In today’s Nintendo Direct Mini, we got a look at what the first half of 2018 is going to look like for the Switch. Some titles got announced, while some we already knew about got release dates. We also learned of some new DLC coming to Nintendo titles that are already out. Last year was very kind to Nintendo, thanks to the stellar release of the Switch and some great software to go with it, and this year looks like it could be even better.
New Games Coming to the Switch
The most prominent news to come out of the Nintendo Direct Mini was arguably the announcement that Dark Souls Remastered would be coming to the Switch on May 25. However, there was info on a lot of titles packed into a short amount of time.
From Nintendo, we’ll see Mario Tennis Aces this spring. I’ve been a fan of the Mario Tennis franchise since its debut as just regular Tennis (sans Mario) on the NES. Mario Tennis Aces will bring back story mode for the first time since Mario Tennis: Power Tour on the Game Boy Advance, and will hopefully add the replay value that some of the more recent entries have been missing.
We also get a new Kirby game with Kirby Star Allies. Kirby Star Allies was previously teased as just Kirby at E3 2017, and we finally got a name for the game in a Nintendo Direct in September. Well, now we have the release date: March 16, 2018.
We’ll also see some new indies make their way to the Nintendo Switch. The platformer Celeste will release on January 25, and another platformer, Fe, will launch on February 16. A new fighter from SNK will release this summer on Switch. SNK HEROINES ~Tag Team Frenzy~ will let you fight with SNK’s iconic heroines in two-on-two tag team matches.
We also got some news on a few ports. The World Ends with You: Final Remix will bring the 2008 Nintendo DS game to Switch with new visuals and a new epilogue that clears up some of the game’s story. The Donkey Kong franchise will make its debut on the Switch with a port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze which releases on May 4. You can also look forward to Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, which brings all the content from the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions of the game to the Switch this spring. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana will make its way to Switch this summer as well. Finally, PAYDAY 2 now has a release date of February 27.
New Nintendo Switch Game Updates and DLC
Super Mario Odyssey will get a new mini-game called Balloon World this February. We’ll also get a new hero in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle when Donkey Kong is added, along with a new storyline and world, with a new DLC pack this spring. Pokken Tournament DX gets a Battle Pack, which is available for pre-order now on the eShop. The first wave of the Battle Pack, available January 31 will add a new Battle Pokemon, Aegislash, and two new Support Pokemon, Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. The second wave of the Battle Pack will debut on March 23, and it will add Blastoise as a Battle Pokemon, and Mew and Celebi as a support Pokemon set.
New Nintendo Switch and 3DS Demos
You can play two new demos as of today. Kirby: Battle Royale is available on the Nintendo 3DS. You can also check out the Dragon Quest Builders demo on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Nintendo sure did cram a lot into such a small space. Let us know which upcoming Switch titles you’re excited for in the comments.
