Nintendo has made February a special month in gaming, and this year is no different. Another Nintendo Direct gives makes us excited for Switch games coming throughout the year. There’s also lots of expansion content coming to games we already love, such as Splatoon 3, Fire Emblem Engage, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Plus, a remaster of Metroid Prime — and it’s out now!
“With a robust lineup of Nintendo Switch games for all types of players, and with Metroid Prime Remastered launching today, Nintendo is still finding ways to surprise and delight fans,” said Devon Pritchard, EVP of Sales, Nintendo of America. “2023 is shaping up to be yet another stellar year for Nintendo Switch players and anyone who’s eager to join the fun.”
As always, you can watch the full Direct above, and check out our highlights of the biggest announcements below.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
One of the most anticipated sequels of all time, Tears of the Kingdom has a new trailer showing a ton of gameplay, including Link operating land and air vehicles. A Collector’s Edition was also announced ($129.99), which includes an artbook, Steelbook case, Iconart steel poster, and four pin badges.
Release: May 12
Metroid Prime Remastered
The biggest “new” game announcement in the Direct is actually a remaster. The original Metroid Prime (2002), one of the best games on the Nintendo GameCube, is getting the remaster treatment for Nintendo Switch, and it’s out now on the Nintendo eShop! The remastered version features enhanced visuals and modern dual-stick control options.
Release: Today! (digital version), February 22 (physical version)
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 doesn’t stray too far from its classic gameplay, where astronaut Olimar herds and flings the plant-like creatures to solve puzzles and defeat monsters. Pikmin 4 adds a cute dog-like creature, named Oatchi, whose skills can combo with the pikmin.
Release: July 21
Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass
The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass will feature two content releases, spread out over two waves. The first release, Inkopolis, adds the hub town from the original Splatoon. The second wave teases a much different piece of content in a trippy teaser featuring a frozen city, called Side Order.
Release: Spring (wave one, Inkopolis)
Disney Illusion Island
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy embark on a co-op, side-scrolling platformer as they explore the fantastical island of Monoth. Up to four players can play together in a gorgeously animated game, featuring animated cutscenes, full voice acting, and an orchestral score.
Release: July 28
Samba de Amigo: Party Central
Party Central is a new Samba de Amigo game that takes full advantage of the Joy-Con controllers. Play the snappy rhythm game in local mulitplayer, or online in World Party mode. Party Central features 40 songs spanning multiple genres around the world.
Release: Summer
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
A new epilogue adventure was announced for Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. It stars Magolor, who must regain his powers by defeating enemies and escaping the realm between dimensions. Up to four players can journey together. A free demo is available now.
Release: February 24
Professor Layton and The New World of Steam
Professor Layton and The New World of Steam is the first new Professor Layton game in over five years, and the first in the beloved puzzle-adventure series designed for Nintendo Switch.
Release: TBA
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp
Re-Boot Camp is a full remake of the first two Advance Wars games, which originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2001 and 2003. The tactical turn-based strategy games take a colorful, Saturday Morning Cartoon look at modern warfare. The remake includes map-making tools as well as local and online multiplayer.
Release: April 21
Omega Strikers
Omega Strikers combines team-based sports with tabletop air hockey. Assemble a team from over 15 strikers for 3v3 matches. The free-to-play online multiplayer game will release April 27.
Release: April 27
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass – Volume 3
The Nintendo Direct revealed the 3rd and 4th volumes to the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass. Vol. 3 adds a new hero, Masha the Lapidarist, and a roguelike mode called Challenge Battles. Volume 4 will feature an all-new story scenario.
Release: February 15 (Vol. 3)
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster
Before Xenoblade, the team at Monolith Soft made Baten Kaitos, a lesser known JRPG on the Nintendo GameCube that uses elements of a collectible card game. It sold just enough to warrant a follow-up prequel. Now, nearly 20 years later, both games are getting a remaster for Nintendo Switch.
Release: Summer
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania
What better way for a roguelike that pays homage to a classic platformer-RPG, then to make it official? Return to Castlevania is a paid DLC pack for Dead Cells that features the castle, Dracula, Death, Richter Belmont, and Alucard — as well as some sweet Castlevania music.
Release: March 6
