Casually announcing that you’re going to drop a 40-minute showcase a few hours before it debuts is a hell of a move. That’s exactly what Nintendo did yesterday, letting us know that a girthy Direct was on the way, ready to give us updates on games coming to the Switch this summer. Speculation always goes into overdrive and people decide that their favourite games are going to have a sequel announced, but that’s not always the case. Hey, there’s only one way to find out if this Direct was a hit or a s miss, so let’s take a look.
Here are all of the announcements from the September 2023 Nintendo Direct:
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Remake
What a flat way to kick off the showcase. Get it, because the characters are made of paper? Anyway. The beloved turn-based title, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which was originally released on the GameCube, is getting the remaster/remake treatment, hitting the Switch with enhanced graphics and some spit and polish. The papercraft RPG is adorable, and the gameplay is extremely fun to boot, so this is a welcome announcement for many. You’ll have to wait though, as this is coming to Switch in 2024.
Princess Peach: Showtime!
Nintendo teased us with a new Princess Peach game at the last Direct, and now we’ve got a title and some more details. Titled Princess Peach: Showtime!, this new theatrical platformer puts the pink monarch on centre stage, fighting back against a new foe by the name of…the Wicked Grape. Much like her moustachioed plumber friend, Peach will be able to transform, granting her new abilities. Honestly, these transformations are hilarious. Detective Peach, Swordfighter Peach, Kung-Fu Peach and, I’m not joking, Patisserie Peach are a few of the (powerful?) power-ups that will be at your disposal. Princess Peach: Showtime! is hitting Switch on March 22, 2024.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Ok, this is a nostalgic comeback that I can get behind. Mario vs. Donkey Kong was originally released on the Gameboy Advance, but will soon be getting a gorgeous facelift when it hits the Switch on February 16, 2024. The puzzle platformer sees the main man take on the greedy gorilla, as he tries to retrieve the stolen toy Mini Marios, by flicking switches, unlocking doors and avoiding obstacles. It was fun as hell on the GBA, so bringing it to the Switch seems like a no-brainer.
Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Side Order DLC
Primarily a multiplayer experience, the Side Order DLC for Splatoon 3 looks to bring a serving of single-player to hungry players. Included in the Expansion Pass, this pack includes a new story challenge that tasks players with climbing the Spire of Order, a feat that’s designed to be completed over and over again. This DLC is set to drop in autumn 2024.
Super Mario RPG
For those counting, this is the third remastered/remade Mario game to appear during this Direct, and we’re only five announcements in. Super Mario RPG is the oldest of the bunch, originally launching on the SNES back in 1996 (that’s as old as I am, for those keeping track). To say that the turn-based RPG has been given a fresh coat of paint is a pretty big understatement, as this re-release looks a million times better while managing to retain the charm of the OG. Super Mario RPG releases on Switch on November 17.
Detective Pikachu Returns
Pikachu can ride other Pokémon in this sequel. That is all.
Detective Pikachu Returns launches for Nintendo Switch on October 6.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Yet another game coming to us from the past. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD will give those who missed this gem on the 3DS a chance to grab the Poltergust and suck up some ghouls. The ghostly adventures of the shy Mario Brother are worth your time, especially if you can play in co-op with a few friends, so keep this one on your radar. It’ll be hitting the Switch in the winter of 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6
This is it folks, Booster Course Wave 6 marks the final DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We now know that Daisy Circuit from Mario Kart Wii will be added to the game, alongside returning characters Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline and Peachette. The final DLC pack will be available later this year and will be free for Nintendo Switch Online members.
F-Zero 99
Wait, are you meaning to tell me that a new F-Zero game is releasing in 2023? Oh wait, it’s a tweaked version of the original? That makes more sense. Much like Tetris 99, F-Zero 99 will see 99 players all racing at once, with racers dropping out left and right until only one speedster is left on the track, battle royale style. Best of all, this online racer is available right this second for Nintendo Switch Online members, so go give it a whirl.
WarioWare: Move It!
Strike a pose, because WarioWare: Move It! Has remembered that the Joy-Cons have motion controls (and an IR sensor, apparently). Look, if you are going to look like a doofus while playing the Switch, it only feels right that our boy Wario is the genesis for doing so. Wario and his whacky micro games will be coming to the Switch on November 3.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Another big win for classic, era-defining games – with the OG adventures of Lara Croft getting a modern port. Relive the saga that defined the raiding of tombs, back when Ms. Croft only had to contend with demons and dinosaurs – not hyperrealistic death scenes. The trilogy will let you play through the games as you remembered them, or with updated visuals at the press of a button, and includes all of the game’s additional content. This one hits Switch on February 14, 2024.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Less of an announcement and more of a reminder. The side-scrolling action platformer continues to look badarse and I continue to want it. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is coming to the Switch on January 18, 2024.
Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story
I am willing to admit that I’ve watched this trailer twice, and I still don’t quite grasp what is going on. It’s a League of Legends game, but also a healthy dose of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. Maybe? It’s described as a crafting RPG, so I assume you’ll enjoy your time among the Yordle-kin by solving a mystery and building your own chunk of real estate. Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is coming to Switch in 2024.
Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
In a world of gorgeous anime boys and scary void creatures, It’s nice to remember the humble beginnings of League of Legends. A boy and his yeti are the ultimate team, and a game that takes them out of summoner’s rift and into the Freljord sounds like a fantastic time – especially if the moustachioed Braun is there to help out. Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story comes to the Switch on November 1.
DAVE THE DIVER
Hey look, it’s the greatest game I have never played. Seriously, so many people have recommended this game to me – as if 2023 wasn’t already hard enough. Maybe with a portable release on the Switch, I can sneak it away and play remotely. I mean, surely playing such a title at the beach will add to the immersion? Maybe at a Sushi restaurant? DAVE THE DIVER is heading to the Switch on October 26, with a demo coming later today.
Unicorn Overload
Vanillaware is a purveyor of games that legit look like art. And I mean that in the purest, artistic sense – they are always gorgeous. Channelling some big Ogre Battle vibes, Unicorn Overload is an exploration/tile battle game that looks like it’s hungry for hours of my life. Oh, and I am happy to see that absurdly detailed renderings of delicious food are still a mainstay for Vanillaware. This one is coming to Switch on March 8, 2024.
Eastward: Octopia DLC
The charming adventure RPG Eastward is getting some substantial DLC, titled Octopia. Sam and John return, this time taking on the farming life in a new mountainside village location. The Octopia DLC is coming to Switch in the summer of this year.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Creating a party of six heroes from a roster of over 100, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a turn-based JRPG that blends 2D sprites with 3D environments. I’m far from an expert in the field, but the art style is interesting and the combat looks pretty tight. This will release on Switch on April 23, 2024.
Wargroove 2
It’s not Advance Wars, it’s Wargroove baby. The first game was beloved, but I never felt like it really hit the critical acclaim it deserved; but with a downright banger of a sequel being showcased, I have no doubt the existing fans are going to see some new faces. It’s a strategy game that shines on a handheld system, so keep an eye on this one. Hitting the Switch on October 5.
Horizon Chase 2
An arcade racer through and through, Horizon Chase 2 is all about fast cars, boosting past your opponents and blasting around corners without smashing into the barricades. The sequel will have multiplayer and crossplay, so you can school your friends across any platform. Oh, and it’s available right now, so get chasing.
Super Crazy Rhythm Castle
Puzzle…based…rhythm game? With multiplayer vs. or co-op? Man, the rhythm genre really has just blown the doors clean off. Super Crazy Rhythm Castle submits itself as another offbeat (heh) experience where music is your path forward. Oh, and it comes packing some classic music from games like Gradius Remix and Castlevania’s Bloody Tears. Spot. On. Coming to Switch on November 14.
SPYxANYA: Operation Memories
This….is not a game for me, but it looks cute. An adventure game that focuses on Anya from the SPYxFAMILY series, you’ll be creating a photo diary and going about your life as a tiny little anime girl. Keep an eye spy out for this one when it hits Switch next year.
Another Code: Recollection
Having a fade-in from black as the start of your trailer is a gambit and a half, I thought I was about to be Skyrim memed. But no, Another Code: Recollection is an enhanced and re-released version of Trace Memory and its sequel, bringing the banger mystery adventures to the modern age. They were awesome back then, so bringing them to a new round of people makes perfect sense. Coming to Switch on January 19.
SaGa Emerald Beyond
A JRPG starring a schoolgirl witch, a voiceless mech diva, and the king of darkness? Tell me you are a Nathan Hennessy game without saying you are a Nathan Hennessy game. While I have never heard of the SaGa franchise, this looks like a banger of a turn-based game – full of crazy visuals and wicked characters. I’ll be keen to get the run-down from ol’mate Nate when he eventually reviews it. Expect Nathan’s review when the game launches in 2024.
Trombone Champ
Hey look, another game remembered the IR sensor. Look, Trombone Champ is an exercise in goofiness that is sure to bring joy to anyone playing (and everyone observing). But my real question is, will Nintendo let you butcher classic tunes from their games? Let me demolish the Athletic Theme from Yoshi’s Island, you cowards! Trombone Champ will blast onto Switch today, so I hope your lungs are ready.
BATTLE CRUSH
This vibrant little beauty looks like a successor to the awesome battle arena game Battlerite. MOBA-esque combat looks to be elevated by a nutty battle royale system where the play area gets smaller because the terrain literally crumbles away. If it is half as fun as it looks, and promotes a low bar of entry I may finally scratch my ancient MOBA itch without downloading League of Legends again. Coming in 2024.
Wartales
A turn-based RPG that fits in the palm of your hand sounds like a winner. Wartales already hit PC in April of this year, and has a very positive set of reviews behind it, so jumping on to the portable handheld sounds like a big win for any late adopters who want to recruit mercenaries while riding the bus. Jump on Wartales today, because it’s avaialble, right now.
Contra: Operation Galuga
The granddaddy of run’n’gun returns! WayForward has the art of side-scrolling down to a fine art these days, so seeing a new Contra game from them is a confidence builder. I wonder if they will add a ‘ballbusting’ difficulty mode to really nail the nostalgia? Expect Contra to hit the Switch in 2024.
Among Us – New Map “The Fungle”
New Among Us content? In a Nintendo Direct of all places? I mean, there are worse ways to get your dose of ‘amoogus’ content. A new map to explore and fear for your life, with your gang of jumpsuits navigating a mushroom island after a crash landing. There is indeed a fungus among us. This sus new content is coming in October.
Well, it’s about time I had that coffee now.
What was your highlight from this Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.
