A recent presentation from Nintendo Direct that aired on September 14 contained a ton of news and game announcements for both upcoming AAA titles and returning classics. This article rounds up the biggest reveals from the livestream.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Release: February 16, 2024
Mario’s journey began as a character named “Jumpman” in the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong. Now, in this modern title, Mario once again faces the mighty primate, who has stolen toys and hidden them across the world.
In Mario vs. Donkey Kong, it’s up to the iconic Italian plumber to retrieve his stolen merchandise by solving various puzzles. The game also includes a two-player co-op mode, with Toad helping Mario through some of the more challenging objectives.
Princess Peach Showtime
Release: March 22, 2024
Princess Peach Showtime was originally revealed untitled during June’s Nintendo Direct featuring the proud monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom.
In her first game as the main protagonist, the new adventure gives Peach a ton of exciting powers based on the costume she is wearing. As of the time of the above trailer’s release, it appears as though she will have kung fu, detective abilities, swords, and baking skills.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (remaster)
Release: 2024
Considered the greatest Mario RPG of all time next to Superstar Saga and Legend of the Seven Stars, the Nintendo GameCube entry of the Paper Mario series, The Thousand-Year Door, will be remastered for Switch in 2024. It offers a harmonious combination of 2D characters presented in 3D environments, all with a rich story.
Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC
A new story that’s part of the expansion pass to Splatoon 3, Side Order, is a single-player DLC with creepy monsters, gloomy levels, and many numbers to extract from enemies when blasted with paint.
Contra: Operation Galuga
Release: 2024
Konami’s iconic side-scrolling shooter series, Contra, is making a grand return in a new game on Switch entitled Operation Galuga. It retains the run-and-gun gameplay but adds new enemies, weapons, and super-attacks with a 4-player co-op mode.
SaGa Emerald Beyond
Release: 2024
SaGa Emerald Beyond represents the latest upcoming entry in the SaGa series. Published by Square Enix, the new standalone title gives players up to six heroes to command, including a disguised witch, king of Darkness, and crime-fighters.
Every character has their own unique goals to achieve across 17 worlds that are interconnected. This is a choice-based narrative where your decisions matter.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (remaster)
Release: 2024
Among the many other remasters announced for Switch, fans can now look forward to Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. The tall but younger and cowardly brother of Mario took the stage in the original 3DS title that was released in 2013, but anyone who missed out can now try out busting some ghosts in blistering HD when this releases in 2024.
F-Zero 99
Although F-Zero isn’t getting the sequel treatment that many fans desired, as confirmed by Takaya Imamura, it will be receiving a battle royale take on the high-speed action. You can play it right now if you’re subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online.
Prince of Persia: the Lost Crown
A brand-new entry in the Prince of Persia series, the Lost Crown, gives fans the story of Sargon’s quest to save the mythological world, presented in glorious 2.5D gameplay.
Additional announcements
- Super Mario RPG got a new trailer highlighting some of the battle mechanics, which allow players to relive the classic adventure with modern touches. Perfectly timed attacks are able to damage every enemy on screen, and a filled-up special bar will allow you to unleash unique attacks depending on who is in the party.
- The original three entries in the Tomb Raider series are being remastered for Switch, beginning on February 14, 2024. Players have the option to swap between old blocky polygon graphics or the remastered graphics. Every expansion and secret level from the past games will be included in this collection.
- You will be able to visit the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, once it finishes construction in March 2024.
- Dave the Diver, a hit indie title from 2023, will become available on the Nintendo Switch eShop on October 26.
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the spiritual successor to Suikoden, will be arriving on Switch on April 23, 2024.
- Unicorn Overlord is a new tactical RPG from Vanillaware, the developer of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, which will let you recruit from a pool of up to 60 characters to save the day. It combines the exploration of an overworld with an innovative battle system that spans five nations. It arrives on Switch on March 8, 2024.
- WarioWare: Move It! got a new trailer showing off more of the micro-games, in addition to the “forms” you need to adopt in order to successfully complete them. This comes out on Switch on November 3, 2023.
- Wave 6 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC will add Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette to the roster. Although we still have no release date, we know it will be available before the end of the year.
- Another Code: Recollection is a 3D remake of the original 2005 DS point-and-click classic known as Trace Memory. It’s being combined with its Wii sequel, Another Code R, to create an adventure that explores the deep narrative of a girl named Ashley. She receives a letter from her father, despite believing he died years ago. Then, she sets off to discover the truth, landing on a mysterious island filled with obstacles and puzzles. This comes out on Switch on January 19, 2024.
- Trombone Champ, a goofy game from 2022, is now available on Switch. It offers 45 songs with 4-player co-op and lets you use motion controls.
- Wargroove 2 is a new tactical RPG in the vein of Advance Wars that offers a fantasy world filled with unknown adversaries and unlikely friendships. It arrives on Switch on October 5, 2023.
- Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is a new spin-off of the popular MOBA franchise which bills itself as a journey of magic, family, and friendship in a single-player narrative. It is arriving on Switch on November 1, 2023.
- Battle Crush is an action brawler by NCSoft that will be released in Spring 2024, with a closed beta test on Switch in late October. It offers matches with up to 30 players fighting to the death to be the last man standing.
- Detective Pikachu Returns, releasing on October 5, 2023, got a new trailer where Nintendo showed off Ryme City as Pikachu explored it with a human partner while sipping coffee.