Nintendo has hosted its summer Nintendo Direct presentation, showcasing a whole bunch of Nintendo Switch games--the majority of which are releasing in 2023. This new June 2023 Nintendo Direct included several third-party games alongside first-party titles like Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and a remake of Super Mario RPG.
The return of Super Mario RPG was one of the biggest surprises. The classic SNES game is getting a complete remake and will be released this November. Sticking to Nintendo's lineup of upcoming first-party games, Princess Peach is getting her own still-untitled solo adventure, Detective Pikachu returns in October, and the world will never be the same after it gazed upon the pachyderm power of Elephant Mario.
Mario is returning to classic 2D platforming--sort of--with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It goes back to the franchise's roots but includes some terrific new animations and quirky power-ups, including one that has quickly become a viral hit.
As for third-party games, there was a lot packed into this short Direct. Star Ocean fans will get to see a beloved game from 1998 given a new lease on life, the ultimate Batman collection is coming to Switch this year, and you can ruffle some feathers in a musical battle royale soon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion
A new trailer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's upcoming two-part DLC, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Plateau showed off a few more details for the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion. Aside from the gameplay footage, nothing majorly new was shown off here, and for now, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Plateau are scheduled to launch in fall and winter this year, respectively.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players can also take part in a new five-star Tera Raid battle this week, with a rare Chest Form Gimmighoul popping up to reward players who defeat it.
Sonic Superstars
Gotta play fast! This next Sonic adventure is racing onto Switch and other gaming platforms soon, and in a brief trailer, Sega showed off some of the 12 new zones that players can explore and the local co-op for up to four players.
Palia
A new free-to-play life simulator, Palia is all about relaxing vibes in either solo or co-op sessions. Like other games in the genre, you'll be able to create a cozy getaway, customize it to suit your tastes, and uncover more materials for your home when you explore beyond the borders of your village.
Persona 5 Tactica
The upcoming real-time strategy spin-off got a short teaser at the Nintendo Direct and introduced a new character, Erina. In case you missed its debut earlier this month, Persona 5 Tactica puts a cute spin on the Phantom Thieves from Persona 5, mixes in some Fire Emblem-inspired turn-based gameplay, and sets the gang loose in a new realm.
Super Mario RPG
It's been more than 25 years since the beloved Super Mario RPG was first released, and at long last, the game is making a comeback in grand fashion. This remake of the cult-classic reunites Mario with several other Mushroom Kingdom favorites, and will be released on November 17.
Mythforce
Inspired by Saturday morning cartoons, this new first-person fantasy game allows you to wield magic, melee weapons, and bows in four-player co-op action. It's already out on Steam via early access, and it'll be landing on Switch later this year.
Splatoon 3
In a quick update, Nintendo revealed the next Splatfest theme, which will see players battle one another to determine which flavor of ice cream is the best. Vanilla, strawberry, or mint chip? Science demands answers and ink. This Splatfest will be held from July 14-16.
Detective Pikachu
Everyone's favorite mystery-solving Pokemon is back--sorry, not you, Gumshoos--as Detective Pikachu returns to solve crimes and drink absurd amounts of coffee on October 6.
Princess Peach
Move aside Mario, Princess Peach is ready to save the day! There aren't too many details yet on this solo Princess Peach game, but Nintendo did say that more will be revealed ahead of the game's 2024 launch.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
At long last, Rocksteady's groundbreaking Batman trilogy of games is headed to the Switch in a new compilation package. This collection bundles up Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight together with all of their respective DLC, and it'll launch in Fall 2023.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
In this new game in the Dragon Quest franchise, you'll follow Psaro, a cursed prince, and his companion Rose as they travel through the demon realm of Nadiria. With plenty of monsters to find and recruit to your party, you'll need to combine them into more powerful forms to take on the deadly challenges that lie ahead when The Dark Prince launches on December 1.
Pikmin 4
Only a few more days remain before Pikmin 4 launches on July 21, and in a new pre-launch trailer, Nintendo showed off more details on the game which it calls a great entry point for anyone who wants to learn more about Pikmin. In addition to the game's core loop of collecting treasures around the planet to fix the Rescue Corp's spaceship’s radar, Pikmin 4 also features Dandori Battles in which you try to collect more objects than your opponent within a time limit. Once the game launches, a demo will also be available on the Nintendo eShop for anyone who wants a preview of what the game has to offer.
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Originally released on the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is getting a "visually enhanced" port to Switch later in 2023. Like the other Luigi's Mansion games, you'll be able to haunted mansions full of troublesome ghosts and complete spooky challenges.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope - The Last Spark Hunter DLC
The second DLC for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope is out right now, and is titled The Last Spark Hunter. In this new episode, Mario and his Rabbid pals journey to a strange and musical planet that has new enemies to wallop and areas to explore.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
At long last, a new Mario 2D game is headed to Switch and it looks wonderfully bizarre. Super Mario Bros. Wonder sticks to the art direction of the New Super Mario Bros. series but adds a ton of new visual flourishes, enhanced animations, and new power-ups. If you ever wanted to witness the majestic power of Elephant Mario, then this is the game for you. Super Mario Wonder will be out in October.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
It wouldn't be a Nintendo Direct without an update for the mega-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and in the next wave of content for the Booster Pack, you can expect eight new tracks and three new characters.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
Ready for some classic stealth-espionage action? Konami's Metal Gear series is headed to Switch in October, and in this first volume, you'll be able to guide Snake in classic games such as Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This collection also includes the games that started the entire series--Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and the NES versions of Metal Gear and Snake’s Revenge--and a lot of bonus content to dig into.
WarioWare: Move It
Wario's back to cause more chaos, and this time, he's brought over 200 micro-games with him. Like other WarioWare Games, WarioWare: Move It focuses on lightning-fast reactions, syncing up to the rhythm of these short games, and has co-op support for up to four players in a local Party Mode room.
Penny's Big Breakaway
A 3D platforming adventure from the team behind Sonic Mania, Penny's Big Breakaway transports you to the charming world of Macaroon. As Penny and her newly animated friend, Yo-Yo, you'll be able to explore this colorful land, battle Emperor Eddie and his massive army of pushy penguins, and perform acrobatic tricks to save the day.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
The second installment in the Star Ocean series has been rebuilt with sharp new graphics that combine the 3D environments of this 1998 cult-classic with vibrant 2D pixel characters, and will launch on November 2 for Switch. Set on an underdeveloped world, stranded Federation officer Claude teams up with local mystic Rena, and together, the two journey across the land while encountering new allies and enemies. This version of the beloved game will also feature updated combat mechanics, which will allow for both strategic and precise tactics to be used in battle.
The ultimate time-sink game, Vampire Survivors brings its simple but unbeatable system of one-versus-too-damn-many to Switch on August 17. This edition of the game also packs in couch co-op for up to four players, and like the original monster-slaying title, you'll be challenged to survive for 30 minutes against a horde of enemies while you attempt to stay one step ahead of death.
Silent Hope
In Silent Hope, seven wordless warriors are forced to work together as they embark on a quest to find their king. An action-RPG that launches on October 3, you'll explore constantly changing dungeons with the seven silent heroes, who possess unique abilities and fighting styles. You'll need to master all of their skills, as lurking inside of these dungeons are challenging bosses.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale
In an online rhythm-based battle royale, up to 30 players can take on this challenge to be the last bird standing as they compete in more than 20 musical minigames.
Gloomhaven
Based on the popular board game, you'll lead a team of mercenaries to either untold riches or their death in a game that features turn-based card battles with RPG elements. There are 17 different characters to choose from and more than 1,000 unique abilities to master as you prepare your deck for the challenges that lie ahead. Gloomhaven will launch for Nintendo Switch on September 18.
Manic Mechanics
Co-op gaming with a chaotic twist, you and up to three of your friends will have to work to repair vehicles quickly throughout the town of Octane Isle. Repair as many cars, trucks, choppers, and other modes of transport before the clock runs out, but beware because the faster you work, the more chaos you'll unleash. And nothing is worse than a badly timed oil spill. Except for rampaging robots, stampeding cows, and the occasional alien abduction.