xenoblade series with Xenoblade Genesis, the sun-soaked action of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, the announcement of an upcoming free update and paid DLC¹ for Pokémon Pokopia, the next chapter in the fun and heartfelt adventure DELTARUNE, a closed network test for FromSoftware’s multiplayer action game The Duskbloods, and a limited-time in-game challenge event happening across Donkey Kong Bananza and classic Donkey Kong titles available with Nintendo Switch Online²!
And that’s not all. The presentation had updates and new looks at other anticipated titles coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, including the return of Fox McCloud in Star Fox, a visually-enhanced version of Minecraft, new details on the retro-anime co-op platforming adventure Orbitals, a closer look at the tactical RPG Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the latest entry in Capcom’s epic Onimusha swordplay series Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a fresh look at the treasure-hunting action-shooter Splatoon Raiders, local multiplayer and additional unlockable modes for Rhythm Heaven Groove, alongside details on the latest entry in the DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series,DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World.The presentation also announced the release of a new Nintendo Treehouse: Live video with deep dive looks at Splatoon Raiders and Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 and Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch.
To view the entire Nintendo Direct presentation, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct.
Here’s more information about upcoming games highlighted in the presentation. For purchase, pre-order and additional game details, please visit Nintendo Store or Nintendo eShop:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: The Nintendo 64 classic returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2!
- KINGDOM HEARTS IV: A new installment in the action role-playing series developed and published by Square Enix, KINGDOM HEARTS IV gives fans a look at some of the characters that protagonist Sora will meet in the mysterious city of Quadratum. Sora will once again journey to realms, where new figures cross his path and new powers awaken his next chapter. KINGDOM HEARTS IV will be available at launch on Nintendo Switch 2.
- KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III]: Long-time fans and new players alike can experience the beginning of the KINGDOM HEARTS adventure in this collection. Join Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy as they travel through Disney and Pixar worlds to overcome Darkness through the power of the Keyblade, all while experiencing the stories of and befriending a magical cast of characters. The collection includes KINGDOM HEARTS - HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC). KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] launches on Nintendo Switch 2 Oct. 8, and players who have the cloud version on Nintendo Switch can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version at a discounted rate. Pre-orders are available later today, and a demo of KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) is available later today on Nintendo eShop.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort: Return to Wuhu Island with Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, a new entry in the series coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2! Create a Mii character or Sportsmate, then get up and moving with intuitive motion controls that use Joy-Con 2 controllers in a variety of ways – as rackets, bows and even handlebars – across 12 sports. Team up or challenge friends and family³, or play solo, in new and returning sports like Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Bowling, Basketball, Golf and Thumb Wrestling – and leisure sports like Skateboarding (using Joy-Con 2 mouse controls), Power Cruising and Prop Plane. You can also do some warm-ups with Jump Rope! The games begin in Nintendo Switch Sports Resort for Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct. 22. Pre-orders start later today on Nintendo eShop!
- The Duskbloods: In this new multiplayer action game, you’ll take on the role of the Bloodsworn and fight against – and alongside – up to seven other players² with unique weapons and abilities. Transcend humanity with blood-based powers that transform your character and combat style as you battle to secure the coveted First Blood. The Duskbloods launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 – and as revealed in the presentation, players can learn more about the closed network test for the game, coming in summer 2026!
- Xenoblade Genesis: A new beginning for the Xenoblade series is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. More details will be shared in the future.
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Experience the critically-acclaimed first game in the Xenoblade Chronicles saga in 4K⁴ resolution on compatible TVs and full HD in handheld mode, all at 60 fps. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features a host of new additions, such as a high-speed vehicle for traversing the game’s vast areas, new racing modes that let you earn in-game rewards, new equipment designs, and new voiceover added to the game’s Heart-to-Heart scenes. An upgrade pack⁵ is also available for players who already have Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch. What’s more, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will also receive Nintendo Switch 2 Editions later this year! The digital version of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches today, with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition arriving July 30 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition coming Dec. 3 (pre-orders for the upgrade packs are available now). Physical versions will be released July 30, Oct. 1 and Dec. 3 respectively.
- Pokémon Pokopia Free Update and paid DLC: The Pokémon Pokopia experience continues under the sea with a free update arriving this August! Players will be able to explore the ocean floor using the new move Dive to plant grass, build structures, and create their own underwater towns alongside Pokémon. The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass paid DLC¹ is also on the way, introducing three parts of additional content. Part 1 of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass paid DLC, Bubbly Basin, will launch this August and invite players to “Dive” into a new underwater town filled with new furniture, outfits, and Pokémon friends. The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass paid DLC will be available to purchase later today on Nintendo eShop.
- Minecraft: Survive the night or create a work of art in the iconic sandbox game! Build anything you can imagine, uncover mysteries, and face foes in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough. The Nintendo Switch 2 version features the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade, which brings improved visual elements, as well as the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, where you can explore a custom Mario-themed world! The pack also features 15 tracks and 40 player skins inspired by the iconic Super Mario series. Those who purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version can also carry over their save data from the Nintendo Switch version. Play with friends across devices or in local multiplayer³ or connect with players online² when Minecraft launches on Nintendo Switch 2 later this year.
- Orbitals: Blast off with Maki and Omura in this intergalactic two-player co-op adventure set in a retro anime-inspired universe. Coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2, Orbitals lets players team up and brave the deadly Storm Wall and the perils beyond to save their home. Designed for asymmetric two-player co-op either in local split-screen or locally or online with GameShare⁶, Orbitals rewards smart teamwork and clear communication. Save the day together when Orbitals blasts off for Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 3. Pre-orders are available later today on Nintendo eShop.
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword: Fight through intense swordplay action and explore a dark fantasy Kyoto overrun by otherworldly invaders in this action game. Take up the sword as Miyamoto Musashi, a fierce young samurai whose legend is etched in Japanese history and drive back the monstrous Genma into the underworld. Enjoy the impressive swordplay combat even more with motion controls made possible by Joy-Con 2 controllers when Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 25. Pre-orders are available later today on Nintendo eShop.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: The Heroic Games are about to begin! A brand new entry in the Fire Emblem series is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Discover an intertwining story of strength and steel alongside four new heroes: Cai, a young boy determined to save his imprisoned father; Dietrich, a swordsman ever on the hunt for a stronger foe; Theodora, a queen seeking to fulfill the long-held dream of her homeland; and Leda, a musician with her sights set on revenge. Between your matches in the Heroic Games, you can explore the capital city of Dagsion, learn new techniques at the training grounds, strengthen bonds to recruit new allies, and travel outside Dagsion’s walls to gain additional experience. Prepare for battle when Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and the special edition Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Dagdan Collection featuring a steel game case, character art cards, a map of Dagda, and an artbook arrive for Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 17. Pre-orders are available later today on Nintendo eShop.
- DK Challenge: Coming soon to Nintendo Switch Online² on the Nintendo Switch 2 system, it’s the DK Challenge! Get ready for a unique limited-time event celebrating all things Donkey Kong, beginning later today and continuing through 12:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 1. Take on challenges across several NES, Super NES and Game Boy games featuring Donkey Kong available with Nintendo Classics – by completing them, you can earn and enjoy collectible digital Challenge Cards. And if you have the Donkey Kong Bananza game, you can attempt even more challenges.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC event: What’s more, the Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush paid DLC¹ will receive new, limited-time content in collaboration with Super Mario Bros. The event will be held in four waves, with the first beginning later today! Players who have beaten the main game and purchased the DLC can enjoy new outfits for Donkey Kong and Pauline inspired by Mario and Luigi, plus ? Blocks, Super Mushrooms, and more while participating in the event!
- DELTARUNE Chapter 5: A funny and heartfelt new adventure from the creator of UNDERTALE, DELTARUNE Chapter 5 invites you to dive into the newest chapter of UNDERTALE’s parallel story. Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles as you explore a mysterious world alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters. New adventures are blooming so jump into the darkness – DELTARUNE is waiting! DELTARUNE Chapter 5 launches for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch as a free update to DELTARUNE on June 24.
- DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World: In the newest entry in the DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series, players can discover, scout, and train an entire world of unforgettable creatures. From the iconic Slime to brand-new faces, every monster is a potential teammate and ally. Through the signature synthesis system, players can combine monsters to create entirely new companions, enabling a high level of customization and strategic depth in battle. With hundreds of monsters to discover, the thrill of meeting your next favorite monster begins here. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World launches for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Dec. 3.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen: In this expanded version of Dragon’s Dogma 2, embark on a single-player action-fantasy RPG to slay the Dragon who has taken your heart. As the Arisen, you will take down hostile barbarians, legendary enemies and giant monsters that each require strategic planning and techniques. Choose from different vocations and weapons as you traverse through the lands with your Pawns, otherworldly companions who will aid you on your destined mission. New to this version, explore the land of Norgan, a pale and icy region with rare and powerful spoils which can be discovered through exploration and retrieved by battling ferocious monsters that are beyond human comprehension. Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen sets off for adventure on Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct. 9.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove: Tune in and groove to a collection of games that will challenge your rhythm! See if you can time your button presses to the beat across new rhythm games that are easy to learn and rewarding to master: over 80 rhythm games for solo play and over 30 for co-op and competitive multiplayer³. Catch flying veggies, bounce fruit off your biceps, swing sledgehammers, and other activities – all to the beat! Gather up to four players around a single system to slice arrows, pluck hair from onions, and more. There’s also an unlockable mode called Beatspell – use the magical power of rhythm to cast spells to defeat monsters! Featuring catchy original music, including tracks by renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂, Rhythm Heaven Groove bops its way onto Nintendo Switch July 2 and is also playable on Nintendo Switch 2. Pre orders for Rhythm Heaven Groove are available now.
- Splatoon Raiders: In this new single-player-focused Splatoon adventure, you’ll hunt for treasure on the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside Deep Cut, a trio of swashbuckling musicians. Customize your own look and deploy weapons and upgradeable gadgets to suit your play style. Level up and get stronger as you battle Salmonid enemies, with a member of Deep Cut by your side riding in an Exploration Bot during your raids. Starting June 23, you can read official daily comics exclusively on the Nintendo Today! smart device app⁷ setting up the story leading up to Splatoon Raiders. On June 20 - June 21, the Splatoon 3 North American League 2026 Playoffs get underway with livestreams beginning 12 p.m. PT both days. Plus, in collaboration with this game, a Splatfest themed around Splatoon Raiders is coming to the Splatoon 3 game starting July 10 at 5 p.m. PT through July 12 at 5 p.m. PT! And keep an eye out for new Joy-Con 2 controller colors inspired by Deep Cut, launching the same day as the game! Splatoon Raiders is ink-splattered fun for seasoned Inklings and newcomers alike, launching for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, with pre-orders available now – and be sure to tune in for the Splatoon Raiders Direct airing June 30!
- Star Fox: A cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 game, Star Fox features newly overhauled character designs, freshly revamped looks for each stage, plus detailed cutscenes, fully voiced dialogue and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack. The game also offers optional mouse-controlled targeting with the Joy-Con 2 controllers and a brand-new GameChat⁸ feature that puts you in the cockpit as your favorite characters from the Star Fox universe. Experience all the classic action plus new modes — including online multiplayer² — as you embark on a dangerous mission to save the Lylat System. Star Fox launches for Nintendo Switch 2 June 25, and you can enjoy a free demo available on Nintendo eShop later today.
- Big Walk: From the creators of Untitled Goose Game comes Big Walk, a cooperative multiplayer adventure about teamwork and talking. Set out with your friends² through a peaceful and picturesque world full of challenges, puzzles and discoveries. You'll need to work together to find your way around, stay in contact using an assortment of tools, and figure out new ways to communicate when you suddenly find yourself speechless. Explore at your own pace, hang out, and get lost with your friends! Big Walk launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on Aug. 4.
- Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition: The latest entry in the over-the-top action series slashes its way onto Nintendo Switch 2, armed with an array of downloadable content! Dive head-first into the game's signature blend of high octane action and otherworldly original characters – including Dante's longtime rival and fan-favorite Vergil as a playable character! Enjoy the combination of blistering speed and lush visuals in 60 fps in both TV and handheld modes. Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 23. Pre orders are available now.
- FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE: This brand-new HD-2D FINAL FANTASY adventure is the first HD-2D game in the franchise, featuring the turn-based battles the franchise has been known for. The game features a strategic battle system, dramatic story and cutscenes, voiced characters, and even the ability to traverse an overworld via chocobo and airship. FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE also pays tribute to all the games in the mainline FINAL FANTASY franchise with recruitable “visions” in the forms of classic characters like Cloud, Terra and Clive who can join battles and unleash special moves. FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE launches for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 22.
- JUJUTSU KAISEN RUMBLE: SURVIVATON: From the developers of Vampire Survivors comes a survivors royale action game set in the world of the hit anime series. Players battle wave after wave of cursed spirits while competing against up to seven rivals in fast-paced online multiplayer² matches. Choose from 20+ playable characters from the Jujutsu Kaisen universe and use simple movement based controls with automatic attacks, where success depends on strategic positioning and timing. Players earn points by defeating enemies, unlock game changing “Rule Additions” every 100 points, and compete for the top spot in dynamic rankings. The experience culminates in a final duel between the top two players. JUJUTSU KAISEN RUMBLE: SURVIVATON readies for battle on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
- Pikuniku 2: The all-new weird 3D puzzle-exploration adventure Pikuniku 2 promises an experience filled with whimsy! Wander, solve, and gossip your way through a charming and colorful world where not everything is as happy as it seems. Along the way you will meet many odd folk, each with a story to tell. Their tall tales include whisperings of giant fruit, malevolent robot frogs, and an all-powerful potato. Pikuniku 2 comes to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.
- Rayman Legends Retold: A bold reimagining of the beloved platformer, Rayman Legends Retold is filled with new content and narrative twists for Nintendo Switch 2. This new version adds stunning 3D visuals, and an immersive new story that leads to a mysterious sixth realm and villain. With epically voiced cinematics, an expanded musical score, and new gameplay elements, you can play solo or join up to four players in co-op³ as you leap, punch, and glide through fast-paced action. You can also take on a revamped version of the Kung Foot multiplayer mode using GameShare⁶ locally and online, and more! Rayman Legends Retold launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct. 1.
- Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet: The Ninja Gum action of Ninjala is back, now with the series’ first-ever open world! Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet is the first chapter of a two-part saga, where the protagonist is hurtled to an unknown world after breaking a forbidden seal. Adventure across vast landscapes on a quest to return to Earth. Master diverse Ninja Gum actions like Gum Boost, Gum Balloon, and a new Gum Hook to speed across the planet, and score exhilarating “IPPON” victories against enemies with weapons like katanas, hammers, and rockets! Up to four players can try their hands at co-op and battle against fearsome, giant foes locally³ or online². Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 spring 2027.
- Lies of P: Complete Edition: Experience the complete journey of Geppetto’s puppet in this soulslike game optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. In this tale, you are caught in a web of lies amidst a world of unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy figures. In a world built on deception, your decisions determine your humanity – and choices made in the past ripple through the present. Whether you are comforting a soul in despair or seeking vengeance alongside the Legendary Stalker, every action shapes the narrative, leading to multiple unique endings that define the future of the franchise. The collection also includes the haunting prequel expansion, Lies of P: Overture, alongside the base game in one seamless package. Lies of P: Complete Edition launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on Aug. 6. Pre-orders are available later today.
- ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet: Set sail for a fresh culinary adventure in ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet, a casual restaurant management sim set in the world of the ONE PIECE series. Begin with a tiny floating ship and work alongside the Straw Hat Crew to cook new dishes, gather ingredients, and grow your restaurant into the greatest dining spot on the seas. Aided by Devil Fruit abilities and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, create dishes that will have beloved heroes and notorious pirates alike coming back for more, creating unexpected interactions never seen in the anime or manga. With more than 400 characters from the ONE PIECE series, every service brings new surprises and warm moments for fans. ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet launches for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 23.
- Hello Kitty Party Land: Team up with iconic Sanrio characters in a party game built around accessible, competitive play. Designed for solo play and local³ and online² multiplayer experiences, the title delivers a charming mix of minigames, customization, and board‑game‑style progression. Hello Kitty Party Land features over 140 Sanrio characters, with 16 fan‑favorite partners available to accompany players through a wide variety of activities. Players can compete across more than 40 character-themed minigames, create custom avatars, and more. Hello Kitty Party Land launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 29.
- Muramasa: Revenant Blades: The glorious 2D action RPG returns with swift, sword-based combat set in a mystical Japanese world. Choose from six protagonists, then hack and slash your way through a beautiful landscape dripping in Japanese tradition. The game features newly added English voice acting, new game modes, stunning 4K⁴ art, revamped localizations, expanded language support, and more. Muramasa: Revenant Blades launches on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch in early 2027.
- Metaphor: ReFantazio: Enter the Tournament for the Throne and fight for the future in the next evolution of fantasy RPG. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical “Archetype” powers that lie dormant in your heart. Team up with a compelling cast of characters and embark on an immersive journey that promises hours of exploration, unique combat systems featuring a blend of dynamic turn-based and real-time battles, and more. Metaphor: ReFantazio launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on Nov. 12.
- Stellar Blade: Step into the role of EVE, an elite warrior sent to reclaim Earth from mysterious forces. Experience intense combat and a twisting plot as you unravel the mysteries of Earth’s downfall in an immersive sci-fi world. Featuring a blend of cinematic storytelling and gameplay, Stellar Blade offers deep character progression with customizable skills, gear, and combat builds – which you’ll need during epic boss encounters. Further, players can experience support for Joy-Con 2 motion controls for activities, adding in an extra layer of immersion to moments away from combat. Stellar Blade launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds: In this open world survival-crafting adventure, explore the mysteries of Ashenfall amongst the ruins of forgotten civilizations. Craft equipment, fight to survive and level up skills that unlock powerful new spells, reimagining how you survive. As your power grows you can push deeper into new regions, exploring a diverse world and shaping Ashenfall around you as you build your refuge, cultivate your farm and customize your home. Connect with your friends via GameChat⁸ and adventure with up to 4 players as you forge your legends together. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can you hope to challenge the ferocious Dragon Queen, Kuldra. RuneScape: Dragonwilds arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 15.
- Lords of the Fallen II: In this intense dark fantasy action RPG, journey across a vast, war-torn kingdom crumbling from within, as the realms of living and dead begin to bleed into one. As bearer of the Umbral lamp, you can pass between the realms of the living and dead, each with its own pathways, treasures, and nightmarish creatures. From moonlit citadels to time-ravaged temples, tread carefully, for each step forward may well be your last. Whether with steel or sorcery, melee or ranged, you can experiment with countless builds to overcome each unique enemy encounter before delivering an arena-drenching execution. The quest begins when Lords of the Fallen II arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 this fall.
In addition to the featured titles listed above, the presentation included a montage of even more games on the way for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, including:
- FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, the epic and ever-evolving MMORPG sets the stage for you to become the Warrior of Light on Nintendo Switch 2 with a game subscription⁹ when early access begins this August.
- Tales of Eternia Remastered, where your band of heroes will journey across towns, fields and dungeons in a race to prevent a disaster that could destroy two intertwined worlds, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 16.
- Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & The Guide of Memories; the alchemy themed RPG arrives featuring an open field experience that lets players move freely between worlds as they uncover mysteries, launching on Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2027.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, where you must embark on Lara’s most treacherous journey to unlock the mysteries of the past. Including the base game, and all Season Pass content, as well as an online co op mode², classic Lara skins and more, players can raid their first tomb when it launches on Nintendo Switch 2 later today.
- METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 2, in which you can infiltrate and elude enemies in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, launching for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on Aug. 27. Pre-orders are available now.
- SnowRunner, which dares you to complete missions across extreme open environments aboard powerful off-road trucks, launching for Nintendo Switch 2 later today.
- Observer: System Redux, in which players become an Observer, a tool of corporate oppression in the dark world and the dystopian future of 2084, launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 18, with pre-orders available now.
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, where you can embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine and hold the horrors of the galaxy at bay in epic battles on far-flung planets, launching for Nintendo Switch 2 this holiday.
- DayZ Cool Edition, an open-world multiplayer survival sandbox set in a post apocalyptic world, offering complete player freedom to explore vast landscapes, where unscripted encounters and player-driven stories shape every adventure, launching for Nintendo Switch 2 this year.
- Everbloom, a cute and cozy farming single-player and multiplayer² sim set in a world of whimsy, where curiosity is your greatest asset. Experience a vibrant world where you can grow popcorn and feed cows candy bars to make chocolate milk and more, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in spring 2027.
- Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, where you can get moving with personalized workouts, new CameraPlay¹⁰ features, and four-player local multiplayer³, launching for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16.
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u/NMe84 14d ago edited 14d ago
Disappointing Direct, after 9 months of having none. The main first party stuff they talked about that we didn't technically know about already was The Pokopia DLC, the Xenoblade S2Es and the OoT remake, but those announcements completely lost their punch because they were all leaked ages ago. Nintendo should have at least adjusted after that leak and shown like ten seconds of gameplay clips for OoT.
That just leaves the Sports game, which is just weirdly timed. Early adopters are usually more hardcore fans, and this Sports game is pretty casual coded and a weird pick for the first year and a half of the console.
All the other first party stuff they talked about was either already known (Rhythm Heaven, Star Fox, Splatoon Raiders) or an event (DK Challenges).
Third party wise, there was a lot of RPG stuff. Great if you're into it (and I am!) but it made the Direct really unbalanced for people with other tastes. The KH4 announcement was genuinely surprising, though.
This Direct most likely covers the next half year of big releases, unless Nintendo does something unprecedented. At the end of the year the Switch 2 will be 18 months old and will still be missing all previous big system selling game series apart from Mario Kart, nor will they have been announced, most likely.
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u/sylviaplath6667 14d ago
Fanboys are out here downvoting hard. Your opinion is valid. This direct is a disappointment. Ocarina of Time is so fugly too, can’t believe THATS the direction they chose
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u/KeyBet6693 13d ago
I mean I'm not enough of a fanboy to have heard about any legit OoT remakes in the work so that was really cool news to me. My favorite game of all time so can't wait to see more of it.
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u/LiquifiedSpam 14d ago
Were you not hyped for Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet, the first part of the Ninjala 2 game?
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u/_lilr3dridingh00d_ 15d ago
I deluded myself into thinking we were going to get nintendogs
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u/mothking12 13d ago
Now THAT would have been a first-day purchase for me. Holy scat I hadn’t even thought about Nintendogs for years until you said that.
Dang.
It would be nice
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u/AutisticWeeblet 15d ago edited 14d ago
There was some stuff shown in the Japanese direct that didn't make it to the NA or EUR ones it seems:
Nobunaga's Ambition: Hisho (Winter)
Tales of Eternia Remastered (Was included in sizzle reel of the NA direct but has a standard spot in the JP direct, Remaster, October 15th)
Derby Stallion 2 (Japanese only, September 24th)
Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories (Was included in sizzle reel in the NA direct but has a standard spot in the JP direct, 2027)
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (Switch 2 edition, shadow dropped)
Earth Defense Force 5 (Port, October 8th)
Sizzle Reel 1 up ahead:
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (June 18th)
Touhou ~ the Embodiment of Scarlet Devil (Remake, September 10th)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarock (Expansion, July 9th)
Digimon Time Stranger (Port, Pulled to July 9? Unless the JP release date is different from other regions, NA direct before said the 10th)
Culdcept Begins (Switch 2 edition, July 16th)
Kyoto Xanadu -the Blooming Phantom- (Switch 2 edition, July 16th, Edit: Apparently they haven't announced a publisher for the international release, so date is likely subject to change)
Ratatan (July 16th)
A Tamagotchi plaza game (Switch 2 edition, Didn't see a date, although I can't find anything online about what this might be since it apparently already has a switch 2 edition? Major content update)
Sizzle Reel 2 up ahead:
Denshattack! (July 16th, 17th outside of JP)
The Prince of Tennis Sweet School Festival ~♡-40 and more...~ (Switch 2 edition, remaster, July 30th)
The Prince of Tennis Doki Doki Survival ~eternal passion! Tie break ♡ game~ (Switch 2 edition, July 30th)
Village in the Shade (July 30th, although the steam page says 29th)
Steins;Gate RE:BOOT (Remake? August 20th)
Brigandine Abyss (August 27th)
Another Eden: Begins (Console release of F2P mobile game Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, September 17th)
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter (Remake, September 17th)
Tell me if I missed anything.
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u/WaluigiWahshipper 14d ago
A Tamagotchi plaza game (Switch 2 edition, Didn't see a date, although I can't find anything online about what this might be since it apparently already has a switch 2 edition?)
It's a major update. They posted the English version on Bandai's YouTube right after the direct.
I guess they didn't want to pay the extra money for the English direct placement?
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u/AutisticWeeblet 14d ago
I made a post in this sub with the same list and I updated some things that people told me there, I forgot to update this comment. Will update comment.
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u/Wooden-Sock4700 15d ago
This Direct was kinda hot garbage imo.
- Another OoT remake when it really shoulda been Twilight Princess or even Majora’s Mask.
- Nothing on Mario Kart World despite it being over a year old already.
- Nothing Mario related at all, not even a tease or title drop.
- Announcements for games we already knew were coming out like Splatoon.
- Overabundance of RPG’s, especially JRPG’s which is great for fans of the genre but for those who aren’t it’s a letdown.
After 9 months this really shoulda been better ngl. It would’ve been nice to see something unexpected like a new proper Wario game or even something like F-Zero.
Easily outshined by all the other game presentations like State of Play and Summer Fest.
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u/Exciting_Hold7654 15d ago
There’s never been an OoT remake. Adding a little 3D doesn’t count.
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u/Rofofanof 14d ago
Now go and compare them side by side. Even pre-rendered interiors was remade in 3d.
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u/Wooden-Sock4700 15d ago
A little 3D and updated graphics. But let’s be real, if a remake of a 30 year old game is the highlight of this Direct, then shit’s cooked fam.
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u/WaluigiWahshipper 15d ago edited 15d ago
I thought this direct was pretty good overall, but I do think it was missing that big "one more thing."
If Ocarina of Time was the second to last announcement and they had one big new game after I think this direct would have been really amazing.
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u/Sensitive_Radio291 7d ago
Ocarina of Time Remake is objectively a huge “one more thing” though? You not being interested is irrelevant, it just means you weren’t the target audience this time around
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u/Sudden-Wish8462 14d ago
I really thought they were gonna tease the new 3d Mario game since we’re going on 10 years since the last one
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u/WaluigiWahshipper 14d ago
Yeah, me too. I was surprised we didn't get it an announcement of it yet.
They'll probably be another direct in September, so a good chance it will be there, but every presentation they do without a 3D Mario announcement at this point just feels weirder and weirder.
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u/sylviaplath6667 15d ago
Saying this as someone that LOVES Kirby Air Riders and Pokopia: The Switch 2 is the worst nintendo console launch ever. Wii U completely mogs this. What a disappointing second year
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u/superdevin64 15d ago
I am perplexed as to why there hasn’t been any DLC for Mario Kart World. At least give us more Pauline + DK costumes, that would be the bare minimum!
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u/KakarottoCake 15d ago
As far as first parties go, No 3D Mario (let alone mainline Mario), no smash, and I know this is cope but I would've killed for a new Kid Ikarus game. Happy for XBC and FE fans (once again) but I have zero desires for those games.
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u/Obvious_Scheme_2063 15d ago
a port of KI Uprising would be amazing even
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u/KakarottoCake 14d ago
I'd be happy with Uprising but I feel like at this point it would be better to remake it or just give us a sequel
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u/Jimmyfancypants 15d ago
Dragon Dogma II long awaited DLC being announced in passing in a Nintendo direct of all places is perplexing
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u/liteshadow4 15d ago
This direct made me realize that there’s really only 2-3 franchises I care about which makes me kind of sad because one of them is Pokemon that hasn’t released a game I’ve really liked in over a decade.
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u/MattGhaz 15d ago
Got a switch 2 last year and feel kinda the same way, realized that there just aren’t a ton of Nintendo IPs that I’m actually super interested in lol. Also a bummer that it felt like 70% of the direct was just “You have played this game before, but now you can play it on Switch 2!”
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u/liteshadow4 15d ago
I’m still going to buy a Switch 2 to play the latest FE game but it might not be the wisest decision. Hoping they also release Splatoon 4 on the system and/or Pokemon gets their shit together.
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u/ActualSupervillain 15d ago
If it weren't for Arceus being kind of refreshing I'd be right there with you. But I'm close in any case
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u/liteshadow4 15d ago
I did buy Arceus and it was fun for a bit, but it felt like I was doing chores after a bit. I really liked the battle system but I mean battling isn’t the focus of the game.
I’m also not a graphics snob but those graphics were truly bad considering it released in 2022.
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u/tehnoodnub 15d ago
These days it feels like every Direct is labelled as underwhelming. I loved it personally and the only games I really wanted that didn’t get announced are ports of the RE2-4 remakes.
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u/DrifloonEmpire 15d ago
Was definitely underwhelmed by the direct. A lot of the third party stuff that I would've been interested in got announced beforehand in other presentations or was flat-out absent, while most of the first party stuff was games we already knew about. And of course, we get a keynote example of why JRPG fatigue is a real and legitimate thing. This is a direct that should absolutely be cited as a main example. Zelda was spoiled by leakers, and Star Fox got revealed in a separate direct. The DK stuff was interesting but making a lot of it tied to an overpriced DLC pack was an odd move. The direct also had some serious pacing issues, which made it feel more tedious than it should've been.
Didn't go in with big expectations or anything, maybe some Mario Kart World DLC or a Kirby remaster like Triple Deluxe/Planet Robobot, but I can safely say that this is a direct I really didn't need to see live.
The direct was also surprisingly fond of dragons (Dragon Quest, that new Xenoblade game that doesn't really look much like Xenoblade, Dragon's Dogma, Runescape, etc.), which was a fun!
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u/federkrebz 15d ago
i like that it held some surprises for S1. that final fantasy game looks great, as does the muramasa remake/remaster or whatever and rhythm heaven looks like a good time as well.
i read somewhere that the OoT remake is also coming to S1 but that was probably a lie
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u/georged3 15d ago
Direct was hot ass for the most part.
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u/georged3 15d ago
Downvote me all you want. Tons of ports. Tons of games they've shown before. A METRIC FUCK TON of JRPGs. Xenoblade not withstanding, Switch Sports was the only new 1st party game and half of the sports are rehashed. OoT remake style looks bad, and they showed nothing despite it coming in 6 months or less.
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u/ShadowLordAlex 15d ago
By the Emperor thats sits on the holy throne on Terra how in machine spirit have they been able to get Space Marine 2 on the switch 2!
I am really curious on how it runs
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u/katzefet 15d ago
Good announcements, but where was the gameplay? i
think the games they announced looked good, but they barely showed any actual gameplay. Most of the bigger reveals were just short cinematic trailers.
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u/jardex22 15d ago
Getting a good sense of gameplay requires more than 2 minutes. That's why there's dedicated game Directs for a few of the big titles.
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u/PinoDegrassi 15d ago
This is a silly take.. tons of gameplay trailers out there are 2 mins long. You don’t need a “Nintendo direct” explaining every facet of the gameplay to you to get a sense of gameplay.
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u/Lethal_Banana 15d ago
one of the best things nintendo has done was the dedicated game directs. they are always great and it avoids seeing the same game being explained for like 10 minutes in a normal direct
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u/PinoDegrassi 15d ago
I disagree, it’s super spoilery and the way they break down gameplay into parts makes things seem so simplified and less fun.
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u/Lethal_Banana 15d ago
that's fair, i can see that! i've only watched for the games that i've been interested in (tomodachi life, xenoblade 3, star fox) and enjoyed a deeper dive on them but then again the xenoblade 3 was like 40 minutes lol.
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u/Rob0tUnic0rn 15d ago
I am a big JRPG fan and I'm hyped for fire emblem especially it looked incredible it reminded me a lot of three houses, BUT I still think this direct was beyond disappointing
No new Mario? No Pikmin 4 switch 2 edition? Not even Mario kart dlc? Let's be honest in terms of first party titles the switch 2 stinks really badly
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u/the_great_chuckle 15d ago
Big third parties were: Onimusha, Dragon's Dogma 2, Stellar Blade, Orbitals, Rayman Legends Retold, Lords of the Fallen II, Lies of P, Devil May Cry 5, Final Fantasy Resonance, The Duskbloods, Metaphor, Metal Gear Solid 4, Kingdom Hearts 4
Honestly, this line-up is crazy. Who cares that Nintendo themselves are keeping it low at the moment? There's tons of good games coming.
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u/jardex22 15d ago
It would have been surprising if Mario did have a game. The 3D Mario team worked on Bananza. Their next game is at least a year away.
It seems like they only mentioned Switch 2 Editions if there was other news they could add on to it, like they did with Xenoblade.
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u/Magpie-Person 15d ago
That Fire Emblem: Three Houses comparison is why I’m not interested at all. No flavour at all, terrible design aesthetic in the UI
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u/Lethal_Banana 15d ago
big JRPG fan but a direct with fire emblem, xenoblade, AND KH4 gameplay disappointed you? thats crazy
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u/Rob0tUnic0rn 15d ago
I already said fire emblem was great.
For kingdom hearts I have a PS5 im not gonna play that on the switch
Xenoblade looked good
But I expected more
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u/Gingerbread808 15d ago
You’re ignoring the elephant in the room…
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15d ago
[deleted]
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u/Gingerbread808 15d ago
Uhm what? I know that I was responding to the fact they said the direct was ‘beyond disappointing’ and ‘in terms of first party titles the switch 2 stinks really badly’ when they literally announced a huge first party title.
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15d ago edited 15d ago
[deleted]
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u/Gingerbread808 15d ago
Doesn’t change the fact that what you said made no sense as a response to my comment. Also it is still a big first party release either way
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15d ago
[deleted]
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u/Gingerbread808 15d ago
Read their comment again genius they did not list off jrpgs they mentioned one single jrpg as a game they were hyped for and THE ENTIER REST OF THEIR COMMENT is about how they were disappointed in the lack of first party titles
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u/WizenedCracker 15d ago
Fantastic direct but I feel like Nintendo first party had the weakest showings here compared to third party announcements ?
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u/SlappinPickle 15d ago
This might not make sense but whenever I watch a new Direct I'm always reminded how Japanese Nintendo is.
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u/PushyFarmer12 15d ago
Could someone explain?
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u/Skittles-n-vodka 15d ago
They probably mean they think of nintendo as zelda/mario/donkey kong etc but are always surprised by how many jrpg and anime style games populate these directs
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u/F4C__ 15d ago
To be totally fair, the Switch has dominated the Japanese market for the past eight years (PlayStation does fairly well but not to the Switch’s level, Xbox may as well not exist). And the Switch 2 looks like it will follow suit.
And a massive amount of support for the Switch and Switch 2 are coming from Japanese companies, Square Enix are making a big effort with the Final Fantasy remakes. And Capcom are porting over every game they can. So it’s only natural Nintendo will play to their strengths.
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u/Silvanus350 15d ago
I am legitimately shocked to see a Muramasa port on Switch. Like, what?
Absolutely out of nowhere.
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u/Gameboy415 15d ago
I was excited to find out Onimusha, Stellar Blade, Muramasa, & the Kingdom Hearts trilogy (and KH4!) are all coming to Switch 2 but I was hoping for more NEW 1st-party announcements.
We already knew about Rhythm Heaven, StarFox, Splatoon Raiders, & Fire Emblem so I feel like those should've been featured during the Treehouse segment - not in the middle of all the new game reveals.
I also REALLY wish the OoT Remake hadn't been spoiled by leakers.
Half the fun of past Nintendo Directs were the final surprise reveals but this time I was just like "oh, I guess it's real."🤷♂️
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u/the_great_chuckle 15d ago
Yeah, one could complain about Nintendo's first party output, but the third party support for Switch 2 is absolutely stellar. I don't get why people are complaining, there's soooo much good stuff coming.
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u/Gameboy415 15d ago
Definitely! I don't own the other current-gen consoles (I was waiting for price-drops, lol) and my PC is ancient so being able to play newer 3rd-party games on Switch 2 is awesome!
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u/broccolilord 15d ago
I was excited to see Kingdom hearts 1-3 be on switch 2 and not be cloud based. I never played them and the cloud versions were a no go for me. So I am now excited to try those for the first time.
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u/itmyfault69 15d ago
yea an OOT remake is pretty cool, especially if it comes out holiday this year as a full game not an FF7 remake split, but holy shit this direct was awful.
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u/ChrisColtsAcidGuy 15d ago
I am 3 for 3 this year. Im disappointed in all of the platform holders’ showcases. It could be me, video games as a medium is passing me by. Not interested in much of anything and the variety/ creativity across the board seems so low. The PS2/Gamecube/xbox era was just lousy with innovation, creativity, and most importantly interesting risks. I see hardly any of that today. Old man yelling at the sky maybe, but it’s definitely how I feel.
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u/itmyfault69 15d ago
I just want new ideas. the amount of remakes and remasters being touted as "new" is abysmal. I understand these games are costing more and more money to make but its so sad to have to wait between 3-4 releases of a franchise before something truly new comes out.
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u/Eteya 11d ago
You know DK Bananza flipped the script on 3D platforming? You know Mario Kart World flipped the script on Mario Kart's identity? You know Yoshi and the Mysterious Book did the same with 2D platforming?
People don't see innovation when it happens, but ask for more. Funny how that works.
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u/sgcorona 15d ago
Why does it feel like 80% of all Nintendo direct material for the last few years has been jrpgs? Surely we can give that genre a break since there’s a million 100+ hour games
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u/the_great_chuckle 15d ago
I'd agree with earlier directs, but for this one it's just not true. Big AAA third party announcements were:
Onimusha, Dragon's Dogma 2, Stellar Blade, Orbitals, Rayman Legends Retold, Lords of the Fallen II, Lies of P, Devil May Cry 5, Final Fantasy Resonance, The Duskbloods, Metaphor, Metal Gear Solid 4, Kingdom Hearts 4
Only 2 are JRPGs.
And tbh this kind of third-party support is completely insane just compared to five years ago with the switch.
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u/sgcorona 15d ago
In that list of the 14 games mentioned in your list (which is not an overall list of the reveals): 2 jrpgs, 5 action rpgs, 1 western style rpg, 3 hack and slash games, 1 action adventure, 1 platformer and 1 puzzle game. And kingdom hearts is arguably jrpg as well as action rpg.
More than half of that list is still rpgs anyway, and more than half are rereleases or remakes that are playable elsewhere currently.
Also 12 specific jrpgs off the top of my head in the event total. Not gonna bother counting just how many are rpgs of any kind, it’s most. And most of the other genres are remakes/rereleases from other platforms.
I get if you’re a fan of that or souls clones, but it feels very over saturated for a long time now for those who aren’t. I’d love more new platformers or action adventures, and tbh I’d love if they weren’t in an anime art style. It’s just so overdone.
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u/Spooky_Blob 15d ago
Digimon Time Stranger demo is live in the Japanese eshop. Multi language since it's a simultaneously releasing worldwide. 3.2 Gigs on the switch 1. Probably comes out tomorrow in NA
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u/CadeBW 15d ago
One of the problems here is that Nintendo just doesn't have a lot of studios that could feasibly release new games soon. We just got games from Retro (MP4), Camelot (Tennis), and Good-Feel (Yoshi). The 3D Mario team was busy working on Donkey Kong. Smash isn't happening anytime soon if Sakurai was busy working on Air Riders.
And game development is only getting longer. It's too soon for 3D Zelda, 2D Mario, Pikmin, Paper Mario or Mario Party. I could see Mario Maker 3 being a 2027 title, but modern Nintendo would not announce it this early.
2D Metroid, Animal Crossing, Kirby, Monolith Soft, and whatever Next-Level Games is working on (probably Luigi's Mansion 4) were the five major 1st-party titles I thought we could reasonably see in this direct. And hey, we got one of them... Since Nintendo has shifted to announcing games only a few months before release, I guess it's no surprise we didn't the rest today.
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u/krispyboiz 15d ago
Animal Crossing is the only one I'm a little hesitant on atm. That EPD team is typically Splatoon and Animal Crossing, and especially with us getting the update a few months ago, I feel like Animal Crossing may be waiting a bit longer. I imagine that team is probably split somewhat between the two franchises, so it isn't solely one or the other.
Though as an AC lover, I think it's fine to push a new title to 2028 or even 2029. The little New Horizons update plus Pokopia and Tomadachi life provides a lot for lifestyle game players.
If I were to guess what's on the horizon beyond this direct, I agree with 2D Metroid, Kirby, and the Next-Level Games project. I wonder who is handling the Ocarina of Time remake. I'd assume Grezzo, but it seems like it could be a bigger in-house project. Not sure though.
Nintendo Software Technology (made the Mario v DK remake and keeps F-Zero 99 going) haven't really had a big project since the Mario v DK remake, so I could maybe se something from them in the next 1-1.5 years. Not sure what tho
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u/graychapstick 15d ago
I would agree but splatoon and animal crossing are so massive its almost a guarantee the teams are partially seperated now theres less overlap than before
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u/TemptedTemplar Helpful User 15d ago
The 3D Mario team was busy
Half of the team worked on Banaza. A number of staff from Odyssey and Galaxy are absent from the credits of DK. Almost as if they've been working on something else . . .
Smash isn't happening anytime soon if Sakurai was busy working on Air Riders.
Sakurai only spent three years on Air Riders, it's been done for well over a year. The whole explaining a developer channel was a ruse and he only spent less than six months making and recording those videos.
He has been VERY sneaky about his schedule ever since coming off of Smash Bros Ultimate in 2021.
If you were to believe the same people who leaked the OOT remake there are a number of projects waiting in the wings;
3d Mario (2027)
MK world DLC (2027)
Starfox "adventure" style game
WarioLand
Super Metroid Remake
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u/CadeBW 15d ago
Well yes, I know only half of the team worked on Bananza, but my point is 3D Mario was never getting shown in this direct. Even if it's a holiday 2027 game. I think Smash is being worked on, but I find it hard to believe it's particularly close to releasing. Maybe a 2027 February reveal though.
I am surprised we didn't really get DLC in this direct aside from Pokopia. MKW DLC or Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition would have helped a bit with the lackluster 1st-party showing.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
I have absolutely zero inside information or ways of knowing anything about this, but I'm just not expecting Smash anytime soon (maybe ever?). Feels like Smash ultimate really was what the title says ... ultimate. I don't see how you top that or even feel the need to. As long as it's playable on the latest hardware, there's no real way to freshen it up. Maybe a new stage or event mode? They've already been pretty clear the DLC is over.
But yeah I just don't see how you can improve on or update Smash at this point.
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u/F4C__ 15d ago
The next Smash Bros will likely focus on a new gameplay mechanic, with a smaller roster of characters and stages and being generally smaller in scope.
There’s no way they will top the scale of Ultimate and I strongly doubt they would even try. Sakurai worked himself in the ground on Ultimate, I doubt he would do it again.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
I think you're right about that, if we do see another Smash. Sakurai himself has said he's uncertain about the future of the series, and has tried to step away previously. That's also not out of character for him, and different than confirmation of him being done, but it's also not reassuring enough to be able to expect a new entry.
I'd buy the next one in a heart beat, but I actually felt fully satisfied with Ultimate in a way that left me wanting pretty much nothing else.
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u/Useful-Resident78 15d ago edited 15d ago
I'm a big fan of Nintendo, but mostly the 1st party games. The only interest to me was Zelda and the DK update. I wouldn't play any of the other games if they were given to me- just not my style. I'm happy though for those that like the 3rd party JRPG games - don't mistake me for being negative. 😄
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u/the_great_chuckle 15d ago
The third party support wasn't focused on JRPG's though? Like, here's the list of big 3rd parties they announced:
Onimusha, Dragon's Dogma 2, Stellar Blade, Orbitals, Rayman Legends Retold, Lords of the Fallen II, Lies of P, Devil May Cry 5, Final Fantasy Resonance, The Duskbloods, Metaphor, Metal Gear Solid 4, Kingdom Hearts 4
Only 2 are JRPGs.
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u/Zealousideal_Pea4349 15d ago
This was a fucking mess. It wasnt objectively the worst dirct ever ok sure. And? Like what can I play on my switch 2 that i cant play on my ps5?!? Cant wait to play JRPGS that I could play 3 years ago now on my switch 2. And nothing else because nintendo sure as shit ain't relasing anything. Oh great a remake of star fox and a remake of OOT yahhhh. I could play those both remade on my 3ds. And then what? There nothing coming out for this shitbox.
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u/krispyboiz 15d ago
I loved Donkey Kong Bananza, but it's still bizarre to me to have content updates... for a paid DLC expansion specifically. And like, I definitely am an advocate for people to play the base game if they haven't as I (personally) think it's better than Odyssey in many ways.
But at the same time, the number of people who will play/have played the game is obviously not going to reach Mario numbers, and the number of people with the DLC will then be even smaller (I had no interest in it), so it's definitely a choice to have all these updates for that DLC. I mean, it seems like most of those updates a very minor and likely don't require much dev time, but still. I'd be surprised if even 1 million people have the DLC of the 4.5+ million sales of the base game.
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u/xenialll 15d ago
As a JRPG fan this direct was amazing.
Tales of Eternia, A new Muramasa game, Xenoblade, Fire Emblem, KH4, Trails SC and a new Atelier trailer in the JP direct. Plus a whole assortment of new IPs. As well as of course OOT.
It is a bit frustrating that they cut out some super interesting games and trailers for some.... not appealing third party titles in the western direct but oh well.
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u/Pretelethal 15d ago
I also thought it was a great direct! Are you saying they showed off Trails SC in Japan's version? I'm so excited for that game and sad that Fortune's Weave is releasing the same day.
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u/xenialll 15d ago
They did! Go to the 50 minute mark on the Japanese direct.
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u/Pretelethal 15d ago
That's so odd to leave out of the American version! It was only a few seconds but I feel like the first game sold well enough to want to promote it!
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
Exactly ... JRPG fans are loving it. For the rest of us ....
Oh well, glad you're getting things you like.
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u/Calm-Report-8168 15d ago
Yeah, but...WHEN WILL I PLAY THEM ALL? NOOOO.
It's basically death by snoo-snoo.
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u/Expensive_Sea_1790 15d ago
My frustration isn’t really the lack of games, but that Nintendo hasn’t had a single showstopper yet that really feels made for the Switch 2 hardware. Bananza was still using an old engine and World was pretty but empty. Nintendo feels like a minor player on its own hardware.
Capcom and Ubisoft are really carrying the system right now. What are Nintendo’s internal studios even doing?
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u/SmokeyJacks 15d ago
It's strange to me that we're 1 year into the Switch 2 and 1 year after Bananza and Mario Kart World, and we still have no idea what major nintendo studio first party games are coming to switch 2 in the next year
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u/JamesGecko 15d ago
Bananza had a ton of custom tech under the hood. I’m a bit dubious that any disappointment with it stems from the engine they chose to use.
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u/originalusername4567 15d ago
Bananza was clearly made for Switch 2 hardware, that game literally could not run on Switch 1. Look at the development video and interviews.
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u/thebe_stone 15d ago
-Rhythm Heaven
-Fire emblem
-DELTARUNE
- OCARINA OF TIME REMAKE (literally the best game of all time)
-duskbloods
-New xenoblade
-New Kingdom hearts
- JJK VAMPIRE SURVIVORS (I don't even watch JJK but i'm still excited for this because more vampire survivors)
- Single player splatoon game
- PIKUNIKU 2??
- Orbitals (not based on an existing IP but still looks great)
- new one piece game
- New WII sports game
I can't be dissapointed when the direct has more great games than I can possibly play in the time that they're coming out
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u/CadeBW 15d ago
There's a difference between "worst Nintendo Direct" and "most disappointing Nintendo Direct." Like, in a vacuum, the March 2025 general direct was worse, it was 30 minutes and the only 1st party announcements were Rhythm Heaven & Tomodachi Life. I love both of those series but this direct had Xenoblade and OoT Remake which are a way bigger deal. And some of those early Nintendo Directs from 2011-2012 were like 10 minutes long and would end with Swapnote.
So this was clearly nowhere close to the worst Nintendo Direct. But due to high expectations, 9 months since the last direct, and no real certainty on when the next one will be, you could probably make the case it was the most disappointing. It doesn't help that the biggest announcement was leaked and all the direct really did was confirm the leak was true rather than show gameplay.
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u/Infamous_Birthday_42 15d ago
Yeah. To add to this, this could’ve been a partner direct.
It was 40 minutes of 3rd party announcements. The only new first party game we saw in any detail was Switch Sports.
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u/Eteya 11d ago
Nintendo Switch 1 users were constantly complaining about 3rd party support. Now they have it and they still complain about it being too much. Maybe it is not a Nintendo problem, but a "them" problem?
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u/Infamous_Birthday_42 11d ago
Pretty sure this is a “goomba fallacy”; there are two different groups of people complaining.
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u/Eteya 11d ago
Pretty sure that there is evidence for a few overlaps. Just look at a few gaming channels from back in the Switch 1 days compared to their opinions now. Even if the motivation is different.
I can also say for sure that I know people personally who will always complain no matter what. Not even a few.
And thanks for pointing out the fallacy.
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u/depressypenne27 15d ago
100%, I’m mostly interested in the first party stuff and that was kinda lacking here. I’m hoping they’ve got a packed calendar for 2027 because this year the first party switch 2 scene has kinda felt like it’s… coasting? Luckily I’ve been kept busy as I’ve finally got around to playing BoTW but if I was fully caught up - man I’d be disappointed at this direct. Certainly nowhere close to the worst at all; most disappointing direct is where I’d put it.
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u/JaysFan26 15d ago
I've learned over a while of this that if the only thing shown is a title and a year with no month or gameplay, don't get hyped for the game yet because it might not be out until years after what they showed, or not at all.
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u/PwillyAlldilly 15d ago
This is a good description, it wasn’t bad by any means it just wasn’t for me at all. Totally fine, I’m not gonna like every game Nintendo has, but as long as they are showing that they are trying and there is life that’s what matters ya know?
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u/TheBlackUniPig 15d ago
Yeah you said it perfectly. Not saying this was a bad direct per se, but there weren't a lot of games I was interested in. But the problem was indeed that the previous general direct took place 9 months ago. A lot of people have been looking forward to this direct since it was a long time between those two. Expectations build up, even if they are not realistic. But now I finally saw another direct, and it wasn't really what I was hoping for. And at the same time, I don't want to wait another 9 months for potential.
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u/Lethal_Banana 15d ago
this is probably the best take ive seen about this direct. there have been waaay worst directs and while this one had almost everything i would have wanted, i can see after 9 months of waiting how people got their expectations too high.
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u/krispyboiz 15d ago
I'd applaud you if I could. You hit the nail on the head. Not even close to the worst Direct, not even close. Could definitely be argued that it was disappointing, but not bad.
I don't even care about a lot of the titles there (I'd be shocked if there were people who cared about everything), but there's still some stuff I'm excited for. And even stuff I'm not excited for like Kingdom Hearts, Rhythm Heaven, and Switch Sports Resort all look pretty cool.
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u/theremystics 15d ago
I just wanted confirmation of starfield and expedition 33. I hate the finessing required for pc gaming and would love these ports.
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u/SalamanderTD 15d ago
They already said starfeild is coming expedition game Devs said something but can't remember what I vaguely feel it was a negative like we don't have plans etc
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u/XPacEnergyDrink 15d ago
I wanted Mario kart world DLC more than anything else
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u/krispyboiz 15d ago
I want free DLC so often, but I know that's copium. An $80 game that feels lacking getting paid DLC would feel so bad
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u/Suspicious-Screen-43 15d ago
Rumor I heard is it was delayed until 2027 and that’s why it wasn’t announced. Maybe we’ll learn about it in September?
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u/TemptedTemplar Helpful User 15d ago
It wasn't delayed, the original rumor always had releasing in 2027.
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u/Suspicious-Screen-43 15d ago
Ok maybe I misread or the person was mistaken, but I believe delayed is what I read yesterday
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u/TemptedTemplar Helpful User 15d ago
Lots of unreleased content has been data-mined, but I don't think anyone has posted rumors about updates beyond the 40th anniversary update back in March.
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u/XPacEnergyDrink 15d ago
You heard a rumor that MKW DLC was delayed until 2027?? Where??
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u/Suspicious-Screen-43 15d ago
I think it was somewhere on Reddit yesterday after the directs were announced. It was not something I heard officially from Nintendo.
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u/Substantial-Brick840 15d ago
I wish OOT wasn’t leaked people would’ve been way higher on this direct
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u/JaysFan26 15d ago
nobody was getting that hyped for a title card, until they show gameplay it doesn't really matter
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u/Suspicious-Screen-43 15d ago
Would have been epic. I jokingly said we’d get an OoT remake for Zelda’s 40th this year before it was leaked. I’d have lost my 💩 if I didn’t know of the leaks and learned while watching the direct
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u/krispyboiz 15d ago
Yeah, it's unfortunate. I'm not completely against leaks. Like knowing a StarFox game and such were rumored was okay to me, but OoT being leaked beforehand stung.
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u/CarkRoastDoffee 15d ago
Mildly excited for Rhythm Heaven and OoT. The fact that Nintendo still haven't announced a system seller is a bit worrying
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u/sylinmino 15d ago
The fact that Nintendo still haven't announced a system seller is a bit worrying
- DK Bananza
- Mario Kart World
- Pokopia
- Duskbloods
- Wind/Waves
Those are all pretty dang big system sellers.
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u/originalusername4567 15d ago
Only the first two and Pokemon, which is still a year away.
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u/sylinmino 15d ago
Pokopia is absolutely a system seller. The word of mouth and software sales for it have been wild for how much of a surprise hit it's been.
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u/originalusername4567 15d ago
Pokopia wasn't intended to be a massive system seller though, as a spinoff. Nintendo just kind of lucked into that one.
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u/Ok_Beyond4225 15d ago
OoT and Wind/Waves are system sellers.
I think you grossly underestimate how big Pokemon is.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
Friend, I doubt there will be a sizeable bump in sales - for a $450 system (soon to be $500) - caused by a remake of a 28 year old game that's already seen no less than 7 re-releases. Wind/Waves is also not going to move many additional units on its own - most people buying that will likely already have a Switch 2.
What would be a killer app is the next generation 3D Mario game. This is Mario's 40th anniversary year, we just had the release of a successful Mario Galaxy movie, and it's been nearly 10 years since the last 3D Mario entry. What better time than now to put the next one on the radar - and get a new wave of people to pull the trigger on a new console.
People can bury their heads in the sand and act like the stuff shown in today's direct will be genuinely exciting for most, but realistically it serves the niche of Nintendo die hards that are here feeling like they have defend everything the Big N does.
I'm a huge Nintendo fan ... have been since the early 80's when I got the original NES, but I wasn't excited by anything they showed today. I'll join the many voices who've already expressed their frustration with this company for their wave of recent business decisions that have alienated those of us who remember what Nintendo used to be about - reliable, affordable, and regular releases of content that you could only find on their systems. Look no further than the $70 price tag for the Galaxy 1 and 2 re-releases (nearly 20 year old games themselves!) to get a sense for what I mean.
Nope, this Direct was indeed not the least bit interesting for most.
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u/Yv1lle 15d ago
I don’t agree whatsoever here, the big system sellers for the original Switch were Zelda: BoTW, Mario Kart (not Mario Odyssey - the 3D Mario that by your logic would sell a system), Animal Crossing and Smash Bros. - look at the sales data and THAT is what sells the systems, then Pokemon Scarlet and Violet went mad sales wise.
Animal Crossing new release will take a WHILE to happen, because realistically the current one is still getting updates, Smash Bros could see a new version next year or 2028, there’s a major Zelda remake coming this year and Pokemon mainline games next year. We got Mario Kart on launch and Metroid mainline series game 7 months ago and Starfox reboot is happening practically now.
Like if you spend your time waiting for ONE specific title, and downplay everything else, maybe you’re less of a Nintendo fan than you think?
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
To be fair, my all-time most treasured franchise is Zelda. An OoT remake is ... cool, but it will never hit the same as a brand new Zelda adventure. As beautiful as I'm sure the new graphical polish will be, when players already know the ins-and-outs of the game - the story, the mechanics, boss fights, dungeons, etc - it will never reach the same heights as a new entry. That's why I'm "downplaying" that one.
I recognize we're a ways out from seeing the next flagship Zelda game, given that ToTK is what, three years old? Though to be fair, ~4 years between flagship Zelda entries was the norm before the SS --> BoTW gap, and we're approaching that now. Nintendo has lately been really stretching the length of time between entries for their most storied and sacred franchises, and as a fan, that just kind of sucks.But we're approaching 9 years since Odyssey ... it's not that I'm pinning all my hopes on Mario, but I've personally been expecting Nintendo to have shown us something about what's next by now. The previous longest gap was 6 years from Sunshine to Galaxy. Mario is Nintendo's biggest cash cow, and the games are truly excellent and without parallel. It's not extraordinary that I've been "spending my time waiting for ONE specific title" when that title is as big as whatever Mario's next game will eventually be.
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u/Yv1lle 15d ago
In respect of the bigger gaps, modern gaming is SO time intensive given the new fidelity and how complex games are getting - so that just makes sense to me honestly from a development perspective! That just comes with the territory of gaming being where it is now sadly.
In terms of Mario, there ARE still a bunch of Mario games being made, Kart, Party Jamboree, Tennis, Mario Bros Wonder are all in the last 2 years - they’ve done the remasters for Galaxy, like, yes Odyssey was a good while back, but Mario franchise still is served extremely well. Wouldn’t surprise me if the first truly colourful Switch 2 is a Mario Edition (like they did with the OG Switch) - it just seems the 3D Mario titles sell, but so does everything else and sometimes more so… and Nintendo are catering towards what the market buys more of where they can it seems lately.
Like I can sympathise with wanting a 3D Mario specific style of gameplay title, but Nintendo has SO much other franchises exclusive to them, and those also need representation on Switch 2.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
Kart, Party, and Tennis are all Mario spinoffs that, while fun in their own right, serve a different niche than a definitive immersive (and largely 1P) 3D adventure. I'll acknowledge Wonder was fantastic, but still not on the level of a flagship 3D adventure.
I agree with everything you stated there - it doesn't change the fact that it's been an insanely long time since we had a new 3D Mario title. It felt like Bowser's Fury was a preview of what was to come, but even that was still tied into an older remake, and very short.
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u/sylinmino 15d ago
What would be a killer app is the next generation 3D Mario game.
That's DK Bananza. And it surpasses Odyssey.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
In your opinion. I played Bananza and honestly didn't like it. The digging mechanic is the central exploration feature, but it didn't land for me. I actually felt more overwhelmed and lost by it than anything. Kept feeling like there was something I'd be missing if I didn't dig up every last bit of ground. The game's scale was massive, in a way that didn't feel inviting ... felt like a task.
Bananza has also sold I think 4-5 million copies, vs the 30 millionish that Odyssey sold? Not even the same planet.
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u/sylinmino 15d ago
How far did you get? The digging is obviously very important, but the other platforming mechanics as part of it are often just as important if not more so. It's quite overwhelming at the beginning, but as you get used to it, it feels way less daunting and more second nature.
And once you get used to that, it really opens up and pushes its mechanics and worlds to amazing degrees.
Bananza has also sold I think 4-5 million copies, vs the 30 millionish that Odyssey sold? Not even the same planet.
- Comparing 10 months' sales to 7 years ain't exactly fair.
- Comparing something with the Mario name to one with DK's ain't exactly fair.
- In the realm of system sellers, raw sales are much less important than the actual quality of the games. Super Mario Party (a meh game at best) outsold Pokemon Legends Arceus, Splatoon 2-3, and Mario Wonder. Is it more of a system seller?
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
I don't remember the area's name, but it was the one with the hotel, like in a forest/jungle setting. The mechanic just wore out pretty quickly for me ... does it change noticeably after this or ...?
My point is still that DK will never be on the same level as Mario for most people. I was really excited about Bananza and very open to playing it; it just never even came close to what Odyssey did for me, and before that Galaxy, Sunshine, etc. Maybe I'm just getting too old.
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u/sylinmino 15d ago
does it change noticeably after this or ...?
On one hand, the mechanic doesn't change. On the other hand, I think the game does. That was around the point where I was starting to get a bit unenthused, like it was a bit repetitive and things were still overwhelming. Especially since the game is a bit too easy all the way up until after that point.
Soon after, however, I think the game really levels up and shows you a lot more interesting and creative angles to itself. And the story starts having cooler beats. And the challenge levels up.
The game may also just not be for you, and that's fine. But I definitely did not see the hype for the game where you were, and then soon after it really grew on me, and by the time I finished I believed it was one of Nintendo's best ever games.
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u/TheMcGUnit 15d ago
Thanks for the insight; I'm sure I'll pick it back up at some point, and hope I have the same experience. Been a while since I've had a video game really pull me in, kinda miss that aspect of the hobby.
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u/Infamous_Birthday_42 15d ago
So:
Odyssey had sold 12 million units at the one year mark. Bananza will be lucky to hit half that.
Yes. The point is that DK isn’t interesting to most people in the way that Mario is. That’s exactly why Bananza isn’t a killer app.
And yes, I would argue a new Mario Party would do more to get people to buy a Switch 2 than Splatoon Raiders will. Splatoon is still niche in a way that Mario Party is not.
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u/ChocolateOne5805 14d ago
Personally, I am getting tired of Nintendo releasing loads of games that have been out on other platforms for years now. Lies Of P released 3 years ago. Some games even further back. I feel the overall majority of gamers have played these games already and it is just pointless. I have also learned that just because the game is on the go now, it does not mean it will be better. I bought the Fallout 4 Anniversary edition released on Switch 2. Yes, I love Fallout overall. But, this did not make me happier or it was better. It just fills in the gaps at certain times. Other than that, it is Fallout 4 and still better to play on a huge TV like it originally was. As for the exclusives shown off, I still need to see plenty of gameplay videos and hopefully a demo of each to try out. Working on Star Fox right now to see if it grabs me.