Well just when we thought our Summer Gaming Coverage was over, Nintendo showed up with a full-length Nintendo Direct with tons of great announcements. Let's get into the highlights!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Mario makes his return to the 2D space with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Sporting an all-new art style, it seems 2D Mario will be leaving the "New" moniker behind and starting a brand new subseries.
The trailer gives us quite a bit to see in regard to gameplay. Wonder will support four-player co-op with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and Toad all being playable. The main mechanic of the game seems to be the Wonder Flowers, which alter the way the world looks, with the surroundings coming to life and bringing a flurry of colors. Most intriguing though is the new power-up which transforms Mario into an elephant!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to jump exclusively onto Nintendo Switch on October 20.
Super Mario RPG
The Super Nintendo classic Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars is being remade from the ground up for Nintendo Switch. The remake will feature all-new cinematic cutscenes and graphics to help bring the game to the modern day.
Players will take control of Mario as he teams up with Peach, Mallow, Geno, and Bowser as they try to save the Star Road and take down the Smithy Gang. The game will remain turn-based and looks to keep the same amount of punch as the original.
Super Mario RPG is set for release on November 17.
Pikmin 4
With only about a month out to release, we got some new information on Pikmin 4. Players will be able to make their own character as they set out on their journey. It seems Pikmin 4 will introduce a small hub where you will be able to interact with those you save and pick up missions from them.
For the first time in the franchise, you will also be able to head out on night expeditions. These expeditions will even see some new Pikmin, such as the Glow Pikmin.
Also, Nintendo also announced that Pikmin and Pikmin 2 will be coming to Nintendo Switch today. These will be direct ports.
Pikmin 4 launches on July 21.
Smaller Highlights
Untitled Princess Peach Game
Princess Peach will be getting her first game since Super Princess Peach on the DS. Nintendo didn't give much news on the project, but we are set to get more info in the future.
Detective Pikachu Returns
Announced back in 2019, Detective Pikachu finally Returns! Players will return to Ryme City and solve mysteries in this sequel to the 3DS original. The game is set for launch on October 6.
Star Ocean The Second Story R
The acclaimed second game in the Star Ocean franchise is getting a huge remake. With updated 2.5D visuals, the remake will feature all-new battle mechanics, fast travel, and re-arranged music. The game will launch sometime in 2023.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
Rocksteady's acclaimed and iconic Batman Arkham trilogy is making its way to Nintendo Switch. Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, and Batman: Arkham Knight will all run natively on the console and include every DLC.
This is actually one of my most awaited ports to the Switch and one I have been waiting for since the console's announcement.
A List of Everything Else
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Expansions: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero and The Indigo Disk
Sonic Superstars
Palia
Persona 5 Tactica
MythForce
Splatoon 3 (Vanilla, Strawberry, Mint Chip Splatfest)
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon Remastered
Gloomhaven
Just Dance 2024
Silent Hope
Fae Farm
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
Manic Mechanics
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC
Dragon Quest Monsters The Dark Prince
Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol.1
Vampire Survivors
Headbangers Rythm Royale
Penny's Big Breakaway
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 5
WarioWare Move It!