Nintendo’s highly anticipated Direct event took place early Thursday, revealing a plethora of exciting games set to launch in the first half of 2023. The live-streamed presentation, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, was broadcasted across the company’s social media channels and featured trailers for popular IPs such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Among the new announcements, Nintendo plans to remaster the original Metroid Prime, introduce a brand-new course to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and more. Additionally, the company has made retro Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games available on its Nintendo Online subscription service. Without further delay, here is a list of the most significant video game announcements from Nintendo’s first Direct event of 2023:
1. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe to Hogwarts Legacy: The 8 Biggest Games Launching in February
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – new trailer and price
Release date: May 12
One of the year’s most highly anticipated games, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, brings series protagonist Link back to the world of Hyrule. This time, the adventure feels more daunting as an infectious blight spreads across the lands. The game introduces new enemy types, including Wyvern-like creatures and a one-eyed ogre resembling a boar. The trailer also showcases a boss fight against a giant made of runic blocks. While the plot details remain mysterious, players get a glimpse of the new traversal mechanisms, allowing exploration of floating islands. Notably, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the first Nintendo Switch exclusive to be priced at $70.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Despite keeping details about Metroid 4 under wraps, Nintendo has surprised fans with the announcement of Metroid Prime Remastered. The digital edition of the revamped game is already available on the Nintendo eShop. Originally released for the GameCube system, this updated version features dual stick controls for improved navigation and the ability to change the point of view. It also provides an in-game control setting that recreates the feel of the original game. Physical editions of Metroid Prime Remastered will be released on February 22.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe demo and epilogue
Release date: February 24
Ahead of its launch later this month, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe offers a new epilogue. Players can access this epilogue upon completing the main story. In the epilogue, they assume the role of Magalore, an interdimensional traveler who has lost their magical powers. The epilogue features a completely new map with over 20 levels, where players collect magic points to restore Magalore’s abilities. Nintendo has also released a free demo of the game on the Nintendo eShop.
Advanced Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp release date
Release date: April 21
Advanced Wars returns to the Nintendo Switch with a newly reimagined style. Players can strategically defend lands in a military-style turn-based combat system, utilizing the game’s lead cast of characters such as Andy, Max, and Sammy. The characters can also assist with machinery repairs and boost abilities. Additionally, players can design their own maps and share them with friends, as well as engage in head-to-head contests through the Versus Mode, both online and locally. Originally slated for release in 2021, Advanced Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp will now be available on April 21.
Pikmin 4 release date
Release date: July 21
The highly anticipated Pikmin 4 received a close-up in gameplay during the Nintendo Direct presentation. The trailer showcased a new, unnamed minuscule player character who commands the smaller, floral Pikmin species to solve puzzles and defeat bosses in the backyard. The trailer also introduced a friendly dog named Otachi, who helps break barriers and pull giant carcasses. Pikmin 4 will be released on July 21.
Splatoon 3 expansion
Release date: Spring 2023
Splatoon 3 invites players to bring more color to the metropolitan Splatsville through its new expansion pass. The expansion pass will introduce two waves of Splatoon 3 DLC content. The first wave, launching in the US Spring, will include the Inkopolis map from the original Splatoon, along with the Inkopolis Plaza, shops, and occasional concerts from the Squid Sisters. The expansion pass also introduces a second single-player quest called Side Order, set in a darker, snowy locale, coming in the future.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4
Release date: Spring
While there is no standalone release for Mario, a new course will be added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Players who own the Booster Course pack will gain access to Yoshi’s Island, allowing them to race through vibrant underwater regions and soar into the skies. Additionally, Birdo, the iconic funnel-mouthed dinosaur, will be added as a playable character in Wave 4.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon gameplay
Release date: March 17
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon takes players on a journey into the early days of the Umbra Witch Bayonetta, known as Cereza. The game follows Cereza as she embarks on a quest to save her imprisoned mother, venturing deep into the forbidden Avalon Forest, ruled by fairies. Alongside Cereza is Chesire, a brawny feline who acts as her muscle. Players can control both characters, with Cereza using spells to immobilize enemies, while Chesire deals heavy damage. The game will be released on March 17.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion
Release date: February 15
On February 15, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will receive its third batch of expansion content, introducing roguelike battles and a new character named Masha, a Lapidarist. Masha specializes in crafting and relies on special ores to create accessories that offer various stat bonuses, such as increased agility. The roguelike battles present players with waves of enemies, with each victory unlocking additional heroes and special abilities. Developer Monolith Soft has also announced Volume 4 content, scheduled for release later this year, which will bring a new story-based experience.
Disney Illusion Island
Release date: July 28
Disney Illusion Island will arrive on the Nintendo Switch in July, starring beloved Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. This cartoon-styled platformer takes players on an adventure to find three magical books as they navigate the mysterious island of Monoth. The game supports four-player local co-op, allowing each player to control a character and utilize unique abilities, such as sharing hugs for extra health points, playing leapfrog for longer jumps, and throwing down a rope for allies to climb.
Octopath Traveler II demo
Release date: February 24
Octopath Traveler 2 now has a playable demo available on the Nintendo eShop. Players can carry over their saved progress from the demo to the full game once it releases. The game features a blend of retro pixelated and 3D CGI art styles, immersing players in the bustling land of Solistia, divided by the sea. Players can choose from eight eccentric characters, each with their own distinct characteristics, and explore the lands freely while engaging with townsfolk and developing job and talent skills over time.
Game Boy on Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo has made retro Game Boy titles accessible through its Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. Some notable titles in the library include Tetris, Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, and Metroid 2: Return of Samus. The basic tier of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, priced at $19.99 per year, grants access to Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles.
For Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles, players will need to upgrade to the premium Expansion Pack, which costs $49.99 and includes additional titles such as Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, WarioWare Inc.: Mega Microgames!, and Kuru Kuru Kururin.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
