Nintendo Direct: Summer and Fall Game Release Lineup Revealed
News|Nintendo
By Drew Bryant
June 21st, 2024, theloadoutblog.com
On Tuesday, Nintendo Direct revealed its game release outlook for this summer and moving into the fall. Many fans were hopeful that Nintendo might release some news on the much-anticipated Switch 2, but that was not the case. Instead, Nintendo revealed numerous exciting updates for beloved franchises along with a few surprise new titles right around the corner.
Adventure and RPGs
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
One of the biggest surprises of the Nintendo Direct was the reveal trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Players will be playing as Princess Zelda in a brand-new game in the legendary franchise. The new adventure with Princess Zelda will release on September 26th. Princess Zelda is the main character as Link and other people from Hyrule have gone missing after strange rifts begin to appear. Zelda must work alongside the mysterious fairy named Tri to use the “power of the Tri Rod” to create echoes—imitations of things found in the environment. This means you can make “bridges out of old beds,” use “water blocks to reach new heights,” and more. A limited edition gold-colored Nintendo Switch Lite with the Hylian Crest will arrive alongside the game.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gameplay Trailer
It’s been over seven years since we last saw Samus, and Nintendo has finally shown off gameplay for the new Metroid game. The game is slated for a 2025 window. While we didn’t learn much about her new adventure, it’s a welcome inclusion after a seven-year hiatus.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
The new adventure game for the brothers will be releasing on November 7, 2024. Their adventure will send the brothers on an island-hopping adventure on the part ship and part island called Shipshape Island. On their travels, Mario and Luigi will visit rainforests, cities, and more, while running into Peach, Bowser, and other notable favorites from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Dragon Quest HD Remakes
The much-anticipated Dragon Quest HD remakes are coming to Switch this year and in 2025. Dragon Quest 3 HD will be released on November 14, and the two prequel games (Dragon Quest 1 & 2) will be released sometime in 2025. Dragon Quest 3 is the beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy storyline, allowing players to start the journey on a quest to save the world from the dark forces of the evil Archfiend Baramos.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has a January 16, 2025 release date, complete with 2 player co-op, 80 levels from the original Wii, additional stages from the 3DS version, and much more.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
You will be able to head back to Luigi’s Mansion on June 27, 2024, and Nintendo shared one more look at the spooky gameplay and awesome mechanics of Luigi’s Mansion 2.
Fantasian
Fantasian, a mobile game from the creator of Final Fantasy, Sakaguchi Hironobu and Mistwalker, is being ported and given a Switch release this holiday season as Fantasian Neo Dimension. The title will feature Japanese and English voice overs and additional difficulty settings.
Tales Of The Shire: A Lord Of The Rings Game
Immerse yourself in the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in this adventure where you create your own Hobbit and live your life fishing, gardening, cooking, building your home, and making friendships.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
In this new Hello Kitty game, players must restore a mysterious island while befriending characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll.
Denpa Man
On July 22, you will be able to experience this unique game that allows you to decorate your island, fish, play against your friends, and much more.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
Phantom Brave: The Last Hero is a grid-less tactical turn-based RPG set for release sometime in 2025. You play as a gifted young girl who can speak to Phantoms. She and her phantom companion named Ash will join her across the ocean world of Ivoire on her quest to stop the ghost pirates.
Farmigia
From the creator of Fairy Tail and Rave Master, Hiro Mashima collaborates with Marvelous to bring fans Farmigia, a new game about farming and monsters. Grow your army of monsters and take a stand against a despotic overlord on November 1.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy has you jump into the shoes of Takumi Sumino, who must protect his school from the School invaders for 100 days. Along the way, Takumi will interact with 15 of his companions who are all trying to “reclaim their lost everyday lives.”
Romancing Saga 2
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is getting the full remake treatment on October 24, 2024, complete with English voiceovers, original and rearranged compositions from series composer Kenji Ito, and more.
Fairy Tail 2
Fairy Tail 2 will let players experience the retelling of the Alvarez Empire Arc from Fairy Tail, which also happens to be the final chapter. Join Natsu and his friends on this action-RPG from KOEI Tecmo and Gust when Fairy Tail 2 hits the Switch this November.
Platformers and Party Games
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The brand-new Mario Party game is headed to the Switch on October 7, 2024. It will take place on an enormous island resort and feature five new game boards, over 110 minigames, a Koopathlon mode that supports over 20 players, and so much more.
Lego: Horizon Adventures
Nintendo showed off Lego: Horizon Adventures at the Direct. Look for this game this holiday season on the Switch.
Disney Illusion Island
Grab Mickey and his friends and embark on a new journey of intrigue in Disney Illusion Island’s Mystery in this free update. You will need to help out Dash the Dolphin locate clues, close cases, and more.
Looney Toons Wacky World Of Sports
Get ready to jump into the shoes of your favorite Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Roadrunner, and Elmer Fudd as you play wacky versions of baseball, basketball, soccer, and more. During your games, you will travel to places such as Galactic Outpost Delta, Porky’s Barn, and Martian Command Center.
Fighting and Strategy Games
Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection
Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection brings all the arcade classics under one roof. Games included will be X-Men Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and The Punisher under one roof. It will be released in late 2024 and includes the original songs from the arcade releases, development docs, and never-before-seen art.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded brings tower defense to the Slug franchise. The game will feature beginner-friendly controls with its signature retro 2D look. This game lets you build your army from hundreds of characters to fight through the hordes of enemies you will face.
Darkest Dungeon 2
Darkest Dungeon 2 will be dropping you into a world of terror on July 15, 2024. Switch players will be able to use touch controls, customize player difficulty, discover 10 pets, and explore the progression hub known as The Altar of Hope. There will also be an Oblivion Edition that includes The Binding Blade DLC and its two new heroes, special questline, and more.
MIO: Memories In Orbit
Fans of the blended gameplay of a Metroidvania title should look no further than Memories In Orbit (MIO). The game takes place on a gigantic and derelict spaceship that is “teeming with lush vegetation and machines gone rogue.” You play as an android named MIO who will unlock abilities to survive this ship simply known as the Vessel.
Classic and Casual Games
Switch Online Additions
As of today, these classic games will be available on Nintendo Switch Online: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
Nintendo World Championships
Nintendo World Championships is set to release on July 18 and will feature 150 speedrunning challenges from 13 NES titles.
Nintendo Switch Sports: Basketball Update
Nintendo Switch Sports fans will be happy to see that basketball will be added in a free summer update. Players will be able to compete in a three-point challenge and multiplayer modes of five streak battle and three-point contest. You will be able to use motion controls to shoot your shot in this potentially addicting hoop game.
Stray (Switch Version)
This popular cat adventure game will be heading over to the Switch this holiday season, taking players on a journey to escape a long-forgotten cyber city.
Among Us Update
Among Us will be adding new crew members and perks with its next update. The Tracker will be able to track other players on the map, the Noisemaker will sound an alarm when players have been eliminated, and the Phantom imposter can turn invisible.
