Nintendo fans woke up to a brand new Direct showcasing some of the games and content that players can expect in 2018 in a “mini” edition of the popular video series. From ports of third-party games and Wii U classics to brand new Nintendo Switch titles and DLC for some of 2017’s best games, this Nintendo Direct had it all.
You can watch the Nintendo Direct Mini in its entirety below.
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED
The Dark Souls franchise is finally making its way to a Nintendo console. In Dark Souls: Remastered, players will experience the game that spawned its own genre of games. The title, including all of its DLC, will release on May 25.
MARIO TENNIS ACES
Nintendo wants fans to forget the lackluster Mario Tennis Ultra Smash by bringing the next installment of the franchise to the Switch. Mario Tennis Aces features new game modes, including a story mode, that fans will want to jump in and play right away. This title will release sometime in the spring.
KIRBY STAR ALLIES
We finally have Kirby’s debut on the Nintendo Switch! Kirby Star Allies brings two new abilities to Kirby’s arsenal: the Artist ability, which lets Kirby unleash his creativity, and the new Spider ability that lets him ensnare enemies in webs. Kirby can also hurl friend hearts at enemies to win them over with love and add them to his party.
Plus, up to four friends can team up and combine Kirby’s unique abilities with ally abilities for powerful new Friend Abilities. The game releases on March 16.
DONKEY KONG: TROPICAL FREEZE
A beloved title from the Wii U era, Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze will get a second life on the Nintendo Switch when it releases on May 4. What’s new? A new “beginner-friendly” mode featuring Funky Kong.
THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU: FINAL REMIX
A port of the 2008 Nintendo DS classic, this rhythm game brings a new epilogue to shed light on the game’s story. Players can join rhythmic battles using either Joy-Con controllers or the Nintendo Switch touch screen. The game is scheduled to launch this year.
HYRULE WARRIORS: DEFINITIVE EDITION
If you like Fire Emblem: Warriors you’ll love Hyrule Warriors. This port of the Wii U and 3DS games has all the content and all of the DLC from both versions. If you missed out on these games, you’ll be able to jump in this when they release this spring.
SNK HEROINES - TAG TEAM FRENZY -
A neat little two-on-two fighting game that brings the most memorable heroines from SNK’s history and puts them on teams to duke it out. Try your hand at this fighting game when it launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
Ys VIII: LACRIMOSA OF DANA
Looking for a new JRPG after Xenoblade Chronicles 2? Ys VIII is that game. You’ll gather your team and face off against monsters and bad guys to protect your fellow shipwreck survivors. This RPG will launch for Nintendo Switch this summer.
PAYDAY 2
Another third-party port coming to the Switch, Payday 2 brings elaborate heists anywhere you are. What’s new about the Switch port? The debut of a new character named Joy. Joy is a Japanese computer whiz who wears a custom LED light mask that changes her appearance. PAYDAY 2 launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 27.
FE
Switch owners will experience a new type of platforming adventure where players run, climb and glide their way through a dark Nordic forest to explore its living, breathing world. Use the motion controls of the Joy-Con controllers to sing in tune with creatures and plants to unlock new abilities. Each song has a distinct sound and feel thanks to HD Rumble. The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 16.
CELESTE
Another take on the pure action platformer, Celeste lets players control Madeline as she climbs surfaces. As long as she has stamina, she can climb even the steepest mountains.The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 25.
SUPER MARIO ODYSSEY
A new mini-game called Balloon World is coming to Super Mario Odyssey. This free update will be available to players who complete the main story and allows them to hide balloons in different areas of each kingdom. Race the clock as you explore every corner and crevice of each kingdom to find the missing balloon. The free update will be released in February with new Snapshot Mode filters and new outfits.
MARIO + RABBIDS: KINGDOM BATTLE
Donkey Kong will be added to Kingdom Battle as a new playable character, complete with an exclusive new storyline and world to explore. The DLC pack releases in spring and will be available for purchase individually, or as part of the Season Pass or Gold Edition of the game.
POKKEN TOURNAMENT DX
The Pokémon fighting game will bring in two new playable characters in two separate DLC waves for Pokken Tournament DX. Aegislash will come in Wave 1 in January while Blastoise will arrive in March for Wave 2.
What was your favorite announcement during the Nintendo Direct Mini? Let us know in the comments section below.
