Following the Summer Game Fest season with PlayStation and Xbox‘s turn in the sun, it’s time for a brand-new Nintendo Direct for this ever-busy June announcement season with Nintendo once again announced early yesterday in its wild card ways that it would be putting on yet another edition of its Nintendo Direct presentation. Nintendo revealed in a tweet that the Nintendo Direct would feature around 40 minutes of information with a focus mainly on Nintendo Switch titles launching this year – one of the games already revealed was next month’s release, Pikmin 4 with new details being the focus.
Now let’s get into it, so here are all the games that were showcased during this Nintendo Direct for June 21st, 2023 and as always the recap will not feature the game but trailers, a release date or a window for each game we learn about, and small write up of what was shown. Now let’s dive in!
Pokémon Scarlet / Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1 – The Teal Mask (Switch)
Release Window: Fall 2023
Kicking off this Nintendo Direct is old faithful for Nintendo, Pokémon with a new look at the upcoming two-part expansion of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Starting with the first part, The Teal Mask players will join a special school trip to the land of Kitakami where they’ll get to know the residents and customs of Mossui Town. Pokémon Scarlet / Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1 – The Teal Mask is set to release as an expansion to the main game of both versions this fall.
Pokémon Scarlet / Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1 – The Indigo Mask (Switch)
Release Window: Winter 2023
The second part of the expansion is The Indigo Mask where players will see themselves studying abroad at Blueberry Academy in Part 2 while exploring the getting themselves familiarized with the environments contained in the undersea Terrarium Dome. Pokémon Scarlet / Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1 – The Indigo Mask is set to release as an expansion to the main game of both versions this winter.
Sonic Superstars (Switch)
Release Window: Fall 2023
Up next is another look at the brand new 2D Sonic games in Sonic Superstars as players can play as either Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose in four-player co-op as you speed through amazing wolds while using the power of the chaos emeralds to use never before seen powers as you once again take on Dr. Eggman. No specific release date was revealed but Sonic Superstars is still set to launch sometime this fall.
Palia (Switch)
Release Window: Holiday 2023
Up next is Palia, a charming free-to-play cozy massively multiplayer online game that offers a breathtaking new world where you can build the life and home of your dreams. Gather, hunt, and craft while you unravel the mysteries of this always-evolving adventure and meet new friends along your journey. Palia is set to launch on Nintendo Switch this holiday.
Persona 5: Tactica (Switch)
Release Date: November 17th
After that let’s dive back into the world of Persona as we got another look at Persona 5: Tactica which is set to assemble an all-star team of heroes in a brand-new story in this thrilling combat adventure featuring the cast of the fantastic Persona 5. Our favourite Persona-wielding Phantom Thieves this time around find themselves in a new incident after being rescued by a mysterious revolutionary rescues them and offers a deal in exchange for their help. Persona 5: Tactica is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on November 17th.
Mythforce (Switch)
Release Window: TBA 2023
Time to go back in time to the era of Saturday morning cartoons in Mythforce as players adventure through crypts and castles with friends in this first-person melee roguelike game which is set to launch on Nintendo Switch later this year.
Splatoon 3: Splatfest – Vanilla/Strawberry/Mint Chip (Switch)
Release Date: July 14th-16th
Up next is some Splatoon 3 action as a summer-filled Splatfest is set to go on this summer from July 14th through the 16th, the question it’s asking this time around is about your favourite ice cream flavour. The choices are between vanilla, strawberry, or mint chip – which flavour will remain supreme for the Splatoon crowd?
Detective Pikachu Returns (Switch)
Release Date: October 6th
Up next is one game that has been rumoured for a long while as a new Detective Pikachu game was announced with the reveal of Detective Pikachu Returns as Tim Goodman and his titular bolt-brilliant Pikachu are back to crack some cases. Detective Pikachu Returns is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on October 3rd.
Super Mario RPG Remake (Switch)
Release Date: November 17th
Going to be honest here, an actual shocking reveal as Nintendo has announced that Square Enix’s Super Mario RPG is getting a remake and it’s not too far away as it’s releasing exclusively for Nintendo Switch on November 17th.
Princess Peach-Focused Game (Switch)
Release Window: TBA 2024
Following that is a triple threat of games from the world of Mario, as Nintendo announced that Princess Peach is getting her own game set to release sometime next year, more details will be revealed later on with an actual title name of the game and how it will actually play.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Remaster (Switch)
Release Window: TBA 2024
Seeing how well Luigi’s Mansion 3 sold on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is looking to cash in for more mansion money with the announcement that the second entry in the series, Luigi’s Mansion: Darkmoon is jumping from the 3DS to Nintendo Switch is a remaster that’s set to release sometime next year.
Batman Arkham Trilogy (Switch)
Release Window: Fall 2023
After that, the Batman Arkham Trilogy is heading to Nintendo Switch which comes packed with Rocksteady’s iconic games set in its DC universe which comes pack with Batman Arkham Asylum, Batman Arkham City, and Batman Arkham Knight plus all DLC.
Gloomhaven (Switch)
Release Date: September 18th
Next up is turn-based tactical RPG, Gloomhaven releasing on Nintendo Switch on September 18th. In the game, players will lead a group of unsavoury mercenaries as they’ll explore cursed dungeons, delve into forgotten ruins, take morally dubious contracts, and maybe come out rich or not. Each character of a total of 17 unique ones packed with dozens of distinctive abilities as they’ll face over 260 missions.
Just Dance 2024 Edition (Switch)
Release Date: October 24th
The 2024 edition of Just Dance is heading to Nintendo Switch on October 24th and is set to feature 40 new tracks and universes, from chart-topping hits, viral internet phenomena and original songs! The tracklist features a variety of genres and eras, with something for all tastes.
Silent Hope (Switch)
Release Date: October 3rd
Now it’s time to dive into the world without words as we got a look at Silent Hope heading to the Nintendo Switch on October 3rd. After a king of a lost kingdom silents the world by stealing the very words the people spoke, seven wordless heroes rise up as they explore the Abyss and its ever-changing dungeons. Each hero has their own abilities and fighting styles unique to them. Return home with your treasures and create new and better equipment to dive deeper on your next run, and level up your heroes to earn new abilities and unlock new classes to tackle the challenging bosses lurking in the depths.
Fae Farm (Switch)
Release Date: September 8th
Up next is the console-exclusive, Fae Farm is heading to Nintendo Switch on September 8th. The upcoming game is a multiplayer-friendly Farm Sim RPG where players will craft, cultivate, and decorate to grow their homestead. Players can also use spells to explore the magical island of Azoria as they nurture an enchanted farm on their own or with up to three other players while growing not just plant life but relationships too while exploring dungeons and using magic in everyday life as you unlock new areas and restore the world around your character in Fae Farm.
Hot Wheels 2 Unleashed – Turbocharged (Switch)
Release Date: October 19th
From Farming to the fast and furious speed of the road as it was announced that Hot Wheels 2 Unleashed – Turbocharged is heading to Nintendo Switch on OCotber 19th.
Manic Mechanics (Switch)
Release Date: July 13th
Up next is the chaotic co-op game, Manic Mechanics as you and three other friends in the town of Octan Isle have tasked themselves to work on vehicles in a not-so-safe work environment as the faster you work, the more chaotic it gets with things like fuel spills, exploding tires, short-circuiting robots, stampeding cows, alien abduction, and more happening constantly. Manic Mechanics is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on July 13th.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope – The Last SPark Hunter (Switch)
Release Date: Available Later Today
The second DLC expansion for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope was shown off, in The Last Spark Hunter players will explore the Melodic Gardens and investigate to find the origin of the threat that is ever existing in this new location. To save the Melodic Gardens will see Mario and the Rabbids face off against Kanya, the titular Last Spark Hunter who is a dangerous and techy villain who will stop at nothing to accomplish her nefarious plans. The new DLC won’t be a long wait as it will be available on Nintendo Switch through the main game late today.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince (Switch)
Release Date: December 1st
A new Dragon Quest game is coming to Nintendo Switch in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince set to launch on December 1st. The game follows Psaro and his companion Rose as they travel through the demon realm of Nadiria. Explore and scout monsters onto your team, freely combine raised monsters to create more powerful allies, and take on enemies with your powerful team.
Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Release Date: July 21st
After that, we got some new details for next month’s major first-party Nintendo game in Pikmin 4 as we learn that players for the first time in the franchise will be able to set out for expeditions at night which feature glow Pikmin which are exclusive in the dark setting. Pikmin 4 is set to launch on July 21st with a demo set to release next week on June 28th.
Pikmin and Pikmin 2 (Switch)
Release Date: Available Later Today
Pikmin 1 + 2 coming to eShop later today. Pikmin 4 demo out June 28th pic.twitter.com/r0B0ykqk5i
— Wario64 (@Wario64) June 21, 2023
As one more thing for the Pikmin franchise, Nintendo announced the remastered version of Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 will launch later today officially meaning every game in the series will be playable on Nintendo Switch.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 1 (Switch)
Release Date: October 24th
After we got another look at Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 1 which is set to feature – Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, plus the NES versions of Metal Gear and Snake’s Revenge, and the in-game digital graphic novel of Metal Gear Solid and its sequel. Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 1 is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on October 24th. Preorders for the collection will be available later today.
Vampire Survivors (Switch)
Release Date: August 17th
Nintendo announces that Vampire Survivors will launch on Nintendo Switch on August 17th which is set to feature a four-player local co-op mode. Players will be able to choose from several characters, each with their own starting weapon and stats, and begin mowing down hordes of enemies across a variety of Stages. Once players collect enough gems in level, they can choose from a random selection of weapons, upgrades or buffs, to attempt to survive 30 minutes. After finishing a run, players can choose to spend Gold on more characters or permanent stats to increase their chance of surviving once more.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale (Switch)
Release Date: October 31st
Up next is the rhythm-based battle royale party game, Headbangers Rhythm Royale set to release on Nintendo Switch on October 31st. The game features a mix full of music-focused multiplayer mini-games with up to 30 pigeons battling all at once to determine who truly is the master headbanger.
Penny’s Big Break Away (Switch)
Release Window: Early 2024
Jumping into the world of 3D platformers is Penny’s Breakaway which is set to launch on Nintendo Switch sometime in early 2024. In the game, you play as the titular Penny and her companion, Yo-Yo as they escape the clutches of the grouchy Emperor Eddie while exploring the bright and colourful world of Macaroon along the way. Players will be able to perform stylish, acrobatic tricks to avoid Eddie’s massive horde of pushy penguins.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass – Wave 5 (Switch)
Release Window: Summer 2023
The penultimate wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s Booster Course Pass was shown off which comes with eight new courses including the all-new Squeaky Clean Sprint plus three new characters to the eighth entry including Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek. The fifth wave is set to release later this summer.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Switch)
Release Date: November 2nd
Up next is another return but from the universe of the Star Ocean games as Nintendo announced that Star Ocean: The Second Story R is heading to the Nintendo Switch on November 2nd. The game is described as a full remake rebuilt with charming 2.5D graphics combining 3D environments and 2D pixel characters. Play as either Claude or Rena in Star Ocean: The Second Story R. The game comes packed with explosive battles, relationship building with the party members you’ll meet on your journey through the game’s unique Private Actions system, and actions/decisions that will impact your main character’s destiny.
Warioware: Move it (Switch)
Release Date: November 3rd
Nintendo announced that WarioWare: Move It! will launch on the Nintendo Switch on November 3rd which is set to feature 200 lightning-fast microgames, co-op play for 2 players, and party modes for up to four players.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Zelda and Ganondorf Amiibo (Switch)
Release Window: Holiday 2023
We got a bit of something from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom but no DLC was revealed instead, following the success of the game’s Link Amiibo Nintendo has announced that Zelda and Ganondorf from the game are getting Amiibos which are set to release this holiday.
Super Mario Bros: Wonder (Nintendo Switch)
Release Date: October 20th
The last final announcement is that the Nintendo Switch is getting its first new 2D Mario game ever as Nintendo announced that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is launching on Nintendo’s hybrid console on October 20th (look out Marvel’s SPider-Man 2). This time around Mario will be able to stampede through enemies by transforming into a bi-pedal elephant version of Mario
