Nintendo Direct (March 2018) Switch Announcements

The Nintendo Direct (March 2018) gave us quite a few great announcements, and instead of compiling all of the announcements into one heap, we’ve decided to split them up between Switch and 3DS announcements.

So if you’d like to know what was announced for the 3DS, we’ll provide a link to the article later today.

But enough about that, let’s get into the good stuff…

 

Note: All announcements and release dates are from the North American Nintendo Direct (March 2018). We will also be sure to update the trailers as they are officially released.

 

Kirby: Star Allies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odLyNTlLbZ4

Reiterating that Kirby: Star Allies launches next week, Nintendo showed off that you can even befriend King Dedede, Meta Knight and Bandana Waddle Dee. There will also be future updates to befriend other characters from past Kirby games, such as: Rick & Kine & Coo (Kirby’s Dream Land 2), Marx (Kirby Super Star) and Gooey (Kirby’s Dream Land 3).
Release Date: March 16th (First Free Update March 28th)

 

Okami HD

This beautiful cult classic is making its way to the Nintendo Switch and we couldn’t be happier! Okami HD takes place is ancient Japan with a stunning visual art style. This version allows for touch screen controls in handheld mode and JoyCon controls is TV and Tabletop mode.
Release Date: Summer 2018

 

Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido

After the bitter sushi struggles, raised in a world where sushi is forbidden, Musashi aims to defeat the empire and topple the sushi monopoly. This new IP has you eating more and more sushi to combine colors in conveyor belt action. There are also local multiplayer and online modes.
Release Date: June 8

 

Octopath Traveler

We finally got to learn new information about this new Square-Enix JRPG, and a title: Octopath Traveler… We kind of expected that.
They showed off three news items:
New characters:
Tressa: the Merchant traveling to gain experience in her job. Her path action is Purchase, which allows her to obtain special items from townsfolk.
Alfyn: the Apothecary, he sets out to heal those across the continent. His path action is Inquire, which allows him to worm out new info from townsfolk that other characters can’t.
You can combine jobs in battle to build strategic depth. All characters start out with a base job, but they can equip an additional job in battle. This adds an entire new level of depth.
Special edition is also available with a pop-up book, map, a replica coin based on the in-game currency and the soundtrack.
Release Date: July 13th

 

Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes

As we finally got to see gameplay, this game looks as crazy as ever. It takes a much more top down view than its predecessors, and takes place in the classic console The Death Drive Mk II. Travis wonders into the game world, with an action game, racing and puzzle in which he can explore and run a muck. This game also has a neat touch of mimicking a classic 4:3 aspect ratio, with a neat border on the sides. With local-multiplayer and an action-packed single player, this game is a must for the Switch!
Release Date: 2018

 

Dark Souls: Remastered

This new trailer showed some gameplay footage running on the Nintendo Switch, and it looks as crisp as ever! There is also a network test coming soon for newcomers. With a whole new Solaire of Astora amiibo, this lets you perform the Praise the Sun gesture with reckless abandon!
Release Date: May 25th

 

Reminder about Using Gold Coins on My Nintendo

Credit: Nintendo Life

In case you didn’t know, you can now use Gold Coins on My Nintendo for credit when purchasing Switch games.

Mario Tennis: Aces

With more than 15 playable characters, this game refines the tennis gameplay. You have the Basic Shot, Topspin, Slice and Lob.
You can even aim with Zone Shot that allows you to use motion controls that will cause damage to your opponent’s racket and allows you to pinpoint a spot on your opponent’s side of the court. If they take more than three hits, it’s in instant KO. But don’t sweat, you can block Zone Shots with Block.
Using Zone Speed uses slow motion allowing you to block Zone Shots. These abilities require the use of some of your energy gauge that replenishes over time or by using Trick Shots. However, you may waste energy with the Trick Shot, or even miss the ball, so make sure you use it wisely!
With the Special Shot, unleash a devastating shot that can turn the tide, but be careful, it uses A LOT of energy.
If this all sounds a bit much for you, there is also a Simple Rules mode with classic rules that we know and love.
There will be online support with tournaments and exclusive unlockables (such as special in-game outfits and additional characters), so make sure you go online and play against friends and others around the world.
With the brand new Swing Mode, you can use the JoyCon like a tennis racket and play with motion controls (Wii Sports flashbacks!).
There is also a Pre-Launch Online Tournament with details coming at a later date, so stay tuned for that!
Release Date: June 22nd

 

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Following the Wii U port train, this adorable game is coming to the Switch. This version contains a New Donk City level that looks simply amazing! By playing co-op with friends by Sharing the Joy, the other player can support Captain Toad with turnip cover fire.
Release Date: July 13th

 

Undertale

The cult indie classic is coming to the Nintendo Switch! A lot of people have been clambering for Undertale to come to the Switch, and it is finally happening… eventually.
Release Date: Eventually (seriously, that’s what they said!)

 

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

The original Crash trilogy is making its way to a Nintendo system for the very first time! There has been a lot of rumblings about this game coming to the Switch, but it’s nice to have confirmation.
Release Date: July 10th

 

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition

The Puzzle platformer is making its way to the Nintendo Switch, complete with two haunting tales. With complex 3D puzzles and an ominous visual art style, this game is one to look out for. This complete edition comes out with all past DLC and the Switch exclusive Paku mask obtained by scanning the Pac-Man amiibo.
Release Date: May 18th

 

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

We all expected as much, but now we finally have confirmation that Ubisoft is bringing this game to the Nintendo Switch. You can also purchase the Season Pass version that comes with all past and upcoming DLC.
Release Date: April 24th

 

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

We finally have a release date for the Wii U hit, and it is…
Release Date: May 18th

 

Arms

There is an Arms US & Canada Online Open, taking place right now! There is also a 3-day Global Test Punch for those who have yet to make the buy and are on the fence.

 

Splatoon 2

With update version 3.0, we are getting 100+ new pieces of gear, more stages (Pirhanna Pit, Camp Triggerfish and Wahoo World) and Rank X, which is an extreme rank even higher than S+. More details on that at a later date.
With a brand new wacky trailer, we learned about something called Octo Expansion. This is the first paid DLC, with a whole new single-player campaign. Having lost her memories, Agent 8 has to make her way through an Underground Subway. You can also soon play as an Octoling online! Those who pre-purchase will also gain new costumes.
Release Date: Summer 2018

 

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch

The Inklings are coming to Super Smash Bros.! wait… Super Smash Bros. is coming to the Nintendo Switch!
Release Date: 2018

 

What a haul! It’s amazing to see so many games coming to the Switch, and we finally have a Super Smash Bros. confirmation! This Nintendo Direct (March 2018) came with enough announcements to keep us satisfied until E3… hopefully. We’ll be sure to cover E3 and any Directs that may possibly come before then.

If you’d like to see what was announced for the Nintendo 3DS in this Nintendo Direct (March 2018), then click here for a full rundown.

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