It’s been more than a year since Nintendo held a virtual Direct event, and the Japanese gaming giant made the 50-minute stream worthwhile by unleashing a flood of trailers for its upcoming slew of games for 2021 and 2022. Some of the key announcements during the keynote included a remastered version of the Wii U title The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, a new Mario Golf game, and the much-awaited Splatoon 3.
Scroll down to see all the biggest reveals from today’s keynote event.
Skyward Sword Hits The Nintendo Switch, in HD
Originally released in 2011, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword follows the adventures of Link as he travels from the floating island of Skyloft to the dark trenches of Surface to save his childhood friend Zelda, all while uncovering the origins of the Master Sword, a recurring weapon in the franchise. The revamped Switch version will feature modified Joy-Con motion controls as well as a classic button-based combat system for old-time fans. The company also announced the release of two customized Joy-Cons that mimic the design of the Master Sword and the Hyrule Shield in July.
Brace Yourselves for a Gritty Splatoon Game
Looking gruff and grittier than its predecessors, Splatoon 3 is slated to hit shelves in 2022 and is the final game to be announced during the presentation. The ink-splattering shooter’s debut trailer showcased an Inkling headed to a new city called Splatlands. We are also given a peek at a new bow weapon, expanded customization options, and more.
Travis Fights Aliens in No More Heroes III
It’s been 11 years since we last saw Travis Touchdown and his laser katana-wielding ways. The bad-mouthed assassin is set to return in the third installment of the long-running No More Heroes franchise. Set nine years after the events of No More Heroes 2, Travis makes a triumphant comeback to Santa Destroy as he tries to defend humanity from an alien army led by a powerful galactic overlord.
Nintendo Announces Project Triangle Strategy
Taking gameplay beats from Final Fantasy Tactics and visual cues from Octopath Traveler and the Bravely Default games, Project Triangle Strategy is a tactical RPG title that aims to test the players’ moral fortitude and decision-making skills. The game follows a conflict between three nations known as the Salt Iron War and its aftermath. The battles will take place on specialized combat spaces in which certain areas such as elevated pathways will grant a unit tactical advantages.
Mario Golf Makes Its Way to Nintendo Switch
Last seen on the Nintendo 3DS, Mario Golf is heading to the Switch console with a plethora of revamped features to boot. The upcoming game will allow players to use their Joy-Cons like golf clubs in an effort to enhance the quality of their swings. A new “speed golf” round will also challenge players to dash around the field and make shots across the course. Moreover, the game introduces a story mode that will involve the creation and grinding of Mii characters, as you play golf matches with beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s Pyra and Mythra Join Smash Ultimate
Rex’s faithful companions Pyra and Mythra will join the battle in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a two-in-one character. You may use Pyra to deliver heavy attacks while shifting to Mythra will allow players to scoot in and out of the combat space at blinding speeds. Additionally, a new arena featuring Azurda along with Rex’s allies in Xenoblade 2 will be added to the game.
Prepare to Battle in a Galaxy Far, Far Away in Star Wars: Hunters
Star Wars: Hunters is a new, free-to-play, squad-based multiplayer title by Zynga set between the events of Episodes 6 and 7. Details remain scarce as of writing, but it was teased that the game will be a competitive third-person shooter title that takes place after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi.
The Rampage Arrives in Monster Hunter Rise
The latest Monster Hunter Rise trailer provides new information about the Rampage, a mysterious calamity associated with the behemoth Magnamalo that seemingly drives monsters at a frenzy. The teaser also showcased a brand-new mode that will task players to fight waves of monsters in a siege-like battle. Nintendo also confirmed the addition of Basarios, Diablos, Rajang, and Volvidon to the game, while new monsters Rakna-Kadaki and Almudron are poised to debut in the latest entry to the Monster Hunter series.
Samurai Warriors 5 Slashes Through The Switch
Inspired by narrative cues introduced in Spirit of Sanada, Samurai Warriors 5 will follow the perspectives of younger versions of budding warlords Oda Nobunaga and Mitsuhide Akechi. Unlike its predecessors, the game will employ an ink-based art style along with revamped character designs and expanded maps.
The Worlds of Animal Crossing and Super Mario Collide
In celebration of the Super Mario franchise’s 35th year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players may avail customized items inspired by the long-running series to recreate their own playable Super Mario Bros. levels in a special crossover event. Interactive elements like question blocks, flags, and even usable warp pipes will be made available to the Nook Store on February 25. Players may also purchase outfits, mushrooms, collectible coins, stars, Whomp blocks, bricks, and a lot more.
Become the Ultimate Champion in Fall Guys
Months after its splashing debut on the PlayStation 4 and the PC, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is finally bound to hit Nintendo’s flagship console in the summer. Players will compete against each other in massive elimination-style party games (reminiscent of Wipeout or Takeshi’s Castle if you will) to earn the title of champion.
Excited about what’s in store for Nintendo in 2021 and 2022? Tell us what you think about these announcements in the comments section!