Unlike some of the other big publishers who have a single major event each year, Nintendo prefers to keep its audience updated on plans via multiple live stream events throughout the year. September 2022 featured one of those live streams, with a Nintendo Direct confirmed just the day before it was held after weeks of speculation. Going into the event, the biggest expectations from fans were the rumored ports of some Nintendo classics, specifically from The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. A more ambitious hope from many was, unsurprisingly, more details on the long-awaited Breath of the Wild sequel set to release in 2023.
When September's Nintendo Direct was announced, it promised "40 minutes of information mostly focused on Nintendo Switch games launching this winter," and it delivered just that. The showcase was dominated by JRPGs, as well as a huge number of remakes, remasters, and ports coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2022 and 2023. Notably missing were the ports of Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess that had been rumored to be in the works. There was, however, some new info on the Breath of the Wild Sequel. Nintendo Direct also featured a short look at Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023, which were already revealed at Ubisoft Forward 2022.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
While the remakes of The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess didn't make an appearance during the show, Zelda fans still had something to keep them satisfied. The final clip of the event was a new trailer for the sequel to 2017's Breath of the Wild, as well as the name for the much-awaited game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The only new gameplay element revealed was a new traversal feature, a big mountable glider for Link. More significant, however, is the game finally getting a release date - May 12, 2023
Pikmin 4
Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto made an appearance during the event with a segment dedicated to Pikmin. Miyamoto first promoted the mobile game Pikmin Bloom, a Niantic AR and GPS-based game, similar to the team's other game, Pokemon GO. But the bigger news he brought was the official reveal of Pikmin 4, releasing in 2023. It will be the first mainline game in the series since 2013. The teaser lasted only a few seconds, but Miyamoto confirmed a new low perspective option and simplified controls.
Fire Emblem Engage
The newest installment in the strategy JRPG series Fire Emblem was revealed and confirmed for January 20, 2023. Fire Emblem Engage will follow new protagonist Alear, who awakens from a thousand-year slumber at the start of the game. The game looks like it will keep some of the new mechanics from Fire Emblem: Three Houses such as its town management and relationship building.
Octopath Traveler 2
The second entry in the Octopath Traveler series has been confirmed for February 24, 2023. The game will feature eight new protagonists in the world of Solistia as it enters a new era. Octopath Traveler 2 will also bring some new features, including varying paths for characters based on day and night cycles.
Bayonetta 3
The first entry in the series since 2014, Bayonetta 3 will follow the famed witch as she faces man-made bioweapons in a new story. The trailer shown during Nintendo Direct also featured other characters making appearances - Luka, Jeanne, and Viola. Bayonetta 3 releases on Switch on October 28.
Fae Farm
Adding to a genre that keeps growing, farm simulatorFae Farm will be arriving in spring 2023 as a Switch exclusive. The game puts a magical spin on the genre, featuring spells, the fantasy setting of Azoria, and mystical enemies. It will also support up to four players in co-op, either local or online.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is the newest installment in the rhythm game series based on Final Fantasy, coming to the Switch on February 16, 2023. The game will include tracks from across the Final Fantasy series, with postlaunch content including music from the SaGa series, Nier, Octopath Traveller, and Live A Live. It will also feature two-player local co-op and online competitive play with up to four players.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key, the next installment in JRPG seriesAtelier will be coming to the Switch on February 24, 2023. The newest adventure will follow Ryza and up to 11 companions as they explore islands across the seas.
Master Detective Archives: RainCode
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From the developers of Danganronpa comes Master Detective Archives: RainCode. The game will have a similar structure to Danganronpa, being an RPG mystery adventure, following trainee detective Yuma and his ghostly companion Shinigami. Master Detective Archives: RainCode will make its way to the Switch in spring 2023.
Harvestella
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Blending action-JRPG and farming sim elements, Harvestella will be coming to the Switch on November 4. The game has widely been described "Final Fantasy meets Stardew Valley," mixing flashy combat against world-threatening foes with more laid-back farm management elements. A demo was also made available right after Nintendo Direct, which will transfer its save data over to the final game.
Endless Dungeon
Endless Dungeon is a follow-up to 2014's Dungeon of the Endless. The roguelite game will blend elements of twin-stick shooters and tower defense as it takes its three heroes through procedurally generated levels later this year. Endless Dungeon will also support up to three-player co-op.
Nintendo 64 Games Coming to Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will be treated to some classic titles making their way onto the subscription's N64 service. Coming this year are Pilotwings 64, Mario Party, and Mario Party 2, while 2023 will bring Mario Party 3, Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Stadium 2, 1080 Snowboarding, and Excitebike 64. Finally, legendary first-person-shooter GoldenEye 007 will be added at an unconfirmed date, with online multiplayer being added.
Remakes and Remasters Announced
For those looking for a new way to enjoy some older games, September's Nintendo Direct offered some details on a long list of remakes and remasters coming to the Switch.
- Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe; featuring new minigames.
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion; with a new soundtrack, new models for all elements, and full voice acting.
- Life is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection, which includes the entire Life is Strange series.
- Romancing SaGa - Minstrel Song Remastered
- Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
- Front Mission 1 and 2; as a remaster of Front Mission 3 later next year.
- Rune Factory 3 Special; a new installment was also confirmed to be in development.
- Tales of Symphonia Remastered.
Ports Coming to the Nintendo Switch
Alongside the new games announced during September 2022's Nintendo Direct, a whole feast of ports of existing games were confirmed to be making their way onto the Switch.
- It Takes Two
- Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
- Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star
- SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
- Ib
- Tunic
- Oddballers
- Various Daylife
- Resident Evil Village
- Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3
- Sifu
- Factorio
- Radiant Silvergun
DLC Announcements
It's not just full games that were featured during September's Nintendo Direct, as DLC and support for some big titles was also discussed. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will be getting its second wave of DLC on October 13. The expansion will feature a new mechanical hero, Ino, and a quest line to unlock her. It also includes new challenge battles, gear, and other items.
Splatoon 3 will be getting its first Splatfest, an in-game event taking place from September 23 until September 25. The event's theme was revealed as "What would you bring with you to a deserted island?". Nintendo also promised more free updates to come in the game's future.
Nintendo Switch Sports is also getting a free update. The update will bring golf to the game, both local and online play. Online play will include an eight-player elimination mode called Survival Golf. The update was expected for fall initially but has now been pushed back to the holiday season.
Meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is getting the third of its planned six DLC waves this year. The two tracks revealed during the Nintendo Direct were Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS. The Booster Course Pass including all six waves can be purchased separately but is free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.
Finally, Mario Strikers: Battle League gets its second free expansion later in September. The new update will add playable characters Pauline and Diddy Kong, along with more gear and a new stadium.
