We’d forgive you not for knowing that there was a Nintendo Direct yesterday. Which Nintendo Direct, you ask? That’s our point exactly. Nintendo announced on Tuesday that it was their turn to show off what’s coming to the Switch, now that PlayStation, Xbox, and Geoff Keighley have had their fun.
The Direct wasn’t particularly long, taking up just over forty minutes in total. But, despite Tears of the Kingdom’s continually expanding reach, Nintendo’s event wasn’t totally devoid of new content. The presentation was a mix of both old and new. Did that mix bring us any news of a port for The Wind Waker? No, and we’d rather not talk about it.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – There’s a new Mario in town
This isn’t the second coming of Super Mario Odyssey, as much as we’d like it to be. It is, however, a new 2D sidescroller Mario game that does enough to quench our thirst until Nintendo does gets a move on the much-anticipated sequel.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is hitting this Switch on 20 October, and it appears to be a true-to-the-series Mario 2D platformer that adds a few new gameplay twists here and there. And, of course, 3D animations. This is 2023, after all. Think Sonic Superstars (which was also announced for the Switch), but with Mario on the cover. A Mario that can turn into an elephant, actually.
Super Mario RPG – A remake for the ages
Had this been Nintendo’s only Mario announcement, we imagine there’d be riots in the streets. But it wasn’t, and Wonder’s existence as a new Mario game allows this beloved title to be remade in peace. Say hello to Super Mario RPG – the SNES classic that spawned this monstrosity. Now in 1080p!
Players are tasked with taking down Smithy (you heard that right) as Mario, Peach, Bowser, and the other less-interesting friends. The remake will mostly include “brand-new graphics” — similar-looking to Mario titles of the present, with gameplay left largely unchanged. It’ll arrive on the Switch on 17 November 2023.
Detective Pikachu Returns – No, not the movie
Remember that Detective Pikachu game from 2016? You should, if you’re over seven years old and have seen the movie it was based on. Well, regardless, it’s getting a sequel; Detective Pikachu Returns, coming to the Switch on 6 October.
The plot is the same as it was then, no doubt with a few more twists thrown in to keep things interesting. Pikachu and Tim Goodman have once again teamed up to revolve Ryme City’s mysteries. Whether it’ll go a little more in-depth now that it has a stronger console backing it, we’re not sure. It sure looks like it, judging by the trailer above.
WarioWare: Move it! – A Wario game in Wii’s clothing
If you thought Nintendo had given up on movement-based games, think again. Wario’s new game; WarioWare: Move It! proves that with the gimmick here being that players – with up to three friends online (or two friends on a couch) – can move about and shake their way to victory in the game’s over 200 minigames.
The idea, we’re sure, is to give players a place to settle differences with their friends Mario Party style – without needing an hour at a time. You can dive into the new WarioWare on 3 November later this year.
Honourable Mentions
Pikmin 1 & 2 – Finally on Switch
In honour of the upcoming Pikmin 4 in mid-July, Nintendo has finally brought fans the ability to play the series’ first two games, making a full replay of the series possible on one console. Both games were released digitally last night – so hop to it.
Peach: The Game (?)
A brand-new game starring Princess Peach is coming to #NintendoSwitch in 2024! Stay tuned for more details. pic.twitter.com/NO3Z5RBt0w
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 21, 2023
You know as much as we do when it comes to the incoming Switch game starring Princess Peach. Seriously, judging by the tweet above, the game has no name, release date (aside from the 2024 window), or any sort of clue about what it wants to be. If it’s anything like Peach’s Adventure, though, we’re sure it’ll be great.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – Prettier than ever
A visually enhanced version of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, originally released on Nintendo 3DS, is currently in development and coming to #NintendoSwitch in 2024! pic.twitter.com/LieKbYwVXX
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 21, 2023
Quite possibly our favourite announcement comes in the form of the Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon remaster or, as Nintendo calls it: “a visually enhanced version”. Other than the 2024 release window, Nintendo is clutching details close to its chest. Or there isn’t much to tell. Either way, Luigi’s Mansion is back in 2024, baby!