In yesterday’s Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo revealed that new games in two major Nintendo series are currently in development for the Nintendo Switch console.
Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title), a new main game in the Animal Crossing series, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title), will both come exclusively to Nintendo Switch in 2019. The video presentation also debuted a new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch hardware bundle.
The Nintendo Direct presentation also revealed a diverse line-up of games headed to Nintendo Switch, including a massive collection of classic FINAL FANTASY games, an HD remake of the beloved Katamari Damacy, and adaptations of some best-selling card and board games like Carcassonne and Pandemic.
If that’s not already enough, the Nintendo Direct also unveiled other details for the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership service which starts on 19th September, highlighted a selection of Nintendo 3DS games and revealed more details about previously announced Nintendo Switch games like Yoshi’s Crafted World, DAEMON X MACHINA and Mega Man 11.
Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:
Nintendo Switch
- Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title): A new mainline game in the Animal Crossing series – the first since Animal Crossing: New Leaf debuted on Nintendo 3DS in 2013 – is slated for a 2019 release exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
- Isabelle Joins the Fight!: Taking a break from assisting mayors and just being an all-around lovely pup, Isabelle from the Animal Crossing series is joining the roster as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title): The next instalment in the spooky series is currently in production, and will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
- Nintendo Switch Online: With Nintendo Switch Online, members gain access to online play, and Save Data Cloud backup in compatible games, the NES – Nintendo Switch Online growing library of classic games with added online play, special offers and a smartphone app with features to make online gaming sessions more fun and engaging for supported games. Nintendo Switch owners won’t automatically become members when the service launches on 19th September, so they will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to keep enjoying online play in compatible games.
- Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers: Playing Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online will feel even more authentic by using the new, wireless Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, available for purchase exclusively for paid Nintendo Switch Online members. This re-creation of the original, iconic NES controller comes in a pack of two for AU$79.95 and can be charged by attaching to a docked Nintendo Switch console. NES Controllers will be available for pre-order from 19th September.
- Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition: This upcoming Nintendo Switch bundle features the Nintendo Switch console – complete with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate branded Joy-Con controllers and dock – and a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a suggested retail price of AU$549.95. The Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition launches on 9th November. (The download code for the game won’t be active until the game launches on 7th December.)
- FINAL FANTASY Extravaganza!: High-definition versions of some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY games of all time are coming to Nintendo Switch. This includes FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XII: The Zodiac Age, FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2. This is the first time any of these FINAL FANTASY games have been released on a Nintendo console. S
- Katamari Damacy REROLL: New fans will be joining the chorus when an HD remaster of the classic Katamari Damacy comes to Nintendo Switch, complete with HD rumble, gyro control and multiplayer support with the Joy-Con controllers. Katamari Damacy REROLL launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch this summer.
- Diablo III: Eternal Collection: The Nintendo Switch version of this classic action-RPG will have players on a journey through Sanctuary, where they’ll vanquish the armies of Hell and plunder powerful loot as one of the seven playable classes. Up to four players can adventure together via local or online multiplayer. The Nintendo Switch version of the game features exclusive Legend of Ganondorf cosmetic armour, compatibility with all current amiibo figures, and more. Diablo III: Eternal Collection launches on 2nd November.
Nintendo 3DS
- Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey: One of the most acclaimed games in the Mario & Luigi RPG series is getting a remake on Nintendo 3DS. In addition to the game’s revamped graphics and tweaked gameplay, a new side story follows Bowser Jr. as he gathers an army, creates formations, supports his allies with an arsenal of moves, and generally causes chaos (in the best way possible). Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey will prove two adventures are better than one on 26th January.
- Luigi’s Mansion: Two players who each own the game can team up to explore and capture ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion, a Nintendo 3DS remake of the classic Nintendo GameCube launch game. This new version of the game also features amiibo support. Tapping one of the four compatible amiibo will reveal where Boos are hiding and heal Luigi when he talks to Toad, among other bonuses. Luigi’s Mansion will haunt the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on 20th October.