Look, I don’t know exactly what I was expecting from this true “shadow drop” of a Nintendo Direct. After all, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition is already out, Pokemon Legends Z-A was already confirmed to arrive “Late 2025,” and I highly doubted there would be a truly “big surprise” to get gamers excited for the last few months of the Switch’s life. Yet, as I write this recap, I kind of wish Nintendo hadn’t done this Direct at all, as there wasn’t really much to talk about that’s meaningful.
On the positive side, we did get a good first look at the Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remakes. The remake of the 3rd entry did huge numbers on the Switch, so Square Enix has a vested interest in promoting the other entries in this special trilogy. No release date was given, but there is a tease of new characters and content to enjoy:
The game that many are likely to talk about as the “highlight” of the Nintendo Direct is Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. We got a much deeper look into the game, including learning about the “Psychic Abilities” that Samus Aran will receive this time around, the planet Viewros that she lands on, and an all-new suit! It’s a good-looking suit! Yet, sadly, we still don’t have a release date for it. A recurring theme for this Direct…
Another game that got some good details revealed was Pokemon Legends Z-A, where we learned about the new day/night cycle that Lumoise City will have. During the day, you can go and catch Pokemon and explore the city to see what it offers. Then, at night, you’ll partake in the Z-A Royale! In this tournament, you’ll battle trainers across the city to improve your ranks, and the top trainer will get a “wish” granted to them! Yes, the game is still slated for “Late 2025,” but at least we got more details!
I’m sure many of you, just like me, were expecting a “big announcement” to end the show, and we…kind of got one? It was the reveal of Tomodachi Life Living The Dream. On the plus side, it’s the first entry in 10 years! On the downside, it’s not coming out until 2026!
There is another one-two punch of things to discuss, including Nintendo revealing “Digital Cards” that can be used by Switch and Switch 2 owners to easily transfer games from one platform to another, including to a friend’s or family member’s device. It’s a pretty clever trick.
Also, there’s a new app that’s out called “Nintendo Today,” which will serve as a special news app for gamers with news and information coming out EVERY SINGLE DAY! Check it out below:
There were lots of 3rd party reveals at the Nintendo Direct, just to be clear, including lots of remasters and a Marvel game, of all things. Yet, if you were hoping this to be a “high note” to end the Switch’s lifetime, you likely left disappointed.
Just remember, the Switch 2 Direct is next Wednesday!
