The recent Nintendo Direct that aired on February 8th was filled with exciting game announcements and updates, both for new titles and classic favorites. With a runtime of over 40 minutes, it was a lot of information to take in, but we’ve gathered the most significant news and revelations for you. Whether you’re a fan of Zelda (which was prominently featured) or not, there was something for everyone to look forward to. How about the remastered version of Metroid Prime? Or the comeback of a turn-based strategy game after a long hiatus? And what about the availability of Game Boy games on Switch?
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
After being postponed for a year due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nintendo will finally launch Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. The remastered games won’t be released suddenly, but the wait won’t be too much longer. The launch date for Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp is set for April 21st, just over a year after its original planned release date.
Pikmin 4
We were pleasantly surprised to see Pikmin 4 make an appearance during the recent Nintendo Direct, given that it was only recently announced. However, it appears that the game’s development has advanced much further than we initially thought. Nintendo revealed that the game will be released on July 21st and it seems to be expanding on the classic Pikmin formula with a variety of new creatures. One of these new creatures is a dog-like companion that can serve as both a formidable ally and a mode of transportation across treacherous waters. Additionally, the game appears to be taking a darker tone, with a closing clip depicting a creature controlled by a mysterious force.
Metroid Prime Remastered
The classic game Metroid Prime has made its return on the Nintendo Switch and has received a major facelift to bring it up to par with modern hardware. The upgraded GameCube title has received a significant visual upgrade while retaining its signature artistic style, and it offers multiple control options to cater to both veteran players and those more familiar with dual-stick setups. The gameplay remains true to the original and has not been altered. The best news of all? You can download the game digitally right now, with a physical version set to release on February 22nd.
Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2 is set to release in a matter of weeks and was given a new gameplay demonstration during the recent Nintendo Direct. The demonstration also announced the availability of a playable demo, which can be downloaded today. This demo, featuring the first few hours of the game, will be transferable to the full version upon its release on February 24th. So, if you decide to try the demo, you won’t have to start over from scratch when the full game is released. Instead, you can simply pick up where you left off.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The concluding game of the Direct was undoubtedly the biggest highlight. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was given a comprehensive gameplay demonstration to end the show. The game depicts Hyrule in grave danger, with massive monsters invading and meteors raining down like fire. Link, the protagonist, can wield his familiar weapons and equipment, as well as drive ground vehicles, fly aircraft, and glide on special rails like a pro skateboarder. The standard edition of the game will be released on May 12th, but for those who want more, there will also be a collector’s edition available with a wealth of additional bonuses.
Nintendo Switch Online Adds Game Boy Games
After years of fan demand, Nintendo has finally made Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games available on the Switch. The Game Boy titles, which are included with a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription, feature classics like Super Mario Land 2, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, and more. To access the Game Boy Advance games, you’ll need an Expansion Pass membership, which will give you access to popular titles such as Super Mario Advance 4 and WarioWare, Inc. Mega Microgames. More games are slated for future release, including Fire Emblem and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
