The next few months for are going to be busy for Nintendo fans, with a slew of new games in wildly different genres coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS. During this morning’s Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo shared with us details for more than 40 games launching for the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems over the next several months.
Below are some highlights of the Nintendo Direct announcements.
Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey
New information about Mario’s upcoming adventure was revealed during the presentation, including more story details, locations and modes. Additionally, Nintendo also announced a special hardware bundle that includes a packaged version of the game and Mario-themed red Joy-Con controllers. A Nintendo Switch Carrying Case (Super Mario Odyssey Edition) & Screen Protector set will also be available. Super Mario Odyssey lands exclusively on Nintendo Switch on 27th October.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This massive sequel takes place in the world of Alrest on the backs of giant Titans. The journey through the clouds begins when Xenoblade Chronicles 2 lands on Nintendo Switch on 1st December. Alongside the standard version, fans can also pick up a special edition of the game that includes a sound selection CD, a special metal game case and a 220-page hardbound art book. A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller themed around Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will also be available on 1st December.
project OCTOPATH TRAVELER (working title)
The producers of Bravely Default at Square Enix present a new RPG brought to life through a mixture of CG, pixel art and visual wizardry. project OCTOPATH TRAVELER launches worldwide in 2018. But fans can try out a free demo for the game in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch starting today.
Kirby Star Allies
Revealed at E3 2017, the first Kirby game for Nintendo Switch has some charming new tricks. By throwing hearts, players can recruit up to three enemies to become Kirby’s allies. Whether playing alone or with up to three friends, mixing up abilities to create new powers is a big part of the fun. Kirby Star Allies launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch in autumn 2018.
Arcade Archives
Some of Nintendo’s classic arcade games are coming to Nintendo Switch courtesy of HAMSTER Corporation, starting with Arcade Archives: Mario Bros., which launches 28th September. Others, like VS. Super Mario Bros., VS. Balloon Fight, VS. Ice Climber, VS. Pinball and VS. Clu Clu Land, are coming soon. These arcade games contain subtle differences that can’t be found in their NES counterparts.
L.A. Noire
Rockstar Games is bringing L.A. Noire to Nintendo Switch on 14th November including all of its downloadable content, new collectibles, detective suits with special abilities, a Joy-Con mode with gyroscopic, gesture-based controls, new wide and over-the-shoulder camera angles, and intuitive touch-screen controls for portable detective work.
Resident Evil Revelations / Resident Evil Revelations 2
The Nintendo Switch library will get two creepy survival horror classics when Resident Evil Revelations and its sequel, Resident Evil Revelations 2, both launch in late November.
Nindies
Dozens of indie games are coming over the next few months. These include the underground platforming action of SteamWorld Dig 2 and the golf-RPG Golf Story in September; the four-player action game Nine Parchments and combo-based puzzle game Battle Chef Brigade this summer; randomly constructed sequel Super Meat Boy Forever in 2018; and tactical RPG Tiny Metal launching in the future.
Amiibo
The Legend of Zelda Champions
Four amiibo figures based on the Champions from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Daruk, Mipha, Revali and Urbosa – launch in stores on 10th November. Tapping these amiibo while playing the game will summon special headgear for Link based on that Champion’s Divine Beast. Additional functionality for these amiibo will be revealed in the future.
Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon Ultra Sun / Pokémon Ultra Moon
The new games feature customisable main characters who embark on a new adventure. An untold story unfolds on a grand scale, where the Legendary Pokémon that steals light, Necrozma, has transformed into two new forms: Dusk Mane Necrozma, who took over Solgaleo, and Dawn Wings Necrozma who took over Lunala. With an early purchase of the games, fans can get a special gift Rockruff, who will evolve into a Dusk Form Lycanroc, new to the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
Fans who download the digital version of Pokémon Ultra Sun orPokémon Ultra Moon by 10th January, will receive 12 Quick Balls. Finally, a cool Poké Ball-themed New Nintendo 2DS XL system will launch in Australia and New Zealand on 4th November.
Mario Party: The Top 100
For the first time, 100 of the top mini-games from the console Mario Party games can be played on a handheld system. Mario Party: The Top 100 supports local Download Play, so up to four players who each own a Nintendo 3DS family system can enjoy the game together with only one Game Card. Take a tour through all the mischief, magic and memories the series has to offer when it launches in Australia and New Zealand in January 2018.
Kirby: Battle Royale
Kirby is about to enter a tournament against his toughest rival yet … himself! The pink puffball’s new game offers a variety of ways to fight in both single- and multiplayer modes. Kirby: Battle Royale launches in Australia and New Zealand on 4th November. Fans can head to the Nintendo Australia and New Zealand website to celebrate Kirby’s 25th anniversary and vote for their favourite copy ability!
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions
When the game launches on 7th October, players will be able to use the new Goomba and Koopa Troopa amiibo – or the existing Boo amiibo – to get additional stamp sheets that offer up items in both of the game’s modes. More information about amiibo compatibility will be revealed in the future.
Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition
Fans of Minecraft will have another way to play the hit creation game when it comes to New Nintendo 3DS systems. This portable version of the game comes with Survival and Creative modes, five skin packs and two texture packs. Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition will be available on Nintendo eShop soon and in stores at a later date.
Looks like the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS systems may be this year’s big hit, especially around Christmas!