No slate of summer video game presentations is complete without a Nintendo Direct. Announced just a day prior to the livestream, Nintendo’s June 2023 Direct featured more unknowns than any presentation in recent memory. With only Pikmin 4 scheduled to carry the remainder of Nintendo’s first-party offerings in 2023, fans were unsure which franchise Nintendo would hitch their wagon to. Right off the heels of the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), and with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate long left in the dust, Nintendo would need to generate hype elsewhere.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet
The Nintendo Direct kicked off with a look at The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. An extended look was provided for both Part 1: The Teal Mask and Part 2: The Indigo Disk.
In Part 1: The Teal Mask, players will attend a special school trip to the land of Kitakami, where they will get to know the residents and customs of Mossui Town.
Part 2: The Indigo Disk will provide players the opportunity to study abroady at Blueberry Academy and explore various environments contained in the undersea Terarium Dome.
Part 1 of the DLC will launch in Fall 2023, while Part 2 is scheduled for Winter 2023.
Sonic Superstars
First revealed at Summer Game Fest earlier this month, Sonic Superstars made an appearance during the direct. The Blue Blur’s latest 2D side-scrolling adventure features 12 brand new zones. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose all return as playable characters.
This time around, they will be able to harness the power of the chaos emeralds to summon previously unseen superpowers. Local co-op will be available for up to four players, allowing players the opportunity to defeat Dr. Eggman together.
Sonic Superstars will release on Nintendo Switch this Fall 2023.
Palia
An adventure simulator that allows players to create an idyllic life for themselves. Palia asks players which kind of coziness they will choose. Whether it be living a blissful solo life, or teaming up via online co-op to explore life beyond the village, players control their own relaxing journey.
Palia is free to play and launches on Nintendo switch this Holiday.
Persona 5 Tactica
Previously unveiled at the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, Persona 5 Tactica offers a new perspective on the Persona franchise. The Phantom Thieves return, but in an unfamiliar world. They must join forces with a revolutionary named Erina to combat new armies.
The combat of Persona 5 Tactica is more akin to Fire Emblem than traditional Persona combat, but the famous fusion ability returns to allow players to fuse their personas.
Persona 5 Tactica launches on Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023. Pre-orders for the physical version of the game begin today.
MythForce
Inspired by a variety of classic Saturday morning cartoons, MythForce is a first-person melee roguelike game. Players will get to live out their favorite Masters of the Universe adventures in a 4 player co-op mode with their friends.
MythForce will release for Nintendo Switch during 2023.
Splatoon 3 July 2023 Splatfest
Which flavor of ice cream is best? Vanilla, Strawberry, or Mint Chip?
Choose a side and take on your friends (or enemies) in Splatoon 3‘s latest Splatfest.
The Splatoon 3 July 2023 Splatfest will run from July 14-July 16.
Detective Pikachu Returns
The sequel to Detective Pikachu is finally here.
Ryme City still has mysteries that need to be solved, and Detective Pikachu and Tim Goodman are on the case. The trailer doesn’t provide much in terms of gameplay, but it is a fair assumption that the similar clue hunting gameplay will be making a return.
Detective Pikachu Returns is coming to Nintendo Switch on October 6. Pre-orders for the game begin today.
Super Mario RPG
The original Mario role-playing game is receiving the remake treatment. Originally released on the SNES back in 1996, the game has become a fan-favorite amongst Nintendo fans.
Mario, Bowser, Peach, Mallow, and Geno will return in this seemingly faithful remake. The combat remains relatively unchanged from the original turn-based system. It is safe to assume that this remake will be a 1-to-1 update to the original.
Super Mario RPG is releasing on Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023. Pre-orders for the game are available today.
Untitled Princess Peach Game
A short teaser trailer for a Princess Peach game was shown during the Nintendo Direct. There is not much to speculate on given the lack of information. For the time being, gamers will be patiently waiting for Peach’s solo adventure.
The brand-new game featuring Princess Peach is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2024.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
A remaster of the Nintendo 3DS game Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon was seen at the Direct. The game is not a full-fledged remake, simply a visual enhancement of the original release. Given the far off release window, there is currently no information available on potential gameplay changes.
The Nintendo Switch version of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is releasing in 2024.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
Rocksteady’s crowning achievement, the Batman: Arkham Trilogy features a familiar adventure through Gotham City.
All three games and post-launch content will be in a complete collection for the first time. Veteran gamers will be able to experience some of gaming’s best on a portable device, or newcomers will get to face Gotham’s rogues for their first time.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy is releasing exclusively for Nintendo Switch in fall 2023.
Gloomhaven
The fan favorite board game, Gloomhaven, is receiving a video game adaptation.
Lead a group of mercenaries through turn-based tactical RPG dungeons. Every choice matters throughout the 260 missions available to players. 17 Unique characters are available, each one allowing a different angle to the tactical card-based gameplay.
Gloomhaven is coming to Nintendo Switch on September 18, 2023.
Just Dance 2024 Edition
Another year, another Just Dance.
Just Dance 2024 Edition features 40 new songs, including Miley Cyrus’ Flowers and Blackpink’s How You Like That. The immersive, 3D universes and characters corresponding to each song will return.
Just Dance 2024 Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch this October.
Silent Hope
Seven wordless warriors rise in this action RPG. Each character features their own abilities and fighting style, which will only be enhanced with new and better equipment.
With the Kingdom’s sorrowful princess as their guide, the answers to all the silent warriors questions await in the depths of the abyss.
Silent Hope is releasing for Nintendo Switch on October 3, 2023.
Fae Farm
Escape to the unknown magical island of Azoria. A multiplayer-friendly farming simulator RPG, Fae Farm, allows players to craft, cultivate, and decorate their homestead.
As the seasons change, new areas will unlock, ensuring that players will have a multitude of vast dungeons to explore with their friends.
Fae Farm is coming to Nintendo Switch on September 8, 2023.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged
The follow-up to its 2021’s predecessor, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged will feature over 130 vehicles to choose from. Players will be able to race and perform wildly ridiculous stunts in either local co-op or online against up to 12 players.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged will race onto Switch on October 19, 2023.
Manic Mechanics
In this latest Overcooked style of game, players can band together to fix their favorite cars.
Manic Mechanics is a chaotic 4 player co-op game that positions you as a traveling mechanic. Deal with fuel spills, exploding tires, and short-circuiting robots as you earn the right to call yourself a Master Mechanic.
Manic Mechanic is coming to Nintendo Switch on July 13, 2023.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – DLC 2: The Last Spark Hunter
The latest Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope expansion is here.
Explore the Melodic Gardens and faceoff against the Last Spark Hunter, Kanya. With her latest invention, the Mecha King Bob-Omb, the highly dangerous and techy villain makes a dangerous foe in this strategy adventure.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope – DLC 2: The Last Spark Hunter is available now on Nintendo Switch. A free demo for the game is available now as well.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
The Dark Prince Psaro is now cursed. Unable to harm monsters in anyway, he and his companion Rose must travel through the demon realm of Nadiria scouting monsters for their team. Raise and combine monsters in this game to create powerful allies and defeat your adversaries.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is coming to Nintendo Switch on December 1, 2023.
Pikmin 4
The latest journey in Nintendo’s pint-sized world is steadily approaching.
Pikmin 4 provides players the opportunity to collect treasure, rescue fellow explorers, and embark on new Night Expeditions with the debuting Glow Pikmin. In this game, no challenge is too big or too small.
Pikmin 4 launches for Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2023. A demo of Pikmin 4 will also be available to download for free starting on June 28. Pre-orders of the game begin today.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
The highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1 was shown off at the Direct. It boasts a lineup of 5 separate Metal Gear titles, 2 graphic novels, 8 digital books, and 1 massive soundtrack. Players of the franchise will surely have everything they desire in one complete package.
Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1 is set for Nintendo Switch as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam.
Vampire Survivors
Begin mowing down massive hordes of enemies in Vampire Survivors. Choose from a variety of characters, each with their own individual skills and stats, to best battle the enemy hordes. Upon completion of a run, players can upgrade their characters to better survive in future attempts.
Vampire Survivors is coming to Nintendo Switch on August 17, 2023.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale
Up to 30 pigeons will battle it out in Headbangers Rhythm Royale. A rhythm-based, battle royale, party game full of music-focused multiplayer fun.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale is coming to Nintendo Switch on October 31, 2023.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
From the team that brought you Sonic Mania, here comes Penny’s Big Breakaway. In a new 3D platforming adventure, players will explore the bright and colorful world of Macaroon. Penny and Yo-Yo need help to escape the clutches of the grouchy Emperor Eddie.
Defeat the evil emperor in Story Mode, or put your skills to the test in Time Attack Mode to unlock special items and stages.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is releasing for Nintendo Switch in early 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5
More content is on its way to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
8 more courses, including the all-new Squeaky Clean Sprint will be added to the game. Alongside those, 3 new character, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek will be joining the race.
Wave 5 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass drives onto Nintendo Switch this summer. The Booster Course Pass is available now, either for a one-time purchase of $24.99, or included with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Star Ocean The Second Story R
Square Enix is at it again with Star Ocean The Second Story R. The HD 2D style implemented by games like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy returns in this remake of the PlayStation classic.
Play as either Claude or Rena and experience an epic tale of Fantasy and Science Fiction alongside your party members.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R, will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and PC via Steam on November 2.
WarioWare: Move It!
It’s time for more microgame mayhem with Wario. Strike a pose and react in over 200 new microgames. WarioWare: Move It! features both 2 player co-op and 4 player party mode.
WarioWare: Move It! is coming to Nintendo Switch on November 3, 2023. Pre-orders for the game are available now.
New Zelda and Ganondorf Amiibos
The release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom already provided fans with a new Link Amiibo, so Nintendo has decided to follow-up on that decision. A new Zelda and Ganondorf Amiibo will soon be joining the lineup of TOTK Amiibos.
Both the Zelda and Ganondorf Amiibo figures will be available this holiday season.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Surprise and wonder wait at every corner in Mario’s latest 2D side-scrolling adventure. Join Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and Toad in this new game that drops the “new” moniker from Mario’s 2D outings.
Familiar foes will surely arrive, but new mysteries approach in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. What is the Wonder Seed? How does it interact with the Mushroom Kingdom? Mario and co. will soon uncover these truths.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is releasing on Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2023. Pre-orders are now available.
Pikmin 1+2
A trailer for Pikmin 1+2 was uploaded to Nintendo’s YouTube directly following the end of the Nintendo Direct. HD releases of both Pikmin and Pikmin 2 are available inside of the bundle. The entire library of the charming Pikmin series is now available on Nintendo Switch.
Pikmin 1+2 is available right now on the Nintendo eShop for $49.99.
A Merry Mario Direct
Only Nintendo does what Nintendo does best, and what Nintendo does, is Mario. 6 separate Mario franchise titles appeared throughout this Nintendo Direct, but that is well and good. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be on the shelves this Holiday, alongside a plethora of third-party offerings. A glimpse was shown towards next year as well, with the brand new Princess Peach game being teased. Despite the scare of a barren second half to 2023 for Nintendo, the company managed to supply a decent lineup to support the inevitable ongoing sales of TOTK.
