If E3 still existed, gamers would certainly say that Nintendo won the popularity contest of the show this year. This summer Nintendo Direct allowed the Kyoto firm to crush the competition of Summer Game Fest 2024 in just 40 minutes of presentation.
In less than an hour, the major franchises and other mascots of the Nintendo stable followed one another to outline a radiant last year for the Switch. The next console is not yet relevant and the current platform is far from being abandoned. Mario and Luigi, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda and even Metroid: here are the big announcements to remember from this memorable live.
Mario and Luigi: The Brotherly Epic
Nearly 9 years after the last original installment of their saga, the brothers are back in an unexpected new RPG. Despite the closure of the AlphaDream studio in 2019, the franchise seems to have been saved: but which team is taking care of it now? The fact remains that the images released promise an electrifying and colorful experience, halfway between the graphic style of the time and a new 3D approach. Verdict on November 7.
MIO: Memories in Orbit
A little UFO from the Nintendo Direct, this new production published by Focus Entertainment presents itself as an adrenaline-charged Metroidvania. Without giving us more context than these few gameplay clips, the title has simply confirmed a release window for sometime in 2025. To be continued.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
What would a Nintendo Direct be without the announcement of an HD remaster? Once again, it's the turn of a Wii game to benefit from this special treatment. Donkey Kong Country Returns joins Tropical Freeze to complete the collection of the cult character on Switch. Good news: this version also includes the new levels from the 3DS version of the title. The date is set for January 16, 2025.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Until now exclusive to the Apple Arcade catalog, the Animal Crossing-like Hello Kitty is finally coming to consoles. The Nintendo Switch will benefit from a temporary console exclusivity for Hello Kitty Island Adventure which will arrive on the platform in early 2025.
Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D Remake
After a worrying radio silence, the HD-2D remake Dragon Quest III is finally back. Erdrick's adventures reworked in the style of Octopath Traveler finally have their release date. Square Enix sets the title's launch for November 14, 2024. This good news also comes with a surprise announcement (already mentioned by some rumors): Dragon Quest I and II will also benefit from their own HD-2D remake to complete the character's trilogy. Erdrick's Legacy Begins.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Against all expectations, the Switch will be getting its third Mario Party. Following a nostalgic Mario Party Superstars in the form of a compilation of the best experiences from the Nintendo 64 and Gamecube, Nintendo is back with a sequel to the famous Super Mario Party. Presented as the most substantial opus of the franchise with more than 110 mini-games and new modes (including a 20-player online battle royale mode), Super Mario Party Jamboree promises to be a must-have for evenings with family and friends. The party will start on October 17th.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
After a production dedicated to Peach, it's Zelda's turn to go on an adventure. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is the first title in the franchise to place the princess in the lead role (with the exception of the game on Philips-CDI). Armed with a magic scepter capable of replicating objects in the environment, the protagonist will have more than one way to fight and solve puzzles. The wait won't be very long: the quest will be launched next fall, on September 26, 2024.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
We predicted it yesterday: the Ace Attorney spin-offs dedicated to Benjamin Hunter are finally getting a reissue. The second installment never released outside of Japan will finally get a full translation. Just like the Ace Attorney trilogies that preceded it, this compilation is completely reworked in a hand-drawn style by the franchise's character designer. The original pixel art sprites will still be available for the most nostalgic players.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
It's been a long time since the ultimate surprise of a Nintendo Direct has left such a lasting impression on us. Seven years after its initial announcement in 2017, Metroid Prime 4 is finally revealing its first gameplay footage. This production, now titled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, will be released on Switch in 2025, without further details. Could it be that Nintendo will have a cross-generation release in store for us, like the launch of Breath of the Wild on Wii U and Switch? To be continued.
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