We’re due for a Nintendo Direct this Summer. Already announced by Nintendo, this presentation does not cover the “Switch 2,” and its capabilities. However, plenty of games for the Nintendo Switch were showcased, including those that everyone had been anticipating, like Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and even Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. Most notably, Metroid Prime finally got a full title known as “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,” along with new titles to Mario & Luigi, Donkey Kong Country, Mario Party, and The Legend of Zelda franchises. As well as plenty of third-party titles.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
At long last, we have a new installment in the Metroid Prime series. The presentation began with an impressive gameplay trailer highlighting the game’s visuals and immersive environments, which promise to take the franchise to new heights. Players can look forward to exploring vast, intricately designed alien worlds, each teeming with unique flora and fauna, and filled with challenging puzzles and hidden secrets. The trailer showcased Samus’s upgraded abilities, including new suit enhancements and advanced combat mechanics, such as a versatile grappling hook and powerful new beam weapons. Additionally, the game will feature an expanded first-person perspective that allows for more dynamic and interactive gameplay. This title will also introduce a deep narrative, continuing Samus’s epic journey while unraveling new mysteries about the galaxy and her past. Multiplayer modes were hinted at, promising cooperative and competitive options that leverage the game’s new mechanics. As far as a release date, the Direct concluded with an exciting tease, suggesting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is slated for a late 2024 launch, just in time for the holiday season.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
Today’s Nintendo Direct showcased Mario & Luigi: Brothership, a new entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG series. The presentation showcased a vibrant gameplay trailer, highlighting the game’s return to the classic turn-based combat system, but with several innovative twists. Players will control both Mario and Luigi simultaneously, using their abilities to solve intricate puzzles and overcome various challenges. The game’s setting, a fantastical airship known as the “Brothership,” serves as the central setting from which the two embark on numerous adventures across different worlds, each with its own distinct theme and set of enemies. Enhanced cooperative mechanics were prominently featured, allowing for more synchronized moves and powerful combo attacks in battles. Additionally, the game introduces a new badge system, offering various enhancements and special abilities that players can equip and customize to suit their playstyle. Mario and Luigi team up to thwart a new threat. The Direct also hinted at multiplayer modes, where friends can join and venture challenges together. Nintendo announced that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is set to release in Spring 2025, giving fans plenty of time to anticipate this next adventure in the iconic series.
Donkey Kong Country Returns.
Additionally, today’s Nintendo Direct announced Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Switch, a revitalized version of the platformer. The presentation highlighted how this remake not only preserves the charm and excitement of the original but also enhances it with updated graphics, smoother performance, and new features tailored for the Switch. Players will again join Donkey Kong on a quest to reclaim their stolen banana hoard, navigating through beautifully reimagined levels filled with lush jungles, treacherous mines, and vibrant underwater stages. The game retains its signature challenging gameplay, requiring precise timing and skillful maneuvering, but now includes additional difficulty modes to cater to both newcomers and veteran players. A new cooperative multiplayer mode allows two players to team up locally or online, bringing a fresh dynamic to the adventure. Furthermore, this revision introduces exclusive content, such as new levels, hidden collectibles, and time trials. Donkey Kong Country Returns is scheduled for release in Summer 2025, ensuring that fans old and new will soon be able to embark on this nostalgic yet refreshed journey.
Super Mario Party Jamboree.
One notable announcement in today’s Nintendo Direct was Super Mario Party Jamboree, an exciting new installment in the Super Mario Party series that promises to increase the party game experience. The trailer showcases the game’s colorful and dynamic boards, each brimming with unique themes and interactive elements that can dramatically alter the course of play. Innovative gameplay mechanics were introduced, such as customizable dice blocks and special character-specific abilities that add strategic depth to the classic dice-rolling. Players can look forward to over 100 new mini-games that make full use of the Switch’s capabilities, from motion controls to HD haptics, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for everyone. The game also features a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing friends and family to join the party from anywhere. The Direct highlighted new cooperative and team-based modes, including a story-driven campaign where players work together to overcome challenges and defeat bosses. Enhancements to the game’s social features include a party planner that helps organize virtual game nights and a photo mode to capture memorable moments. Nintendo wrapped up the segment with the eagerly awaited release date, announcing that Super Mario Party Jamboree will be available in early October.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
While today’s Nintendo Direct didn’t announce Wind Waker or Twilight Princess HD, Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This time, however, Link is not the protagonist. Instead, players will embark on the journey with Zelda herself, venturing on a quest to save Hyrule. The story unfolds as the kingdom faces a mysterious and ancient threat known as the “Shadow Tribe,” who have emerged from the depths to cast darkness over the land. With Link mysteriously missing, Zelda must harness the power of the Echoes of Wisdom, ancient artifacts that hold the key to vanquishing this new evil and restoring peace to Hyrule. The gameplay promises a rich and immersive experience, blending traditional Zelda elements with fresh innovations. Players can expect a seamless open-world exploration filled with lush landscapes, treacherous dungeons, and intricate puzzles. Echoes of Wisdom introduces new combat mechanics, allowing Zelda to utilize an array of magical abilities and Sheikah technology, adding depth and variety to battles. The game also features a crafting system where players can create and upgrade weapons, tools, and potions using resources found throughout Hyrule. Enhanced AI companions and a dynamic weather system further enrich the gameplay experience. Multiplayer co-op mode is another exciting addition, enabling a second player to join the adventure as a fellow Sheikah warrior, providing support and strategizing together. Nintendo concluded the segment with a tantalizing release window, announcing that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is set to launch in Spring 2025!
Additional Titles.
As far as third-party titles, today’s Nintendo Direct was packed with plenty of announcements. Square Enix unveiled remakes for three Dragon Quest games, promising to bring beloved adventures to a new generation. Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition received an overview ahead of its release next month, offering a nostalgic trip for long-time gamers. Fairy Tail 2 was announced with a launch set for this winter, expanding the popular anime-based game series. The Apple Arcade exclusive Fantasian is making its way to the Nintendo Switch as Fantasian: Neo Dimension, set to release later this year. Nintendo Switch Sports will receive a free update this summer, adding Basketball to its roster of sports. A new title, Mio: Memories in Orbit, was unveiled, scheduled for a 2025 release. Disney Illusion Island is getting an update later today, enhancing its magical gameplay. Fans of Hello Kitty can look forward to Hello Kitty: Island Adventures arriving on the Switch in 2025, while Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports launches this fall. Among Us will receive a free update today, adding more content to the popular game. Marvelous USA announced Farmagia, coming out on November 1. Funko Fusion had its own segment, highlighting its unique gameplay. Nintendo showcased Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD ahead of its release. The New Denpa Men, launching for free on July 22, and Metal Slug Attack Reloaded, which had a surprise announcement and release today, were also highlighted. Darkest Dungeon II is set to come to the Switch, expanding the dark, strategic RPG’s reach. Classic games such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, and Perfect Dark are joining the Nintendo Switch Online library today. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is scheduled for a 2025 release, while Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics will bring several classic Capcom games to the Switch later this year. Just Dance: 2025 Edition received a new trailer, and Nintendo reaffirmed the upcoming release of Lego Horizon Adventures. Stray, Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are all set to launch later this year, with the latter releasing in September. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy was announced with an early 2025 release window. Lastly, Romancing SaGa 2 is getting a full remake titled Revenge of the Seven, set to release in October.
Today’s Nintendo Direct showcased a dynamic range of upcoming titles that promise to appeal to fans of all kinds. Alongside the highly anticipated releases like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom featuring Zelda as the protagonist, the thrilling Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and the engaging Mario & Luigi: Brothership, there were numerous other exciting announcements. Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces new boards, mini-games, and multiplayer modes to delight party game enthusiasts. Meanwhile, games like The New Denpa Men and Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven offer fresh adventures and remakes for RPG enthusiasts. Additionally, titles such as Disney Illusion Island, and Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports promise fun for all ages. With an impressive lineup that spans from beloved franchises to innovative new experiences, Nintendo delivered excitement and variety to everyone today.
