Announced just a day or so ago, Nintendo sure did not give everyone much time to speculate or prepare for this latest Nintendo Direct, and it was a big one. If you didn’t manage to catch the stream, no worries, let Geek Culture be your guide to the biggest announcements on the Big N side of things!
Super Smash Bros.
Coming in 2018, we will all be getting a Switch iteration of the popular Super Smash Bros. series, with Splatoon’s inkling joining as a new fighter! No word if this is a brand new game, or an enhanced port of the Wii U version, but with Nintendo’s online service ramping up, this was a no brainer.
Mario Tennis Aces
Finally, a proper Mario Tennis game with a proper story mode will arrive on the Switch, with a release date of June 22! Play with more than 15 characters (Chain Chomp, anyone?) and will feature a variety of shots to outsmart your opponents. An example is the zone shot, which allows for precise aiming using motion controls, you can even swing the JoyCons like a racquet with the new “Swing Mode.”
WarioWare Gold (3DS)
A long five years have passed since we last saw a WarioWare game, and that was on the failed Wii U. Now, WarioWare Gold will pack 300 minigames and will be utilizing the 3DS’ microphone. WarioWare Gold launches on August 3.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 will be getting a massive update soon, with over 100+ pieces of gear being recycled back in, and three new maps added to the rotation. There will also be a new ultra-high rank above S+ added, appropriately named Rank X. This 3.0 update will come in late April.
The first DLC expansion, Octo Expansion, will be coming in the summer as well! It adds a new single-player campaign with Octoling Agent 8 as the star, players will also be able to use the Octolings in normal matches as well. If you pre-order the US$19.99 DLC, you will also be receiving special Octo-themed gear.
Octopath Traveler
Dropping the “Project” in the name, the newly minted Octopath Traveler is a 3D-2D hybrid of a JRPG, and is looking even better this time! Even better, we got a release date that is not too far off, get your hands on Octopath Traveler this coming July 13!
Dark Souls: Remastered
Not only are Switch owners getting the aforementioned Dark Souls: Remastered, there will also be an adorable amiibo of Solaire of Astora coming! Look forward to the release of the game on Switch this coming May 25!
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
One of those missed gems on the Wii U, gamers can finally see the glory that is Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on the Switch! This enhanced port will include new levels, co-op support, and will launch on July 13! A 3DS version is also in the works, but a release date has not been nailed down yet.
Undertale
The indie darling will arrive on the Switch… eventually.
Luigi’s Mansion (3DS)
This is the remake of the original Gamecube classic, Luigi’s Mansion, for the Nintendo 3DS that will release later in 2018!
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr’s Journey (3DS)
Now that’s a mouthful, the action-RPG remake of the original Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story will see the addition of Bowser Jr’s Journey. See the story from the tiny Bowser’s perspective for the Nintendo 3DS in 2019!
Kirby Star Allies
Coming out next week on March 16, the first Kirby game on the Nintendo Switch will see an update soon after release that will even more friends for Kirby to befriend in the new adventure!
Okami HD
The gorgeous cel-shaded Okami HD will make its way onto the Switch eventually! Considering it has recently been released on the other major consoles, this was expected as well.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
In this Switch exclusive iteration, Travis Touchdown has wandered into the video game world by mistake, and can only escape by defeating a gauntlet of bosses across different video games, squashing bugs along the way! Sounds like a good time, with co-op multiplayer and an adventure mode to boot, Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes comes to the Switch later this year.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Come July 10, Crash Bandicoot will arrive for the first time on a Nintendo platform! The N.Sane Trilogy will pack the remakes of the first three games, so look forward to more spinning action!
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
The crazy shenanigans of the kids over at South Park will grace the Nintendo Switch finally, and bring the whacky adventure of Stan, Eric, Kenny, and Kyle on the go! South Park: The Fractured But Whole launches on April 24, together with a season pass for DLC content.
Sushi Strike: The Way of Sushido
Originally a 3DS title only, Sushi Strike: The Way of Sushido will also be releasing on the Switch simultaneously on June 8! The matching puzzle title looks set to be a hit with the adorable aesthetic and easy-to-learn gameplay.
Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers (3DS)
The third installment of the Dillon’s Rolling Western series will arrive May 24 on Nintendo 3DS. The action-taction-tower-defense title will have a free demo available a few weeks earlier on May 10.
That’s a whole slew of games with some surprises along the way, be it a 3DS or Nintendo Switch owner, gamers will have plenty to chew on in 2018 and into 2019!
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
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