Nintendo hosted quite a surprising Direct showcase yesterday and announced a bunch of new games. If anything, the Nintendo Direct highlighted the next few months of games for the Switch platform and just when you thought Nintendo had nothing left to release, the release schedule is packed with new games.
But in the middle of the Nintendo Direct madness, there were dozens of games announced. So much so that you likely missed the biggest reveals. So in case you wanted to know which announcements stood out from the rest, here’s a rundown. You can also read the full roundup of announcements here.
Super Mario Bros Wonder
Mario’s new 2D game has been announced and it looks pretty magical. It has been a while since we had a new 2D Mario title. The last was Super Mario Maker 2 back in 2019. However, some may debate it wasn’t a mainline entry given its level-maker system.
Super Mario Bros Wonder aims to bring back all the exciting co-op gameplay we love from the series. This includes intense level design aimed to challenge even the most adept players. There’s also a range of new gameplay features such as the ability to enter what seems like alternate dimensions called Wonders built into each stage. These dimensions will not only change the level layout but also grant players unique abilities.
Of course, Super Mario Bros Wonder also features the loved four-player gameplay where players can take on the role of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad and Yoshi. The game is set to launch on 20 October only on Nintendo Switch.
Princess Peach Gets Her Own Game
While this new game doesn’t have an official title yet, it stars Princess Peach on her own quest for the first time. Nintendo says this Princess Peach game will release sometime in 2024 so details are a little scarce.
The gameplay sees Princess Peach venture across what seems like a stage. There are various stage sets around each area as if she is performing some sort of theatrical show. She can attack enemies with ribbons and change her outfit to unlock new abilities.
There also seems to be a sunflower character which is likely her companion in the game. By the look of things, this will be a 2D-like adventure game.
Super Mario RPG Remake
Nintendo is remaking the original Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. The game was originally released on the SNES and will debut on the Switch come 17 November.
For the most part, the game looks like a faithful remake of the original where players need to control Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach and the original characters Mallow and Geno. It is a Mario RPG so expect all the classic turn-based combat and fighting you enjoy from the series.
Players will venture through the Mushroom Kingdom as they try to take down the Smithy Gang in order to recover the seven stars and repair the Star Road.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Remaster
The long-awaited sequel to the original Luigi’s Mansion, Dark Moon was released way back in 203 for the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo is now remastering the game for Switch.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Remastered is a direct port of the original 3DS game with some improved visual flair. Of course, it doesn’t look as polished and pretty as Luigi’s Mansion 2 but it does give players the opportunity to enjoy this game now that the 3DS store is dead and you basically can’t play it.
Pikmin 1 + 2 Out Now
The Nintendo Switch is now officially Pikmin-packed. Nintendo has released both Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 on the eShop. These faithful ports of the classic games mean that players can now play all four Pikmin games on the Switch. Of course, Pikmin 4 isn’t out just yet and releases on 21 July.
Pikmin 1 was released back in 2001 and Pikmin 2 in 2004. Both games were on the Nintendo GameCube console. Both games were then re-released on the Wii but this new Switch port marks the first official HD release.
You can download and play both games starting today. They are a bit pricey at $29 each so maybe grab one at a time.
