Nintendo is the king of digital video game showcases, and the company jump-started its 2023 with another great show. This February 2023 Nintendo Direct gave us our best look atThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomyet, highlighted upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusives likeBayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, andPikmin 4,and featured the shocking reveal and shadow drop ofMetroid Prime Remastered. On top of all that, we learned thattwo new platforms are coming to Nintendo Switch Online.
We now have a clear idea of the Nintendo Switch’s game lineup through the summer, so there’s no doubt that thisNintendo Directfeatured lots of notable announcements. As it can be hard to keep track of it all, we’ve recapped everything Nintendo announced during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct right here.
Pikmin 4 lets you ride a tiny Space Dog
We got our first in-depth look atPikmin 4to kick off the Direct, and learned more about its story and gameplay. We saw exactly what it means to play from a Pikmin’s perspective, as the camera was much closer to the playable character than in previous games. Otherwise, it looks like the approachable RTS series fans have fallen in love with, now with Ice Pikmin and a small Space Dog named Oatchi that you can ride. We also got a solid release date forPikmin 4,as Nintendo says it will release the long-awaited sequel on July 21.
Splatoon 3’s expansion pass brings us back to Inkopolis
Splatoon 3’sexpansion pass will reintroduce Inkopolis in its first wave of content this spring. Callie and Marie will perform there during Splatfests. We also got a teaser for a new story set in an area that seems devoid of any color, titledSide Order.
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp is finally coming out in April
Originally slated for release in December 2021, we won’t have to wait much longer forAdvance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp, a remake of two titles in the GBA strategy game series. After an indefinite delay following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nintendo has finally revealed thatAdvance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Campwill be released on April 21.
Nintendo Switch Online is getting Game Boy and GBA games
Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. The base version of the service will include Game Boy games, which support visual Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Color filters. The launch lineup includesTetris, 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,andKirby’s Dream Land. Nintendo also teased thatThe Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Season,thePokemon Trading Card Game,andKirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumblewould come to the service in the future. Meanwhile, Expansion Pass members will get GBA games, includingSuper Mario Bros. 3, WarioWar Inc: Mega Microgame$, Kuru Kuru Kuruin, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.In the future, GBA games likeMetroid Fusion, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, Fire Emblem, F-Zero Maximum Velocity, andGolden Sunwill be added.
Metroid Prime Remastered is out today
During the Direct, Nintendo announcedMetroid Prime Remasteredfor Nintendo Switch. This is an enhanced version of the classic GameCube game that now supports HD visuals and dual stick controls.Metroid Prime Remasteredlaunches later today, with a physical version out on February 22.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom looks fantastic, costs $70
As expected, we got a lengthy look atThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomduring this Nintendo Direct, as well as a better idea of what this game really is. We see Hyrule under siege and Link fighting many enemies across its open world. We then see Link freefalling through the air, grinding on rails, and driving various vehicles. On top of all that, Nintendo reaffirmed that the game will still release on May 12. A Collector’s Edition and new Link Amiibo will also be available on the same day. This will be the first Nintendo Switch first-party game to cost $70.
