Nintendo’s clever play on nostalgia and iconic franchises was brought to the spotlight throughout the Nintendo Direct 2023. From Mario’s new adaptions to Luigi’s remaster, we’ve compiled a list of all that the June 2023 Nintendo Direct revealed.
A first look at Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s expansions
The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disc hold the future Pokémon Scarlet and Violet additions, which Nintendo thoroughly reviewed. The expansion will introduce lots of new Pokémon, including Gligar. Players will be able to explore many new locations and meet new characters like Carmine and Cryano. Both appear to be substantial expansions for the already sizable pair of games. However, they still don’t have a set date for release. The Indigo Disc debuts this winter, while The Teal Mask debuts in the autumn of 2023.
Detective Pikachu Returns
The world’s cutest detective makes his return. After months of waiting, the next Detective Pikachu video game was shown to us. In what is intended to be Pokémon Friendship Week, Tim Goodman and the coffee-loving Pikachu are trying to solve a mystery concerning Mewtwo. It will be released on October 6 and titled Detective Pikachu Returns.
Super Mario RPG remake
Nintendo has announced a version of the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars game for the Nintendo Switch. Although the game appears relatively similar to the SNES edition and has the same turn-based gameplay as the original, the trailer shows several famous characters reimagined in a new, more contemporary chibi aesthetic. This version will debut on November 17 under Super Mario RPG’s clear title.
Pikmin 4
At its core, Pikmin 4 has similarities with the first three games in the series but differs in some major features. Players may utilize Oatchi to navigate, descend into deeper dungeons to discover more challenging ones, and participate in brand-new Dandori Battles. Now that nighttime exploration is possible, trapped players will need the assistance of the new Glow Pikmin to fend off angered foes. On July 21, Pikmin 4 will be made available for the Nintendo Switch. You can expect a demo for the game on June 28.
WarioWare: Move It!
WarioWare seems to have a new look. In almost 200 microgames, WarioWare: Move It! focuses on the Joy-Con motion controls rather than the cooperative gameplay of 2021’s Get it Together. The game will enable two-player cooperative play and will include various party modes for four players. On November 3, WarioWare: Move It! will be available to play.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder certainly made fans and newcomers look at the trailer in awe. It’s the first Mario game we’ve had in a while that’s not related to Mario Maker. It features a stunning new graphic style and ways of playing the iconic platformer. Details about co-op, a playable Princess Daisy, and an elephant power-up were also disclosed during its unveiling. This is a return to form for the series while also innovating it significantly. On October 20, Super Mario Bros. Wonder will arrive for Nintendo Switch.
Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1
Fans of the MGS series are in for a solid nostalgic trip. Titles like Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear, and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Snake’s Revenge are all included in this collection. You can also expect a screenplay book that contains the in-game language for each game and a master book that describes the plot and characters.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLCs
In addition to a new track called Squeaky Clean Spring, there are three new characters—Petey Piranha from Mario Kart: Double Dash, Wiggler from Mario Kart 7, and Kamek from Mario Kart Tour. This and Booster track Pass Wave 5 for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be available this summer.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Remaster
A spooky and welcome surprise, the 3DS game Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will receive a remake. This teaser also showed us a brand-new Princess Peach-themed game that will debut in 2024. The Princess Peach game, a 2.5D sidescroller, was announced with little information, but we can look forward to more info in the coming months.
Vampire Survivors
On August 17, Vampire Survivors will finally be released for Nintendo’s newest platform, packed with couch co-op for up to four players and the game’s trademark insanity.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
The new game combines the elements of Dragon Quest and Pokemon, unveiled by Square Enix during the Nintendo Direct. These creatures that can be trained will be essential to the success of their expedition through the demon kingdom of Nadiria. These lands hold a cursed prince named Psaro and his comrade Rose, who will be essential to the game’s story.
Sonic Superstars
Fans of the iconic character got a fresh glimpse of Sonic Superstars in action during today’s Nintendo Direct. It was earlier shown during Summer Game Fest 2023.
Sonic Superstars will arrive this autumn.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
The Caped Crusader makes his way to the Switch, bringing in one of the best gaming trilogies. We will get all three of the Rocksteady Batman Games. These include Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight. All DLCs will also be included in the games. The Batman: Arkham collection for Nintendo arrives this Autumn.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
On October 19, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged will be on Switch, including over 130 cars you may employ to pull off the most absurd stunts ever. Players can compete against up to 12 other players online or against their friends in local split-screen co-op.
Manic Mechanics
Manic Mechanics is a new co-op game that you may play with up to three of your buddies. It will challenge players to fix cars on Octane Isle as soon as possible. Autos, trucks, helicopters, tractors, mini-subs, UFOs, and more will be part of the challenge. On July 13, 2023, Manic Mechanics will arrive on Switch.
Gloomhaven
On September 18, Gloomhaven will launch on Switch, bringing the cherished board game to users of Nintendo’s platform. With 17 characters and more than a thousand skills to choose from, gamers in Gloomhaven may explore dangerous dungeons with terrifying enemies.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale
Headbangers Rhythm Royale is a unique, musical battle royale coming to Switch. In over 20 musical minigames in this new game, players compete to be the “last bird standing” against 29 other players. The game releases on October 31.
Silent Hope
Silent Hope puts a new twist on the action-RPG genre. The game will have “seven wordless warriors” collaborating to discover a “reclusive king”. They will all need to empower their unique skills to complete this dangerous quest. Players will explore dungeons for riches as part of the gameplay cycle before returning to their fortress to level up. Release day for Silent Hope is set for October 3, 2023.
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a farm-sim RPG with an unimaginable setting. You’ll go on solo or group adventures in addition to expanding your farm. On September 8, Fae Farm will be launched, and it wants to inspire players to make their homes in a new world. You can add characters, homes, farms, and other things to your desired customization.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
Meet Penny and Yoyo, the colorful stars of Penny’s Big Breakaway. It’s a brand-new 3D platforming adventure from the developers of Sonic Mania that promises to be a lot of fun. The two protagonists cooperate throughout gameplay to navigate crazy, bizarre levels in extremely creative ways. The game is set in the Macaroon universe.
Palia
A chill and cozy free-to-play adventure is on its way to Switch. Palia will let you “create the life of your dreams.” You will be able to construct and customize your house, play with friends and visit their homes, interact with a wide variety of NPCs while taking part in a distinctive plot, and much more to achieve this. This holiday season, Palia will be launched on Switch.
Just Dance 2024
On October 24, Just Dance 2024 will arrive. It comes with 40 songs for you and your fellow dancers to show off some moves. Fans of the Just Dance series were treated to a new gameplay clip during today’s Nintendo Direct.
Splatoon 3’s Next Splatfest
The choice between Vanilla, Strawberry, or Mint Chip is what gamers (and fans of ice cream) get to decide in ideal conditions. As it happens, this is the theme for the next Splatfest for Splatoon 3 on July 14–16.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter
Mario + Rabbids’ most recent DLC, Sparks of Hopes, will transport Mario and his buddies to a musical world. They will encounter new foes and discover new riches. You can check out the DLC and play the demo right now from the Switch eShop.
MythForce
MythForce is a first-person combat roguelike that was inspired by Saturday morning cartoons. It sends you and your pals on an adventure through dungeons in the Cursed Lands to defeat the villain Deadalus. Later this year, Mythforce will be made available for Switch.
Persona 5 Tactica
Persona 5 Tactica received a new gameplay trailer after unveiling it at the Xbox Games Showcase. On November 17, 2023, this brand-new ‘tactical’ game will be released.
Star Ocean The Second Story R
This is a recreation of Star Ocean: The Second Story, which debuted on PlayStation in 1998. It will be launched for Switch, PS5, PS4, and PC through Steam on November 3, 2023, according to today’s Nintendo Direct. With a combination of 2D pixel characters and 3D surroundings, the original game has been completely recreated in this remaster.
We are particularly excited to see the renditions of Mario and the fresh adventures coming to Switch this year. Which titles are you excited about? Let us know in the comments down below.