15 Exciting New Games and Announcements from Nintendo Direct Mini

By Weston Wing-Girot
6 Min Read
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Nintendo finally gave players some highly-anticipated January news in a new Nintendo Direct Mini. The latest Direct announces various new games and downloadable content (DLC) for the Nintendo Switch, and more. Press the right arrow to learn about 15 exciting new games and announcements from Nintendo Direct.

15 Pokkén Tournament DX DLC

Pokkén Tournament is a fan favorites that carries over from the Wii U and it’s about to get even better. New fighters, including Aegislash—an anamorphic sword—and Blastoise—an oversized, cannon-equipped turtle—are joining the game as part of the new Battle Pack. But the fun doesn’t stop here, Nintendo is also adding support Pokémon sets, avatar items, and more.

The update will be released in two waves and is available for purchase now. The first wave will be released on January 31 and includes Aegislash and a new support set containing Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. Then, on March 23, Wave 2 will bring Blastoise—along with mythical Pokémon Mew and Celebi as a new support set.

Highlights

  • New Pokémon fighters including Aegislash and Blastoise available through two waves of paid DLC.
  • Aegislash will include both Blade and Shield forms (Wave 1). Blastoise will be available in Wave 2.
  • New support Pokémon sets including Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu (Wave 1), and Mew and Celebi (Wave 2).
  • New avatar items and more.
  • Wave 1 available January 1.
  • Wave 2 available March 23.
  • Battle pack is also available for purchase now as part of a bundle.

14 Kirby Star Allies

Everyone’s favorite pink, pillow-like hero is back to save Dream Land from a new threat. Kirby will be coming to Nintendo Switch on March 16 in Kirby Star Allies. This all new adventure from Nintendo will see Kirby gain all new abilities—such as Artist and Spider—and introduces a four-player co-op mode.

The game appears to feature the same side-scrolling gameplay users have come to expect from the franchise, but the game appears to be a fresh take that could help it become one of the more popular games available on Switch.

Highlights

  • New abilities: Artist and Spider.
  • New friend abilities: Zap Yo-Yo, Icicle Lance, Friend Throw, and more.
  • Four-player co-op mode.
  • Available March 16.

13 The World Ends with You: Final Remix

The popular action RPG was originally released for the Nintendo DS in North America in 2008. Now, a decade later, the award-winning game is making its way to the Switch.

An iOS version of the Square Enix game was brought to iOS in 2012, so the developers already had experience with single screen, touch control gameplay. With the Switch, they’re also adding Joy-Con support, all new content, and the ability to play on the TV.

The World Ends with You: Final Remix doesn’t have a set release date yet, but Nintendo says it will be available for purchase sometime this year.

Highlights

  • The critically acclaimed game from Nintendo DS comes to Nintendo Switch.
  • Traditional touch controls or new Joy-Con controls.
  • An all new scenario.
  • Available sometime this year.

12 Dragon Quest Builders

A demo of Square Enix’s sandbox RPG has arrived on Nintendo Switch. The game is sort of a Dragon Quest and Minecraft mashup and allows you to craft and build while you go on your adventure.

The game has great reviews and is likely to be a hit on the Switch. The demo is available for download now and the full version of the game is scheduled to release on February 9.

Highlights

  • A full port of the popular Square Enix game.
  • Demo available now.
  • Full game available February 9.

11 Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

Another popular game making its way to Nintendo Switch is Hyrule Warriors. In the Definitive Edition of the game players will have access to all characters, maps, and missions found in the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game—including downloadable content. Additionally, new outfits from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a two-player split screen mode will be added.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition will launch on Nintendo Switch sometime this Spring.

Highlights

  • Features every character, map, and mission from both Wii U and 3DS games (including DLC).
  • Two-player split screen.
  • New outfits from Breath of the Wild.
  • Available this spring.

10 Mario Tennis Aces

Originally available on Nintendo 64, Mario Tennis became a fan-favorite. Now Nintendo is bringing the Tennis magic to the Switch with Mario Tennis Aces. This is an all new Mario Tennis game that will feature brand new gameplay, including an all new story mode.

Story mode has been missing since the GameBoy Advance and will include new missions and bosses. Mario Tennis Aces is scheduled to launch this Spring.

Highlights

  • All new Mario Tennis game with new gameplay.
  • New Story Mode with missions.
  • Available this spring.

9 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Ys VIII is available on a number of platforms and originally launched on PS Vita. This summer, fans will be able to play the popular RPG on their Nintendo Switch via handheld or TV mode.

Highlights

  • The quick-paced RPG originally released for PS Vita is coming to Nintendo Switch.
  • Easily enjoy the game on your TV or on-the-go.
  • Available this summer.

8 Super Mario Odyssey DLC

Super Mario Odyssey is the hottest game of the year and it’s about to get even better for those who have completed the main story. In this free update, players will receive new outfits for Mario, new filters for snapshots, and an all-new online activity: Luigi’s Balloon World.

In Luigi’s Balloon World players will be able to hide balloons and find balloons hidden by other players. Luigi will finally make a non-playable appearance in the game which stars beloved characters such as Peach, Yoshi, and a 2D Donkey Kong.

Highlights

  • Free update to the popular Mario game.
  • New online activity called "Luigi’s Balloon World" will be available after beating the main story.
  • New outfits for Mario.
  • New filters for snapshots.
  • Available this February.

7 SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy

SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy brings together many SNK fighter favorites for all-new, tag-team-style battle action. This summer, assemble your team and engage in a four-player battle locally or online.

Highlights

  • Two-on-two battle action with SNK heroine favorites.
  • Fighter customization.
  • Available this summer.

If you can’t wait for the battle action to arrive, you can check out ACA Neogeo Art of Fighting 2. The classic fighter is now available on Switch and features Yuri Sakazaki—one of the playable characters slated for Tag Team Frenzy.

6 Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle DLC

This spring, Donkey Kong is making his debut as the newest playable character in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Available as DLC, the update will include a new story in a new world.

Highlights

  • Donkey Kong is a new playable character.
  • New story taking place in a Donkey Kong themed world.
  • Available this spring.

5 Payday 2

While Payday 2 isn’t a new game, like others on this list it is new to Switch. Payday 2 will be releasing this February and will feature support for HD rumble, a new playable character named Joy, and touchscreen support in the menus.

Highlights

  • The popular game is coming to Nintendo Switch.
  • Features local and online multiplayer.
  • Touchscreen navigable menus.
  • HD rumble support.
  • New exclusive character: Joy.
  • Available February 27.

4 Fe

Fe is an absolutely gorgeous new platformer coming to Nintendo Switch on February 16. It takes full advantage of the system and includes Joy-Con motion control and support for HD rumble.

Highlights

  • New platformer for Nintendo Switch.
  • Joy-Con motion controls.
  • HD rumble support.
  • Available February 16.

3 Celeste

Another platformer coming to Switch is Celeste which offers a unique modern gameplay with a retro look. The game will be quick paced and features and assist mode to let players tweak the difficulty.

Celeste will be available on January 25.

Highlights

  • Action platform with assist mode for customizable difficulty.
  • Available January 25.

2 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

If you can’t get enough Donkey Kong you’ll be pleased to hear that Donkey Kong Country is making its debut on Nintendo Switch. In Tropical Freeze players will receive access to an all new character named Funky Kong. Funky can barrel-roll through the water, trounce on spikes with his surfboard, and is overall one groovy dude.

The game will feature a two-player co-op mode and will be available May 4.

Highlights

  • The critically acclaimed adventure game is coming to Nintendo Switch.
  • New character: Funky Kong.
  • New two-player co-op mode.
  • Available May 4.

1 Dark Souls: Remastered

Dark Souls: Remastered isn’t just coming to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It’s also coming to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo showed off an epic teaser in their Direct, reminding people that the Switch is first-and-foremost a living room console. Dark Souls will be available on May 25.

Highlights

  • The popular game comes to Nintendo Switch May 25.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of games that would feel right at home on Nintendo’s latest game console. In Thursday’s direct, the gaming company showed that players have a lot to look forward to this year.

There was no word on any software updates for the platform and very limited mention of the 3DS. With 4.8 million units sold, Nintendo Switch is quickly becoming the go-to-console for both handheld and living room gaming.

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