Last night’s Nintendo Direct might have focussed on showcasing gameplay and new features in Splatoon 2 – out on 21st July – and ARMS – set for 16th June release. However, there were plenty of other reminders and quick announcements, for both Nintendo 3DS, which you can read about here, and Nintendo Switch.
Let’s start with a little hardware update. Alongside Arms, Nintendo are also releasing ‘Neon Yellow’ Joy-Con, which is bound to be the start of a long, long series of coloured and themed controllers.
Also, for some unknowable reason, they’re releasing Joy-Con AA battery packs, which add a bump on the back for you to pop a pair of AA batteries into and power the Joy-Con for a little longer. It’s bloody odd, if you ask me, when the Joy-Con are rated for about 20 hours of play…
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is a pretty convincing port of the popular block ’em up. The included Super Mario Mash-Up pack will put a Mushroom Kingdom twist on proceedings, but there’s much more to the Switch version than that. Eight players can team up online while four can play in local multiplayer split-screen, even in tabletop mode.
It’s releasing on 12th May in the eShop and will have a retail release at a later date.
The four player co-op heisting game Payday 2 is coming to Switch later this year. Considering that the PS3 and Xbox 360 could handle the game, this should be a solid if older addition to the library.
Like a crazy mash-up between Bomberman and the classic Reversi, Project Mekuru (name not final) is a local and online multiplayer action game where you run around doing butt slams to try and cover the board with your colour.
It’s coming out some time this summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15emAY9oucM
As has been previously announced, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is coming to Switch on 26th May, with the entire roster of classic characters, as well as Evil Ryu and Violent Kent. The Way of the Hado mode lets players throw hadokens in first person with motion controls, but the interesting new announcement here is that there’s a two-player co-op mode that has two players sharing a health bar while battling through CPU matches.
Disgaea 5: Complete is going to be the definitive version of the game, coming to Switch on 26th May. There will also be a demo.
Speaking of demos, you can try out the Puyo Puyo Tetris mash-up… today! Check out how these two block-dropping classics can combine, ahead of the game’s 27th April release on Switch.
Don’t worry, it’s also coming to PS4, but that wasn’t really mentioned during the Direct.
Monopoly for Nintendo Switch lets up to six players take whatever board pieces remain after the recent cull around London. It’ll feature HD rumble, which I’m sure is going to make being sent directly to jail without passing go feel ultra realistic when it’s released this autumn.
Out on 21st July, Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star brings Marvelous’ bombastic action game to Switch. Previously released on PS4 and PS Vita, the Switch version will feature all the previous paid DLC costumes, as well as a new Unshackled Bride outfit.
More NEOGEO games are coming to Switch, with Samurai Shodown IV and other available today. Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters ’99 have been announced for future.
Ubisoft continue to dip a toe into the broiling hot waters of the Nintendo Switch, announcing Rayman Legends Definitive Edition for the console. Yes, if you want the game, you’ve probably already got and played it, but Switch adds an exclusive Kung Foot experience for solo play and up to eight player tournaments. Additionally, co-op can be played locally with two consoles.
THQ Nordic are bringing side-scrolling shooter Sine Mora EX and upcoming RPG Battle Chasers: Nightwar to the Switch this summer.
Jake Durasamy
I think Nintendo just wants me to spend all of my money on a different Joycon colour. I’ve been sold on Street Fighter and both Sonic games already too, to be honest.
sparkyscrum
I’m loving the new Joy Con colours. Did ask for a lime one but happy with yellow (will go well with my red and blue ones).
Sonic games look fun, happy we’re getting both in the Switch.
Bladesteel
I wonder if that battery bump will make them more comfortable to hold for us with big hands.
Jake Durasamy
I think that’s part of it too, actually. It’s made for playing split-joycon games for longer periods of time too.
Eldave0
Really enjoyed last night’s Direct.
Splat2’s late July release date is a little later than I expected but it makes sense; gives MK8 and ARMS room to breathe a bit. Game itself looks great.
Speaking of ARMS. Its not really a genre that appeals to me so I’ll probably skip it, but I can see a lot of people enjoying it. Seems surprisingly deep. Yellow Joy Cons looks great.
I liked the quick fire announcements too. I think I might finally check out Minecraft when it comes to the Switch. Seems a perfect game to play in handheld mode. Same for Disgaea5. Monopoly will be an insta-buy (perfect for the Xmas holidays) and I’ll probably end up getting PayDay2 (assuming the devs support it).
Well done Nintendo. Shaping up to be a great first year.