On September 13 Nintendo presented a 45-minute Nintendo Direct video. The full Nintendo Direct is only the second one this year, not including specific Directs, like Splatoon 2 Direct. It focused on new games for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS launching over the next several months.
The Nintendo Direct was anchored by game designer and Deputy General Manager Yoshiaki Koizumi. Some of the news was repeated from E3, but we’ve separated the biggest news, trailers, and announcements below.
Quick News:
- Minecraft is coming to Nintendo 3DS, but only for New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 2DS. It launched today on Nintendo eShop, coming later at retail.
- Pokéball themed New Nintendo 2DS XL coming November 3.
- Orange and White New Nintendo 2DS XL coming October 6.
- Arena of Valor is a new MOBA coming to Nintendo Switch. The free beta takes place this winter.
- In addition to Skyrim (November 17), Bethesda is also bringing DOOM (Holiday 2017) and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2018) to Nintendo Switch.
- Arcade Archives: Mario Bros. includes classic Nintendo arcade games for the Switch. It’s out September 27.
Big News:
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
A new trailer teased the story and world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. The legendary Pokémon Necrozma has taken over the cover Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala, creating two unique new forms for each version. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will have new areas like a valley of Pikachus, and new customization options for trainers. Two new Ultra Beasts were also confirmed: UB Burst (Ultra Sun) and UB Assembly (Ultra Moon).
If you purchase Ultra Sun and/or Ultra Moon by January 10, 2018 you’ll receive a special Rockruff who can evolve into Dusk Form Lycanroc, as well as 12 Quick Balls. Purchase the digital re-release of Pokémon Gold/Silver (out September 22) and unlock Celebi in Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.
Releases: November 17
Mario Party: The Top 100
The prolific Mario Party series is getting a Best Of collection in Mario Party: The Top 100 for Nintendo 3DS. The best 100 mini-games were chosen across all ten games. It features Download Play for local multiplayer, meaning up to four players can play with only one game (everyone still needs a 3DS though!).
Releases: November 10
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
A solid chunk of the Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the big RPG coming to Nintendo Switch this fall: Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
The lengthy hew trailer introduced the world of Alrest, in which civilization exists on the back of giant creatures called Titans that fly through the air. We were introduced to many different factions and saw how the real time combat system works. Most importantly we finally got an official release date: December 1.
A Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Special Edition was announced. It will include a soundtrack CD, a metal game case, and a 220-page artbook.
Releases: December 1
Project Ocotopath Traveler
The Bravely Default team has been working on a retro-inspired RPG that aims to offer more actual role-playing than usual. It’s called Project Octopath Traveler (working title), and features eight different characters to choose from. Each protagonist has a different way of overcoming challenges. Combat also interjects some unique twists to the classic turn-based formula by boosting and chaining attacks with careful timing.
A demo for Project Octopath Traveler just launched after the Nintendo Direct. You can find it on the Nintendo eShop. The full version of the trailer is here.
Releases: 2018
Super Mario Odyssey
Nintendo saved their strongest title for last: Super Mario Odyssey. We got our biggest look yet at the many worlds of this open 3D-platformer, including the Snow Kingdom and Seaside Kingdom. We also got a look at some extra features, such as collecting hidden Power Moons, getting hints from amiibo, racing with koopas, and racing RC cars. You can customize your Mario by purchasing new outfits and hats, and take screencaps with filters to upload as wallpaper for your PC and mobile devices.
A Super Mario Odyssey Edition Nintendo Switch bundle was announced that includes the console and game. It will be available on the same day as Super Mario Odyssey: October 27.
Releases: October 27
