Nintendo Direct Delivers Release Roadmap into 2023
Zelda, Pikmin 4, Octopath Traveler II, Fire Emblem Engage, and more headline the latest Nintendo Direct presentation.
During Nintendo's September 2022 Direct video presentation today, the company made several announcements for titles launching on the Nintendo Switch system this year and beyond. The showcase included the official name and launch date for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel, as well new footage of the game. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be available on the Nintendo Switch family of systems May 12th, 2023. Another big headliner was Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, an adventure game that originally launched on the Wii system, will make its Switch debut on Feb. 24, 2023. The next generation of Nintendo 64 games will be available on the Switch Online + Expansion Pack in the future, including titles from the Mario Party and Pokémon Stadium series, as well as Pilotwings 64, Excitebike 64, and 1080° Snowboarding. One of the most iconic FPS games of all time, GoldenEye 007 will also make its return.
Here are all of the biggest highlights:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Arrives May 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will transport you to an enchanting world full of mystery and adventure. In addition to exploring the vast lands of Hyrule, you'll also get to take to the skies and discover an expanded world beyond what you ever thought possible! The long-awaited sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, now officially titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is set to release on May 12th, 2023.
Miyamoto unveils Pikmin 4
The first look at the next Pikmin game showed a calm park and sleeping Bulborb, but there was still one key thing missing ... Pikmin! Before its 2023 release, Nintendo promised more information about this new title for the Nintendo Switch will be revealed, here's the announcement trailer:
Fire Emblem Engage announced
Four kingdoms collaborated in the war against the Fell Dragon, with heroes from other dimensions lending their aid. The Fell Dragon is about to awaken a thousand years later, and the seal weakening. As a Divine Dragon, you must collect Emblem Rings scattered across the world to achieve success and bring peace back to Elyos. In this new story, summon and fight alongside legendary heroes from past Fire Emblem games, such as Marth and Celica, adding their power to your own. The Fire Emblem series' turn-based, tactical combat system is back with a new cast of characters you may customise and Engage with to devise your own strategy. Fire Emblem Engage launches for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 20, 2023.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II's HD-2D graphics, a mix of retro pixel art and 3D CG, are looking even more spectacular than before. Eight new travelers begin their journey in the world of Solistia, where they will face many challenges and adventures. Set out on your own adventure when OCTOPATH TRAVELER II comes to Nintendo Switch on Feb. 24, 2023.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe returns
The Wii classic will make its return on the Switch in 2023! The adventure features Kirby gaining access to a plethora of "Copy abilities," one of which is the new Mecha Copy Ability. The game allows four players to compete against each other with sharing Joy-Con controllers. Not only can everyone play as Kirby at the same time, but they can also use their favourite Copy Abilities. There are also a variety of mini-games to try, including returning games like Samurai Kirby and new ones such as Magolor's Tome Trackers.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe game launches on Nintendo Switch on Feb. 24th, 2023.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Gets new supercharged N64 offerings
More Nintendo 64 games are headed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for active subscribers. The following classic games will be available in Nintendo Switch Online N64 catalogue: Pilotwings 64, Mario Party and Mario Party 2 (in 2022). Mario Party 3, Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2, 1080° Snowboarding and Excitebike 64 coming the next year (2023).
Nintendo stated that more information about these games are going to be revealed in the months leading up to release. Now for the bombshell:
GoldenEye 007 Returns!
The huge announcement that made the showcase for me: GoldenEye 007 is coming to Nintendo Switch Online! For the first time ever, you'll be able to play GoldenEye 007 with online multiplayer on the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online. Stay tuned for more details about launch dates in the future.
It Takes Two comes to the Nintendo Switch
Embark on a thrilling journey with a friend in this award-winning platforming game. Enter into strange and wonderful worlds, facing exciting challenges at every turn. The game can be played alone or with others locally through wireless play, or online with a friend by using the free Friend's Pass. It Takes Two launching on the Nintendo Switch system come Nov. 4th, 2022.
A New Splatfest Is Coming for Splatoon 3
Are you ready for the first post-launch Splatfest for Splatoon 3? The theme is: What would you bring with you to a deserted island? The "deserted island" Splatfest will take place from Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. PT to Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. PT. Gear up and get ready!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3
With Wave 3 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, a few more courses will be accessible in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe this holiday season. The third set of courses, known as Wave 3, will include both Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS! Note to self, make racing on Merry Mountain a new holiday tradition with the family!
CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION
In this classic action-RPG, members of the SOLDIER organization aspire to become heroes. Zack Fair is a young and ambitious operative who finds himself caught up in the events leading up to FINAL FANTASY VII. He investigates strange disappearances within his unit alongside Sephiroth and Cloud. The additional content on offer includes an updated combat system and new soundtrack arrangements, as well as improved HD graphics. CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches on Nintendo Switch on Dec. 13th.
Bayonetta 3 get an extended trailer
The Umbra Witch, Bayonetta, has to save the world from your average man-made bioweapon called Homunculi. Bayonetta changes her priorities over the course of the series, from fighting for herself to fighting for others to ultimately fighting for the world. Now, Bayonetta must team up with Luka, a journalist who has overcome his past history with her, and Jeanne, another Umbra Witch. Viola, the new feisty witch-in-training joins in on the action too. Prepare yourself for a hair-raising, demon summoning, globe trotting adventure in Bayonetta 3, launching on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 28th
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass DLC Vol. 2
The next volume of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass will enhance your experience as you play through Aionios. Meet the new mechanical hero named Ino, and she'll join your party if you finish her quest. Challenge Battles allow you to put your skills against difficult foes in a series of battles. As you vanquish stronger foes, you will be rewarded with newer and cooler accessories to show off. The second phase of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion launches October 13. The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass, which includes a total of four volumes to be released by the end of 2023, is available for purchase now.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Mario and the Rabbids are about to embark on a cosmic journey of galactic proportions. You'll explore colourful environments, discover secrets, rescue Sparks, and save the galaxy in tactical encounters. Assign Sparks to a squad and send them on missions. Recruit up to 30 unique Sparks, each with their own distinct abilities and talents. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope launches on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 20th.
Mario Strikers: Battle League – Second Free Update
Mario Strikers: Battle League will be receiving another free update later this month. Pauline makes the roster as a physical powerhouse with immobilizing tackles and quick movements. Diddy Kong joins her on the field, providing speed in midfield with excellent passing accuracy. Plus, more equipment, another stadium, a Striker Ranking based on skill points, customization possibilities for the fans in the crowd, and splashy match event effects are being added.
Get ready to tee off in Nintendo Switch Sports
The next free update for Nintendo Switch Sports will be Golf! Test your skills across 21 holes from the Wii Sports series, play with friends in local play, or challenge up to eight players online in Survival Golf. The free update will arrive this holiday season.
Resident Evil Village Cloud
The next release in the Resident Evil series is debuting on Nintendo Switch. To rescue his kidnapped daughter, Ethan Winters must face the horrors of the village and its four terrible lords. Resident Evil Village Cloud launches on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 28th. The Winters’ Expansion DLC, containing a new third-person mode, additional story content and more will be available starting Dec. 2, 2022. Furthermore, gamers will be able to access the cloud versions of three other Resident Evil titles on Nintendo Switch this year – Resident Evil 7 biohazard Cloud, Resident Evil 2 Cloud and Resident Evil 3 Cloud.
SIFU scraps its way onto the Switch
In this Kung Fu action-brawler, vanquish your enemies to avenge your father. Break your enemies defences gaining the upper hand by jabbing, tripping, and parrying opponents. If you are injured in battle, your age and strength will gradually decline. You'll acquire new skills to assist you complete your goal. Can you exact revenge before time runs out? Sifu pummels its way onto Nintendo Switch on Nov. 8th, 2022.
Check out my full review of SIFU right here on dappertux.com
FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse arrives in the West
Ruka Minazuki, now a teenager, visits an abandoned hospital in search of memories she lost as a child after mysteriously vanishing. In this survival horror game, use the Camera Obscura to ward off malevolent spirits while also recovering lost memories. Forbidden memories will be restored. FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse will be released for the first time in the West on Nintendo Switch early next year.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
SpongeBob and Patrick make a wish that unravels the fabric of reality, and nautical nonsense begins.In this 3D platformer, go through seven strange Wishworlds, such as Prehistoric Kelp Forest and Wild West Jellyfish Fields. Use all kinds of wacky movements, pick over 30 F.U.N.tastic cosmic costumes, and meet your favorite Bikini Bottom denizens from the TV series, voiced by their original actors! When it debuts on Nintendo Switch next year, enjoy SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake.
Nintendo Direct Paves a Promising Roadmap into 2023
To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, I've included the full presentation below:
That's all the big announcements for Nintendo's September 2022 Direct! What did you think? Are you excited for any of these upcoming releases? Let me know in the comments.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!
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