Even after a one-week delay, Thursday's Nintendo Direct delivered more than enough news and reveals to make any Nintendo fan ecstatic. This included a handful of surprises, a number of release date reveals, and some new information on previous reveals.
With Thursday's Nintendo Direct airing during the work day on the west coast and during rush hour on the east coast, some people may have missed the live reveals. That's why Shacknews is here today, to help recap everything you might have missed.
Last time Nintendo held a Direct, it started off with Luigi. He died. He got better, though.
This time, Nintendo kicked off its Direct with Luigi. But nobody worry! He's still alive! This time, he stepped into another haunted house to help reveal Luigi's Mansion 3, which is set to come to Nintendo Switch in 2019.
But that's not all the Luigi's Mansion today's Nintendo Direct offered. The Nintendo 3DS re-release of the original is also on its way and will feature a new co-op feature, where a second player on a second 3DS can jump in as a ghostly double of the green plumber. Both players must own copies of the game to utilize this feature, otherwise a second player can use Download Play to play against bosses in the Gallery.
This updated Luigi's Mansion will also include Amiibo support, which can have effects like calling in Toad for healing or revealing hidden Boos. Four Amiibo will be compatible, but only three were revealed, those being the Boo, Toad, and Luigi Amiibo figures. Luigi's Mansion will hit Nintendo 3DS on October 12.
In recent years, Nintendo has made a practice of rolling Wii U games onto its more successful platforms. This time, it's taking an original Wii classic and placing it onto the Nintendo 3DS. Kirby Epic Yarn is now Kirby Extra Epic Yarn.
This version of the game contains everything from the original Wii release. However, players will also find some new bonus abilities, like the ability to create bigger yarn balls and suck up nearby items. Those who thought the game was too easy can now play on Devilish Mode, which will see a relentless enemy chase after them throughout the entire level. Players will also find some new mini-games.
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn is set to release in 2019.
Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story will continue the recent Nintendo trend of re-releasing games from the classic RPG series. But like the Superstar Saga re-release before it, this will include an all-new side story.
Today offered up some new information on Bowser Jr's Journey. This takes place concurrently with the main Inside Story plot, as Bowser Jr. seeks out his own cure for the Blorbs outbreak that has plagued the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as Bowser's own castle.
Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey also has a release date. Look for it to arrive on January 11.
Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is already available, but today's Nintendo Direct had some new information on the game's upcoming patch. September 27 will see the game receive a new patch that adds the Moon Rabbit Crew version of the game, which offers some additional content for linking save files of both the Red Cat Corps and White Dog Squad editions of Blasters together. This includes new missions, new bonuses, new Yo-Kai, and new bosses.
Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is available now on Nintendo 3DS.
Splatoon 2 is about to reach Version 4. This means a lot of new outfits, weapons, and stages, but it's also going to bring some new twists to multiplayer. For example, Turf War is about to receive a 100x Battle variant.
More information about Splatoon 2 Version 4 is coming soon, but the video below features a first look. Those are indeed new weapons, like a hand grenade, sniper rifle, and... is that a SPIRIT BOMB?
Splatoon 2 will drop its Version 4 update on September 13 with Kensa Collection #1 and some new Spaltfest changes. Version 4.1 will drop in October with Kensa Collection #2, a new stage, and more. For more information, be sure to visit the Splatoon Tumblr. And don't look for the party to end anytime soon. Splatfests are set to continue through July 2019.
Originally revealed last week, today's Nintendo Direct offered a look at Mega Man 11 and new Robot Master, Bounce Man. The demo is available on Nintendo Switch right now.
But there's new information regarding Amiibo compatibility. Anyone who uses the Mega Man Amiibo figure can pick up items like E Tanks. These rewards can be claimed once per day.
Mario Tennis Aces is getting a Version 2 update. As one would expect, this update paves the way for some new characters. There's Birdo, Shy Guy, Koopa Paratroopa, and Petey Piranha. Each of these characters be claimed via online play, with Nintendo offering up more new characters from now through June 2019.
But the Version 2 update will also offer some new ways to play. Players can jump online for special Co-op Challenges, only available for a short time. Anyone who completes the challenges can pick up some cool new gear for the game's roster. Mario Tennis Aces goes to Version 2 on September 19.
Capcom is celebrating its beat 'em up catalog by offering vintage arcade classics in one single collection. Players will be able to pick up vintage versions of Final Fight, The King of Dragons, Captain Commando, Knights of the Round, Warriors of Fate, Armored Warriors, and Battle Circuit. The latter two games are available on home console for the first time.
Using Joy-Con controllers, up to four players can jump into these games locally. Each of these games will also offer online play. Those into vintage brawlers won't have to wait long, because the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle is set to release on September 18.
Remember earlier when I mentioned that Nintendo is looking to roll out more Wii U games onto more successful consoles? Here's New Super Mario Bros. U getting the deluxe treatment. This re-release will include both the base game and the New Super Luigi U DLC.
Nabbit returns, with his ability to take no damage. Toadette is also available as a new playable character. But interestingly, when Toadette grabs a Super Mushroom, she transforms into Peachette, a different variation of Peach. Peachette can double jump and float down safely towards the ground, similar to the Flying Squirrel suit. She'll also boost up once if she falls into a pit.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is set to release on Nintendo Switch on January 11.
A classic gaming series returns, as the Katamari series comes to Nintendo Switch. The original game is back as Katamari Damacy Reroll, with players tasked with rolling up everything spilled by the clumsy King of All Cosmos.
The Nintendo Switch version will include new gyro controls, along with two-player competitive multiplayer.
Katamari Damacy Reroll will roll onto Nintendo Switch this winter.
More information about the Nintendo Switch Online service was revealed. A handful of the details were issued earlier today, but the Nintendo Direct went a little deeper, explaining the online play and cloud saving capability.
More intriguing was the reveal of the NES Online catalog, which includes some shockingly deep cuts. Here's what we can expect:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Tecmo Bowl (!)
- Tennis
- The Legend of Zelda
- Yoshi
- Gradius (!)
- Ice Climber
- Ice Hockey
- Mario Bros.
- Pro Wrestling
- River City Ransom
- Soccer
- Balloon Fight
- Baseball
- Donkey Kong
- Double Dragon
- Dr. Mario
- Excitebike
- Ghosts 'N Goblins
- NES Open Tournament Golf
- Solomon's Key
- Super Dodge Ball
- Mighty Bomb Jack
- Metroid
The first-party games are hardly a surprise, but that's a solid third-party lineup that includes Tecmo Bowl, Solomon's Key, and Gradius. Nintendo is set to keep growing this catalog, so be on the lookout for additional games as time goes on.
The other major reveal involves vintage NES controllers, which can be used wirelessly with the Nintendo Switch and its NES library. These can be docked to the Switch, just like normal Joy-Con controllers.
Blizzard confirmed the Diablo 3 release date for Nintendo Switch earlier today. But they didn't reveal everything, as it turns out.
Today's Nintendo Direct offered a first look at the Ganondorf Transmog armor. It also revealed that all Amiibo figures would be compatible, each of which can open up an Amiibo portal with waves of powerful enemies and precious loot.
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection will release on November 2.
Super Mario Party's game modes were revealed today, which includes many classic modes, like the solo-player story or the four-player classic board game. Players can also get together and try to stay alive in the four-player co-op River Survival mode.
Players can also test their wits online with the new Online Mariothon mode. This will see multiple players take on a row of Super Mario Party mini-games for supremacy.
Super Mario Party is set to release on October 5.
One of the key studios behind the Pokemon series, Game Freak, is back with an all-new RPG. Players take the role of a villager in a small town under the protection of a great castle. But the castle is soon unable to protect them, as monsters start showing up and wreaking havoc.
Unlike most RPGs, the entirety of this game will take place in this single village, with the idea to gradually build up greater defenses and call upon fellow villagers to ward off these monsters.
This game is tentatively called Town and is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2019.
One of the most acclaimed city-builders of the decade is now about to find a home on Nintendo Switch. Paradox Interactive is not only bringing Cities: Skylines to Switch, it has brought it to Switch.
That's right, Cities: Skylines is available right now on Nintendo Switch. It includes the base game, as well as the After Dark and Snowfall expansions.
First revealed at E3 2018, today's Nintendo Direct offered some more information on Daemon X Machina. This game puts players in the role of a mercenary piloting an Arsenal mech suits against AI run amok. The draw to this mech-battling game is that it's possible to not only pillage enemy parts and equipment, but it's also possible to equip their stuff immediately in mid-battle. Any excess weapons can be sent back to base for later use.
It's also possible to exit the Arsenal to explore the immediate area, with an upgrade tree also available for human characters. Up to four players can band together to take on bigger bosses.
Daemon X Machina is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2019.
While Yoshi's next game looked to be another take on Woolly World, this Nintendo Switch effort is a little more crafty. The idea is to take Yoshi around a world of dioramas, doing traditional side-scrolling, while also flipping stages around and going into various backgrounds for some 2.5D platforming. Like Woolly World, two players can get together for local co-op play.
Now dubbed Yoshi's Crafted World, the newest Yoshi adventure is set to hit Nintendo Switch in Spring 2019.
With the Nintendo Switch theoretically available to use as a tabletop, Asmodee Digital is using it to help bring its catalog of board games to the platform.
The teases include Caracassonne (December 2018), The Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game (April 2019), Pandemic (March 2019), Catan Universe, and Munchkin. All of these are coming soon to Switch, with more to come.
One of 2K's most beloved series is coming to Nintendo Switch for the first time ever. In fact, it's one of the few Civilzation games to ever hit a Nintendo console, period. Civilzation VI will contain new updates and improvements, along with some additional content in the form of the Vikings, Poland, Australia, and Persia & Macedon packs. Up to four players can play either cooperatively or competitively.
Sid Meier's Civilization VI hits Nintendo Switch on November 16.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas on Nintendo Switch is getting Star Fox characters and the ability to pilot an Arwing for the game's story. That much was known. But now it looks like the Star Fox crew will have their own unique set of missions that helps continue their own story.
On top of that, today's Nintendo Direct offered a first look at Fox's nemesis, Wolf O'Donnell, teasing a new confrontation with the Star Wolf team.
Look for Starlink: Battle for Atlas to hit Nintendo Switch on October 16.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix will have a little something new for those who played through the original cult classic. A new story scenario called A New Day will task players with escaping Shibuya. The problem is that the map has been changed around, so not everything is in the same place. Add to that some new monster variants and this new scenario will be tough to beat.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix also has a release date. It's set to release on October 12 on Nintendo Switch.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is set to receive a new DLC story called Torna - The Golden Country that takes players into the past. Venture 500 years before the events of the base game to take on Malos and his evil forces. Players will get to utilize a revamped battle system, while also controlling both the Blades and the Drivers.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country is set to release on September 21. However, those who have the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 expansion pass can jump into this story this Friday.
The Nintendo Direct then went into some quick hits for what's coming to Nintendo Switch. Those games are:
- Warframe (November 20)
- Just Dance 2019 (October 23)
- FIFA 19 (September 28)
- Team Sonic Racing (Winter)
- NBA 2K19 (Now)
- NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 (Fall 2018)
- LEGO DC Super-Villains (October 16)
Earlier this week, we reported on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles getting a Nintendo Switch (and PS4) release. We also talked about Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition getting a console release. But that's not all the Final Fantasy that Switch owners are in for.
World of Final Fantasy Maxima will come to the Switch with a new Avatar Change system that allows players to transform into different heroes from across Final Fantasy lore. World of Final Fantasy Maxima is set to release on November 6.
Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY! is also coming to Nintendo Switch. The 2007 game is back with some new features, including co-op play. It's set to launch this winter.
A big surprise is that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is set to hit Nintendo Switch. It comes with a lot of the upgrades introduced in more modern Square Enix RPGs, including Speed Mode that allows for quicker battles. Final Fantasy XII will release in 2019, which will further open the floodgates of classic Final Fantasy games on Nintendo's console. Look for Final Fantasy VII, IX, X, and X-2 to follow shortly thereafter.
Lastly, Nintendo closed on its big first-party holiday release. First, there was the reveal of a new Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Switch bundle. This includes a dock adorned with the original Smash Bros. roster, as well as Joy-Con controllers with the Smash Bros. decals. This bundle will release on November 2 and will contain a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which can be picked up on its December 7 release date. The GameCube controller and GameCube adapter can also be purchased on November 2.
In addition to revealing a new Nintendo Switch bundle for November, the Nintendo Direct concluded by cutting away to Animal Crossing's Isabelle. Initially thought to be a tease for a new Animal Crossing game, Isabelle quickly revealed her intention to join the Smash Bros. roster. Originally rumored to be an Echo Fighter, Isabelle is, in fact, an all-new addition and will come with her own set of special moves.
While that was all pleasing to Smash Bros. fans, it did feel like a big tease for Animal Crossing fans. Fortunately, Tom Nook was on hand to assure everyone that a new Animal Crossing game is indeed in the world for Nintendo Switch and will arrive in 2019.
What are your thoughts on today's Nintendo Direct? Be sure to join the conversation and let us know in the comments.
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replyOzzie Mejia posted a new article, Nintendo Direct September 13 Recap: Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion, and more
