When this latest Nintendo Direct was confirmed as being an hour long, I did wonder what they could possibly have to make it that long. That was reasoning, of course, without a Mario section to celebrate the 40th anniversary with various announcements. The first twenty minutes were all about that, with the rest being a normal Direct full of various other announcements. This is all of what interested me from the Direct.
Starting off with the Mario stuff, the first of the trailers was to announce the name of the next Mario movie. Officially known as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it will be coming in April. I loved the first Mario movie for its delightful interpretation of the world of Mario. With this second, it seems the world beyond will be explored. Many elements of the Galaxy games will be here, it was said, but this is still continuing to incorporate many elements from across the history of Mario games.
Speaking of the Galaxy name, it was confirmed that both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be releasing early next month on 2/October. While I’m not the fondest of these two games, they were still fun adventures to play through. I’ll keep an eye on them, seeing how things might have changed from the original releases. And even from 3D All-Stars.
Other announcements for the Mario section of the Direct included Super Mario Bros. Wonder getting a Switch 2 Edition that adds a multiplayer section to it. A new Mario Tennis is coming, with an adventure mode where the characters are turned into babies and have to relearn all the tennis skills they’ve lost. And a new Yoshi game with yet another great artstyle. It’s one I’m curious on, though I will wait for more on it.
The regular Direct had plenty of announcements to enjoy, with the leak about three 7 games being true. The first, perhaps expectedly, was Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade making its way onto Switch 2 in January. The last announcement of the Direct was Resident Evil 9, but then it was also confirmed 7 and 8 would also be arriving on the same date as the new one. As for the last of the sevens…
Dragon Quest VII is being remade for the Switch 2! This is one of the only main Dragon Quest entries I’ve ever played before completing the HD-2D Remake of III. I enjoyed what I played of it on 3DS, though back then it couldn’t hold my attention for long. With a new appreciation for the main series games, I’m certain that with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, I’ll be seeing its story through to the end. Just unfortunate, with a date of 5/February-2026, that it’s so close to the I + II HD-2D remakes.
In what’s perhaps a rather bizarre announcement, Nintendo confirmed that Virtual Boy was being added to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass classic consoles. And an accessory will be released that allows you to relive using one. Even more weird is that, even with just 14 games released for it, they’re drip-feeding them onto the Classics app. I’m sure it’s worth a look at some point, just for sating the curiosity of experiencing them.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream showed off a bit more gameplay, with the ability to pick the Miis up when they’re outside to bring them into contact with other Miis. The general weirdness of the series was included here, with things such a Mii shaking a tree and many mini Miis falling out of it. I’m very much looking forward to having another one of these to experience, with it releasing some time in Spring next year.
PowerWash Simulator 2 was showcased here, showing off stuff we’ve already known. Such as the new equipment useable during jobs and the ability to decorate your own house. The first game I completed on the Switch, since it being handheld allowed me to spend many hours cleaning in bed. So the second game I’ll be getting on Switch 2 when it comes later this year.
Coming today is Lynked: Banner of the Spark. I’ve been curious about this one since seeing it elsewhere. Described as a roguelife game, there’s a lot of roguelike combat systems in play, with the downtime from battles served by building up a town. It’s been released on other consoles for a while now, but with the Switch 2 version now confirmed and already out, I’ll be having a play of it for sure.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins was confirmed to be releasing on the Switch 2. Though the more interesting news is the Zelda-based spin-off has been dated. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be released 6/November, with a few new combat options shown off. Such as using the Zonai devices from Tears of the Kingdom. And fighting through enemy waves as a Korok. I have an urge to play Age of Calamity again now I know the date of the new one.
And lastly, Pokémon news. Legends: Z-A had a trailer showing off the various Mega Evolutions that will be in the game, including those of the Kalos starters. They looked fine enough to me. Also announced for Legends: Z-A is an expansion. Not a lot is known about Mega Dimension other than Hoopa being involved. And the fact Raichu has two Mega Evolutions in Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y. Both of which look snazzy.
Megas are good, but I know I’m getting Legends: Z-A anyway. I don’t need to see more. So the other announcement of the Pokémon section was more interesting. A city-builder spin-off. Named Pokopia, we’re playing as a Ditto which has disguised itself as a human. As more Pokémon come together, new ways to expand the town become available. There’s a lot to this, it seems, and it’s one I’ll most definitely be getting to when it releases sometime next year.
There was plenty of other stuff throughout the Direct, such as the fact Kirby Air Riders is getting a second dedicated Direct, DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza which allows exploration of DK’s home, and a long awaited date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. For me, this was a great Direct. It showcased a lot to look forward to, even if it didn’t answer my wish for a Midtown Madness collection. Ah, well. Maybe next time.
Images Taken From:
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Official Title Announcement | Nintendo UK
–Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 blasts off October 2nd! | Nintendo UK
DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined launches February 5th | Nintendo UK
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment arrives November 6th | Nintendo UK
