The most exciting announcements from February 17th’s Nintendo Direct

Yesterday’s Nintendo Direct presentation served as the company’s first major presentation in over a year, and boy did they bring the announcements. From Smash Bros. updates to JRPG remasters, this Direct brought a total of 30 announcements. Here’s what we’re most excited for, ranked from most hype to most average.

Full-On Hype Train

Mario Golf Super Rush

The latest entry in the Mario Golf series, Mario Golf Super Rush made for a fantastic debut. The trailer showcased new gameplay features including motion controls alongside a new free-for-all style speed golf and story mode. This will definitely be one of Nintendo’s flagship releases of this year. Release date: June 25, 2021

Super Smash Bros. character reveal

A new challenger approaches! Pyra/Mythra, from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 origin, blazes into Smash next month. Up till now, Pyra had been resigned to just a spirit in Smash Ultimate but has now been promoted to her own place on the roster. Her addition is much welcomed and breaks new ground for potential characters moving forward. Release date: March 2021

Project Triangle Strategy (working title)

Square Enix’s newest tactical RPG made for one of the best debuts. Very much a love letter to classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, Project Triangle Strategy boasts a fresh art style, animations, and tiered battle system. And with a demo made available immediately after premiere, this is a title to watch. Release date: 2022

No More Heroes 3

Suda51 brings their signature off the wall series back in its first numbered entry in 11 years. The premiere trailer pits Travis against alien hordes among other insanely wacky monstrosities. It seems to retain the genre and gamplay mashups of previous entries which continues to set this series apart from anything else. Personally my most anticipated release, I cannot wait to see what this game has in store. Release date: August 27, 2021

Splatoon 3

Nintendo knew how to close out their presentation with the next hotly anticipated entry in the Splatoon series. The trailer showed off some fun gameplay, but held off on any major reveals. Mainly a hype building inclusion and it worked. Release date: 2022

Outer Wilds

Annapurna Interactive’s cyclical sci-fi adventure makes its way to the Switch later this summer. Nominated for 2019 game of the year, this game is long over due for a port. Release date: Summer 2021

The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD

Once again deprived of a Breath of the Wild sequel, Nintendo has instead announced a remaster to tide us over. This re-optimized Wii release boasts recreated motion controls and a button-only option. While it’s good to see Nintendo update another classic, it does seem light on specially remastered content, especially when one considers their past re-releases of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. Release date: July 16, 2021

Monster Hunter Rise

The latest installment in Capcom’s Monster Hunter series showed off new monstrosities and boasts the biggest challenge yet. A special edition Nintendo Switch and Joy-cons will also be available upon release. Release date: March 26, 2021

Miitopia

Nintendo seems to have completely overhauled this 3DS release for a fresh and fun adventure. This party based RPG allows you to use your own Mii’s and embark upon a fantasy journey. A great game on the 3DS, will hopefully make for a great addition to the Switch. Release date: May 21, 2021

Hyrule Warriors Expansion Pass

A welcomed update on future content for last years hack-and-slash game. The expansion promises two waves of content offering new characters, weapons, stages, and much more. Release date: Wave 1 June 2021 – Wave 2 November 2021

Looking Promising

Hades (Physical)

One of 2020’s best releases, Hades is making a physical debut. This edition contains the titular game, a digital soundtrack and 32 page character compendium. We’re glad to see this game become more widely available and check out our review for a more detailed breakdown. Release date: March 19, 2021

Fall Guys

Fall Guys became a Twitch sensation this past fall, and now it’s making its way over to the Nintendo Switch. While it might seem a little late to port now, its pick-up-and-play minigame style makes it a perfect game for the Switch, and its inclusion is much welcomed. Release date: Summer 2021

Ninja Gaiden Master Collection

Collecting Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3 Razors Edge, this promises a fantastic update of these modern classics. Release date: June 10, 2021

Famicom Detective Club

One of the most surprising announcements of the Direct came in the form of Famicom Detective Club. As the first North American release of The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind, these two deep cuts from Nintendo’s history are a welcomed addition to the platform. Release date: May 14, 2021

Animal Crossing (Mario Update)

Animal Crossing players will be receiving a free update later this month bringing Super Mario themed items to the game. Everything from mushrooms to functional warp pipes will be rolling out into the game’s shops across the next month. Always a delight to see more Animal Crossing content coming our way. Release date: February 25, 2021. Items available in March

Bravely Default 2

Square Enix’s upcoming turn-based RPG. There was no trailer shown during presentation but both a trailer and demo were dropped after the event. Hopefully both will give better insight into the game before next week. Release date: February 26, 2021

Neon White

Seemingly blending 1st person action with card game mechanics. Definitely one of the more promising announcements. Release date: Winter 2021

Tales From the Borderlands

A remastered port of TellTale’s take on the Borderlands universe. My personal favorite of the TellTale series — I can’t wait to revisit this one. Release date: March 24, 2021

Knockout City

This dogeball-esque sports game boasts an energetic trailer with a promising concept. Not a lot was revealed but one to keep your eye on. Release date: May 21, 2021

Worlds End Club

This side scrolling action/adventure comes from the minds of frequent Danganropa collaborators. Definitely has potential but did not really “wow.” Release date: May 28, 2021

Average

Apex Legends

EA’s FPS battle royale is finally making its Nintendo Switch debut next month. While the game itself is great, it remains to be seen how well it will play on the Switch hardware. Release date: March 9, 2021

Star Wars Hunters

Perhaps one of the reveals with the most potential was unfortunately hindered by showing practically nothing. All that is known is it is a “competitive online free-to-play FPS” coming later this year. Besides a fancy title card, there is no information to with which to judge this game. Release date: 2021

Legend of Mana

A remaster of the 1999 classic. This remaster offers a new art style, new gameplay features, and a rearranged soundtrack. While exciting for some, for others this will just blend in with the rest of the JRPG remasters. Release date: June 24, 2021

Samurai Warriors 5

The latest entry from Dynasty Warriors samurai sibling. Looks cool but its addition seems a strange addition to the platform considering the further support for Hyrule Warriors. Release date: Summer 2021

Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse

A remastered original Xbox game. A cult classic that looks intriguing but seems a strange addition to the Switch. Release date: March 16, 2021

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition

The ever popular Plants vs. Zombies comes to the Switch next month in a complete edition. Release date: March 19, 2021

SaGa Frontier Remastered

A new remaster of the 1997 JRPG. While exciting for old fans, its main gimick of 8 protagonists makes the Switch update seem redundant considering games like Octopath Traveler. Release date: April 15, 2021

Ghosts ’N Goblins Resurrection

A brand new sequel to the NES classic. Probably exciting for fans of the series, but its average looking graphics failed to entice. Release date: February 25, 2021

Capcom Arcade Stadium

Capcom seeks to scratch that nostalgia itch with this new hub of classics. However, it comes with the caveat of only containing 1943 Battle of Midway upon purchase and all other games must be bought separately in “gamepacks.” It’s sad to see a solid concept marred by microtransactions. Release date: Out now

DC Superhero Girls: Teen Power

The weakest of the announcements seems to be an adaptation of titular show. Though I do not fall in its target demographic, I could not help but feel its promo reel went on way too long and did nothing to build excitement. Release date: June 24, 2021

And that’s all folks! We’ve got a lot to look forward to from Nintendo this year, and I for one can’t wait to get to play some great games.