Nintendo Dropped a Big Nintendo Direct Mini Today
Nintendo surprised everyone today with a Nintendo Direct Mini. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure why they said it was mini as it had a lot of news and went on for about the same duration as their other Directs. Like I said, there’s a lot of news, and I’ll do my best to hit the highlights as best I can. If I missed anything, let me know what you’re most excited for in the comments below. It should also be noted that due to COVID-19, the release dates are subject to change.
First, we got a better look at the upcoming Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition that looks fantastic and comes with a new epilogue called Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected. The game features an easy to read and use battle HUD as well as menu screens to improve your enjoyment of the game, and as an added bonus, some of the music has been remastered or remixed. This remastered title is set to launch on May 29 with a Definitive Works Set available same-day featuring a 250-page art book.
We also go the official announcement that BioShock: The Collection (consists of BioShock Remastered, BioShock 2 Remastered, and BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition) and XCOM 2 Collection (which contains XCOM 2, 4 DLC packs, and the War of the Chosen expansion)are making their way to the Switch! We learned of this potential roughly a month ago, but what we didn’t know is that Borderlands Legendary Collection (which contains the original Borderlands, its sequel, Borderlands 2, and its “pre-sequel,” Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel) was also going to be launching. These classic 2K titles will launch on May 29.
But what about Catherine: Full Body? That was also leaked. Well it’s also coming to the Switch! The puzzle-adventure title from ATLUS will be available on July 7. Just be careful since it is a mature game and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
I’m also excited that EA is launching Burnout Paradise Remastered on the Switch later this year. I love the Burnout games and would love to jump back into that world. Meanwhile, Fuser from Harmonix looks like a fun new rhythm game coming this fall, and Panzer Dragoon: Remake dropped today as a limited-time exclusive.
The final new game that I want to talk about is Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy! The game launched today and lets players create a custom Jedi and custom lightsaber as they enter Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. This is a classic Star Wars game that’s really fun. There’s also an online battle mode where you can fight with up to 16 players at once! I’m very excited for this. Star Wars Episode I: Racer was then teased. Remember that game?
Let’s talk about some of the updates that were revealed today (all games and updates will be listed below). The big one was there was a tease for the first fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass 2. They didn’t reveal who the fighter was, but they did reveal it was a character from ARMS and they’ll be revealed and launched in June. I’m surprised that an ARMS character wasn’t included at launch and I’m glad it’s not another Fire Emblem character. Meanwhile, Animal Crossing: New Horizons teased an upcoming event called Bunny Day that requires the update from launch day, but they also said that in late April, another update will be available to prepare players for the Earth Day event.
One update that caught me off guard was for Ring Fit Adventure. I love this game and it’s been a great way to get active, but I wasn’t expecting any kind of update. This update offers a lot of great new features though. You can now jog in Custom and Quickplay modes. It also adds new language voices for the Ring as well as a new female voice option. The biggest news though was a new Rhythm Game mode available with dozens of tracks including music from Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I’m very excited to try it out as it launches today!
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order also revealed their third Expansion Pass: Fantastic Four: Shadow of Doom. That’s right, you can now play as the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom through a new story campaign! This is very exciting considering it’s available now.
The final big update was for the Isle of Armor expansion pass for Pokémon Sword and Shield. We learned that as we enter a fighting dojo on the island, we’ll get the legendary Kubfu and then we can take our new friend to either the Tower of Darkness or the Tower of Water. Kubfu will then evolve and the choice of tower will effect if Urshifu has Single-Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style. This expansion will be available in June.
Here are all the other titles talked about in the Direct Mini:
Good Job!: In this madcap action-puzzle game from Nintendo, perform hilarious and challenging tasks around a sprawling office building to get the job done by any means necessary, alone or in two-player mode*! Good Job! launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch … today!
MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order Expansion Pass – Pack 3: It’s Doctor Doom vs. Marvel’s first family when the MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order Expansion Pass – Pack 3: Fantastic Four: Shadow of Doom launches for the Nintendo Switch game today. The new pack adds the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom as playable characters as they fight through a new story campaign. The Expansion Pass**, which also includes Pack 1 and Pack 2, can be purchased for $19.99.
Ring Fit Adventure Update: A free update is coming to Ring Fit Adventure later today! The update adds a new Rhythm Game mode, an option to switch to a female voice and to change the language of the in-game voice, and more. In the Rhythm Game mode, move to the beat of a dozen music tracks from Ring Fit Adventure and a few tracks from popular Nintendo games, including Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths: In this deep-sea exploration game, players collect resources to upgrade their gear, craft items and dive deeper into the abyss. As they explore increasingly mysterious environments, players have to monitor their oxygen and pressure levels to survive. Shinsekai: Into the Depths launches for Nintendo Switch … today!
Panzer Dragoon: Remake: In this remake of the dragon-riding classic, players pilot the Blue Dragon through incredible landscapes, battling giant creatures and lethal battleships using 360-degree controls and lock-on targeting. Panzer Dragoon: Remake launches first on Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive … today!
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy: Enter Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy to learn the ways of the Force! Players can customize their Jedi looks and battle online with up to 16 players when Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy launches on Nintendo Switch … today!
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition: The original Xenoblade Chronicles game, which marked the debut of fan-favorite character Shulk, comes to Nintendo Switch with a new epilogue story, Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected. This definitive edition of the RPG also looks better and plays smoother than ever before. The battle HUD and menu screens are easy to read and easy to use. Some of the music tracks have been remastered or remixed! Experience the majesty of the Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition game when it launches for Nintendo Switch on May 29. On the same day, the Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Works Set will also launch, featuring a 250-page artbook full of beautiful landscapes, imposing monsters and more.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Now that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has launched for Nintendo Switch, the first seasonal event is on its way! Between April 1 and April 12, residents of the island can participate in Bunny Day to find eggs hidden by bunny visitor Zipper and craft special items with them. The next free update to the game hits in late April, which adds the Earth Day event. Follow the Animal Crossing Twitter account for the latest news and updates about the game.
Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass: With the new Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, the sprawling island in the sea, the Isle of Armor, and the frozen snowscape known as the Crown Tundra will be available in the Galar region. On the Isle of Armor, Trainers can gather at a new dojo for Pokémon Battles to master their skills. By training at this dojo, players will receive the Legendary Pokémon Kubfu from the master, Mustard. Through training with Kubfu, Trainers will receive permission to challenge the Towers of Two Fists on the Isle of Armor. Once one of the two towers has been conquered, Kubfu will evolve into Urshifu. In addition to new outfit items and hair styles, the Expansion Passes will also add new league card backgrounds, effects and frames. The Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass Part 1 – The Isle of Armor launches by the end of June. Additional information about the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass Part 2 – The Crown Tundra will be revealed in the future. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Passes, which include The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra as they release, can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $29.99 each.**
BRAVELY DEFAULT II: In this follow-up to the original BRAVELY DEFAULT, four new Heroes of Light embark on a grand and glorious mission guided by the elemental crystals. Like the first game, BRAVELY DEFAULT II features a battle system that emphasizes strategy, with players deciding when to attack (Brave) or hold back and wait for the right moment to strike (Default). With beautiful places to explore and new jobs to acquire, some of which can even be combined, BRAVELY DEFAULT II is another epic RPG in the Nintendo Switch library. A free demo is available today!
A Wealth of 2K Games: Many games from publisher 2K are coming to Nintendo Switch on May 29, including sci-fi classic XCOM 2 Collection – which contains XCOM 2, 4 DLC packs, and the War of the Chosen expansion – as well as Borderlands Legendary Collection, which contains the original Borderlands, its sequel, Borderlands 2, and its “pre-sequel,” Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. 2K is also bringing its acclaimed BioShock series to Nintendo Switch, with BioShock Remastered, BioShock 2 Remastered and BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition, as well as BioShock: The Collection, which includes all three BioShock games in one package.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: The first fighter in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2 will be joining the battle from the Nintendo Switch game ARMS! The fighter will be announced and released this June.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics: Four-in-a-row, Mancala, Slot Cars, Sliding Puzzle and Texas Hold’em are only a handful of the 51 games from around the world included in Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. Some of the games are multiplayer, including options for up to four people to play locally*** or online****. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics launches for Nintendo Switch on June 5. Anyone who wants to pre-purchase the game can do so starting today.
Burnout Paradise Remastered: 10 years later, the classic high-octane racer is back with this remastered version. Featuring breakneck racing, high-flying stunts and, most importantly, shameless amounts of automotive destruction, Burnout Paradise Remastered crashes onto Nintendo Switch in 2020.
Fuser: Take on the role of a DJ in this upcoming rhythm game from Harmonix, the creators of Rock Band. Fuser launches for Nintendo Switch this fall.
King’s Bounty II: Since 1990, the King’s Bounty series has been influencing the evolution of western RPGs. In this new sequel, the series is back with a fresh look and a new approach. In King’s Bounty II, the graphics are more realistic, in-game choices matter more than ever, and a new character development system informs the ethics and affinities of new characters. King’s Bounty II launches on Nintendo Switch in 2020.
Ninjala: In this free-to-play game, up to eight players* must battle it out to earn points and claim victory. As ninjas, players can sprint across stages, disguise themselves and wield an arsenal of skills, like heavy-hitting hammers, fast and flashy katanas, and tricked-out yo-yos. Cement supremacy in free-for-all battles or work together in 4-on-4 team matches. Ninjala sneaks up to Nintendo Switch this May.
Catherine: Full Body: The unique puzzle-adventure game is coming to Nintendo Switch as Catherine: Full Body, a remake of the original game. Climb a tower of puzzle blocks and dive into a mature, intense and intoxicating story when Catherine: Full Body launches for Nintendo Switch on July 7.
Star Wars Episode I: Racer: Strap into a pod racer and go for first place in Star Wars Episode I: Racer, launching soon for Nintendo Switch.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected (March 27)
Trials of Mana (April 24)
The Elder Scrolls: Blades (Spring 2020)
Minecraft Dungeons (Spring 2020)
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus (May)
MR. DRILLER DrillLand (June 25)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (June 30)
Vigor (fall).
*Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately.
**Full version of game required to use DLC for that game. Sold separately.
***Free software will be available to download from Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, which will allow up to three players to enjoy a selection of games in local multiplayer with a player who owns the full version of the game. Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Full version of the game, systems and some accessories sold separately.
****Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online