Since the beginning of the year, we waited for a full-on Nintendo Direct to wow us. In January, we got a mini Direct which did satisfy some cravings, it left many feeling odd. And many were hoping a full-on Direct would come soon after. Around two months later, and it’s here. But what was revealed? Well, here’s our breakdown:
Nintendo 3DS:
The Nintendo Direct started out with a look at what’s coming for the Nintendo 3DS, and it mainly featured a lot of remakes. For example, Luigi’s Mansion is being remade for the 3DS. What’s more, Mario + Luigi: Bowsers’ Inside Story is getting revamped for the 3DS, and is adding a new side story featuring Bowser Jr. A new game that was announced though was WarioWare Gold, which will feature over 300 micro games, the largest in the series.
Finally, some new footage was shown for Detective Pikachu, and a game called Dillion’s Dead Heat Breakers.
All in all, 2018 isn’t that impressive for 3DS so far, but that could change.
Nintendo Switch:
Oh yeah, what everyone was waiting for, “what will be revealed for Nintendo Switch?” Well, some release dates were given, some surprises were had, and some questionable videos were shown. Let’s start with 3rd Party games.
Aside from ones we already knew about, like Dark Souls Remastered (which is getting an Amiibo!), and Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes (coming out this year), we got official confirmation that the Square Enix Switch exclusive will be called Octopath Traveler. What’s more, it’s coming out on July 13th, and we got new looks at the characters and new features in the battle system.
But the 3rd party info didn’t stop there, in fact, it had barely begun. The Nintendo Direct revealed that Undertale, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, Crash Bandicoot ‘N Sane Trilogy, Little Nightmares: Complete Edition, Sushi Striker, AND Okami HD are all coming to Nintendo Switch this year. While many are ports, this is still a lot 3rd party titles. A big indication that 3rd party developers are trying to cash in on the Switch’s success.
Moving onto 1st party, Kirby Star Allies got some new character reveals (which will come via free DLC), Mario Aces got a breakdown in regards to its detailed gameplay, and was revealed to come out on June 22nd, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is coming out on May 18th.
In a surprise, Captain Toad is returning via Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which will come to both Switch and 3DS, and will feature all new types of puzzles for players to complete. What’s more, some levels from Super Mario Odyssey will make an appearance, including New Donk City!
Splatoon 2 got a lot of attention in the Nintendo Direct. It’s getting its 3.0 update, which will bring 100+ pieces of new gear, 3 new levels, and a new Rank called “Rank X”, which will apparently bring more depth to the main game.
But, that’s not all, Splatoon 2 is going to get some paid DLC via the Octo Expansion. In it, you’ll play as an Octoling (not unlike Marina), and enjoy an all-new custom made single player experience. Should you beat said experience, you’ll get to play as an Octoling in the main game!
Oh, and one more thing…
Now, in an official statement from Nintendo, they’re not saying whether Smash Bros for Switch is a port of the Wii U version or a brand new game, so stay tuned for more details on that.
So, what did you think of the Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments below! And stay tuned for our breakdown of the Direct in the next Nintendo Entertainment Podcast!
