This morning, gamers awoke to plenty of Nintendo news packed in one bite-sized segment. Today’s Nintendo Direct Mini provided gamers with some much needed information. In under 15 minutes, Nintendo gave fans some more insight into several of the Nintendo Switch titles kicking off the new year. Below are the highlights we’ve pulled from the conference.
RELATED: The Next Year for the Nintendo Switch
The World Ends with You – Final Remix
The World Ends with You debuted on the Nintendo DS in 2007 and became an instant hit. After 10 years, this Square Enix classic is getting a remaster on the Nintendo Switch. This action RPG focuses on a unique rhythmic battle gameplay. In this remaster, players can opt to use the traditional controls, OR utilize the Switch’s Joycons for a new way to play. This release will also feature new content that taps into the heart of the game’s story. The World Ends with You -Final Remix- will launch later in the year.
Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack DLC
Pokémon fans! New Pokémon are headed to Pokkén Tournament DX through the paid Battle Pack DLC. The DLC’s content will be released in two waves. In Wave 1, players can expect Aegislash and support Pokémon Mega Rayquaza and Sun & Moon fan-favorite Mimikyu. The second wave will feature beloved Generation 1 Pokémon Blastoise, and new support Pokémon including the legendary Mew and Celebi. Players can find custom avatar items and more in the DLC as well. The Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack DLC is available for purchase now. Wave 1 will be available January 31. Wave 2 will follow shortly on March 23.
Kirby Star Allies
We received some more information about Nintendo’s upcoming platformer, Kirby Star Allies. Two new copy abilities were introduced: The Artist Ability and The Spider Ability. Another introduced element of the game was the mixing and matching of ability combos. While playing Co-Op with up to 4 friends, you’ll work together and create new abilities to help defeat enemies and obstacles. Nintendo provided a bit more insight into the story of the game as well. Players will face off against new and classic enemies. Additionally, Kirby and his friends will encounter “a deep space threat” that jeopardizes Dreamland. Kirby Star Allies will be available for the Nintendo Switch on March 16.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Another game getting a Nintendo Switch port and remaster in 2018 is Hyrule Warriors. This new release will bring every character, map, mission, and DLC released on the Wii U and DS versions together in one title. The game can be played single player, or with two people in multiplayer Joycon mode. Likewise, the remaster will also feature outfits for Link and Zelda based off of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition will be available sometime in Spring 2018.
Mario Tennis Aces
A new Mario Tennis game is making its way onto the Nintendo Switch! Mario Tennis Aces is one of the newest titles announced for 2018. Something unique about this game is that it will feature a Story Mode. Tennis Missions, Boss Battles and more will be featured throughout Story Mode. Other than several clips of footage, there wasn’t a ton more said about the game. We can expect that there will most likely be local and online multiplayer capability. Hopefully, we’ll receive more news about this game in the coming months. Mario Tennis Aces will be available sometime this Spring.
Super Mario Odyssey Free Update
Three cheers for free content! A new mode called “Luigi’s Balloon World” will become available to Super Mario Odyssey players through the newest update. Simply find Luigi to start one of two Balloon modes. In “Hide It Mode,” players have thirty seconds to hide a balloon somewhere on the map. Then, in “Find It Mode,” players must then find balloons hidden by other players in thirty seconds or less. Additionally, the update will also feature new outfits (including one inspired by Super Mario Sunshine) and new filters for Snapshot Mode. The latest Super Mario Odyssey update will be available this February.
Dark Souls: Remastered
The final announcement of the Nintendo Direct Mini was the release of Dark Souls: Remastered on the Nintendo Switch later this year. In classic dramatic fashion, there are not too many details on the release. Viewers were only presented with a trailer of the trademark Dark Souls checkpoint Bonfire, and the release date of May 15, 2018.
Overall, the Nintendo Direct Mini gave fans just a bit more insight into what to expect from Quarter 1 of 2018. Other games mentioned included DLC for Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, a Nintendo Switch release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and other smaller titles. Most of the games headed to the Nintendo Switch this Quarter appear to be remastered ports of previous games. This is a stable way for Nintendo to start the new year.
A lot of fans were initially disappointed by the Nintendo Direct Mini. This is due to the lack of big titles and new announcements. First of all, we know that Nintendo is working on Metroid Prime 4, Bayonetta 3, the new Pokémon RPG, and a lot more. And furthermore, Nintendo doesn’t want to give away all their secrets and games at the beginning of 2018. They need to maintain the excitement for the Switch, especially after an incredibly successful 2017. In conclusion, I’m confident that there will be a number of exciting surprises from Nintendo throughout all of 2018; the Nintendo Direct Mini was only the beginning.
You can watch the entire presentation in the video below.
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