If you thought a month was going to go by without a Nintendo Direct, you thought wrong! Announced a mere 24 hours ago, this Direct will focus on third-party titles and last about 25 minutes. It will focus on games launching in the next year, which I love because I’m incredible impatient. Let’s dig in!
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
When mankind is consumed by darkness and the land falls into chaos, the Archdemon of the Abyss shall rise from the Earth. They come rushing here in a desperate attempt to survive. Both beast and man have more in common than they think. This DLC is for Monster Hunter Rise, and available to purchase on June 30. There are also a handful of free updates coming; the first drops in August and includes Seething Bazelgeuse, Lucent Nargacyga, and a new locale. Later this year will come two more updates, both including new monsters. There will also be updates in 2023.
NieR Automata: The End of the YoRHa Edition
The battle to reclaim Earth begins. In 5012 AD, machine lifeforms have overwhelmed the planet, causing civilization to collapse and humans to take refuge on the moon. Helped by an android squad known as YoRHa, the humans are ready to stand against the invaders. 2B (a battle android) and 9S (a scanner android) are two of the squad’s key members. NieR Automata is the sequel to NieR, and finally got people to notice the original game. It’s also one of our favourites here at DDNet, so read our review here (subtitled “the greatest game ever made”). This version of the game comes with previously-release content, including additional modes and costumes. There will also be new costumes exclusive to this Nintendo Switch version. NieR Automata: The End of the YoRHa Edition will launch for Nintendo Switch on October 6. Pre-order open today via the eShop.
Lorelai and the Laser Eyes
A maze of deceptions. A murder mystery. (I like where this is going!) A palace of memories. Immersed yourself in surreal riddles, in a chilling story. This game is a modern take on puzzle-adventure games. It’s a Nintendo Switch timed console exclusive, and will be released next year.
Super Bomberman R 2
A new Boberman game is coming! This time, it features a new mode: Castle Mode. A team of up to 15 players must blast their way to a treasure chest while a single defending player tries to hold them off. Create and share your own battle stations. It’s a real blast! Super Bomberman R 2 will be released for Nintendo Switch next year.
Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection
Ten Megaman Battle Network games originally released for Game Boy Advance are coming to Nintendo Switch in the Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection. Control Megaman in grid-based combat, and use battle chips to gain abilities. Outside of the game, there is a gallery with hundreds of illustrations and a music mode containing over 150 songs. The collection will be launched for Nintendo Switch next year, and will also be sold as Part 1 and Part 2.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac
A remake of Pac-Man World is coming! Pac-Man’s family has been kidnapped (!) and he sets off for Ghost Island to rescue them. This game isn’t just about eating dots: throw the dots at enemies, roll around, butt bounce, and more. The gameplay includes everything from high-speed chases to galactic escapades. Save you family! Pam-Man World Re-Pac will be released for Nintendo Switch on August 26.
Blanc
A fawn and a wolf cub must work together to find a way home across the snowy wilderness. The artwork on this game is absolutely incredible (and hand-crafted). The friends must coordinate with each other to solve environmental puzzles and navigate this frigid world. This game is completely text-free. Co-op can be played locally or online. Blanc is a Nintendo Switch console exclusive and will be released in February 2023.
Return to Monkey Island
Set deep in the Caribbean, this game follows someone with pirating in his blood. He’s got scrapbooks. He’s got stories. This, though, is the story of the time he finally found Monkey Island. A new adventure begins as a secret basically begs to be uncovered. Return to Monkey Island will be released as a Nintendo Switch timed console exclusive later this year.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Mario and the Rabbids are heading to space! Space is in trouble when otherworldly enemies suddenly appear with a goal of taking the energy of Sparks. The battles are turn-based, and initiated when an enemy is encountered. Players can freely move about within their character’s range before using a weapon. Mario can dash, Rabbid Rosalina can also dash, and Rapid Luigi? You guessed he: he dashes too! Then he unleashes disruptor time. This combination allows for multiple enemies to be wiped out in one turn. The key to victory is how players assemble their team and navigate the battlefield. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope will be released for Nintendo Switch on October 20. Pre-orders open today via the eShop.
Little Noah: Scion of Paradise
During a storm, a young alchemist named Noah crashes into ruins. The ruins change every time the player enters. Recruit Lilliputs allies to stand a chance against the enemies lurking about. Create combos and unleash massive elemental attacks. Little Noah: Scion of Paradise will be released for Nintendo Switch later today
Railgrade
Railgrade is what it sounds like, a train management sim. Build systems to efficiently move cargo and help restore economic prosperity to an industrial colony. Complete tasks to prepare cargo for shipping. Railgrade will be released for Nintendo Switch “this fall,” which likely falls into Q4 2022.
RPG Time! The Legend of Wright
Join aspiring game creator Kenta in this hand-drawn adventure to save the world. The game takes place in Kenta’s notebook, where players must draw, erase, and solve puzzles. RPG Time! The Legend of Wright launches for Nintendo Switch on August 18. Pre-orders open today via the eShop.
Sonic Frontiers
Sonic’s latest adventure kicks off on the Starfall Islands, home to a mysterious civilization. Dash through the open world as much as you please, taking advantage of Sonic’s skills. Lock onto enemies to attack, and chain attacks to create combos. Acquire new skills. There’s also a special zone called cyberspace, where players can take on high-speed challenges and grab keys to progress. Sonic Frontier will be released for Nintendo Switch “this holiday,” which I find generally falls between American Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Dreamlight Valley used to be an idyllic place where Disney and Pixar characters lived in harmony… until The Forgetting turned this dream into a nightmare. Now it’s up to the player to help residents recover their lost memories and reveal the secrets that brought them to Dreamlight Valley to begin with. This game is described as a life sim, where players will explore and forge bonds with both heroes and villains. Everyone has their own story. There is also fishing, farming, and cooking. Disney Dreamlight Valley launches in Early Access for the Nintendo Switch on September 6.
Live a Live
Live a Live is finally nearly here! It features different stories with different protagonists and different gameplay. A demo with the start of three chapters (Imperial China, Twilight of Edo Japan, and The Distant Future) will be available via the eShop later today. Save data will be transferrable to the full game. Live a Live will be released for Nintendo Switch on July 22.
Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom
Doraemon and friends land on an unknown planet and decide to help a new friend fulfill his dreams by farming! Till the fields, plant seeds, harvest crops, and tend to the animals. Players can even take advantage of Doraemon’s special gadgets. Relax by spending time with friends, enjoying delicious meals, or fishing. With local play, players and a friend can play together to build a ranch. Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom will be released for Nintendo Switch later this year.
Minecraft Legends
The world of Minecraft meets action-strategy gameplay. A beautiful land surrounded by rich nature, is invaded by enemies from another dimension. Team up with allies to fight against a monstrous force. Minecraft Legends will be released for Nintendo Switch next year.
Dragon Quest Treasures
Two siblings dream of finding treasure from around the world. Venture to Draconia to become legendary treasure hunters. In this Dragon Quest spin-off, recruit new monsters to join you on an adventure. Collect riches to expand your base and increase your treasure hunting ability. Dragon Quest Treasures will be released for Nintendo Switch on December 9.
A list of other games for Nintendo Switch
- Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (available now)
- No Man’s Sky (October 7, 2022)
- A Plague Tale: Requiem – Cloud Version (October 18, 2022)
- Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions (July 28, 2022)
Portal Companion Collection
Welcome to Aperture Laboratory, which means it must be time for Portal! Your participation is both appreciated and required. There might even be cake! Portal Companion Collection will be released for Nintendo Switch later today.
Harvestella
Huh, this looks interesting! This is a brand-new life-sim RPG. Farm, cook, craft, forage, and meet the townsfolk. The seasons gently flow into each other, each with its own look and colour palette. However, the season of death is coming: Quietus. Crops wither and life is threatened. Try to find a way to stop the season of death from occurring and creating havoc. The fate of the village is on you. Harvestella will be released for Nintendo Switch on November 4.
Persona 5 Royal / Persona 4 Golden / Persona 3 Portable
Mission: start! But are you ready? Persona 5 Royal will be released for Nintendo Switch on October 21. Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable will be released at a later date.
Watch the whole showcase
