Nintendo Direct Overview

On the 9th of February 2022, Nintendo had its latest Direct in which it spoke about several games releasing along with all of the new DLC that is on its way.

We would like to preface this with a disclaimer, same as Nintendo: Due to COVID-19, all release dates and information presented throughout the Direct — and therefore throughout the article — are subject to change.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Experience the combat expertise of the heroes fromFire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes such as Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude, and others as they join the Warriors spin-offs, battling hordes of foes through a war-torn Fódlan. 

The game is open for pre-order at the price of $59.99 and will be available come the 24th of June.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

In this remake, take on the role of a tactical adviser for the Orange Star Army as you'll mobilise land, air, and naval units across game-changing terrain and weather throughout the battlefield. With the help of Andy, Max, Sami, and other Commanding Officers, eliminate enemy squads while capturing towns and bases to ensure peace is kept. Play through two campaigns that will cover the events present in Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising.

Once you have finished with the two campaigns — or when you wish to take a break from defeating enemy AI — play in Versus Mode with up to three different foes with customisable combat options such as funds per allies base and fog of war.

Pre-order for Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is available now for the price of $59.99, and the game will release on the 8th of April.

No Man's Sky is Coming to Switch

In this latest entry of Nintendo Direct, Hello Games announced that it will be releasing its notorious-turned-famous game No Man's Sky for the Nintendo Switch. Players will now be able to explore planets, survive arduous environments, trade with alien species, and more while on the go. Now players will be able to just as easily switch among planets as they can between TV and handheld mode.

No Man's Sky's Switch edition will be released this summer.

Mario Strikers: Battle League

Mario Strikers makes a surprise return since its latest release on the Wii 15 years ago. 

The shocking return features a gear system that will affect not only the look of your favourite Mario characters but also their stats, a brand-new club system in which players will be able to join clubs with up to 20 players to compete against others, and compete in eight-player rounds either locally or online in 4v4 battles.

Mario Strikers: Battle League's pre-orders are up for $59.99 with its full release due on the 10th of June

Splatoon 3 Salmon Run Next Wave

Face off against foes and bosses, not against other players, but together, in the co-op mode coming to Splatoon 3.

Collect and store eggs in a container to win; however, this will be no easy task, as you and your allies will have to face waves of enemies, several bosses, and work together in order to reach the victory screen.

Splatoon 3, along with the Salmon Run Next Wave cooperative mode, will be released in the summer of this year.

FRONT MISSION: 1st Remake

Experience the story of the original FRONT MISSION, released for the first time worldwide, with its brand-new remake coming to switch, FRONT MISSION: 1st Remake.

In a world set in 2090 where all of the world's conflicts are resolved using giant war machines called Wanzers, play as Royd — a man previously discharged from the military — as he sets out to investigate what happened to Lieutenant Karen, Royd's Fiancée, in the mission that was the cause of both his discharge and her status as missing in action.

Enjoy the official first worldwide release of the tactical RPG FRONT MISSION: 1st Remake on the Nintendo Switch when the game releases in the summer of this year.

Disney Speedstorm

We've seen what happens when iconic characters all across the Mushroom Kingdom race it out, we've seen what happens when heroes and villains from multiple franchises battle, but for the first time ever, experience what happens when characters from Disney and Pixar race.

Select from a wide roster of iconic characters including Donald Duck, Mulan, James P. Sullivan, and Captain Jack Sparrow, while racing in equally iconic places. Each character will have their own unique skills to spruce up the gameplay, and brand-new characters to come with seasonal updates.

Disney Speedstorm will be free-to-play and released in summer 2022 for PC and the Nintendo Switch.

STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed

Play as an apprentice of Darth Vader who was trained to hunt down and kill the enemy Jedi. Use the devastating power of the Force or do swift lightsaber combos to ensure the downfall of your foes; take full control of the game, similarly to its original release on the Wii, by taking advantage of the motion controls incorporated in the Joy-con controller.

Once you're done serving the Dark Lord of the Sith and fulfilling all of your evil duties, grab a friend and find out who is the best Jedi Master in the household by challenging them to a 1v1 duel.

Pre-orders for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed are available for $19.99, with the game's release expected to come on the 20th of April 2022.

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection

Have you ever wanted to experience the Assassin's Creed series on the go? Well, with Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection coming to the Nintendo Switch, you will be able to do just that.

Live the saga of the Master assassin, as Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection features Assassin's Creed II, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed Revelations, along with all of the solo DLC for the three games.

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection will be parkouring its way up the sales when it releases on the 17th of February.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance

Experience one of the largest crossovers in the Gundam universe with SD GUNDAM BATTLE ALLIANCE, a brand-new action RPG.

Watch as the canon of the Gundam series takes unexpected twists and turns in G: Universe, as strange phenomena called Breaks change iconic moments from the lore. Lead a three-unit squadron consisting of mobile suits and pilots from across all of Gundam history, as you'll level up and upgrade the mechs to create the ultimate one. Or, invite two friends to tackle the Breaks to correct the distorted history to take control of two of the units in your squadron.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance will be released sometime this year.

CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION

Experience an iconic tale dating back two decades with CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION. Additionally, play through the RADICAL DREAMERS adventure, releasing for the first time in the West with brand-new 3D models upgraded to HD, new illustrations have been added, and a lot more.

Without the need for further introduction, CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION will be released on the 7th of April, with pre-orders already available at the price of $19.99.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Take control of the all-eating powerhouse Kirby in a brand-new adventure where players will travel to a forgotten land and explore the remnant of a past civilisation filled with ruined ancient architecture, such as cars and shopping malls, to save kidnapped Waddle Dees.

Explore new transformations, like the Drill and Ranger, or make use of the new Mouthful Mode feature, in which Kirby will be able to consume cars, vending machines, and more to gain unique abilities. Even better yet, enjoy the entire experience with a friend with the implemented co-op mode in which your buddy, partner, or family member can take control of Bandana Waddle Dee, with his own unique set of skills with his trusty and sturdy spear.

Pre-orders for Missing Profile are available for $59.99 already, and the game will be available on the 25th of March.

MLB: The Show 22

For the first time ever, enjoy the MLB: The Show on a Nintendo console as MLB: The Show 22 will be taking a swing at the Nintendo Switch.

Take your game outside and enjoy it on the go, then enjoy that same savefile on other platforms with the incorporated cross-platform progression. And, if you have friends that decided to join other teams, enjoy the game with your friends with cross-platform play.

MLB: The Show 22 will be released on the 5th of April. Eager batters can pre-order the game for $59.99 and will receive a Gold Choice Pack, which includes 5K Stubs.

KINGDOM HEARTS INTEGRUM MASTERPIECE for Cloud

For the first time ever, enjoy the Kingdom Hearts franchise in any form you might want: tabletop, handheld, or on TV with KINGDOM HEARTS INTEGRUM MASTERPIECE coming for Cloud.

Enjoy the experience from the original all the way to the latest with this collection coming to the Nintendo Switch, which will include Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.

KINGDOM HEARTS INTEGRUM MASTERPIECE requires an internet connection to play. It's out now at the price of $89.99.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series

 

In celebration of the franchise's 25th anniversary, two of the entries — Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil — are receiving remasters, including brand-new and shiny HD graphics, 60fps and 4K support, a two-player co-op option, and even an adjustable difficulty that is sure to allow ease of access for both newcomers and series veterans.

Excited to jump into action? Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series will be released on the 8th of July.

Portal: Companion Collection

Become GLaDOS' test subject once again with Portal's entry to the Nintendo Switch while playing as either Chell in Portal 1 and Portal 2's single-player campaign or one of GLaDOS’ test robots in Portal 2's co-op mode, and get a little too attached to the companion cube once more.

Featuring a split-screen co-op for you and another player to enjoy the game together without the need of a subscription nor another console, it's never been a better time to replay the Portal series.

Portal: Companion Collection will be available sometime this year.

Live A Live

Previously released in 1994 exclusively for Japan for the Super Famicom, Live A Live is seeing its first worldwide release on the Nintendo Switch.

Play through seven different storylines set throughout different time periods, protagonists, and playstyles. Go through stories set in prehistory, the Wild West, in the twilight of Edo Japan, Imperial China, present-day, near future, and distant future; you can tackle each period in whichever order you want.

Live A Live is coming to the Nintendo Switch on the 22nd of July, with pre-orders available for the pride of $49.99.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo is creating a brand-new iteration of its biggest franchise to ever release, as Nintendo Switch Sports joins the lineup.

Get some exercise while playing football, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay) while using the Joy-Con controllers, with a seventh sport coming this autumn: golf.

Play with friends within the same household or across the world, and compete against strangers to earn in-game rewards such as outfits, sports accessories, gear, and more to customise your avatar with stock  that changes weekly. Or, aim for the Pro Leagues and prove your resolve.

Nintendo Switch Sports will release on the 29th of April, with pre-orders already available at the price of $39.99.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm festival

Become a taiko — a drum-like Japanese instrument — master, as Don-chan and Kumo-kun accompany you through your rhythmic adventure. Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival features 76 songs, including the opening for The Legend of Zelda, and four game modes, such as a live-concert cooperative in which up to four players can participate, or a one on one taiko duel with a friend.

Additionally, the game will release with a monthly subscription that will allow players to unlock 500 songs to play to, available at launch.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival will be released later this year.

TRIANGLE STRATEGY

TRIANGLE STRATEGY is an HD-2D strategy game very centred around trinities. Command a group of warriors after you've been entangled in a surging conflict between three nations and make decisions that will bolster one of your three convictions that will influence which of the 20 different playable characters will join your army and fight for your cause.

TRIANGLE STRATEGY  has a demo available for players along with pre-orders already available at the price of $59.99, with the full game releasing on the 4th of March.

Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course

Announced first at The Game Awards, Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course is the final chapter that will be implemented to the game, featuring additional weapons and charms to aid you in both the new content and old ones, a new level, and a brand-new playable character: Ms Chalice.

Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course will arrive on the 30th of June.

Metroid Dread Free Update

Metroid Dread is receiving a free update that features two new game modes: Dread mode, which will feature a one-shot mechanic; no matter how much HP you have, nor how hard enemies hit you, you will die. A one-hit mode meant to spruce up the challenge for gamers that haven't had enough of the difficulty that the game had to provide. And Rookie mode, which is meant to make the game more accessible for newcomers to the Metroid franchise, offering a higher health recovery.

That isn't all, Metroid Dread will be receiving a second update that will feature a boss rush mode that will have players fighting every boss in the game, one at a time.

The first update for Metroid Dread is out now, and the second one will be released sometime in April.

Earthbound & Earthbound Beginnings

Experience Earthbound from 1994 and Earthbound Beginnings from 1989 on the Nintendo Switch as both games were added to the Nintendo Switch Online on the 10th of February.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War

In the last entry, players reigned triumphant over Zombie Hitler, yet that did not spell the ending for the zombie Armageddon. Now, Zombie Army 4: Dead War tasks players with fending off the undead horde once again, this time on a portable device that you can take anywhere. The Nintendo Switch release will include all Season Pass One content for free.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War has been out since the 18th of February 2020, but is making its Nintendo Switch debut on the 26th of April, as a testament that the Nintendo Switch isn't just for children.

GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon

Play as the guard and leader of the land of the living while wielding otherworldly weapons along with the power of the Getsu clan as you descend deep into the depths of Hell to eradicate the source of the cataclysm in this roguelite hack-and-slash uniquely drawn to fit the ukiyo-e visuals common in the 17th century of Japan.

GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is out now on the Nintendo Switch shop for the price of $24.99.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles

Play as Tanjiro, Nezuko's brother, as he attempts to turn his sister back into a human by slaying demons in this game inspired by the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Once you've finished with the story mode, hop into the PvP mode against other players and partake in 2v2 battles either online or offline featuring characters from the anime that can be freely matched against each other.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles will release on the Nintendo Switch on the 10th of June.

LEGO Brawls

Nintendo may be done with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but that doesn't mean the competition has to stop. LEGO Brawls is LEGO's stab at the fighter genre in which players will be able to create their own LEGO character and battle it out in four-player battles, either team-based or free-for-all. Furthermore, show your expertise to the rest of the world by climbing the leaderboards and showing how indestructible you are.

LEGO Brawls will be released in June of this year.

Two Point Campus

We've built hospitals, but now it's time for Two Point Campus to take the reins. Decorate your academy and have all of your students learn what everyone should be taught in the academic year: knight school and giant gastronomy featuring giant pizzas and enormous pies.

Two Point Campus will be opening the school year on the 17th of May.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pack

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is getting a nostalgic DLC for any old-timers of the franchise, as eight courses will be released at a time in six waves, all released by the end of 2023 with a total of 48 different courses. Race in nostalgic courses from games dating back to as early as the original Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and more nostalgic tracks never-before remastered.

The Booster Course Pack will cost $24.99, with the first wave of tracks released on the 18th of March

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Five years after the release of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has announced the surprisingly imminent release of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as a close to the Nintendo Direct. Play as the protagonists Noah and Mio amid the turmoil between two hostile nations: Keves and Agnus.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will be released in September of this year.