Nintendo Direct wrapped up their February 2023 installment with the lineup of games and services coming in the near future. And boy howdy, there was a lot. Remasters, new titles with fast-approaching release dates- this year is going to a feast of long-awaited titles. We can hardly wait. So let Nerdbot give you a rundown of some of the upcoming titles and services coming to Switch this year.
There are so many amazing titles and expansions coming to Nintendo this year, it’s going to be a phenomenal spring and an even more amazing summer for games. This article is a summary of the bigger titles, however. Feel free to take in the entirety of Nintendo Direct here.
Breath of the Wild: Tears of the Kingdom
You knew we were gonna put this one at the top. The highly-anticipated sequel to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” came out swinging with not just a trailer, but a release date! That’s barely two months away and it almost comes as a bit of a shock. Everyone expected a trailer, but I don’t know how many of us expected a date. And what a trailer. Hyrule is in ruins, darkness has spread, and evil is on the rise. With new powers and abilities, Link is ready to take on whatever dangers arise. We can hardly wait to get our hands on “Tears of the Kingdom.” A collector’s edition will be available as well as a new Amiibo of Link to coincide with the new game. Forgive us, but we’ll be nabbing this one fast with our greedy little paws.
Releasing May 12th.
Pikmin 4
You’ll forgive us if we squeal a little in the corner. The long, long awaited release of “Pikmin 4” is finally here! With a full trailer and teaser of gameplay mechanics, we can hardly contain ourselves. The game boasts beautiful visuals as only Pikmin can do. The first biome appears to be a gradeschool, a playground and benches serving as a massive backdrop to this miniature world. The trailer teases new ice Pikmin that can freeze enemies and water. Not only that, we have a new creature at our disposal. What looks like a cross between a bulborb and a Labrador named Oatchi who looks to prove themselves an invaluable addition.
Releasing July 21st. So get your spacesuits on and your Pikmin in line, it’s time to return to PNF-404!
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
On the heels of “Bayonetta 3” comes the next installment for the sassy witch. “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon” follows a young Cereza as she goes on a quest to become a witch and save her mother from imprisonment. Along with the demon, Cheshire, this highly stylized platformer will feature dual play between witch and demon. Cereza must help direct Cheshire’s movements and attacks as they make their way through a strange, dark forest. With a highly-stylized, painterly look, we really love the art direction for this one. Be prepared to catch this one on March 17th.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
No, you’re not seeing things. This blast from the past is finally getting a new game. Originally released on the 3DS “Fantasy Life” is a role-playing life sim. Think “Animal Crossing” as an RPG. Fulfilling quests and tasks as different classes allows you to unlock characters, cosmetics, and furniture. Building a life while you journey to raise your levels. The game itself has had a rocky road to revival, for sure. And it certainly wasn’t unpopular. So we’re happy to welcome it back into the fold with open arms. There’s no release date, yet, but it will be coming out this year.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Do you like tea? What about puzzles? Do you get giddy at the sight of a man with beady eyes wearing a top hat? Then you’re a Professor Layton fan for sure. Despite a 20 second trailer, this has fans of the intrepid puzzling prof vibrating in their seats. Especially since our dear British sleuth would appear to be making his way into a fully-realized 3D world. “Professor Layton and the New World of Steam” has no release date and no gameplay, but we’re awaiting this title with bated breath. Originally point-and-click-style puzzle games, we can’t help wondering if this new title will give us free reign to explore a brand new world of industry and mind-melting puzzles.
Disney Illusion Island
Disney’s been hitting some pretty nice marks lately. With their stylized Mickey cartoons, to “Dreamlight Valley” bringing us all the nostalgia we could ever hope for, they seem to be finding the right formula for getting our attention. And that hasn’t changed with the trailer for “Illusion Island.” Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy on a side-scrolling, wonderfully-animated adventure. Done in a very similar style to the current cartoons and all with unique animations, the characters are as fun to look at as they are to play. The game supports four-player co-op, allowing you and your friends to help each other out and beat the game together. This one just seems downright delightful, so it’s definitely on our list.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective Remaster
Now we move on to the remaster portion of our rundown. And a lot of us just let out a little scream. “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective” is getting a Switch remaster. A hidden gem of the DS, this game has you solving a murder. More specifically yours. After waking up as a spirit with no idea how he died, Sissel must figure out the reason for his murder while also protecting others from a nefarious plot. By possessing different objects, you must solve puzzles to unwind this ghostly mystery. From Shu Takumi, creator of the Ace Attorney games, it’s chock full of humor, unique character designs, and challenging puzzles that keep you entertained for hours. This is slated for a summer 2023 release.
Metroid Prime Remaster
Hell. Yes. That pretty much sums up our feelings on this. Perhaps one of the greatest franchises to ever grace the Gamecube, “Metroid Prime: Remastered” is coming to Nintendo Switch. With a lovely HD polish on it, the environments of Tallon IV are presented in vibrant clarity and color. And we’re more than thrilled to see the bounty hunter herself, Samus Aran, in glorious high-def. This action-packed sci-fi FPS now comes with two play styles. Apparently a more modern method comfortable to current gamers, or the original set-up that might suit the nostalgic. And if you’re hard up to play now, digital copies are already available. Physical copies will be released February 22nd.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster
This spiritual, time-traveling RPG is also getting a remaster. “Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster” will bring this fan favorite to the Switch. Getting an HD makeover, players can once again follow the story of Kalas through the eyes of the guardian spirit. Using a card-based battle system, this JRPG became a cult classic despite difficult sales on the Gamecube. Now with a shiny new coat of paint, we think it’s definitely ready to shine.
Advance Wars 1 & 2 Reboot Camp
Some of you might not remember the turn-based strategy game “Advance Wars”. This plucky little game for the Gameboy Advance is getting an HD home on the Switch. Introducing “Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp”. Now players can relive their adventures with Andy, Max, and Sami as they puzzle their way through the mystery of why the Orange and Blue Star Armies are at war. With an unforgettable style and cast of characters, this strategy game challenges players to think critically in harder and harder scenarios.
Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass Wave 1
We weren’t going to do a rundown without mentioning DLC and expansions, of course. The first of which is the first expansion pass coming to “Splatoon 3”. The wildly popular third-person shooter is bringing back a familiar locale for wave one. Inkopolis will be returning as a fully functional central hub for players to use. Apparently everything functions the same way, aside from recurring characters and returning performances by the Squid Sisters! Wave two of the DLC will feature a brand new single-player campaign called Side Order.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4
We’re no stranger to “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” rolling out DLC like it’s going out of style. And so far every addition has been a gem. Drifting into wave four of the Booster Course Pass is a brand new “Yoshi’s Island” track. The course is littered with familiar faces. Including the Huffin’ Puffins and big, blue Nep-Enut guarding the waters in the background. You won’t have to worry about Baby Mario being stolen this time around. Let your wheels do the talking. Also coming to wave four is Birdo! Originally playable in “Mario Kart Double Dash”, the plucky pink monster has finally rejoined the racing circuit! All available now with a Nintendo Online and Expansion Pack membership.
Fire Emblem: Engage Expansion Pass
Ever seen a kid dump their entire box of toys onto a playroom floor? Apparently that was the idea with the “Fire Emblem: Engage” expansion pass! The sheer volume of new emblems coming to the game is enormous. Wave two will feature Hector, Soren, and Camilla. Wave three will give players access to Chrom, Robin, and Veronica. And Wave four brings players an all-new story to play called The Fell Xenologue. There’s so much content to look forward to! Your new characters are waiting to be unlocked through new challenges. Out now!
Game Boy, Game Boy Advance Games Added to Nintendo Switch Online
Last but not least, we have a slew of golden oldies coming to Nintendo Switch Online’s virtual console. Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles are now available. Honestly, we’re spoiled for choice here. Millennial gamers can relive their childhood with titles like “Super Mario World 2: 6 Golden Coins,” “007 GoldenEye,” “Kirby’s Dreamland,” and “Link’s Awakening DX.” Gameboy Advance games include beloved titles like “Mario Kart Super Circuit,” “WarioWare Inc.: Mega Microgames,” and the amazing “Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga.” Certainly there are sure to be even more titles than listed here. All of it very, very exciting.
