Nintendo Direct February 2023: All major announcements and trailers

Nintendo held its live event, early Thursday, showcasing a slew of games launching in the first half of 2023. The nearly 45-minute presentation was streamed live on the company’s social media channels and featured most of the major IPs, including new trailers for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4 and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Among the new announcements, Nintendo is finally remastering the original Metroid Prime, bringing an all-new journey to its acclaimed racing title Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and more. Beyond that, the company has made retro Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games available on the Nintendo Online subscription service.

Without further ado, here’s a list of the biggest video game announcements from the first Nintendo Direct event of 2023:

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe to Hogwarts Legacy, the 8 Biggest Games Launching in February

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom new trailer and price

Release date: May 12

One of this year’s most anticipated games, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sends series protagonist Link back to the world of Hyrule, though it looks more daunting this time around. As an infectious plague grips the lands, we discover new types of enemies, ranging from Wyvern-like creatures, a one-eyed boar-like ogre, and what appears to be a boss fight against a giant made up of rune blocks. There’s not much to discover in terms of plot here, but we do see the new skywalking mechanics, as this time we explore the floating islands. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is also said to be the first Nintendo Switch exclusive to cost $70 (roughly Rs. 5,785).

Metroid Prime Remastered

While Nintendo is still tight-lipped about the existence of a Metroid 4, the company has now announced Metroid Prime Remastered. And guess what? The Digital Edition is now available on Nintendo eShop! Originally released on Nintendo’s old GameCube system, this new revamped version adds dual-stick controls that make it easier to navigate with the ability to switch viewpoints. Additionally, there is an in-game control setting that “recreates the feel of the original game”. The physical editions of Metroid Prime Remastered will be released on February 22.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Demo and Epilogue

Release date: February 24

Ahead of its launch later this month, Nintendo has announced a new epilogue for Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Accessible after completing the main story, you play as the interdimensional traveler Magalore, who has lost his magical powers. The epilogue features an all-new map, in which players collect magic points by clearing over 20 levels, ultimately restoring Magalore’s abilities to their original state. Additionally, the company has also made a free demo available on the Nintendo eShop.

Advanced Wars 1+2 Release Date: Re-Boot Camp

Release date: April 21

With a newly redesigned style for the Nintendo Switch, Advance Wars returns with its main cast of Andy, Max, Sammy and more as you strategically defend the lands in a military-style turn-based combat system . Think of it like Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, but characters can help repair machines and increase abilities. Players can also design their own maps and share them with friends, in addition to participating in a Versus mode for head-to-head competitions, both online and local. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp was originally slated for release in 2021.

Pikmin 4 release date

Release date: July 21

Along with getting a July 21 release date, the highly anticipated Pikmin 4 received a gameplay close-up during the Nintendo Direct presentation. The trailer offered a glimpse of the tiny, nameless new player character, as they command around Pikmin’s tiniest floral species to help them solve puzzles and defeat bosses in the backyard. We are also introduced to a friendly dog ​​named Otachi, who is adept at breaking barriers and pulling giant carcasses.

Splatoon 3 Expansion

Release date: Spring 2023

It’s time to splash some more color on the gray metropolitan Splatsville via the new Expansion Pass, which adds two waves of Splatoon 3 DLC content. The first launches during American Spring and adds the Inkopolis map, a location from the original Splatoon, bringing with it Inkopolis Square, shopping and the occasional Squid Sisters concert. The trailer then shifts to a darker theme, highlighted by a dark, snowy location, introducing a second single-player quest called Side Order – set in the future.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4

Release date: Spring

Mario fans might be disappointed to learn there’s no standalone version for Nintendo’s poster, but there’s a new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe course coming soon. Those who own the Booster Course Pack will have access to Yoshi’s Island, taking you through dynamic underwater regions and a sky ramp. Birdo, the funnel-mouthed dinosaur, who first appeared in 2003’s Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, is also being added in Wave 4 as a playable character.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon Gameplay

Release date: March 17

Exploring the early days of Umbra Witch Bayonetta, as Cereza, Nintendo has released a new gameplay trailer for Bayonetta Origins Cereza and the Lost Demon. The spin-off title sees the young trainee witch on a quest to rescue her imprisoned mother, as she ventures deep into the Forbidden Forest of Avalon, ruled by fairies. Fortunately, we are not alone on this journey, as we are soon joined by the demonic Chesire, a muscular feline, who acts as our muscle. The game lets you take control of both characters, with Cereza simply serving a supporting role using spells to bind enemies in place. By switching the controls to Chesire, we can inflict massive amounts of damage to defeat these threats.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion

Release date: February 15

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is getting its third batch of expansion content on February 15, adding roguelike battles and a new character, Masha, a Lapidarist. Essentially serving as a crafting expert, she relies on special ores to build accessories that can grant various stats, such as increased agility. The roguelike addition lets you select a character and battle waves of enemies, with each victory granting more heroes and special abilities. Developer Monolith Soft also announced content for Volume 4 – launching later this year – which adds a new story-driven experience.

Disney’s Island of Illusions

Release date: July 28

Featuring iconic Disney characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy – Disney Illusion Island is coming to the Nintendo Switch in July. The cartoon-style platformer sees our heroes embark on an adventure in search of three magical books, as they jump, swim and swing around the mysterious island of Monoth. The game can also be played in four-player local co-op, in which each player controls one character. Share hugs for extra health, play leapfrog for longer jumps, and throw a rope for your allies to climb.

Octopath Traveler II Demo

Release date: February 24

Octopath Traveler 2 has just received a playable demo on the Nintendo eShop, with saves carried over to the main game, once launched. Featuring a unique blend of retro pixelated and 3D CGI art styles, the game immerses you in Solistia, a bustling land divided by the sea. Play as one of eight quirky characters, each with their own unique characteristics, and explore the lands as sees fit – engage with the townspeople and develop professional skills and talents over time.

Game Boy on Nintendo Switch Online

Retro Game Boy titles are now available on the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. Major library highlights include Tetris, Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Metroid 2: Return of Samus, and more. The base tier of $19.99/year (around Rs. 1,651) provides access to Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles.

Meanwhile, Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles will only be available to those who own the premium expansion pack, priced at $49.99 (roughly Rs. 4,129). This level adds six more titles to the mix, including Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, WarioWare Inc.: Mega Microgames! , and Kuru Kuru Kururin.