Nintendo might have caught a few fans off guard yesterday morning with a surprise Nintendo Direct conference, the first of 2023. The stream announced a bunch of new and upcoming games, with many set to hit digital and physical shelves alike in the first half of 2023. Let’s get stuck in!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received a fresh new gameplay trailer, Amiibo and Collector’s Edition
This one really does speak for itself. After months of anticipation between announcements, this is shaping up to be the next great Switch exclusive. A new Amiibo and collectors edition will launch alongside the game on the 12th of May.
Pikmin 4 was revealed along with a release date
With some new creatures and even a miniature dog-like companion along for the ride, Pikmin 4 looks to be a welcome sequel for existing and new players alike. It’s releasing on the 21st of July.
We got an extended look at gameplay for Dead Cells Castlevania DLC
As if Dead Cells wasn’t already good enough, we had to be treated to this tantalising addition of one of the most fitting franchises in need of reinvigoration. It will also feature over fifty tracks from the Castlevania series and will be releasing in March.
TRON: Identity gives us a brand new narrative game set in the TRON universe
Many have been clambering for a reason to return to the TRON universe, and it seems our cries have been answered. That being said, it looks like a rather intriguing and visually intriguing narrative-driven experience.
Ghost Trick is being remastered
While this version is only receiving a visual update of sorts, but it’s only another reason to add this to the must-play list.
Splatoon 3 expansion pass announced
This season pass feels rather nostalgic, incorporating the city of Inkopolis to the mix. While this will launch sometime in May, an additional expansion titled Side Order has also been announced, hinting at a rather plain world that needs more than a dash of colour.
We received another look at Disney Illusion Land
As huge fans of Cuphead, were simply happy to see Mickey’s inspired Disney animation make its way to another charming platformer. It will release on the 28th of July.
New simulator Fashion Dreamer announced
Set in a futuristic sci-fi city, you’ll get the chance to take over the emerging fashion trends and designs of the era. It will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch sometime in 2023.
Dance away with new game Samba De Amigo
Grab a friend and some joy cons and dance the night away. Samba De Amigo will launch sometime during the middle of 2023.
Deca Police showed off a brand new gameplay trailer
Given developers Level5 brought us the Dark Cloud and Professor Layton series, we’re more than willing to give this futuristic RPG a chance.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 received some season pass updates
Adding in rogue-like battles, volume 3 is right around the corner, launching on the 15th of February.
Further updates are coming to the Fire Emblem Engage Season Pass
Fire Emblem Engage’s season pass will be making it’s way to gamers in waves, with Wave 2 out today. This wave will include new Emblems, including Hector, Soren and Camilla. Wave 3 will include Chrom, Robin, and Veronica while Wave 4 will expand the experience again with a new story titled Fell Xenologue.
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Bayonetta: Cereza and the Lost Demon showed off some more gameplay
We’re still reeling over Bayonetta 3, but this prequel seems to be offering a new vibe in terms of both visuals and gameplay, to the already admittedly chaotic mix. It’s still set to launch on the 17th of March.
We Love Katamari is being remastered
Another no-brainer, We Love Katamari will launch on the 2nd of June with some fresh visuals, brining back a franchise that we’ve admittedly missed in recent years.
Omega Strikers is coming to the Nintendo Switch
This fast-paced and over-the-top soccer game will launch digitally (and free) on the eShop in April.
The Baten Kaitos games are being remastered and are heading to the Nintendo Switch
Baten Kaitos and Baten Kaitos II will hit the Switch sometime in August and bring with them some fresh visuals.
Sea of Stars been given a release date and demo
While this RPG will launch on the 29th of August, a demo has launch on the Nintendo eShop today for an early sneak peek.
Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is coming to the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch users will now get the chance to experience not one, not two, but three Etrian Odyssey games with remastered visuals. It will launch on the 1st of June.
Gameboy and Gameboy Advance games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online
It’s simply nice to see Nintendo strengthen their online library.
Confirmed Gameboy titles are included with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, and thus far include Tetris, Super Mario Land 2, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Gargoyle’s Quest, Game & Watch Gallery 3, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, Metroid II, Wario Land 3 and Kirby’s Dream Land.
Game Boy Advance games will be included with the additional Expansion Pass, and thus far include Super Mario Advance 4, Warioware Inc, Kuru Kuru Kururin, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
Metroid Prime Remastered both revealed and released today
We didn’t really need our arms twisted this far, to be convinced to jump back into one of the best Metroid gamers ever. But here we are. And the best part? It’s available right now! What are you waiting for?!
Brand new game, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie announced
Based around a clairvoyant, this narrative-driven title will explore the concept of distint and separate universes, which seems like it’s sure to showcase some intriguing visuals along with it. It will release on the Switch sometime in June.
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp is still on its way
Another franchise we’re ready to jump back into. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp will feature some fresh visuals and is launching on the 21st of April.
A demo for Octopath Traveler II is out today
While the full release is right around the corner, set to launch on the 24th of February, fans will get the chance to start things off with a demo. Out today, all progress will also carry over to the full release.
We received a new Trailer for Kirby Return to Dreamland DX
We got a fresh look at a new mode featuring Magolor, which players can access once finishing the main story. Across twenty stages, you’ll also get the chance to create your own version of Magolor. A demo is out today, with the full game to launch later this month.
A new game from the Danganronpa team is in the works
Launching on the 30th of June, Master Detective Archies: Rain Code will serve as the newest game from the Danganronpa team. You’ll play as a detective solving crimes in a futuristic city run by evil corporations.
A new Fantasy Life game is on the way
Titled Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, this newest entry seems to be bringing back most of the farming elements that have made the series so engrossing and endearing to fans.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam announced
Like the trailer, we’ll keep it short and sweet; we’re totally ready for another one of these.
We got a look at some new tracks in the latest wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass updates
We’ll be heading to a new course on Yoshi’s Island along with new racer, Birdo.
And that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed all the announcements, and look forward to covering each of these games closer to release.
