With the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct visible over the horizon, Nintendo took the opportunity to clean out its cupboards of the games just taking up shelf space through a Switch 1-themed Direct, which kicked off at 16h00 local time on Thursday, 27 March. The event showed off roughly 30 minutes of footage, with many hoping for even a glimpse of the elusive red and white insect. No such luck, unfortunately.
No matter. We’ve totted up all the biggest announcements from the Direct, leaving the games like Disney Villains Cursed Café to fend for themselves. We’re more interested in the likes of a Dragon Quest Remake or the long-awaited return of Samus in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (yes, that really happened). Expect the bigger reveals to be held off for the Switch 2. Just a few more days…
Dragon Quest I-II HD Remake
First up on the list is the Dragon Quest I-II HD Remake, a return to the franchise’s roots after the release of Dragon Quest III HD-2D. Aside from adding new quests, the Remake reimagines the iconic series in the same style as its most recent release. There’s no release date just yet, but we know it’ll arrive sometime in 2025.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
If you’ve got someone in your life who can’t seem to drag their eyes away from Stardew Valley, give them a ring to let them know that the latest entry in Story of Seasons has arrived in the form of Grand Bazaar. It’s filled with all the cutesy farming sim elements as players work to restore Zephyr Town. Arriving on 27 August 2025.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
It finally happened. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond made an appearance in the most unlikely of Nintendo Direct events, but we’re not complaining. Metroid retains the energy of the older game’s that quite literally helped invent an entirely new genre and informed game development for decades to come. Expect a release sometime in 2025.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
We got a deeper look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which is still set to release sometime in 2025, though Nintendo are holding the exact date close to its chest. We got a clearer look at Lumiose City, a brief teaser of the Z-A Royale, tournaments, and Pokémon appearing just about everywhere the light touches.
Monument Valley I, II, and III
If you’re looking for something to scratch that puzzle itch, Monument Valley should be able to help. Originally a mobile game, Monument Valley has since expanded its puzzling wonders to bigger and better screens, with the first two games hitting the Switch on 15 April. Monument Valley 3 will join the Switch party later this year.
