Nintendo Direct: June 18, 2024
Another Nintendo Direct, another new wave of games coming to the switch, and there’s plenty to look forward too. While there were some concerns that nothing too major could be revealed with a potential Switch successor on the horizon, that hasn’t stopped Nintendo from coming out with a strong lineup to send the Switch off as nothing less than a respectable console. So let’s take a look at what we can expect in the future.
The Stars of the Show
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
In an unexpected reveal, Nintendo has announced a new Legend of Zelda game that not only takes the series back to a 2D adventure, but this time features Zelda as the protagonist saving Hyrule. Leaning into the building mechanics of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, rather than wielding a sword, Zelda will be able to create copies of items (Echoes) and enemies along your adventure to fight foes and save the land. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is expected to release on the Nintendo Switch on September 26th.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Living up to the saying, “Better late than never,” Metroid Prime 4 finally has a release confirmation nearly 7 years later after originally being announced at E3 all the way back in 2017. Featuring a new and original adventure packed with the classic gameplay and weapons of other FPS games in the series, players will once again be playing as Samus Aran to save the day. While an exact release date was not included in the Nintendo Direct, the game should finally be arriving in 2025.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
In the newest edition of Mario & Luigi RPG games, this time the brothers will be setting off to the lands of Shipshape Island in the world of Concordia to meet new friends and battle foes in a turn-based combat adventure with skills and abilities reminiscent of other Mario Bros RPG adventures. Mario & Luigi: Brothership will launch on the Nintendo Switch this year on November 7th.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are back, in this HD remake of the original Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii. This version will include all of the content from the original game and the additions from the 3DS version released in 2013, to provide a new and modern experience for players on this adventure to recover the Kong’s banana hoard from the Tiki Tak Tribe. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will be released on the Nintendo Switch next year on January 16th.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
In the newest edition to the Mario Party series, not only will this game include a selection of new and returning boards for players to compete on, along with over 110 minigames, but a new 20 player competitive online game mode, the Koopathlon is sure to bring about new ways to enjoy the game with friends. Super Mario Party Jamboree will be available on the Nintendo Switch on October 17th.
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
A new edition to the DRAGON QUEST series, players will be able to experience the beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy storyline in this HD-2D remake containing new visuals and an expanded narrative of Erdrick’s quest to save the world. While the DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake will be releasing on the Nintendo Switch later this year on November 14th, players can also expect a DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake of the first two games next year in 2025.
Nintendo Switch Online Additions
Several new expansions and additions have been released for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. On the list we have a special MATURE 17+ collection of games available, featuring games such as PERFECT DARK, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. Additionally, other titles from the Game Boy Advance have made their return with The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, as well as Metroid: Zero Mission. All of these games should be available following the end of the Nintendo Direct.
New Games, Ports, and More
In addition to these previous highlights, we also have a long list of other games that will be receiving updates or releases on the Nintendo Switch in the future. These include ports for games such as Stray and Darkest Dungeon II, updates to Among Us and Nintendo Switch Sports, new trailers and displays for previously known games such as Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and LEGO HORIZON ADVENTURES after being shown at the Summer Game Fest, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection letting players experience the trials of Miles Edgeworth, and more games expected to be released in the following months, or next year.
