Even though it just recently hosted its Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary presentation, Nintendo decided to host yet another Nintendo Direct in September. This time around, Nintendo hosted a Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, which focused on upcoming third-party games that are in development for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo had some surprise game announcements during its Nintendo Direct Mini presentation, and it also gave fans updates on previously-announced third-party games. Some of the games shown were made immediately available on the Switch, whereas some of the other titles will be looking to bolster the console's list of new releases for 2021.
Here is everything that was announced during the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase presentation on September 17, 2020.
Monster Hunter Games
Nintendo kicked off its Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase presentation with the big reveal of a brand new Monster Hunter game. Monster Hunter Rise is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021, letting players battle fan favorite beasts as well as completely new monsters. Monster Hunter Rise has a host of improvements for the series, particularly when it comes to maneuvering around the battlefield and exploring the game world. Players will have a grappling hook of sorts that they can use to help scale mountainsides, plus a "canyne" companion that offers a significant speed boost and can literally climb up walls.
In a followup Monster Hunter-specific Direct that aired immediately after the Partner Showcase, more details about Monster Hunter Rise were revealed. This included the reveal of special Monster Hunter Rise amiibo figures, which are scheduled to launch alongside the game itself on March 26, 2021. Fans will be able to select from a standard or special edition of the game when it launches next year.
Monster Hunter Rise wasn't the only Monster Hunter game Capcom revealed for the Nintendo Switch, though. It also revealed a sequel to the Monster Hunter spin-off game Monster Hunter Stories in the form of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, which is currently scheduled for release in the summer of 2021. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is far more focused on story and character development than Monster Hunter Rise, and it also features vastly improved visuals when compared to the original Monster Hunter Stories 3DS game. Fans should learn more details about it some time next year.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise
Nintendo consoles often have exercise games released for them, whether it's first-party games like Wii Fit or Ring Fit Adventure or third-party offerings. Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise falls into the latter category, giving players the chance to exercise with gameplay mechanics similar to those in rhythm/music games. While it may have limited appeal for core gamers, those who are looking for another exercise game for their Switch will be able to try Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise beginning December 4.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
One of the bigger surprises during the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase was the reveal of Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny. The first main series Disgaea game since Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance launched in 2015. Disgaea 6 looks like it will be just about what fans expect from the franchise, and it will be interesting to see if it lives up to the hype once it launches in the summer of 2021.
Meanwhile, the Disgaea 6 announcement wasn't the only Disgaea news Nintendo had in store for fans. It also announced that those subscribed to the Switch Online subscription service will be able to play Disgaea 5 Complete for free from September 23 to September 29. Why Nintendo is only making this trial available for a limited time instead of just providing a full-fledged demo is unclear, but those interested in checking it out should be sure to do so.
Empire of Sin
John Romero is a legend in the video game industry, having been involved in the development of a slew of classic games, including premiere FPS titles like Doom and Quake. Now teaming with his wife Brenda, Romero is returning to games with Empire of Sin, a new turn-based strategy game about mobsters. Empire of Sin will launch on December 1, and looks like it should be well-received by fans of the genre.
Sniper Elite 4
The Sniper Elite games are a somewhat of an acquired taste, but fans of the franchise will soon have the opportunity to try it on the go. Sniper Elite 4 has been confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch, three years after it launched for other platforms. Sniper Elite 4 on Switch looks like it will be pretty much what fans should expect if they played the original game, but the ability to play it on the go may be too hard to pass up.
September Launches
Nintendo has made a habit of surprise-launching games during and after its Nintendo Direct presentations, and the latest Nintendo Direct Mini was no exception. Among the surprise-launched games include The Long Dark, a first-person survival game, as well as Hades, the latest from Bastion studio Supergiant Games. Hades has quickly earned widespread critical acclaim, with an impressive 92 rating on review aggregate OpenCritic at the time of this writing.
Nintendo also pointed out that PGA Tour 2K21 will be available for Switch starting September 25.
Balan Wonderworld
Back in July, it was revealed that the creators of Sonic the Hedgehog were teaming with Square Enix to create a unique new 3D platforming game called Balan Wonderworld. Nintendo was sure to showcase Balan Wonderworld during its latest Nintendo Direct presentation, confirming its March 26, 2021 release date, as well as revealing a 2-player co-op mode for the game.
Rune Factory 5
Ever since the first Rune Factory game released for the Nintendo DS back in 2006, the franchise has been closely tied to the Nintendo brand. Unfortunately for fans, there hasn't been a new Rune Factory game since Rune Factory 4 released for the 3DS in 2012, but that's looking to change soon. Nintendo gave fans a new look at Rune Factory 5 during its Nintendo Direct presentation, showing off gameplay and the game's expansive world. Fans will be able to explore it for themselves when Rune Factory 5 launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch at some point in 2021.
Ori Collector's Edition
Nintendo capped off its Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase with the reveal that the critically-acclaimed Ori and the Will of the Wisps is surprise-launching for the Switch today. It also revealed a special Ori Collector's Edition that bundles together both games in the series, along with some artwork and other collectible items.
