Nintendo’s 2018 Line Up Has Grown

Nintendo has just passed the first year of the Nintendo Switch, and it is immensely popular. However, both the Mario and Zelda series have already had games on the Switch, and the 2018 lineup is looking pretty small currently. But Nintendo has decided to rectify that problem, as well as announce a few game for the rapidly dying 3DS.

WarioWare Gold

The first game shown is a new WarioWare game coming to the 3DS. it will feature both new and old microgames, and has the largest amount in the series with 300 games. You play these games by pressing buttons, tilting the 3DS, using the touchscreen, and using the microphone. WarioWare Gold will be released on August 3rd.

Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers

In this game, action meets racing meets tower defense. And taking the Sonic Forces route, you partner up with your animalized Mii character. The demo of the game will be available on May 10th, and the full game will be released two weeks later on May 24th.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey

The next Mario and Luigi game to get the HD treatment is Bowser’s Inside Story. It will be the same story and gameplay as the original, but with updates. But similar to the Superstar Saga remake, it comes with a new mode. This will have you following the behind the scenes story of Bowser Jr. However, you’ll be waiting to play this for a while, as it comes out in 2019.

Detective Pikachu

The news we got today is the same as we’ve heard before, with a talking Pikachu investigating the recent strange behavior of many Pokemon. Both the game and an extra large detective Pikachu amiibo will launch on March 23rd.

Luigi’s Mansion

The original Gamecube classic, Luigi’s Mansion, has been remade for the 3DS. Joining Dark Moon, you can now play both Luigi’s Mansion games on the 3DS. When you explore the mansion, the map will now be displayed on the bottom screen. There will also be a new boss rush mode, where you can face previously defeated bosses. We don’t know a specific date, but the remake will be available this year.

Kirby Star Allies

Kirby Star Allies releases this week, and we’re still learning more things about it. This time we learned that you’re able to partner up with fan favorite characters like King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee. And, you’ll be able to play with more friends as they’re added in free post-launch updates. The first update will include Rick, Kine, and Coo from Kirby’s Dreamland 2. It will also have Marx from Kirby Superstar, and Gooey from Kirby’s Dreamland 3. The first free update will be available on March 28th.

Okami HD

The japanese folklore inspired game, Okami, returns in HD to the Switch. You overcome challenges by using different brush techniques. In handheld mode, you can use the touchscreen, and otherwise you can use the motion controls. Okami HD will be available this summer on the Switch.

Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido

One of the weirdest games in this direct, you play in a world where sushi is outlawed, and you fight against an evil empire with sushi conveyor belt combat. You match up the same sushi, and then throw it at your opponent to do damage. There’s also a multiplayer mode between different Switch consoles online. This game will be released on June 8th.

Octopath Traveler

Square Enix’s new game, Project Octopath Traveler, has been given a new name by dropping the Project. We were also show two new characters. The first is the merchant Tressa. Her special ability is that she can purchase things, so she can gain special items from townsfolk. The next character is the apothecary Alfyn. He can use his ability, inquire, to learn things other characters wouldn’t be able to learn. And in battle, characters can gain a second job so they can use different moves. Octopath Traveler will be released on July 13th this year.

Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes

Travis Touchdown is able to travel into and fight his way through different video game worlds. There’s an action game, a racing game, a puzzle game, and four other titles. At the end of each game, you’ll have to fight a brutal boss. There’s also co-op multiplayer. This game will release sometime this year.

Dark Souls Remastered

For the most part we were just shown Dark Souls on the Switch, but there were two big announcements. The first is that there will be a network test on the Switch before launch. The second is that there will be a Solaire of Astora amiibo released, so you can perform the praise the sun gesture. Both the game and the amiibo will be released on May 25th.

Mario Tennis Aces

The newest Mario tennis game has a lot more information, including that it has a roster of over 15 characters. We know of Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Peach, Rosalina, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Chain Chomp, Yoshi, Daisy, Donkey Kong, Toad, Toadette, and Boo. You are able to have up to four players in a match at the same time.

When it comes to hitting the ball, there’s more to it than you’d think. There are basic shots, top spins, slices, and lobs. There’s also a new zone shot, which lets you pinpoint the exact spot you want to aim at by using motion controls. But if you’re hit by zone shots three times, your racket will break, forcing you to lose the match. But you can block these shots, which means you’ll send the ball back and your racket will be fine.

There’s also zone speed, which allows you to rush to reach a ball on the other side. However, to use any zone move you must use up some of your power gauge, which you can replenish by playing normally. There’s also the new trick shot, which if timed right can get you to a ball far away. If you hit the ball, your meter will go up a lot, but it’ll go down a lot if you miss.

And finally, if you fill your gauge up fully, you an use a special shot. These are much stronger and can break a racket in one hit, but they can still be blocked, so watch out.

But if you don’t want anything to fancy, you can turn on simple rules, making it so you can only use basic shots.

Mario Tennis Aces will also have online multiplayer, with both your friends and random players. There will also be online events and tournaments. For this matchmaking, it will be based off of your record in the event. As a participation bonus in these events, you’ll get new outfits and new characters.

Using the motion controls, you can play in swing mode. This allows you to use the joycon like a tennis racket, which will bring back memories of using the wiimote the same way.

There will also be a story mode, which will add level specific twists and boss fights.

You’ll be able to pick up the game on June 22nd. And as the launch approaches, a one on one online tournament will be held, with more details coming in the future.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Yes, another Wii U game is being ported over to the Switch, but it’s still incredibly fun. And this time, you’ll be able to play the original levels, as well as new levels inspired by Super Mario Odyssey. On the Switch, you’ll be able to play multiplayer, with one person being Captain Toad, and the other shooting turnips. But Captain Toad will also be ported onto the 3DS, and both games will release on July 13th.

Undertale

The hit game Undertale will also be making its way to the Switch…eventually.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Finally, Nintendo players will be able to experience the first three Crash Bandicoot games when the updated N. Sane Trilogy comes to the Switch. This will allow all the controller smashing gameplay the series is known for to be taken on the go.

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition

Little Nightmares is a horror puzzle game, where you can play two campaigns as either Six or The Kid, and face their fears across eight levels. This game will be released on May 18th.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Yes, a South Park game is coming to a Nintendo console. It is the full uncut original, which you’ll now be able to play on the go on April 24th.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

We have a release date, and that is May 18th of this year.

Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is the game that keeps on giving, with multiple new announcements. The first is Rank X, the highest level in Ranked mode to go to after you fill up S+. You’ll be able to get this high if you use the 100+ new pieces of gear that will also be released with it. And you can use this gear on new and returning stages like Piranha Pit, Camp Triggerfish, and the new Wahoo World. When it comes to single player items, there’s lots for that too. Once you meet certain conditions, Callie will hang out with Marie in Octo Canyon.

Biggest of all, there’s a new story mode on the way. This involves you playing as Agent 8, who is an Octoling. You explore the subways with help from Pearl and Marina, facing much more difficult challenges than in the base story mode. And, after beating that mode you’ll be able to play as an Octoling in the main game and online. The DLC, called Octo Expansion, will release for $20 this summer.

Super Smash Bros.

The biggest announcement of the Direct, we will be getting Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo Switch in 2018! Not only that, but the Inklings will be playable characters, and Link is now being used as the Breath of the Wild version, meaning this could be Mario from Odyssey. Either way, I’m insanely hyped and will update you once more information is revealed.