On September 20th, Nintendo released a new Zelda game, four new amiibo figures and a new Switch gaming system. In addition to these releases, the 9.4.2019 Nintendo Direct video had quite a few announcements, updates and upcoming video game releases for the Nintendo Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a remake of the game that was originally released on the Game Boy back in 1993. The visuals have been updated but retains the original top-down perspective gameplay. Once again, Link has been given a new look that is very different from his Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild looks. Additional features have been added such as increased heart capacity, upgrades to weapons and mini games, plus players can assemble their own Chamber Dungeons, and share them with friends, from pieces they collect as the progress through the game.
New Amiibo figures released of Link (Link’s Awakening), Snake (Metal Gear), Pokémon Squirtle and Ivysaur. Link will be the hardest to find in stores, while the other three might be a little easier to find.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a lighter, slimmer and inexpensive version of the regular Nintendo Switch console. Unlike the original Switch, this system is dockless, has a slightly smaller screen and the Joy-Cons are not removable, but does boast a better battery life by a few hours. This on-the-go handheld system is priced $100 less than the regular Switch and comes in three colors: yellow, black and turquoise.
But if you are looking to purchase a Nintendo Switch console, make sure you get the Switch V2. The main difference between the two versions is the processor. V2 has an upgraded processor which helps increase battery life by a few hours. Nintendo quietly released these systems into the market just recently, with the only way to tell the difference between the two is by looking at the packaging: V1 has a white background and V2 has a red background. If you plan to purchase a used Switch console, you will have to look at the model number stamped on the back. V1 will have the numbers HAC-001, while V2 will have HAC-001 (-01).
Nintendo Direct for 9.4.2019 had a few interesting announcements with a few games that I cannot wait to play.
Overwatch
One of the most popular first-person shooters is finally coming to the Switch and will have a motion control by tilting the Switch. This worldwide phenomenon will be released on October 15, 2019.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
This sequel takes place in a different haunted hotel, where every suite has a different theme, such as: Castle MacFrights (castle theme), Garden Suites (garden theme), Tomb Suites (pyramid theme), The Dance Hall (dance club theme) and The Spectral Catch (pirate restaurant theme). New party mode, ScreamPark, uses a single Switch system and lets 2 to 8 players battle against each other. It’s Team Luigi vs. Team Gooigi, as players try to defeat the most ghosts, collect coins and break the most targets. Available October 31, 2019.
Super Kirby Clash
This new Kirby game is coming to the Switch as a Free-to-Start game. Take on over 100 quests and assign your Kirbys job classes to defeat your enemies. The goal is to use the right job classes to help combine the forces of your Kirbys to victory. Play solo, up to 4 players using one Switch console, team up consoles using local wireless or play online. Available in Nintendo eShop now.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Challenger Pack 3 is a DLC which includes the characters Banjo & Kazooie, which are now available for the Nintendo brawler. Also announced is Character Pack 4, a new Challenger to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Terry Bogard from SNK’s Fatal Fury to be released November 2019. That is 4 of the 5 DLC packs that have been revealed, but are there really only 5 fighters? Nope. It has been announced that there are more DLC Fighters in development.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Four features of the game:
1) Customize your look – you can choose from a wide variety of clothing, hairstyles and even makeup.
2) Pokémon Camp – here you can play with your Pokémon where they can improve in battle and you can visit other player’s camps too.
3) Curry on Rice – you can cook over 100 Curry on Rice dishes at Pokémon Camp by combining different ingredients.
4) New Pokémon – These three new Pokémon, Polteageist, Cramorant and Sirfetchd were just recently revealed.
Available November 15.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Welcome to this, somewhat, deserted island paradise. Setup your camp with the provided tent. Island residents will also be provided with an exclusive Nook, Inc. NookPhone, preloaded with apps for all your deserted island needs, like recipes for crafting tools and furniture. Gather materials and build more items. Place furniture inside or outside your tent and arranged them to your style. Residents Services is where you can purchase tools, sell unwanted items – like the weeds you clear and earn Nook Miles by completing activities. Some of the activities you can do on the island, fish, catch bugs, tend to flowers, craft things and rearrange the landscape. The island will change with the time, weather and the seasons. Up to four players can play together on one system, while up to 8 players can play together online. Available March 20, 2020.
Nintendo Online
A new library of games is being added to Nintendo Online, Super Nintendo Entertainment System Nintendo Switch Online. A variety of classic Super Nintendo games can be played on the Switch. 20 games are available, including Stunt Race FX which has never been on any other Nintendo System. More games will be added in the future. A special wireless Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller will also be released exclusive to Nintendo Online subscribers for $29.99.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Travel to past Dragon Quest worlds in this new RPG adventure that can be played in 2D or HD graphics. Experience new character focused stories in this long-running and popular series. This Dragon Quest game and Free DLC – The Champion’s Pack is available now.
Trials of Mana
The third game in the Mana series trilogy gets an HD remake. From 6 different characters, you’ll choose a protagonist and two companions. Depending on the characters you choose, this will set you on a course through an intricate reimagined storyline. Choose between light or dark classes which can be switched to increase their powers, abilities and special moves. Characters have full range of movement for jumping and special combo attacks for each character in your party. Available April 24, 2020.
Doom 64
This is the 25th Anniversary of Doom 64 which is being re-released on the Nintendo Switch. Battle demons in this FPS through over 30 action packed levels. Available November 22.
Tetris 99
Tetris 99 Invictus is a free update, but you can’t play Invictus until you have achieved Tetris Maximus status. Earn tickets from daily missions for custom themes and icons, and paid DLC Wave 2. Available now.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
More than 20 events to play through: 100 Meter, karate, football, skateboarding, rugby 7, sport climbing, badminton, gymnastics, surfing and more. There’s even 10 2D retro style events to play through. Play through story mode and mini games to unlock characters. Available November 5.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
The Fire Emblem World has crossed over with Altus Games and this game takes place in modern day Tokyo. Creative energy called Performa is attracting wicked mirages to appear and drain this energy from people. Your group will take on these creatures in turn based battles that blend the combat of Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei. Available January 17, 2020.
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
Originally released in 2002, this is probably one of the best Star Wars games in the Jedi series that is being re-released on the Switch. Available now.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
Includes all DLC and expansions. Available October 15.
Assassin’s Creed: Rebel Collection
Includes Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Rogue, all past single player DLC and new features such as touch control and motion aiming exclusive to this version on the Switch. Available December 6.
Dauntless
Battle for survival in this online, free to play, action RPG. Cfaft and customize gear for your character and team up with other players to take down boss size behemoths. Look for new tons of new content and frequent updates.
Little Town Hero
There is a village with a rule that you must never leave the town. It is an agreement made between the villagers of this peaceful town and the castle that protects it. But one day, when monsters appear in the town, a boy named Axe, stands up to defend the town. The only weapons at his disposal are ideas and strategies. During battle you will be able to gain assistance from villagers when you switch your position on the battlefield. Available October 16.
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise
It all begins in Boston, when FBI Agent Aaliyah Davis opens an investigation into an old serial killer case, which opens a door into the past. 14 years into the past to be exact, as FBI Agent Francis York Morgan is investigating a case in New Orleans with connections to her investigation. You’ll play both characters to reveal clues as their stories intersect to solve the mystery. Available in 2020. The original Deadly Premonition Origins is available in the Nintendo eShop now.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
This fantasy RPG finally arrives on the Switch. Choose between 5 races and 6 unique origin characters or create your own. Play with friends, up to 3 other players, or with AI companions. Share Cloud saves between Steam and the Switch. Available now.
Rogue Company
This is a new multiplayer, third person team-based shooter that will have tons of maps, weapons & gadgets, game modes playable characters when it launches. Available 2020.
Daemon x Machina
Prologue (Demo) is available to download for free now. Carry over your save data from the Prologue to the full game when it is released. Co-op mode with up to 4 players connect via WiFi. Available now.
Return of the Obra Dunn
The visual look of this game is black and white and reminds me of a slightly low-res retro PC game. You must investigate and solve the mysterious return of a sailing vessel by using a special pocket watch. This pocket watch has the ability to turn back time and reveal the last moments of each lost soul. Available Fall 2019.
More Nintendo Switch games just released and upcoming releases:
Devil May Cry 2 – Available Now
GRID Autosport – Available Now
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Available Now
NBA 2K20 – Available Now
Call of Cthulhu- October 8
Vampyr – October 29
Just Dance 2020 – November 5
Farming Simulator 20 – December 3
The Outer Worlds – Coming Soon
Xenoblade Chronicles – Definitive Edition – Coming In 2020
The games I am looking forward to the most from this Nintendo Direct announcement is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, both Pokémon titles and Luigi’s Mansion 3. I loved playing Luigi’s Mansion on the GameCube and Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon on the 3DS, so I can’t wait for this game to be released. I used to play the first Animal Crossing game all night and into the early morning hours when it first came out. Now I play Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp on my iPhone, but not like before.
You can watch the entire Nintendo Direct 09.08.2019 video below.
More information on the games can also be found at Nintendo.com.
