Nintendo Direct Mini 1/11/2018 Summary

Nintendo fans have been thirsty for a new Nintendo Direct presentation, and the company obliged this morning with little warning beforehand. This Nintendo Direct Mini was centered around the Switch, showing owners of the popular gaming platform what titles await them over the next few months. The entire video can be seen below, followed by a summary of the biggest reveals.

NINTENDO DIRECT MINI 1/11/2018 SUMMARY

It was safely assumed beforehand that the upcoming Kirby Star Allies, which was announced at last year’s E3, would receive a new trailer in the next Direct, but no one foresaw that the next Mario Tennis title would join it. Mario Tennis Aces brings back the missed “Story Mode” from the portable entries, and Mario and the gang are even dressing up appropriately for the sport for a change. Aces launches this spring, when it will hopefully redeem the series’ reputation.

Regarding third-parties, Electronic Arts’ Nordic-themed Fe will come on February 16. Another platformer, Matt Makes Games’ Celeste, will let you climb dangerous mountains on February 27. NIS is also bringing a treasured JRPG series over, with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, which launches sometime this summer. And SNK fans have another crossover to anticipate for the summer, with the SNK HEROINES ~Tag Team Frenzy~ fighting game. (Incidentally, a memorable SNK fighter was released today for the eShop.)

Similarly, three Switch titles – Super Mario Odyssey, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Pokkén Tournament DX – are receiving downloadable content. Odyssey’s is free, and it will add a new “Balloon World” minigame to the package along with new Snapshot filters and outfits for Mario. Ubisoft’s crossover, meanwhile, is giving the prime primate Donkey Kong his own story campaign, decked out with Donkey Kong Country Returns-inspired iconography. Finally, the Pokemon spin-off with catch two DLC Waves through its Battle Pack. The first Wave, available on the 31st, adds Aegislash to the playable roster, with Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu assists. The second will arrive on March 23 and will add Blastoise to the playable lineup with the mythical Mew and Celebi as additional supports.

While a few of the games Nintendo showcased aren’t exactly new, this will be the first time they’re playable on a portable system. First off, Nintendo’s 2014 Wii U hit Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is coming to the Switch on May 4. Younger, less experienced players will be tended to in this iteration of the side-scroller, with the lovable surfboard-riding Funky Kong scoring his own mode. Likewise, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition will bring the Zelda-themed musou brawler to the Switch this spring, packed with all of the content from the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions plus two exclusive Breath of the Wild costumes for Link and Zelda.

Bandai Namco will publish Dark Souls: Remastered, allowing Nintendo fans to acquaint themselves with an improved version of one of last generation’s most seminal titles. Square Enix, however, will be bringing a revision of a Nintendo DS classic; The World Ends with You: Final Remix will offer higher quality visuals in addition to a brand-new epilogue. Finally, 505 Games will release Payday 2 for the Switch on February 27.