Japanese video game company Nintendo has always been good with keeping secrets.
With several games from other publishers being leaked ahead of E3, many of us worried that the Nintendo Direct E3 2019 Press Conference would be filled with announcements that consumers worldwide were already aware of. However, true to form, Nintendo managed to hold their cards close to their chests, until now. The company managed to keep us on the edge of our seats by finally revealing their upcoming games, including a very special surprise at the end.
This morning, Nintendo opened its activities at E3 2019 by showcasing multiple Nintendo Switch games scheduled to launch in 2019 and beyond. During its Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo revealed new information on multiple games coming to the Nintendo Switch (full list below).
The Nintendo presentation concluded with a reveal that had fans clamouring with shocked excitement: the announcement that the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is currently in development for Nintendo Switch.
Here are the other games that Nintendo revealed today.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
A new generation of Pokémon is coming to the Nintendo Switch system. Become a Pokémon Trainer, embark on a new journey in the new Galar region, and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta! Explore the Wild Area, a vast expanse of land where the player can freely control the camera. And participate in Max Raid Battles in which players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon. The games launch on 15th November.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi embarks on a dream vacation with Mario and friends. However, his dream quickly becomes a nightmare. With the assistance of Professor E. Gadd once again, the reluctant and cowardly hero Luigi traverses up and down a mysterious hotel with floors that are completely different from one another. Wield the upgraded Poltergust G-00 to slam and blow away the ghosts’ defences, or summon Gooigi, an all-green doppelganger that can help Luigi overcome obstacles he can’t get past alone. ScareScraper mode can be played online or locally with up to eight players on four Nintendo Switch consoles (additional games required). The game is scheduled to launch in 2019.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Link has washed ashore on a mysterious island with strange and colourful inhabitants. To escape the island, Link must collect magical instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. Players explore a reimagined Koholint Island that’s been faithfully rebuilt in a new art style. Battle enemies, conquer numerous dungeons and uncover the hidden secrets of the island while encountering Super Mario enemies like Goombas, Chain Chomps and Piranha Plants.
Players can also earn Chambers (Dungeon Rooms) and arrange them to complete objectives in the new Chamber Dungeon. Launching alongside the game will be a new Link amiibo figure that lets players hold this adorable new art style in the palm of their hands. A Limited Edition of the game will come with a physical version of the game, an art book that features concept art from the Nintendo Switch version of the game, and an exclusive Game Boy-themed SteelBook® case. The game and amiibo are each scheduled to launch on 20th September.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Players embark on an ultra-exclusive Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package and enjoy a peaceful existence full of creativity, charm and the freedom to roll up their sleeves and make their new life whatever they want it to be. Players can collect resources they can craft into everything from creature comforts to handy tools as they set up a homestead they can decorate freely, both inside and out. The game is scheduled to launch on 20th March, 2020.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Two new paid downloadable fighters are coming: Hero from the DRAGON QUEST series to be available this winter, and Banjo-Kazooie for this spring.
Hero represents the main character from several games in the DRAGON QUEST series. He can take the form of the protagonist from DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, DRAGON QUEST III: The Seeds of Salvation, DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen and DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King.
Banjo the bear and his bird friend, Kazooie, star in a series of games that began on Nintendo 64. Although Banjo the bear was first introduced in Diddy Kong Racing for Nintendo 64, the kind-hearted character is best known for joining up with his wise-cracking bird sidekick Kazooie in the 1998 Nintendo 64 game Banjo-Kazooie. The beloved pair has remained inseparable since, working together using an arsenal of acrobatic and egg-shooting moves to defeat enemies, overcome obstacles and locate golden puzzle pieces.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate amiibo
New amiibo figures featuring characters from the fighting game are on their way.
- 20th September: Snake, Ivysaur and Squirtle.
- November: Incineroar, Simon and Chrom.
- 2020: Dark Samus and Richter.
MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order
Assemble an ultimate team of Marvel Super Heroes from a huge cast including the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men and more. Team up with friends to prevent galactic devastation at the hands of the mad cosmic tyrant Thanos and his ruthless warmasters, The Black Order. Players can expand their ultimate alliance with the paid Expansion Pass, which includes upcoming DLC content from popular franchises like the Fantastic Four, X-Men and Marvel Knights. The game launches on 19th July.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
As a professor, players must lead students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic new twists to overcome. As the story unfolds, the choice of house at the Officers Academy will greatly affect where players stand when the great land of Fódlan becomes engulfed in war. After five years, former friends from the other classes must now face each other on the battlefield as bitter enemies. The game features the refined gameplay that the Fire Emblem franchise is known for. Players command a party of warriors to move and fight on a grid-based battlefield and, for the first time in the series history, assign battalions of troops to support individual units in battle. The game launches on 26th July.
ASTRAL CHAIN
In this new synergetic action game from PlatinumGames, humanity’s last chance against an interdimensional invasion is a sentient weapon called the Legion. As a rookie officer in an elite police task force, players will work together with their Legion to solve cases and save humankind. Players can change Legions on the fly to vary their style and unleash stylish combos. As they save the world from extradimensional invaders called chimeras, they’ll also interact with citizens, question suspects and team up with members of their task force to solve cases.
Additionally, a Collector’s Edition will be available in Australia and New Zealand, containing a 152-page artbook, a Shikishi art board with an illustration by character designer Masakazu Katsura, and a soundtrack CD, all in a high-quality box and sleeve with a suggested retail price of AU$129.95. The game is scheduled to launch on 30th August.
DAEMON X MACHINA
Defend the planet and defeat corrupted A.I. controlled robots using your Arsenal, a fully customisable mechanised battle suit. Choose and equip your Arsenal with a multitude of weapons, obtain more from downed enemy Arsenals, and swap them on the fly to suit your strategy in the face of ever-changing threats that may bring the end of the world. The game is scheduled to launch on 13th September.
Cadence of Hyrule ~ Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda
This rhythmic action-adventure game is set in the world of The Legend of Zelda series. Players can explore the randomly generated overworld, as well as dungeons that change for every player as they try to save Hyrule as Link or Princess Zelda. They can use items from The Legend of Zelda series, plus spells and weapons from Crypt of the NecroDancer. By keeping the beat with 25 remixed classic tunes from The Legend of Zelda series, players must outstep legendary enemies and bosses in rhythmic combat. The game launches in Nintendo eShop in the early morning of 14th June AEST.
DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
The legendary and genre-defining role-playing series is back with the definitive version of this critically acclaimed game. Embark on a grand and epic quest as the Luminary – the hero chosen by Yggdrasil, the world tree, to save the world of Erdrea from an evil fate. The Nintendo Switch version boasts all the sprawling content of the original game along with newly added character-specific stories, fully orchestrated field and battle music, additional monsters to ride, side-quests to journey into past DRAGON QUEST worlds, and the ability to change between HD and retro-inspired 16-bit visuals. Additional enhancements include the ability to speed up battle sequences and the choice of a Japanese or English voice track. The game is scheduled to launch on 27th September.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition from CD PROJEKT RED
Winner of over 250 Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, open world adventure set in a dark fantasy universe, where you play as Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. The Complete Edition contains every piece of downloadable content released for the game, including two massive story expansions: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to enter this world for the first time or relive the adventure – on the go! The game is scheduled to launch this year.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 from SEGA
Join Mario, Sonic and friends for their greatest adventure yet at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Go for the gold medal as you compete in action-packed sports games, including four brand-new events to Tokyo 2020: Skateboarding, Karate, Surfing and Sport Climbing, as well as a large selection of classic events. The game is scheduled to launch in November.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics from Netflix and EnMasse
The highly anticipated Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance comes to life as a thrilling tactical strategy game. In The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics, fans can experience the fantasy world of Thra by playing through – and going beyond – the events of the series. Players will even encounter never-seen-before playable characters, stories and environments. The game is scheduled to launch in 2019.
TRIALS of MANA from SQUARE ENIX
TRIALS of MANA is a full HD remake of the third entry in the Mana series, originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3. The entire game has been fully rebuilt from the ground up with modern 3D graphics. The game is scheduled to launch in early 2020.
Collection of Mana from SQUARE ENIX
Collection of Mana brings the first three titles in the seminal Mana series to Nintendo Switch in an all-in-one package. The collection is an essential bundle for new fans who want to play the classics for the first time and nostalgia seekers who want to relive fond memories and high fantasy adventures on the go. The collection launches today!
CONTRA ROGUE CORPS from Konami
CONTRA ROGUE CORPS is an over-the-top run-and-gun franchise with fast-paced, ultra-violent combat. Offering both single- and multiplayer options, CONTRA ROGUE CORPS is an incredible gameplay experience alone or with your friends. The game launches on 26th September.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake from Forever Entertainment
A new, remade version of Panzer Dragoon – true to the original, with improved graphics and controls, that suit modern gaming standards. On a far, lone planet, you encounter two dragons awakened from the ancient times. Armed with a deadly gun from the past, and the guidance of your armoured blue dragon, you must fulfill your destiny and keep the Prototype Dragon from reaching the Tower, or die trying. The game is scheduled to launch this summer.
Resident Evil 5 & Resident Evil 6 from CAPCOM
While the Umbrella Corporation and its crop of lethal viruses have been destroyed and contained, a more dangerous threat has emerged. Somewhere in Africa, innocent villagers are transforming into aggressive and disturbing creatures. Featuring online and couch co-op, players can experience this Resident Evil classic as either Chris Redfield or his partner, Sheva Alomar, as the duo work together to investigate and stop those responsible for the viral outbreak. The game is scheduled to launch this spring.
Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 delivers an epic and dramatic horror experience. Resident Evil favourites Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield and Ada Wong are joined by series newcomers to face a global level threat: the highly virulent C-virus. The game is scheduled to launch this spring.