Let’s be honest, not everyone has the time to sit down and watch the Nintendo Direct’s 35 or so minutes of content. We have things to do and places to be. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled everything from the most recent broadcast into one handy, quick to read Nintendo Direct summary.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
They start the show strong with the reveal of Luigi’s Mansion 3 for the Nintendo Switch. Luigi finds himself now in what appears to be a haunted hotel. Mario’s luggage bag strewn on the floor by the entrance. The name is currently a working title with an expected release window of 2019.
Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn for 3DS
The popular, yarn-based Kirby adventure for the Wii is returning, this time on the Nintendo 3DS. The handheld game will include everything from the Wii version, as well as some new abilities. This includes crafting larger yarn from items, new mini-games, and the speed-run style Devilish mode. The title is planned to release in 2019.
Bowser’s Inside Story and Bowser Jr.’s Journey for 3DS
The Mario and Luigi RPG have been brought onto the Nintendo 3DS. This features the entire game, as well as a new campaign around the Koopa Prince Bowser Jr. in Bowser Jr.’s Journey. The game will be available on January 11, 2019.
Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS, Adds Co-op
Nintendo made sure to remind us that the first Luigi’s Mansion is still coming to the 3DS. Though they also reveal a co-operative option. If another player owns the game, they can hop into yours and play beside you in its entirety as a green replica of our hero. They also announced Amiibo support, offering the player help, items, and more. Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS is coming October 12 of this year.
Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: Moon Rabbit Crew
The latest in the Yo-Kai games is out now, and it has a new mode coming. Titled Moon Rabbit Crew, this free update adds new missions, areas to explore, and new yo-kai.
Splatoon 2 Ver. 4
With the 3DS headlines over, Nintendo moved on to the Switch games. It starts with a new major update for the squid shooter game, Splatoon 2. This update brings the aquatic bacon with new gear, new weapons, a new map, and more. We saw shaken up bombs, giant stamp hammers, and an adorably fat pigeon. it concludes by directing those interested to the Squid Research Lab.
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Mega Man 11
Capcom’s blue bomber is coming to the Nintendo Switch. They don’t tell us anything new about the game outside of confirming Amiibo support. Tapping a Mega Man Amiibo will award the player with e-tanks and other items. Mega Man 11 releases on October 2.
Mario Tennis Aces Update
Mario’s most recent sports game is already back with more for players to enjoy. New characters like Birdo, Shy Guy, Koopa Paratroopa, and Petey Piranha. Playing online is the best way to unlock them. The update also introduces new co-op challenges that reward the player with special outfits. The Version 2 update launches September 19.
Capcom Beat’em Up Bundle
The veteran fighting game developer is releasing a powerful punch of nostalgia for the Nintendo Switch. This bundle pack brings together Final Fight, King of Dragons, Captain Commando, Knights of the round, Warriors of Fate, Armored Warriors, and Battle Circuit into a single game. It also introduces online capabilities with the games. Capcom Beat’em Up Bundle releases September 18.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Much like with Mario Kart 8, New Super Mario Bros U is coming to the Nintendo Switch. It offers everything the original game had, while also throwing in Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters. Nabbit it immune to enemy damage, while Toadette can transform into Peachette. The game also comes with New Super Luigi U, at no extra cost. The game releases on Nintendo Switch on January 11, 2019.
Katamari Damacy Reroll on Nintendo Switch
The original Katamari Damacy is being remastered in beautiful HD for the Nintendo Switch. Containing the entire game, players can use the Joycon gyroscopes to control, feel the world with HD rumble, and even participate in multiplayer battle mode. Katamari Damacy is releasing Winter 2018.
Nintendo Switch Online
Ok, ok. Enough fun and games. Time to talk about the upcoming online service by Nintendo. They begin by announcing the official launch date, September 18. It then introduces and expands on five features of a membership.
The first feature is online play. This is the controversial part, as players have free online play until this launches. But they wanted to remind us that you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to continue doing so.
The then remind us that the membership will give players access to a large library of NES titles like Ice Climber and Doctor Mario. These NES games will even support online multiplayer. Their library will continue to grow and offer more to the players.
Next up were cloud saves. Your game save data will automatically be backed up onto the cloud. This way your saves are always safe, even if the Nintendo Switch is destroyed.
The online service will also connect with the smartphone app. The app allows you to participate in voice chat with other players. Some games will offer additional connectivity, like Splatoon’s SplatNet 2. I’ll stick to Discord, personally.
The final perk is access to special offers. They didn’t tell us what that means at all. So your guess is as good as mine.
Nintendo Switch Online costs $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for an entire year. There’s also a family plan option, providing membership to multiple Switch devices for a discounted price.
The Nintendo Entertainment System Joycon
Nintendo will be producing a Switch compatible NES controller. While technically joycons, they look precisely like the original NES controllers. They connect to the Switch wirelessly and can be charged like a regular joycon. No launch date was announced, but a left/right two-pack will cost $59.99.
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee
Enough business, back to the games! Nintendo reveals a few details about the upcoming Pokemon Let’s Go games, primarily about your partner. Instead of Pokemon learning HMs to use outside of battle, your partner (Pikachu or Eevee) will know “secret techniques” that allow them to chop down trees, surf in water, and so on. They then state that your partner pokemon will also know special, powerful combat moves that only they can learn. Lastly In order to alter your partner’s hairstyle, use the touchscreen while in handheld mode. Pokemon Let’s Go releases on Nintendo Switch on November 16.
Diablo III on Nintendo Switch
Pokemon is cute, but you can go to hell. The popular dark fantasy adventure game will be coming to the Nintendo console. It’ll offer everything the original game did, including multiplayer. Only on the Switch, however, can you get the special transmog armor that styles you like The Legend of Zelda’s Ganondorf. If you scan an Amiibo figure, any of them, you’ll summon a wave of tough enemies to fight against. Diablo III: Eternal Collection launches on Nintendo Switch on November 2.
Super Mario Party
The upcoming Mario Party game will feature a number of new concepts and ideas new to the franchise. This includes motion control mini-games (not like the Wii), four-player co-op mini-games, and dynamic, two screen games. Don’t worry, there will still be the classic board game mode the series is known for.
The game will also feature character specific dice blocks. These dice differ from the standard role, offering different degrees of risk and reward. Every mini-game is brand new to the series, no old ones. And lastly, there is an online mini-game mode. Super Mario Party Launches on October 5.
Town for Nintendo Switch
Game Freak, the team best known for the Pokemon game series, is coming out with a new IP. Currently under the working title of “Town,” this new RPG takes place entirely within a local town overrun by monsters. Fight monsters, call for aid and learn the secrets of the village. Town will release some time in 2019.
Cities Skyline: Nintendo Switch Edition
The popular city management simulator is coming to the portable console. It features all the functionality that the game is known for, all while on the go. This edition of the game will also come with the After Dark and Snowfall DLC. Surprise! It’s available now on the Nintendo eShop.
Daemon X Machina
This sci-fi robot-shooter game has the player hunting down rogue AI in a big ol’ mech suit. As you fight off the enemy bots, you can build upon yourself using the weapons and parts found from their corpse. Build an arsenal for a diverse custom robot. It even has katanas. It’s very Gundam-y. During battle, you can even exit your mech suit and explore the world on foot. it features online co-op, as well. It launches in 2019.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
We see more about the third-party developed Yoshi game, now titled Yoshi’s Crafted World. Like we’ve seen before, you can flip and rotate the world to discover alternate perspective. Most of what we see is fresh gameplay, nothing new. It does confirm a co-op mode, just like before. We do notice that Yoshi was carrying around tiny Poochies like eggs. New mechanic perhaps? Yoshi’s Crafted World will release in Spring of 2019.
Tabletop Games
Through the efforts of Asmodee Digital, a number of popular tabletop games will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in a digital format. This includes Carcassonne, Pandemic, THe Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game, Munchkin, and Catan. The first few will be coming next year, with no release window said for the latter.
Civilization VI for Nintendo Switch
Announced before the Direct, Civ 6 is coming to the console. The early announcement was likely due to the Nintendo Direct’s week-long delay. Regardless, the full hexagonal strategy game is coming to Nintendo Switch on November 16.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Now Peppy, Slippy, and Falco will provide backup to the player in a new set of missions for Starlink: Battle for Atlas. It also reveals Wolf as a part of the game, though his role is unknown. Either way, it’ll be available October 16.
The World Ends With You Final Remix and Xenoblade Chronicles 2
These two popular RPGs are coming to the Switch this Fall. The World Ends with You 0will have new bonus mission segment and releases on October 12. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna the Golden Country is an expansion to the base game and will be available on the Switch on September 21. If you have the expansion pass, you can download it early, on September 14. I’m not sure why Nintendo bunched these two announcements together, but ok.
What’s Coming Soon
At this point, Nintendo simply listed off what games will be coming soon to the Switch.
- Warframe – November 20
- Just Dance 2019 – October 23
- FIFA 19 – September 28
- Team Sonic Racing – This Winter
- NBA 2K19 – Available Now
- NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 – This Fall
- LEGO DC Super-Villains – October 16
Final Fantasy on Switch
A number of different Final Fantasy titles are coming to the portable console in the near and distant future.
First was Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. This is a remaster for the Switch, which introduces a new online multiplayer option. It also has new dungeons zones. This game launches in 2019.
Remember Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition, the chibi art style simplification of the Hit game from a few years ago? It’s coming to Nintendo Switch. Referred to as Pocket Edition HD, It’s available now under the same price format as the mobile games.
Next is World of Final Fantasy Maxima. This leveled up version of the game will introduce Avatar Changes, which let you transform into famous characters from the franchise. This game releases on November 6.
After that is a cute and happy dungeon crawler game called Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY!. This is the return of the 2007 game, expanded upon. It introduces co-op play and launches this winter.
That’s right, there’s still more. Final Fantasy XII is coming to Nintendo for the first time. The remaster will come with a new speed mode for faster gameplay, as well as a few unnamed new features. This releases in 2019.
They conclude the Final Fantasy segment by announcing that Final Fantasy 7, 9, 10, 10-2 HD are coming to Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Merch
There will be a Super Smash Bros Ultimate console bundle. The hardware pack will feature a custom-designed dock and a digital code for the game. Don’t forget the Smash Bros Joycon bundle that comes with. It can be purchased November 2.
Isabelle Confirmed for Smash
The Nintendo Direct ended with a quiet and somber scene of Isabelle working hard at the mayor’s office in Animal Crossing. While contemplating how to manage with the mayor away, she is interrupted by a letter. It’s an invitation to participate in Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
That’s right, the adorable dog assistant will be joining the roster. Based on the moveset shown in the gameplay clips, she appears to be an Echo Fighter of Villager.
Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch
Just when you think it’s over, we transition to a view of Tom Nook. Watching the character reveal trailer at his desk over in the Happy Home Designer offices. He remarks about everyone enjoying Pocket Camp and Smash Bros, before considering getting back in the business himself. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Animal Crossing is getting a mainstream title for the Nintendo Switch.
Nothing else is known about the game, not even the title. The only thing we have is that it will be coming out in 2019. More will be revealed in time.
The End
You did it, you got to the end. I hope this Nintendo Direct had something you were hoping for. I know many, many people are excited about Animal Crossing, myself included!
