Skip to main content

Everything announced at the February 2023 Nintendo Direct

Nintendo is the king of digital video game showcases, and the company jump-started its 2023 with another great show. This February 2023 Nintendo Direct gave us our best look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom yet, highlighted upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusives like Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and Pikmin 4, and featured the shocking reveal and shadow drop of Metroid Prime Remastered. On top of all that, we learned thattwo new platforms are coming to Nintendo Switch Online.

We now have a clear idea of the Nintendo Switch’s game lineup through the summer, so there’s no doubt that this Nintendo Direct featured lots of notable announcements. As it can be hard to keep track of it all, we’ve recapped everything Nintendo announced during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct right here.

Nintendo Direct 2.8.2023 - Nintendo Switch

Pikmin 4 lets you ride a tiny Space Dog

Pikmin 4 - Nintendo Direct 2.8.23

We got our first in-depth look at Pikmin 4 to kick off the Direct, and learned more about its story and gameplay. We saw exactly what it means to play from a Pikmin’s perspective, as the camera was much closer to the playable character than in previous games. Otherwise, it looks like the approachable RTS series fans have fallen in love with, now with Ice Pikmin and a small Space Dog named Oatchi that you can ride. We also got a solid release date for Pikmin 4, as Nintendo says it will release the long-awaited sequel on July 21.

Splatoon 3’s expansion pass brings us back to Inkopolis

Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Direct 2.8.23

Splatoon 3’s expansion pass will reintroduce Inkopolis in its first wave of content this spring. Callie and Marie will perform there during Splatfests. We also got a teaser for a new story set in an area that seems devoid of any color, titled Side Order.

Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp is finally coming out in April

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp - Release Date Announcement - Nintendo Direct 2.8.23

Originally slated for release in December 2021, we won’t have to wait much longer for Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp, a remake of two titles in the GBA strategy game series. After an indefinite delay following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nintendo has finally revealed that Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp will be released on April 21.

Nintendo Switch Online is getting Game Boy and GBA games

Nintendo Switch Online - Game Boy & Game Boy Advance Announcement - Nintendo Direct 2.8.23

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. The base version of the service will include Game Boy games, which support visual Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Color filters. The launch lineup includes Tetris, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Gargoyle’s Quest, Game & Watch Gallery 3, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, Metroid II – Return of Samus, Wario Land 3, and Kirby’s Dream Land. Nintendo also teased that The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Season, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, and Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble would come to the service in the future. Meanwhile, Expansion Pass members will get GBA games, including Super Mario Bros. 3, WarioWar Inc: Mega Microgame$, Kuru Kuru Kuruin, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. In the future, GBA games like Metroid Fusion, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, Fire Emblem, F-Zero Maximum Velocity, and Golden Sun will be added.

Metroid Prime Remastered is out today

Metroid Prime Remastered – Out now! (Nintendo Switch)

During the Direct, Nintendo announced Metroid Prime Remastered for Nintendo Switch. This is an enhanced version of the classic GameCube game that now supports HD visuals and dual stick controls. Metroid Prime Remastered launches later today, with a physical version out on February 22.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom looks fantastic, costs $70

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Official Trailer #2

As expected, we got a lengthy look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom during this Nintendo Direct, as well as a better idea of what this game really is. We see Hyrule under siege and Link fighting many enemies across its open world. We then see Link freefalling through the air, grinding on rails, and driving various vehicles. On top of all that, Nintendo reaffirmed that the game will still release on May 12. A Collector’s Edition and new Link Amiibo will also be available on the same day. This will be the first Nintendo Switch first-party game to cost $70.

Everything else

  • Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s next DLC wave will feature party member Masha and more on February 15.
  • Sega announced Samba De Amigo Party Central. It will be released this summer.
  • Fashion Dreamer was announced and will launch later this year.
  • Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania got a March 6 release date.
  • Bithell Games’ Tron: Identity got an April release window.
  • Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective comes to Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • Investigation-focused RPG DecaPolice was announced by Level 5 with a 2023 release window.
  • Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon’s segment provided an overview of its gameplay.
  • Disney Illusion Island got a gameplay overview and July 28 release date.
  • We learned that Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass’ DLC Wave 2 will feature classic characters Hector, Soren, and Camilla. Wave 3 will include Chrom and Robin, and Veronica. Wave 4 will introduce new story content titled Fell Xenologue.
  • Harmony: The Fall of Reverie was announced with a June release window.
  • Octopath Traveller 2 gets a new demo today.
  • We Love Katamari Reroll was announced by Bandai Namco Entertainment and will be released on June 2.
  • Katamari Damacy Reroll now has a free trial for Nintendo Switch Online members.
  • Sea of Stars got an August 26 release date, and a demo is releasing today.
  • Omega Strikers was announced.
  • Etrian Odyssey Origins Collections was announced with a June 1 release date. Each game included will also be available separately on that day.
  • Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe will feature a new Magalor Epilogue. The game is also getting a demo today.
  • Master Detective Archives: Rain Code launches on June 30.
  • MonolithSoft RPGs Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean and Baten Kaitos Origins are getting remastered for Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals time was announced and will be released later this year.
  • Professor Layton and the New World of Steam was revealed.
  • A new Yoshi’s Island course and a playable character named Birdo are part of Wave 4 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass.
  • A sizzle reel highlighted Minecraft Legends, Blanc, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Have a Nice Death, WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Tales of Symphonia Remastered.

Editors' Recommendations

The best Nintendo Switch exclusives of 2022: 9 standouts from the console’s banner year
Bayonetta jumps in front of text that says The Best Nintendo Switch Exclusives of 2022.

The Nintendo Switch turned five this year … and with that birthday came a wave of discourse. Fans are anxious for Nintendo to launch a new piece of hardware, whether that be a Switch Pro or a new console altogether. It’s an understandable request; the once magical Switch now seems a little less impressive in the age of the Steam Deck. However, this year once again proved why Nintendo can get away with aging hardware: its games are just that good.

Even without The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to cap it off, 2022 was a landmark year for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo delivered its best lineup of exclusive games since the console first launched in 2017 -- though it's no coincidence that some of this year’s best games were sequels to its first-year titles. We've put together a list of the best Nintendo Switch exclusives of 2022 below, but what's jaw-dropping is that this doesn't even include everything worth talking about. That's a testament to Nintendo's strong first-party support, which remains its unshakable secret weapon.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Read more
Want to predict the next big Nintendo Switch game? Just rewind 5 years
nintendo switch five year cycle fire emblem engage characters

When it comes to the video game industry, we're currently living in an age of speculation. Players are no longer satisfied just getting news on upcoming games by patiently waiting for announcements. Insiders and leakers have become a fundamental part of the game hype cycle in the social media age, fueling a need for unofficial scoops. When a gaming livestream gets announced, it's usually surrounded by tons of rumors, leaks, and predictions that set some high expectations. It's easy to get disappointed by something like Nintendo's September Direct when leaks from high-profile insiders wind up being a bust.

But what if I told you that you can become your own insider, especially when it comes to Nintendo Switch? Yes, you can create your own realistic predictions with ease rather than getting let down by enticing Reddit threads. All you have to do is follow Nintendo's development cycle patterns, which have become crystal clear following today's Direct showcase.
Five-year plan
The deeper we get into the Nintendo Switch's life cycle, the more clear patterns in Nintendo's release cadence are starting to show. If you look at the company's first-party 2022 release calendar, you might notice that it looks a little familiar. That's because a good half of it has been comprised of sequels to games that hit the console in 2017.

Read more
5 exciting Nintendo Direct announcements you might have missed
A girl stares off into the distance in Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.

The September 2022 Nintendo Direct contained lots of big announcements, including the reveal that Breath of the Wild's sequel is titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and will be released on May 12, 2023. Although that, and some of the other big first-party announcements, are what people will remember most about the show, quite a few cool announcements at the show may have gone under the radar.
While you can check out Digital Trends' show recap for a full list of everything announced, we also want to highlight some announcements you might have missed while watching live. From surprising rereleases to cool DLC and Switc- exclusive features, don't ignore these five September 13 Nintendo Direct announcements.
GoldenEye 007's Online Mode is Nintendo Switch exclusive 
GoldenEye 007 – Xbox Game Pass Reveal Trailer
You probably noticed the announcement that Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007 is coming to Nintendo Switch Online. But did you know that it's also coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X via Xbox Game Pass and Rare Replay? That alone is surprising, although it's understandable when one considers that GoldenEye 007 developer Rare is owned by Microsoft. But more importantly, it's shocking that the Xbox version of the game won't feature online multiplayer. 
"Xbox is excited to bring GoldenEye 007 to Xbox Game Pass for the very first time - a faithful recreation of a much-loved and iconic title. While there are no plans to include online multiplayer as part of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox is focused on bringing this title to players in the way they fondly remember, including local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill," an Xbox representative told Digital Trends. 
Despite the fact that Xbox is typically more multiplayer-minded than Nintendo and owns the developer of the game, the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game will only have local multiplayer. So, whenever Goldeneye 007 comes to Nintendo Switch Online, give its online multiplayer a shot because that's somethingonly players on Nintendo Switch can do. 
Goldeneye 007 is "coming soon" to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. 
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse finally comes west
FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse - Announcement Trailer
While the eyes of people who don't like horror games might have glossed over when Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse popped up as the show's third announcement, it's actually very notable that this game is finally getting released in North America and Europe. Late in the first decade of this century, Nintendo saved the Fatal Frame series like it did with Bayonetta and published Mask of the Lunar Eclipse as a Wii exclusive. While the game came out in Japan, it never saw a release in North America or Europe.
While a fan translation emerged in the years following its release, this remaster is the first time the game will officially be available in North America and Europe. The horror game follows three girls who were kidnapped on Rōgetsu Isle when they were younger, but return to the island when they're older after two girls who were also kidnapped die. Ultimately, the girls end up having to use an object called the Camera Obscura to seal away vengeful ghosts. This remaster polishes up graphical textures, lighting, and character models, but players can also expect new costumes and a photo mode.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse will be released for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in early 2023. 
Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 are getting rereleased
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 – Nintendo Switch
In addition to Goldeneye 007, Nintendo Switch Online's Nintendo 64 lineup also impressed when it was revealed that the first three Mario Party games would all come to the service. The first two games will come to the service before the end of the year, while Mario Party 3 will be added in 2023. While Mario Party Superstars was enjoyable, the addition of these three games is cathartic for the fans who have been clamoring for the series to go back to its roots. 
The announcement becomes even more exciting when you notice that Mario Party and Mario Party 3 have actually never been re-eleased by Nintendo; they have only had content repurposed for games like Mario Party: The Top 100 and Mario Party Superstars. Clearly, Nintendo isn't worried about players injuring their hands on certain minigames anymore or cleared up other issues preventing a re-elease. Now, we just have to cross our fingers and hope they have online play too. 
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line will get a lot of great Square Enix DLC
THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - Announce Trailer
Square Enix celebrated Final Fantasy's 35th anniversary by announcing Theatrhythm Final Bar Line during the Direct. This announcement alone is a bit underrated, especially when one considers that the two 3DS games in this series were fantastic and that the base game alone will feature tons of iconic music from the Final Fantasy franchise. While the base game will have 385 sonsg, Square Enix also quickly highlighted some of the DLC it will get post-launch during its segment of the Nintendo Direct.
During that rush, Square Enix highlighted that 90 additional songs are coming to Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, and they'll all be pulled from other Square Enix franchises like SaGa, Nier, Octopath Traveler, The World Ends with You, Chrono, Mana, Xenogears, and Live A Live. Considering that all of those games have fantastic music, fans of rhythm games are in for a treat once all of this DLC is out. If that somehow isn't enough music for you, Digital Deluxe Editions featuring even more Final Fantasy music are also up for pre-order. 
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line will be released for Nintendo Switch and PS4 on February 16, 2023.
Don't miss the full trailer for Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3 - Ways of the Witch - Nintendo Switch
Bayonetta 3 got a brief shout-out during the Nintendo Direct as characters like Bayonetta, Luka, Jeanne, and Viola were given the spotlight. At the end of its segment, Nintendo said a gameplay trailer would be released on YouTube soon thereafter and wouldn't be a part of the Nintendo Direct. While you might have logged off and not given this trailer a second thought after the end of the presentation, I recommend that you go back and check the video out.
It's a lengthy gameplay overview trailer that's nearly eight minutes long and gives much-needed details on several features. We learn more about how Bayonetta can summon Infernal Demons to get a powerful edge in battle and even traverse the environments in unique ways. We also see how the new playable character Viola activates Witch Time by blocking and can also summon a giant Cheshire cat for help in a fight. We also see how players can equip an item to make combos simpler. If you weren't already excited for Bayonetta 3, this video will probably whet your appetite. 
Bayonetta 3 will be released exclusively for Nintendo Switch on October 28. 

Read more