By Sagar V. Mankar The Nintendo Direct event on June 18, 2024, unveiled a variety of new games and updates for the Nintendo Switch.
Marking the end of the Summer of Games, the event showcased an array of thrilling titles set for release in 2024 and beyond.
Below are the all major titles from the presentation.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – September 26
In a departure from tradition, the next major entry in the acclaimed “The Legend of Zelda” series will put Princess Zelda front and center as the playable protagonist.
Announced at Nintendo Direct, “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” promises a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise, flipping the script on the classic narrative where Link rescues the princess.
“With Link now missing, it falls to Princess Zelda to assume the role of the hero,” stated Eiji Aonuma, the Zelda series producer.
In this 2D adventure, Zelda allies with Tri, a mysterious fairy companion.
Together, they wield the power to generate “echoes” – which duplicates the things to fight alongside her, solve puzzles, and more.
Nintendo promises a highly variable experience, with each player’s journey being unique depending on the echoes they create and employ.
The game adopts the charming toy-art aesthetic of the “Link’s Awakening” remake and is set for release on September 26.
Since its inception in 1986, the Zelda series has achieved over 140 million sales, securing its place as one of the most beloved gaming franchises, enchanting fans across various consoles.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership – November 7
Mario RPG fans are finally getting their wishes granted with the announcement of Mario and Luigi: Brothership.
This is the first new entry in the beloved Mario & Luigi turn-based RPG series in almost a decade.
The trailer showed the familiar art style getting a lavish 3D upgrade for this nautical adventure, along with new versions of the classic tag-team attacks between the plumber brothers.
It’s set to launch on November 7th.
In Brothership, Mario and Luigi commandeer their own sailing ship to explore a world of islands as they try to make their way back to the Mushroom Kingdom.
The brothers will need to use their “powers of brotherly love” to overcome obstacles and defeat bosses that appear to be based on electrical equipment.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 remake – June 27
Luigi’s Mansion 2 is getting remastered for the Nintendo Switch as Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD.
This HD remake of the 2013 3DS game Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will launch on June 27, 2024 at $59.99.
In it, Luigi must explore the Evershade Valley and various haunted mansions to retrieve pieces of the shattered Dark Moon and stop the ghost uprising caused by King Boo.
Luigi’s trusty Poltergust 5000 vacuum returns as his main ghost-catching tool, along with mechanics like using light to stun ghosts.
The remastered Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD upgrades the visuals for HD displays while retaining the same story campaign from the original.
It also brings back the multiplayer ScareScraper mode where up to 4 players cooperate in ghostly mini-games.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – 2025
After years of anticipation, Nintendo finally unveiled gameplay footage of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Initially announced in 2017, the project was rebooted in 2019 and handed back to the original developers at Retro Studios.
Now, after years of silence, Nintendo has confirmed the game is set to launch in 2025.
The brief teaser at Nintendo Direct showed Samus in action, blasting Space Pirates and using her iconic Morph Ball ability.
It also gave fans a glimpse of Sylux, a minor character from the series who has been hinted at as a major villain for over a decade.
The trailer demonstrated classic Metroid Prime gameplay, featuring intense first-person combat and environmental scanning.
Given the timing, many speculate it could be a cross-generational release for both the current Switch and its rumored successor, Switch 2.
Nintendo World Championships NES Edition – July 18
Nintendo has announced the Nintendo World Championships NES Edition, set to release on July 18, 2024, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
This competitive game features 150 challenges across 30 games, offering both a Survival Mode and Legend Challenges.
The game’s Survival Mode, kind of similar to Tetris 99, involves groups of eight players competing against one another using ghost data, with half the players being eliminated in each round.
For the more difficult Legend Challenges, Nintendo has included “Classified Information” tips, designed to resemble the classic Nintendo Power Player Guides.
This game seems to be particularly appealing to speedrunners and competitive retro gaming enthusiasts, potentially becoming another successful entry in Nintendo’s series of retro-inspired battle royale-style games.
Fairy Tail 2 – Winter 2024
Koei Tecmo has announced Fairy Tail 2, a sequel to their 2020 Fairy Tail RPG, during the recent Nintendo Direct.
This new game will adapt the final chapter of the popular anime series, the Alvarez arc, allowing players to experience the epic final battle alongside Natsu and his friends.
Unlike its predecessor, Fairy Tail 2 has shifted from turn-based combat to an action RPG format, similar to the mobile game Fairy Tail: Fierce Fight.
The game will feature a party system where players can assemble teams of various Fairy Tail guild mages.
A highlight of the combat system is the introduction of Link Attacks, allowing party members to combine their spells for powerful sequential attacks with unique effects.
Fairy Tail 2 is set to release this winter for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and PC via Steam, with a potential launch window between late 2024 and early 2025.
Fantasian Neo Dimension – Winter 2024
Fantasian Neo Dimension, a new RPG from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, is coming to Nintendo Switch during the holiday season of 2024.
This enhanced version of the former Apple Arcade-exclusive game features turn-based battles with strategic combat and unique mechanics.
Players will follow protagonist Leo on his journey to recover his memory and solve a mystery involving a mechanical infection destroying his world.
The game boasts a multi-dimensional universe brought to life through over 150 hand-crafted dioramas, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the adventure.
This Switch release will include new features such as English and Japanese voiceovers and an additional difficulty option.
Fantasian Neo Dimension represents a collaboration between Square Enix and Mistwalker, with music composed by the renowned Nobuo Uematsu.
It will be available digitally on the Nintendo eShop worldwide in Winter 2024.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake – November 14
First announced in 2021, Square Enix has finally revealed the release date for the highly anticipated Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.
The game will launch on November 14, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
This remake reimagines the classic 1988 RPG in the visually striking HD-2D style, similar to Octopath Traveler and Live A Live.
In a surprise announcement, Square Enix also revealed that Dragon Quest 1 and 2 will also receive the same HD-2D remake treatment, completing the original trilogy. These remakes are scheduled for release sometime in 2025.
Donkey Kong Country Returns – January 16, 2025
Nintendo has announced that Donkey Kong Country Returns is getting an HD remaster for the Nintendo Switch, set to release on January 16, 2025.
This updated version will include all the additional content from the 3DS port, offering new levels even for those who played the original Wii version.
While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced the developer for this HD remaster, reports suggest that Forever Entertainment SA, a Polish developer, is handling this project.
This aligns with a publishing deal Forever Entertainment signed with Nintendo in 2021.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics – 2024
Capcom has announced Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of seven classic Marvel and Capcom crossover arcade games, coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam in 2024.
The collection includes fan-favorite titles like X-Men Children of the Atom and both Sega Dreamcast-era Marvel vs. Capcom 2D fighting games, with Marvel vs. Capcom 2 being a highlight that fans have long requested to be made available again.
Importantly, the collection will be available in both digital and physical formats for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, addressing concerns about digital ownership and preservation of these classic titles.
This release marks a significant moment for fans who have been campaigning for the return of these games, especially Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which has been largely unavailable outside of expensive arcade cabinets in recent years.
The compilation also includes the 1993 arcade beat ’em-up The Punisher, showcasing the origins of the Marvel and Capcom collaboration.
Perfect Dark N64 – Available Now
Nintendo has announced that the classic N64 game Perfect Dark is now available on the Nintendo Switch Online service, featuring online multiplayer support.
This sci-fi first-person shooter, originally created by Rare, follows agent Joanna Dark as she uncovers corporate conspiracies.
This release comes at an interesting time, as Microsoft (which now owns the Perfect Dark IP) recently revealed a trailer for an upcoming Xbox reboot of the franchise.
Super Mario Party Jamboree – October 17
Nintendo has unveiled Super Mario Party Jamboree, the latest installment in the Mario Party series.
Set to launch on October 17, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, this game promises to be the biggest in the franchise yet.
It boasts an impressive array of features, including over 110 new minigames and support for up to 20 players in online multiplayer.
The game also introduces new locations and gameplay elements that are sure to create exciting and potentially frustrating moments for players.
New locations include the three-story Rainbow Galleria shopping center, the looping Roll ‘Em Raceway where players drive karts, and Goomba Lagoon with its erupting volcano and rising tides.
Familiar stages from previous games, such as Mario’s Rainbow Castle and Western Land, will make a comeback with updated visuals.
The game also introduces a new 20-player online mode called Koopathlon, which takes place on its own massive stage.
Stray – Winter 2024
Stray, the critically acclaimed adventure game featuring a cat in a post-apocalyptic world, is set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch.
Developed by Annapurna Interactive, the game will be released later this year, just in time for the holiday season.
This release follows successful launches on PlayStation, Xbox, PC platforms, making the Switch the latest console to host this unique gaming experience.
In Stray, players control a stray cat that falls into a walled city and must find its way back to the surface while interacting with robotic inhabitants.
The game has been praised for its masterful environmental design and engrossing world.
Despite its relatively short length, Stray has left a lasting impression on players and critics alike.
Adding to its success, Annapurna Pictures is also developing an animated movie based on the game.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection – September 6
Ace Attorney fans have reason to celebrate as Capcom announced the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, set to release on September 6th, 2024.
This bundle includes remastered versions of two Miles Edgeworth-focused spin-offs, notably featuring the Western debut of Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit.
This long-awaited localization finally brings the sequel, originally released in Japan in 2011, to international audiences.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers players the chance to step into the shoes of prosecutor Miles Edgeworth as he investigates various cases.
The gameplay is divided into two phases: searching crime scenes for evidence and interviewing witnesses, followed by a “rebuttal” phase where players use gathered evidence to find contradictions in testimonies.
The remastered bundle allows players to choose between updated visuals and the original pixel art, and includes unspecified bonus features.
Pre-orders are now open, with early buyers receiving five arranged music tracks for in-game use.
The collection will be available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
Basketball – Summer 2024
Basketball is set to join the lineup of Nintendo Switch Sports.
The platform initially launched with expected games such as bowling, badminton, and swordplay.
However, a free update scheduled for later this year will introduce basketball, allowing players to enjoy shooting hoops too.
A special edition ‘Hyrule Edition’ Switch Lite – September 26
Nintendo has announced a special ‘Hyrule Edition’ Switch Lite, set to release on September 26, 2024, alongside the new Zelda game, “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.”
This limited edition console features a striking gold color scheme with black buttons and analog sticks.
The design includes the Hylian Crest on the back and a small Triforce emblem below the right analog stick on the front.
While pricing details haven’t been revealed, it’s expected to be in line with previous special edition Switch Lite consoles.
The Hyrule Edition Switch Lite comes bundled with a 12-month individual Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, offering access to a variety of classic games and online features.
As with all Switch Lite models, it features a 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen, 32GB storage, and up to seven hours of battery life.
Lego Horizon Adventures – Holiday Season 2024
LEGO Horizon Adventures, a collaborative project between LEGO and Guerrilla Games, is set to launch during the 2024 holiday season.
This upcoming game merges the creative, block-building world of LEGO with the expansive, open-world action of the Horizon series.
Players will follow a LEGO version of Aloy as she explores a vast open world filled with familiar landmarks from the Horizon universe, all recreated in LEGO style.
The game features a mix of open-world exploration, combat with robotic creatures, building mechanics, puzzles, and quests.
Players can customize their characters, construct and customize structures using LEGO bricks, and engage in both solo and cooperative gameplay.
LEGO Horizon Adventures will be available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
MIO: Memories in Orbit – 2025
Focus Entertainment and Douze Dixièmes have unveiled MIO: Memories in Orbit, a new sci-fi metroidvania game set to launch in 2025.
The game follows MIO, a nimble robot with extraordinary abilities, as it explores and attempts to save the Vessel, a massive, mazelike spaceship drifting in space.
Players will guide MIO through this technological labyrinth, unlocking new powers and abilities to explore new areas, face off against various enemies, and uncover the secrets of the Vessel.
MIO: Memories in Orbit promises to deliver a unique gaming experience, combining metroidvania elements with a distinctive art style.
The reveal trailer showcased intense and varied gameplay set in a decadent, hypnotic world filled with stunning scenery.
The game will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure – 2025
Hello Kitty Island Adventure, the popular cozy community game that debuted on Apple Arcade in July 2023, is expanding to Nintendo in 2025.
This expansion allows Sanrio fans outside of Apple’s ecosystem to experience the charming world of Hello Kitty and friends in a unique gaming environment.
The game offers players the opportunity to create their own Sanrio-styled character and explore a serene island filled with various activities.
Unlike Animal Crossing, Hello Kitty Island Adventure features an open world with different biomes, underground puzzles, and a focus on building friendships with beloved Sanrio characters.
The developers at Sunblink have been regularly updating the game with new content, growing it from 30 hours at launch to around 80 hours of gameplay.
With its move to new platforms, the team plans to continue supporting the game with a mix of free and paid updates, maintaining its microtransaction-free model from the Apple Arcade version.
The game will be coming to Nintendo Switch and PC as a timed exclusive, with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions to follow.
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports – September 2024
GameMill Entertainment and Bamtang Games have announced Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, set to launch this fall for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
This sports-themed game brings together beloved Looney Tunes characters in a variety of athletic competitions, including basketball, soccer, golf, and tennis.
Players can choose from nine iconic characters, each with their own unique abilities, to compete in solo or local multiplayer modes for up to four players.
The game features a range of colorful, themed environments inspired by the Looney Tunes universe, such as Galactic Outpost Delta, Porky’s Barn, and Road Runner’s Canyon.
True to the franchise’s slapstick humor, players can use power-ups and Acme gadgets to disrupt their opponents and gain an edge in the competitions.
With its mix of arcade-style sports action and classic cartoon antics, Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports aims to offer a fun and chaotic gaming experience for fans of all ages.
Farmagia – November 1
Farmagia, a monster-farming and action game, is set to launch worldwide on November 1 for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam.
Published by XSEED Games, Marvelous Europe, and Marvelous, the game will be available in the West as a Day One Edition for PlayStation 5 and Switch, priced at $59.99 / €59.99.
Set in the world of Felicidad, Farmagia follows the story of Ten, a Farmagia (monster farmer) who must fight against a new despotic ruler named Glaza.
Players will control Ten as he cultivates and commands an army of home-grown monsters, exploring treacherous lands and searching for resources to improve his farm.
The game features a unique blend of monster farming, ranching, and combat, with character and monster designs by renowned manga artist Hiro Mashima.
Players can also befriend Elemental Spirits to unlock new ultimate monsters and transformations, adding depth to the gameplay and story.
Funko Fusion – September 13
Funko Fusion, an action-adventure puzzler featuring a wide array of pop culture icons, is set to release on Nintendo Switch on September 13, 2024.
Developed by 10:10 Games, this unique mash-up game allows players to interact with over 60 characters from various franchises, including Jaws, He-Man, Marty McFly, and Scott Pilgrim.
The game promises to take players through 20 iconic movie scenes, TV shows, and other popular media settings.
The game’s concept revolves around bringing together beloved characters from different universes, allowing players to face off against dinosaurs from Jurassic World and Cylons from Battlestar Galactica, among other challenges.
While initially announced a year ago, this update confirms the game’s availability on Nintendo Switch, in addition to its planned release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
The New Denpa Men – July 22
Genius Sonority and Nintendo have announced The New Denpa Men, the fifth entry in the Denpa Men AR RPG series, set to launch worldwide on July 22, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch.
This free-to-play RPG continues the unique concept of the series, where players capture small, invisible creatures living in radio waves and lead them on adventures.
The game marks a return to console platforms after the fourth title was released only on mobile in Japan.
The New Denpa Men expands on the core gameplay of previous entries by offering additional content beyond the main adventure.
Players can engage in activities such as island decorating, fishing, and participating in limited-time events.
The game also introduces multiplayer features, allowing players to compete against other players’ Denpa Men.
With its blend of AR-inspired creature collection, RPG elements, and new features, The New Denpa Men aims to provide a fresh experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series on the Switch platform.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded – Available Now
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded, an updated version of the 2016 mobile game, whose servers were shut down last year.
But apparently, SNK thought this title deserved a second chance and decided to release it for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The new iteration brings the legendary METAL SLUG franchise to a modern audience with a fresh twist.
The game combines the series’ iconic pixel art style with the strategic depth of tower defense gameplay, offering a new experience for fans of the series.
Priced at £8.99 / $9.99, Metal Slug Attack Reloaded allows players to build and grow a deck featuring familiar METAL SLUG characters, emphasizing tactics and strategy as they face off against enemies.
The game includes a ‘Another Story’ mode with unique episodes for fans, a gallery to appreciate METAL SLUG art, and online multiplayer capabilities for worldwide competition.
This release marks a significant shift for the series, adapting its action-shooter roots to a tower defense format while maintaining the charm and intensity that METAL SLUG is known for.
Phantom Brave Sequel The Lost Hero – 2025
NIS America and Nippon Ichi Software have announced a sequel to the beloved strategy RPG Phantom Brave, titled Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero.
Set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, this new entry comes nearly 20 years after the original game’s debut on PS2.
The game will feature grid-less tactical turn-based gameplay, continuing the series’ unique approach to strategy RPGs.
The story follows Marona, a young girl with the power to communicate with Phantoms, and her companion Ash as they traverse the ocean world of Ivoire.
Players will face a fleet of ghost pirates and must assemble a legendary crew to defeat them.
The game boasts over 50 characters and 300 skills to master, along with new gameplay mechanics such as the ability to bind Phantoms to objects and the introduction of the “Confriend” ability for more powerful attacks.
The announcement trailer also hinted at a storyline where Marona must embark on a journey to save Ash, adding depth to the narrative.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of The Rings Game – 2024
Tales of the Shire, a new cozy video game set in the world of The Lord of the Rings, has been announced for multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch.
Developed by Wētā Workshop, the game offers players a chance to experience the peaceful life in the Shire, set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
It features relaxing gameplay mechanics such as cooking, gardening, interior decorating, and building relationships with fellow Hobbits.
The game boasts a bright and pleasant art style that captures the charm of the Shire.
Players can customize their Hobbit homes both inside and out, tend to gardens, cook meals for friends, and explore the lush countryside.
With its focus on low-stakes, stress-free activities, Tales of the Shire aims to provide a relaxing escape into the beloved world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, the game is expected to launch in the second half of 2024 for Nintendo Switch, as well as other platforms including mobile devices through Netflix Games.
The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy – December 31, 2025
Danganronpa writer Kazutaka Kodaka’s studio Too Kyo Games revealed a new game The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct.
The game, set in a hellish high school reminiscent of Danganronpa, follows Takumi Sumino as he transfers to the Last Defense Academy and must protect it from mysterious enemies called School Invaders for 100 days.
Players will engage in tactical RPG combat and uncover the school’s secrets alongside 15 companions.
After initial setbacks with a previous publisher, Aniplex stepped in as the new publishing partner, with Media Vision and Jet Studio joining as co-developers.
Despite the struggles, Kodaka expressed that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put so much effort into a project.
The game is scheduled for release on December 31, 2025.
Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven – October 24
Square Enix has announced Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a complete 3D remake of the 1993 classic RPG, set to release on October 24, 2024, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Priced at $49.99, this remake retains the epic story of the original game, which follows the imperial line of Varennes in their struggle against the Seven Heroes of legend who have turned against the people they were meant to protect.
The remake promises to keep the unique mechanics of the SaGa franchise, such as “Glimmers” and “Formations,” while reworking the battle and character growth systems.
New features include difficulty selection, making the game more accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.
The pixel graphics of the original have been fully updated to gorgeous 3D visuals, with all main characters receiving impressive 3D makeovers that maintain the distinctive character of their original sprite designs.
This remake aims to bring the expansive world of Romancing SaGa 2 to life for a new generation of players while satisfying longtime fans of the series.
Overall, The Nintendo Direct Summer Addition was decent for a system that’s due for a break. As long as all these games are playable on my Nintendo Switch 2 next year, I’ll be happy.