Nintendo dropped a much-anticipated Nintendo Direct Mini this morning without any warning but following much teasing. This Direct Mini was focused on Nintendo Switch and offered a deluge of ports, downloadable content, and new games.
The Direct kicked off with The World Ends With You: Final Remix, a remaster of the cult classic DS action RPG a decade after its US release. On top of the core game, a new scenario is included to get to “the heart of the story”. When played in portable mode, battles will be playable with touch controls as on the DS and mobile port, and in TV Mode a new Joy-Con scheme will allow you to emulate the touch controls on a television. The definitive World Ends With You experience launches later in 2018.
Pokken Tournament DX is getting two new fighters in 2018, including the technical Ageslash and Blastoise. Each fighter will be accompanied by new sets of Support Pokémon. Aegeslash comes with Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu, while Blastoise includes Mew and Celebi. You can purchase the new content on the Switch eShop right now for $14.99 USD or in a new bundle with the core game for $74.99 USD. The first wave of new content launches January 31st, and the second on March 23rd.
Kirby Star Allies got a release date of March 16th along with some new copy abilities. A Spider and Artist ability give Kirby new powers, while Friend Abilities let Kirby and his allies combine abilities in new ways (such as Fire and Ice combined to make an Icicle Lance). Four player co-op is included in the tradition of recent console Kirby adventures.
Also launching in the Spring is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, combining all the content of the Wii U original and 3DS Legends port and all the DLC. In addition, new costumes for Link and Zelda based on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be included. The game runs up to 1080p in TV Mode and can be played anywhere with two player co-op. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition joins the similar Nintendo musou Fire Emblem Warriors on the Switch, also from Koei Tecmo and developer Omega Force.
Mario Tennis Aces is coming to Nintendo Switch this Spring, following up from 2015’s critically panned Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. Mario and friends sport new tennis outfits rather than their normal attire, and the game also boasts the series’ first story mode since Mario Tennis: Power Tour on Game Boy Advance, featuring boss battles, missions, and more.
Super Mario Odyssey is getting an update that introduces the online mode Balloon World, and brings back Luigi in the process. A speed run-focused activity, you’ll either hide or uncover hidden balloons from other players and race for the high scores worldwide. The update also includes new costumes and Photo Mode filters for your customization needs.
NIS America will bring the new fighter SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy to Switch this Summer. As the title implies, it’s a 2-on-2 tag team frenzy featuring SNK’s leading ladies. To actually KO opponents, you’ll use the Dream Finish move that utilized both fighters in stylish animations. Customization is also included to fashion your favorite fighters to stand out. Arcade Archives: Art of Fighting 2, the Neo Geo fighter which features Yuri Sakazaki from SNK Heroines, launches later today in North America and Europe.
The Nindie title Celeste features lavish pixel art and a platforming adventure buffered with mid-air dashing and the ability to climb any surface on Celeste Mountain (with enough stamina). An assist mode is included to tweak the difficulty to your needs. The title from Matt Makes Games launches January 25th.
The acclaimed Wii U platformer Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze will get a second wind when it launches on Switch on May 4th. On top of all the platforming challenges of the original, the port introduces playable Funky Kong, who’s designed for the needs of beginner players and those who are stumped by the more difficult levels. He can double jump, withstand spikes, and glide through the air with his trusted wave board.
The Nintendo Direct Mini closed out with a teaser for a port of Dark Souls Remastered, resurrecting the Namco Bandai favorite with all its white-knuckle difficulty and exploration. Nintendo fans will get their first taste of the popular Gothic series along with PS4, Xbox One, and PC owners on May 25th.
Other, smaller tidbits from the Nintendo Direct Mini include:
- A Dragon Quest Builders demo launches later today on the eShop ahead of its Spring release.
- Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is coming to Switch this Summer. The long-awaited RPG previously launched on PS4, PS Vita, and launches on PC this year with a new translation.
- Look who’s back, and about time too: Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle introduces Donkey Kong to the mix in a new DLC pack launching this Spring.
- Payday 2 will bring its multiplayer heists via Prime.net and a brand-new timed exclusive heist to Switch February 27th.
- EA’s Fe, as previously leaked, showed up in the Direct Mini with the inclusion of HD Rumble and a February 16th release date.
