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Nintendo Direct: New Nintendo Switch Games Unveiled
Nintendo enthusiasts were treated to a cascade of significant game reveals during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation broadcast on March 27. This showcase, dedicated to the current Nintendo Switch and future titles, highlighted a plethora of upcoming releases. A separate Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is scheduled for April 2, promising further announcements.
Key Announcements from the March 27 Nintendo Direct
The Nintendo Direct, which spanned approximately 36 minutes, placed its primary emphasis on unveiling new games and providing updates for the existing Nintendo Switch console. You can view the complete presentation below:
Dragon Quest & Detective Titles Lead the Charge
The presentation commenced with a captivating trailer for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. This visually stunning remake is still slated for release in 2025.
Subsequently, viewers were given a glimpse of No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES, a narrative-rich detective adventure. This title is set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on July 25. Players will be tasked with locating a missing influencer who finds herself trapped within a perplexing escape room scenario.
The detective theme continued with the reveal of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, another intriguing title scheduled for release on June 19.
Platforming and Rhythm Games in the Spotlight
A gameplay trailer for the unique platformer Shadow Labyrinth, featuring Pac-Man, was showcased next. Following this, a preview of Patapon 1+2 Replay was presented. Shadow Labyrinth is scheduled for release on July 18, while Patapon 1+2 Replay, encompassing both Patapon 1 and Patapon 2, will arrive on July 11.
Release date confirmations continued with the announcement that role-playing game Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar is set to debut on August 27.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Disney Surprises
Nintendo then shifted focus to a major first-party title, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which remains on track for a 2025 launch. Nintendo detailed that Samus Aran, the main character, will possess various psychic abilities. These powers will allow her to manipulate beam trajectories, interact with mechanisms, and unlock doors.
The Nintendo Direct further unveiled a gameplay trailer for Disney Villains Cursed Café. This game allows players to engage with diverse Disney characters while brewing potions and unraveling new storylines. In a surprise announcement, Disney Villains Cursed Café was made available for Switch later the same day, March 27. Furthermore, rhythm action game Rift of the NecroDancer and role-playing game SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered also launched immediately.
Witchbrook and Indie Titles Showcase
The highly anticipated cozy game Witchbrook received a new gameplay trailer during the presentation. Confirmation was also given for a winter release window. In Witchbrook, players will enroll at Witchbrook College, learning spells, crafting potions, and performing rituals, offering a cartoon-styled experience akin to Hogwarts Legacy.
Another noteworthy announcement was the hand-drawn platformer The Eternal Life of Goldman, also slated for a winter launch.
The presentation also highlighted the Gradius Origins Collection, featuring classic titles such as the original Gradius, Salamander, Gradius II, Gradius III, and Salamander 2, along with a new title, Salamander 3. This collection, however, will not include Gradius V. Gradius Origins Collection is set for release on August 7.
Tamagotchi Plaza and Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Tamagotchi Plaza, a new game centered around managing shops and interacting with over 100 Tamagotchi, will launch on June 27.
Another prominent first-party title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, was showcased with gameplay footage, confirming its 2025 release. The game will feature a day-night cycle and special tournaments occurring at night.
Variety of Titles Announced
Additional announcements included Rhythm Heaven Groove, scheduled for 2026, and gameplay previews for various titles including Star Overdrive, The Wandering Village, King of Meat, Lou’s Lagoon, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, and High on Life.
Fans of puzzle games will welcome the news that Monument Valley, Monument Valley 2, and Monument Valley 3 are coming to Switch in 2025, alongside a new Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots game.
Marvel and Tomodachi Life Round Out Game Reveals
The final game announcements were Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a beat-em-up developed by the team behind TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, is set to launch this winter, while Tomodachi Life is scheduled for release next year.
Virtual Game Cards and Nintendo Today App
Beyond game announcements, Nintendo introduced a new Virtual Game Card system. This feature will enable users to transfer and share digital games purchased through the eShop.
Nintendo elaborated, “Mirroring the concept of exchanging physical game cartridges between consoles, virtual game cards allow users to ‘eject’ a purchased digital game from one Nintendo Switch and ‘load’ it onto another. This functionality extends to consoles within the same Nintendo Account family group or a secondary console linked to the user’s account.”
The company indicated that the Virtual Game Card system will be implemented as part of a system update expected in late April.
To conclude the presentation, Nintendo unveiled a new application dedicated to Nintendo news. Named Nintendo Today, this app will be available as a free download starting March 27. A Nintendo account will be required to log in and access the news content.
“This smart device app serves as a daily hub, providing a range of content including the latest news, videos, and comics related to favourite Nintendo games and characters from selected franchises.”