Nintendo dropped a positively massive partner-oriented direct today, revealing some surprising shadow-drop releases and a handful of exclusive titles that have broken free from their bonds. It’s a gigantic list, but we have put together the entire spread of titles that got shown off today – with some old favourite returning, and some new sequels to delight.
Grounded
A spectacular little survival title with a unique perspective – with that special “Honey I Shrunk The Kids” vibe, game looks a good ‘un. Coming in April, this should help get some more tiny feet on the ground in this miniature world – because it will also enjoy cross-play between the other platforms. Team up and slay some spiders!
Ender Magnolia: Bloom In the Mist
A spectacularly dark little title, and a sequel I similarly had no idea existed ENDER LILIES. A sweet looking 2D metroidvania, it’s rare to see a game mention homunculi as a core narrative hook. Full of creepy enemies and a sweet art style, will be looking into this one when it comes my way.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
A super cool tile-sliding gimmick has me all aflutter – and it looks like an experience that absolutely belongs on handheld. I dig it, and will look forward to it dropping later this year.
Unicorn Overlord
Another gorgeous Vanillaware strategy title, Unicorn Overlord looks spectacular and aplomb with deep (DEEP) strategy systems. Shadow-dropping a tasty demo for the punters, you can get a taste before its full release in March.
Monster Hunter Stories
Breaking free of it’s 3DS prison, Monster Hunter Stories makes the leap to modern consoles – with a gorgeous visual upgrade and even packing full voice acting! I absolutely loved this game when it first came out, so seeing a new souped up sexy version floats my boat immensely. Coming later this year on more than just Nintendo Switch, get amongst it.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Epic Mickey was a game that I missed back in the day, filling me with regret. It seemed like a really ambitious, and unique title for the house of mouse – so this looks to be the perfect way to amend a past mistake. Flexing the power of more modern hardware, our squeaky voiced pal looks incredible – so you better believe I am not skipping him this time around.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Much like a eunuch staring at a beautiful woman, I feel no desire to engage with Shin Megami Tensei as a series. Nothing against it, it looks incredible in every form of media I come across – but it’s clearly not for me. I would assume that fans are keen for this announcement though, with the title coming to basically every device you can game on.
STAR WARS: Battlefront Classic Collection
Oh boy, the classic Battlefront games? Coming in MARCH? With massive battles across classic Star Wars locations, these bangers are a huge part of any geeks childhood. They even call out my boy Kit Fisto! What a great time to be alive.
SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!
Look, I am still not quite vibing with whatever is going on with this game. After two titles that seemed to slavishly understand the immaculately out of pocket South Park experience, this feels like an odd step in a weird direction. But hey, if you want more fart and dick humour on your Switch device, here it is.
SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream
Promising up to 20 concurrent players to get to together and raid cyberspace, Fracture Daydream looks to be another huge experience for SWORD ART ONLINE fans. Just looking at it in action has my Switch running hot, so godspeed to all those dedicated players as they push forward to victory.
GUNDAM BREAKER 4
Gundam games continue to be one of the most oddball, crazy experiences out there. It’s rare to see a game where you jump into an arena-like battle field, and laser sword a giant walking part of pants with guns sticking out the top – but here it is, clear as day. And for the hobby fans that love building the sweet kits, you can flex your creative gunpla muscles with a ton of options to build your very own Gundam. Just never mind the terrifying amount of DLC options that are shown at the end of the trailer.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble
New. Monkey. Ball.
With optional motion controls, and a very sonic-esque ‘spinball’ move, the latest Monkey Ball entry looks to offer everything you’d expect, right down to the “it look a-peeling” puns.
World of Goo 2
The original World of Goo was a keystone experience in my gaming past, so seeing a sequel to it so many years later (seriously, 15 long years have passed) feels like a fever dream. Everything seems to be exactly as one might remember it, so strap in for a goo-d time when it drops later this year.
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time
A time traveling fantasy life game, full of Animal Crossing and Dark Cloud DNA. What a banger looking title.
Another Crab’s Treasure
There is something uniquely adorable about a title that stars a hermit crab that lost his shell, full of wicked characters and stylish flair. Looks claw-esome.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
Full of colour and just screaming fun, this sweet little title didn’t just get showcased – it actually released during the direct! With a big stamp of approval from our very own Mark, there’s no better time to grab your yo-yo and go-go for it.
Suika Game Multi-Player Mode Expansion Pack
A multiplayer DLC for an existing fruit-match game? Neat. Never heard of Suika Game, but it looks neat – and for other that already enjoy it, now you can share it with friends.
For a price.
Pepper Grinder
Pepper Grinder is a pixelated adventure packed full of attitude, and a drilling gimmick that absolutely slams. I have been eyeing this bad boy a while now, and seeing it drop for the Nintendo handheld just feels like a no-brainer. Get your drill thrills this March.
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!
Every wanted to win a horse race by playing cards? Well Pocket Jockey offers exactly that bizarre Venn diagram. From Game Freak (yes, of Pokémon fame) you can climb atop your steed and frantically play cards to cross the finish line. Nothing quite like it, because I don’t think many people can come up with such an awesome concept.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley
A musical adventure with a darling hand-drawn aesthetic, Snufkin is a feast for the eyes and looks like a prime experience to have in the palm of your hands. Coming in March, take a look at a whimsical world that needs to remember what music can offer.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
With it’s gorgeous aesthetic and rich world, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU looks right at home on Switch. There is a spirit to the game that is hard to quantify – truly unique beyond words. Look forward to it in April.
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – Sweep the Board
Look, even the trailer was open in communicating the odd surprise of seeing a Demon Slayer board game. It’s essentially a Mario Party clone, but demon slayer. Not sure what else to say.
Kingdom Come Deliverance – Royal Edition
If you are hungry for a medieval tale of sword and steel, embark on an epic journey this March. How will the Switch deliver it’s impressive open world? God only knows.
Contra: Operation Galuga
Look, if there was any doubt that this wasn’t a classic bro shooter you’ll quickly lose any doubts after hearing Steve Blum growl “HELL YEAH BROTHER” a scant twenty seconds into the trailer. Every bit as hellacious and extreme as you’d expect, a demo is available right now for people to get acquainted.
Pentiment
From Obsidian, and now allowed to wander free of the Xbox environment – Pentiment is coming to Nintendo Switch. With an incredible reception from our very own Nathan, now is the perfect time to get on board this stylish mystery fare.
Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Five more classic games from Rare make their way back to the hardware that birthed them, with Snake Rattle n’ Roll, R.C Pro-Am Racing, Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, Killer Instinct and Blast Corps!
No, Diddy Kong Racing did not make the cut. Yes, I am sad too.
Endless Ocean Luminous
A game that is every bit a love letter to our blue planet, I can think of nothing I want to play less. Yes, it is stunning and delivers an immaculate look at what persists beneath the waves — with a giant player count of up to 30 friendly divers that can join your expedition, it’s a thrilling offering for those that like to go deep.
But not for me. Nope. The ocean sucks and I don’t want to be in it. Thanks.
And that is a wrap on all of the gigantic partner news! A massive list of titles making their way to the Nintendo Switch, with a handful of them also coming to other consoles. With a selection this varied, I am sure there is something for everyone.
Did anything in particular tickle your fancy? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
Known throughout the interwebs simply as M0D3Rn, Ash is bad at video games. An old guard gamer who suffers from being generally opinionated, it comes as no surprise that he is both brutally loyal and yet, fiercely whimsical about all things electronic. On occasion will make a youtube video that actually gets views. Follow him on YouTube @Bad at Video Games
