One of the greatest days for Nintendo fans has finally arrived as the big summer Nintendo Direct has arrived. While we didn’t get any news from the much-anticipated Switch 2, Nintendo did reveal a ton of exciting updates for old games and some surprising new games that should make the wait for the Switch’s successor a little easier.
Among the highlights were The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom which lets you play as Princess Zelda, our first look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood, Super Mario Party Jamboree, the HD-2D remakes of the first three Dragon Quest games, and so much more.
There was A LOT to take in during the Nintendo Direct, but this roundup will be the place to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Announced for Nintendo Switch With Zelda as Protagonist
In one of the biggest surprises from the Nintendo Direct, it was announced that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – a brand-new game in the legendary franchise – will be released on Switch on September 26, 2024. Furthermore, this new game will feature Princess Zelda as the main character as Link and other people from Hyrule have gone missing after strange rifts have started appearing.
Zelda will have to work with a mysterious fairy named Tri to use the “power of the Tri Rod to create echoes – imitations of things found in the environment.” This means you can make “bridges out of old beds,” use “water blocks to reach new heights,” and more.
Additionally, a limited edition, gold-colored Nintendo Switch Lite with the Hylian Crest will arrive alongside the game.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gameplay and Release Window Finally Revealed
After over seven years, Nintendo has finally shown off Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with gameplay and a 2025 release window. We didn’t learn too much about Samus’ new adventure, but it’s a welcome look to a game that was first announced back at Nintendo’s E3 2017 presentation.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership Is Jumping to Nintendo Switch This November
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is jumping to Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024, with a very unique and colorful artstyle. This new adventure will send our favorite brothers on an island-hopping adventure on the part ship, part island called Shipshape Island.
As Mario and Luigi journey across Concordia, they will visit rainforests, cities, and more alongside running into Peach, Bowser, and other Mushroom Kingdom favorites.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Is Coming to Switch in November, Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D to Follow in 2025
The much-anticipated Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes are coming to Switch later this year and next. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D will be released first on November 14, 2024, and Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D will follow in 2025.
Dragon Quest 3, which is actually the chronological beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy storyline, will let players embark on a quest to save the world from the dark forces of the evil Archfiend, Baramos.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Arrives on Switch in January 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set to be released on Switch on January 16, 2025, complete with 2-player local co-op, the 80 levels from the original Wii version, the additional stages from the 3DS version, and much more. Soon, players will once again be able to take the fight to the Taki Tak Tribe to win back Donkey Kong’s “previous banana hoard.”
Super Mario Party Jamboree Is the Latest Entry to Bring the Fun to Switch
A brand new Mario Party game – Super Mario Party Jamboree – is headed to Nintendo Switch on October 17, 2024. It will take players to an “enormous island resort” and features five new game boards, two boards from previous games, over 110 minigames, a Koopathlon mode that supports over 20 players, and so much more.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Is Bringing Seven Beloved Games to Switch
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics brings X-Men Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and The Punisher under one Switch-shaped roof. It will be released later in 2024 and includes original songs from the arcade releases, development docs, and never-before-seen art.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Are Being Added to Nintendo Switch Online Later Today
There are some big games headed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack later today, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark (Now with online multiplayer!), and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
Nintendo World Champsionships: NES Edition Gets a New Look
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is set to launch on Switch on July 18 and the Nintendo Direct gave fans a new look at the game that features over 150 speedrunning challenges from 13 NES games.
Nintendo Switch Sports Is Adding Basketball as a Free Update This Summer
Nintendo Switch Sports fans will be delighted to know that Basketball will be added in a free update this summer. You’ll be able to use motion controls to shoot baskets in the solo Three-Point Challenge and the multiplayer modes Five-Streak Battle and Three-Point Contest.
Nintendo Gave Fans Another Look at LEGO Horizon Adventures
LEGO Horizon Adventures, the new game that will bring players into the world of Horizon: Zero Dawn in a new way this holiday, got a new look at Nintendo Direct.
Mobile Game Fantasian Is Being Released on Switch This Holiday
The mobile game Fantasian from Final Fantasy creator Sakaguchi Hironobu and Mistwalker is getting a Switch release in Holiday 2024 as Fantasian Neo Dimension. This enhanced version includes English and Japanese voice overs and an additional difficulty setting.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game Let’s You Live a Peaceful Life as a Hobbit
If you’ve always wanted to jump into the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game is a cozy adventure you won’t want to miss. You get to create your own Hobbit and live out your life by gardening, fishing, cooking, building relationships, solving problems, outfitting yourself and your home, and more.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure Is a Cozy Game With Our Sanrio Favorites
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is the cozy game Sanrio fans have been waiting for. In this new adventure, players will need to restore a mysterious island while befriending such characters as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll!
For more, check out our preview of Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
Disney Illusion Island’s Mystery in Monoth Free Update Is Out Today
Grab Mickey and his friends and embark on a new journey in Disney Illusion Island’s Mystery in Monoth free update that is like a big detective mystery. You’ll need to help out Dash Dolphin to locate clues, close cases, and more.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Is Almost Here
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD will be released on June 27 and Nintendo shared one more look at the spooky and fun game we’ll get to experience once more.
Funko Fusion Gameplay Trailer Revealed
Funko Fusion is bringing together over 20 entertainment worlds into one for a wild action game. Yes, you’ll be unlock and play with over 60 characters from such favorites as Jurassic World, Back to the Future, Shaun of the Dead, Chucky, and Battlefield Galactica.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded Is an Action-Packed 2D-Pixel Tower Defense Game
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded brings the franchise to a new frontier – Tower Defense. Alongside “beginner-friendly controls” and its signature 2D pixel look, this new Metal Slug game lets you build a team from hundreds of characters and fight through a story you won’t want to miss.
Darkest Dungeon 2 Will Bring Its Terrors to Switch Next Month
Darkest Dungeon 2 will be bringing its terrors to Nintendo Switch on July 15, 2024. Switch players will be able to use touch controls, customize their difficulty, discover 10 companion pets, and explore the progression hub known as The Altar of Hope.
There will also be an Oblivion Edition that includes The Binding Blade DLC and its two new heroes, special questline, and more.
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports Looks Like a Zany Good Time
Jump in the shoes of Roadrunner, Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny, and more in wacky versions of Basketball, Soccer, Golf, and Tennis. Along the way, you’ll visit the Galactic Outpost Delta, Porky’s Barn, and the Martian Command Center. And yes, you’ll have the full ACME arsenal at your disposal when the game arrives this fall.
Stray Meows Its Way to Switch This Holiday
The cat adventure game known as Stray will be meowing its way to Switch this holiday season and take players on a journey to escape a long-forgotten cybercity.
MIO: Memories in Orbit Is a Metroidvania Set on a Dangerous Technological Ark
If you are looking for a new Metroidvania, MIO: Memories in Orbit may be worth a look as it is set on a gigantic derelict spaceship that’s “teeming with lush vegetation and machines gone rogue.” You play as an android named MIO who must unlock abilities to survive this ship known as the Vessel.
New Crewmate and Imposter Roles Are Coming to Among Us Today
Among Us will be adding a Tracker crewmate that can track others with a map, a Noisemaker that alerts players when they are eliminated, and a Phantom Imposter that can turn invisible.
Just Dance 2025 Dances Onto the Scene This October
Just Dance 2025 will be dancing its way to Nintendo Switch in October 2024 with 40 new songs.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Looks to Serve Justice This September
Serve up some justice on September 6 as Miles Edgeworth in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, which includes remasters of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit, the latter of which has never been in English before.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero Is a Tactical Turn-Based Game From the Creators of Disgaea
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a grid-less tactical turn-based game set to be released in 2025 from the creators of Disgaea where you become Marona, a “gifted young girl with the power to speak to Phantoms. She has a Phantom companion named Ash that will join her across the ocean world of Ivoire on her quest to stop the ghost pirates.
Farmigia Brings Together Monster Combat, Collecting, and Farming
Fairy Tail and Rave Master creator Hiro Mashima is teaming up with Marvelous to bring fans Farmigia, a new game all about monster combat and farming. Grow your army of monsters and take a stand against a despotic overlord when Farmigia launches on November 1.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- Is the Next Game From the Creators of Danganronpa
Danganronpa fans, rejoice, as The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is on its way and will cast players as Takumi Sumino, a character who must protect his school from the School Invaders for 100 days. Along the way, Takumi will interact with 15 of his companions who are all trying to “reclaim their lost everyday lives.”
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Is Returning as a Full Remake
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is getting the full remake treatment on October 24, 2024, complete with English voiceovers, original and rearranged compositions from series composer Kenji Ito, and more.
Experience the ‘Alvarez Empire’ Arc in Fairy Tail 2
Fairy Tail 2 will let players experience the “dramatic retelling of the ‘Alvarez Empire’ arc from Fairy Tail, which also happens to be its final chapter. Join Natsu and his friends in this action-RPG from KOEI Tecmo and Gust when Fairy Tail 2 flies to Switch this winter.
The New Denpa Men Is a Free-To-Play RPG Where You Must Scour Radio Waves for Small Creatures
The New Denpa Men will task you with scouring radio waves to find small creatures who live on them. On July 22, you’ll be able to experience this unique game that also lets you decorate your island, fish, play against friends’ Denpa Men, and more.
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Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
