Nintendo fans are going to have much to look forward to on their Nintendo Switch consoles in 2023. That is with at least for the first half of the year, based on what Nintendo discussed during their latest Nintendo Direct presentation for February 2023. Speculation had swirled online for a while about when we might see the company talk about its slate for the year, and now we have some insight into it. While fans will have to wait for a bit longer for details on the big games dropping towards the latter half of the year, Switch owners will be busy with a lot to play until then.
So was the Nintendo Direct February 2023 presentation a good showing from Nintendo? There were a lot of games mentioned. Here’s everything important you’ll want to know about what was shown or revealed during the 40-minute presentation. Forget about speculation, here’s the info directly from Nintendo themselves.
Pikmin 4 and More
The show started off with a showcase for Pikmin 4, giving a look at the presentation for the latest entry into the Pikmin series. As usual, players will find themselves on a new planet and working together with the colorful Pikmin allies to navigate many challenges. This came with the introduction of a new dog ally that can help move objects and help you out in various situations, including combat and big boss battles. Pikmin 4 was revealed to be coming out for Nintendo Switch on 7/21/2023, with more information coming out soon.
Afterward, downloadable content for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was shown, including a new character and other bonuses, as well as a tease for the next volume DLC. The Direct also revealed a new Samba De Amigo game, bringing together rhythm and multiplayer fun to the Nintendo Switch. Samba De Amigo Party Central is aiming for a Summer 2023 release.
Fashion Dreamer was shown as a game about being a fashion influencer. The game has over 1000 design items and customization options, allowing you to create a ton of new looks and connect online with others. Fashion Dreamer is exclusive to Nintendo Switch and out in 2023.
Dark Worlds and Dark Games
Dead Cells Return to Castlevania is a collaboration with Castlevania and Dead Cells, showcasing a lot of music and gameplay elements. The new content will be out for Dead Cells on March 6th. A new Tron game was shown right after Tron Identity and is releasing in April 2023
Ghost Trick Phantom Detective HD is also being released for Nintendo Switch, aiming for a Summer 2023 release. Not much was shown, but the game will be out fairly soon. Deca Police is also a new tactical game revealed for a 2023 release, showing a lot of tactical RPG gameplay and a dark vibe.
And finally, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon was shown for Nintendo Switch. The game is part of the Bayonetta series, following Cereza as a young girl and strategic battles. New powers, new paths, and tons of great battles lie ahead for fans of the series. The game will be out on March 17th.
Splatoon 3 Content
Splatoon 3 is getting new content on the Nintendo Switch. The Direct showed a new expansion pass, with two waves of content. The first wave includes Inkopolis, the location from the first Splatoon game. Fans of the series can expect some familiar faces and new shops to check out, as well as other bonuses like performances from the Squid Sisters. The first wave of DLC comes out in Spring 2023.
Wave 2 of the expansion was teased and called Side Order. It will launch at a later date. No other details, other than a cryptic tease were revealed.
More New Nintendo Switch Games
Illusion Island is a Disney game that features Mickey Mouse and his friends. It’s a 2D platformer that allows you to play as multiple characters and explore fantastic areas. Mickey and his friends have different abilities based on their personalities, with 4-player co-op being part of the experience. The game will be out on July 28th.
New Fire Emblem content is coming to Fire Emblem Engage, including new waves of DLC. This will have new characters with new emblems for the game. A lot of this is based on previous Fire Emblem games that fans of the series will recognize. A new story will be unlocked in Wave 4 of the DLC. Wave 2 is out currently, while the other 2 waves will be out at a later date.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a narrative-based game from Don’t Nod. It’ll have you interacting with various characters and influencing the climax of the story. The game will be out in July of 2023.
The first three Etrian Odyssey games are getting put into an HD collection for Nintendo Switch. RPG fans are going to love revisiting these games in HD, showcasing beautiful visuals and an awesome soundtrack. There are 24 newly made character illustrations and new difficulty options for this collection. Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection be out on June 1st, with each game available separately on the Nintendo eShop as well.
Speaking of strategy games, Advanced Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp is coming out April 21st. It’ll feature two stories with new visuals and classic Advanced Wars strategic gameplay.
Kirby Return to Dream Land Deluxe is also on the way to Nintendo Switch. The game will feature a new playable character, Magalor. The new mode is open to everyone after playing through the game’s story mode, which will allow up to four players together. Kirby Return to Dream Land Deluxe will be out for Switch on February 24th.
Game Boy Comes to Nintendo Switch Online
It’s finally happening. Game Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch online. You’ll be able to play some big classics with the service. This includes games at launch such as Super Mario Land 2:6 Golden Coins, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Gargoyles Quest. You’ll also be able to play the Game & Watch Collection, Wario Land 3, Kirby’s Dream Land, and Metroid 2: Return of Samus.
The service will have various filters for the screen to give a new presentation. More games are also coming in the future, including Game Boy Advance games getting added. At launch, Super Mario Advance 4, Wario Ware Inc., Kuru Kur Kuruin, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
Local and online play is supported for games, including up to four players. More GBA games will get added in the future. With a regular Switch online subscription, you can play Game Boy games, but you’ll be able to play GBA games with the Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch online.
Metroid Prime Remastered
The original Metroid Prime game is getting remastered for Nintendo Switch. This version of the first Metroid Prime game will have dual stick controls, as well as options for the original control style. The game will have polished visuals, just as you remember on the GameCube.
Metroid Prime Remastered will be out physically for Nintendo Switch on February 22, while the digital version of the game is out now on the Nintendo eShop.
Wave 4 of Mario Kart 8
The fourth wave of Mario Kart DLC is on the way. Yoshi’s Island is a new course that everyone will be able to race on, along with Birdo as a playable character. Birdo was originally playable in Mario Kart Double Dash on the Game Cube.
Wave 4 is out for everyone in Spring 2023, which is included as part of the Switch Online Expansion Pass for subscribers at no extra cost.
A New Look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The presentation finished off with a new look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It not only gave a tease of the villain giving a voiceover but also showed a lot of new places everyone will visit within Hyrule. A lot of enemies and monsters will appear, as well as new ways to battle them and get around the environment.
Link will be using new machines, gear, and tons of other goodies in the newest game. The game will be out on Nintendo Switch May 1st, 2023. There will be a collector’s edition and new Link amiibo out for purchase on launch day.
Are you excited about all the news from the February Nintendo Direct presentation? What games are you most excited about? Comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
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