Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Breakdown

This week Nintendo held a surprise mini direct. The event focused on indie titles and those from third-party developers – some exciting games are coming to the Switch, so let’s get into it.

The direct began with a look at Grounded which was previously an Xbox exclusive. In Grounded, you can explore the world from the perspective of an ant as you have been shrunk down to the size of an insect. Now you must survive by crafting weapons and tools while building a base. The game also features multiplayer and cross-platform play. Grounded will launch on Nintendo Switch on April 16th.

Next up came the dark atmospheric Metroidvania, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. This is the sequel to Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights which was released back in 2021. This new title looks just as engaging as the previous one, with new characters and foes to utilize for your benefit. The game is set to release sometime in 2024.

If you enjoy puzzle games then you’ll want to keep an eye out for Arranger: A Role Puzzling Adventure. In this game, you’ll explore an interconnected world made up of tile puzzles that you must solve in order to advance.

My attention was instantly grabbed by the newest strategy title from Sega and Atlus called Unicorn Overlord. The game looks to be an interesting mix of real-time and turn-based combat with some deep customization. The demo for Unicorn Overlord is available now.

This direct also announced a fair few remakes and remasters coming later this year. Switch owners can expect to have access to the first Monster Hunter Stories title with updated HD graphics.

Also, I was excited to see an announcement for Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, a remaster of one of my personal favorite Wii platformers. This game transports Disney’s Mascot into a dark fantasy world where he must utilize the magic of a paintbrush to find his way out and restore the world.

Furthermore, Nintendo announced a remastered package for the classic Star Wars Battlefront games. The collection will also launch with the additional character of Kit Fisto and the map Jabba’s Palace. This title will be available on March 14th.

Another exciting announcement came in the form of an updated version of Shin Megami Tensei V. The updated Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will feature an additional end-game storyline and will launch on June 21st.

Moving onward from remakes Nintendo Switch owners can expect the newest South Park: Snow Day game to release in 2024. This game features online multiplayer and is a 3D action game, unlike the previous titles which were turn-based RPGs.

Next up came a brand new announcement from Bandai Namco in the form of a Sword Art Online game. Based on the anime series this title promises an original story set in the universe along with action RPG combat. Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is planned to be released sometime in 2024.

In other anime game news, Gundam Breaker 4 will also be coming this year. Boasting some in-depth customization and some fun-looking action combat this seems like a great time whether you are a hardcore Gundam fan or not.

A new Super Monkey Ball game is also coming this year. This is a classic series that I’m glad to see is still being supported by Sega. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble will launch on June 25th.

Coming on May 23rd, World of Goo 2 is a Switch console exclusive (for now). The objective of this puzzle game is to build and guide masses of Goo into a pipe distribution center across various maps. You’ll employ the use of interesting tools and manage multiple kinds of goo that will force you to think outside the box.

Next from the developer Levels came a look at the charming Life Sim Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time. This Animal Crossing-style game will allow you to explore a variety of fantasy classes such as Wizard, Hunter, and more while building up your magical island home. The game will be releasing on October 10th.

One of the strangest games to come out of this direct was Another Crab’s Treasure. This goofy action RPG will have you play as a hermit crab traversing the dangers of an undersea kingdom. Collecting various shells will unlock new abilities, spells, and playstyles for your crustacean. The game will be releasing April 25th.

Endless Ocean: Luminous is another undersea game set to release this year. You take on the role of a diver who explores the hidden depths of the Veiled Sea. Along your journey, you’ll discover all manner of sea life, from mythical creatures to extinct animals hidden amongst the fauna of the modern world. You can explore this world with up to 30 others through online multiplayer starting on May 2nd.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is a charming Indie platformer that is available on the eShop right now along with the DLC for Suika Game, the fruit-matching puzzle game.

The new platformer from Devolver Digital, Pepper Grinder is coming to Switch on March 28th but you can check out the demo for the game right now on the Eshop.

Additionally, the unique racing simulator Pocket Card Jocky Ride On, will receive a remaster that is available now on the Eshop.

Other Indie and third-party titles you can expect to see this coming year include the likes of Pentiment, Snuffkin: Melody of Moonminvalley, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and Contra: Operation Galuga.

Finally, the direct concluded with a special announcement for Nintendo Switch online members. Starting today you can get your hands on some classic Rareware games such as Battletoads in Battlemaniac, Killer Instinct, and more.