On Wednesday, September 13, Nintendo released a 45-minute Nintendo Direct presentation focused on games across both the 3DS and Nintendo Switch, including October’s Super Mario Odyssey. There were plenty of announcements for both consoles, some of which came as complete surprises. Here are a few of the biggest things revealed during the stream.
‘Super Mario Odyssey’
Super Mario Odyssey arrives on October 27 and its structure is unlike anything we’ve seen from the series before. Mario ventures from different worlds, including the Luncheon Kingdom, Seaside Kingdom, and Snow Kingdom, using an airship called the Odyssey and it requires special Power Moons — what he collects in each level — in order to reach the next kingdom.
To help Mario find hidden Power Moons, he can ask the bird Talkatoo for help, use “Uncle Amiibo” with real-world figures, or pay Toad coins for hints. Mario will want to keep some of the coins, however, as they’re also used for purchasing outfits themed after each kingdom and past Mario adventures. Super Mario Odyssey also includes mini-games, such as a remote-controlled car race and a jump rope challenge, as well as a “snapshot” mode for taking a perfect picture at any time.
‘Project Octopath Traveler’
Square Enix is also developing an exclusive role-playing game for the Switch currently titled Project Octopath Traveler, and you can try a demo right now on the eShop. The game stars eight unique characters, each with their own story, and it uses a mix of 3D environments and 2D character sprites that the developers dubbed “HD 2D.” It’s being made by the producers of Bravely Default and releases in 2018.
Bethesda brings it
To the surprise of just about everyone, Bethesda also announced two more Switch ports during the event. 2016’s Doom will be coming to the system this holiday season, while Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will arrive to Switch in 2018. For those looking to get The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on the system, it will release on November 17.
‘Xenoblade Chronicles 2’
Monolith’s Xenoblade Chronicles 2 looks to be as dramatic and intense as as the previous games on Wii U, New 3DS, and Wii, with giant creatures called Titans becoming living cities for citizens above the clouds. We’re also introduced to protagonist Rex, who lives on top of one of these creatures named Azurda. The game features a number of combat customization options centered around the “blade” and “driver” character types, and special abilities can be used to deliver deadly attacks. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is out for Switch on December 1.
‘Kirby Star Allies’
Nintendo briefly showed off a Kirby game for Switch during its E3 presentation in June, and it now has an official name: Kirby Star Allies. The cooperative platformer supports up to four players, and you can even turn enemies into your allies to help you along your journey. Special “team up” attacks will allow you to combine Kirby’s abilities to create all new spells.
‘Minecraft’ for New 3DS
But Nintendo has not forgotten the 3DS and there were a few big announcements for the system during the event. First, Minecraft is now available on New 3DS systems through the eShop, with a physical release coming later. Users can play both creative and survival modes, and both button-based controls and touch controls are supported.
‘Pokémon Ultra Sun’ and ‘Ultra Moon’
The upgraded games Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon contain a few surprises for hardcore fans. The legendary Pokémon Necrozma now has two new forms, “Dusk Mane” and “Dusk Wings.” This transformation will culminate in a showdown between Necrozma and the legendary Pokémon from last year’s games. The new versions will also include new areas in Alola, including the “Valley of Pikachu.” Anyone who buys the game before January 10 will also get the special Dusk Form of Lycanroc.
New 2DS XL models
An orange and white New 2DS XL model has been available in other regions for months, but it will finally make its way to North America on October 6. Additionally, a New 2DS XL modeled after a Pokéball will also arrive in November alongside the new Pokémon games.
A few new games are also coming to the 3DS, including Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy, the compilation game Mario Party: The Top 100, and Atlus’ old-school role-playing game The Alliance Alive.
What was your favorite announcement? For a full rundown, check out the entire Nintendo Direct presentation above.
Update: Added information on Kirby Star Allies, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Pokémon, and New 2DS XL.
