Everything At February’s Nintendo Direct
By: Evan1Sonic. From Pikmin 4 to new games being added to Nintendo Switch Online, here is a recap of everything that was shown at the Nintendo Direct event on February 8th, 2023.
Pikmin 4 is an RTS game from Nintendo. The long-awaited sequel to Pikmin 3 was the first title shown at the event. Just like other entries in the series, this adventure will have you meeting and commanding the small plant-like creatures known as Pikmin on a strange planet. This entry, however, brings a space canine into the mix. You can have this dog help by smashing obstacles and even by letting you ride it like a horse. Use Pikmin to defeat hostile creatures, solve puzzles, and traverse giant terrains when Pikmin 4 launches for Nintendo Switch on July 21st, 2023.
A Game Update Reel. In this section of the event, we got a new glimpse at a handful of games coming soon to Nintendo’s platform. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Vol. 3 will add Masha, a new character, and more when it launches on February 15th. Samba de Amigo: Party Central is a new dancing game that will make good use of the Joy-Con’s motion controls when it releases on June 30th. In Fashion Dreamer, the next game showcased in this update reel, you create the perfect outfits in the hopes of becoming a renowned style influencer. This game is set to release at some point later this year. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania, a new expansion that brings Castlevania characters, locations, music, and more to the hit roguelike title, launches on March 6th. Tron: Identity, a new game set in the Tron universe, releases this April. To end this section, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective was revealed to be coming to the Nintendo Switch this summer.
Deca Police is an open-world RPG game from Level-5. This title, with a mysterious detective story, virtual investigations, and more, was revealed at this event. This reveal highlighted traveling back and forth between the physical world and a virtual one. Play as a rookie detective and hunt down criminals when Deca Police launches later this year.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is an action-adventure game from PlatinumGames. Before Bayonetta even got her name, she embarked on a perilous trek into the forbidden Avalon Forest. Cheshire, her first demon, was alongside her and was in control of Cereza's plush animal. Play as both characters at the same time in this storybook-style adventure when Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon releases on March 17th, 2022.
Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass is an expansion to the hit Nintendo FPS game. This paid DLC will feature two waves of new content coming to the game. The first, Inkopolis, brings back familiar faces from earlier games in the series and adds a new hub location to explore. The iconic Squid Sisters will perform at this new hub during future Splatfest competitions. The second and final wave of the pass, titled Side Order, sets you in a mysterious new world that seems to be blank and vacant of any ink. The first wave of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass launches this spring.
Another Game Update Reel. At this spot in the event, we got a glimpse at a handful of games coming soon to the Nintendo Switch platform. Disney Illusion Island, this 2D platformer in which you can play as Mickey and his friends, launches on July 28th. Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass brings new characters, story content, and more to the game. Wave two of the pass comes out later today. Next up was Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, a narrative adventure title releasing this June. Octopath Traveler II, the sequel to the 2018 Square Enix RPG, launches on February 24th. A free demo of the game is also available now. We Love Katamari ReRoll+ Royal Reverie, is a remaster that adds a new character, levels, and more to the game, that releases on June 2nd. Sea of Stars, the turn-based RPG prequel to The Messenger, comes out on August 29th. A free demo of the gorgeous title is also available now. Omega Strikers, a free-to-play action strategy title, is out now. A collection of three early RPG games, Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection, launches on June 1st. Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot Camp made an appearance to lock in a new release date of April 21st. Rounding out the second update reel, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe showcased a new epilogue that you can play when the game drops on February 24th. A free demo of this game is also available now.
Nintendo Switch Online Adds Game Boy Titles. A selection of games from a new classic system, the Game Boy, are coming to Nintendo’s subscription service. The titles included at launch are Tetris, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Gargoyle’s Quest, Game & Watch Gallery 3, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Wario Land 3, and Kirby’s Dream Land. Even more games will be added in the future with The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, Pokémon Trading Card Game, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble teased. You can also use Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Color video filters in each of those titles. All of the games in the launch lineup are available now with a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.
Nintendo Switch Online Adds Game Boy Advance Games. Another platform for games, the Game Boy Advance, is coming to Nintendo Switch Online as well. The titles included at launch are Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$, Kuru Kuru Kururin, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. Even more games will be added in the future, with Metroid Fusion, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, Fire Emblem, F-Zero Maximum Velocity, and Golden Sun teased. All of the games coming at launch are available now with a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
You can watch the full event here. So far, this event has been really solid and has showcased a good variety of titles coming to Nintendo’s platform. Currently, my favorite game here has been Sea of Stars. I adore The Messenger, and I have a lot of excitement for this prequel. With a release date and a free demo that you can play now, I’m more than satisfied. What has been your favorite game shown at this event so far? Let me know in the comments below. This is the first half of our recap of everything shown at February’s Nintendo Direct. Part two can be found here.
I hope you enjoyed and Game On!!
