Happy Friday, gamers! Nintendo recently held a thrilling Nintendo Direct livestream where they announced a plethora of new games and showcased trailers for previously revealed titles. Among the highlights was an exciting teaser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the highly anticipated sequel to the animated Mario film that was released in 2023. Fans of the original will surely remember the catchy tune, “Peaches, Peaches, Peaches.” The 60-minute presentation revealed a significant number of new games coming to the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.
The Direct kicked off with approximately 10 minutes dedicated to Mario announcements, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Super Mario Bros. franchise. The event began with a captivating movie trailer for the sequel to the popular Super Mario Bros. movie, which is set to take audiences on a cosmic adventure inspired by the beloved 3D platformers, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. This exciting cinematic experience is scheduled to hit theaters in Spring 2026.
In addition to the film, Nintendo announced that both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be available on the Nintendo Switch starting October 2, 2023. Priced at $40 each, these classic platformers can be enjoyed on either Switch 1 or Switch 2. They are fantastic games for all ages, making them perfect for families looking for engaging and fun experiences.
The first new title unveiled during the presentation was Mario Tennis Fever, the latest installment in the series of arcade sports games featuring Mario and his friends. This game promises an array of exciting features, such as special rackets that can freeze opponents' courts. There will also be a unique story mode where characters are transformed into babies and learn to play tennis anew. Mario Tennis Fever is set to release on February 12, 2024.
Furthermore, the last major announcement for Mario fans was the Super Mario Bros. Wonder upgrade for Switch 2, which will be available next spring. This enhanced version will feature new levels and a focus on party game-style multiplayer modes, with more information expected to be revealed soon.
Next spring, players can also look forward to Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a charming game featuring the beloved dinosaur. With a delightful storybook art style, the gameplay will revolve around creative interactions within vibrant worlds, making it an excellent choice for younger gamers.
For those eager to dive into new gaming experiences today, Storm Lancers, a lively co-op roguelike game, is now available. Additionally, Dinkum, a farming game with an Australian twist reminiscent of Stardew Valley, will launch on November 5, while Popucom, a multiplayer puzzle game, is set for release this winter.
Looking ahead, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will be launching in spring 2026, allowing players to create and interact with Miis on a whimsical island. Meanwhile, fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise can get excited about the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, featuring classic games and exclusive documentaries, arriving on October 30.
Other notable announcements included the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade scheduled for January 22, 2024, and the retro-inspired Hades II, which will be console-exclusive to Switch 2 for a limited time, releasing on September 25, 2024. For fans of the Legend of Zelda, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, will be available on November 6, 2023.
In one of the more surprising announcements, Nintendo revealed that Virtual Boy games will be added to the Nintendo Switch Online classic games catalog, starting February 17, 2024. Players will need a new peripheral that mimics the original Virtual Boy experience, allowing them to engage in these retro games in a unique way.
Upcoming titles such as Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly remake, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave are set to launch in early 2026, adding to the rich library of games on Switch 2. Additionally, the highly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem is set for release on February 27, 2024, alongside previous titles in the franchise.
With such a remarkable lineup of games and announcements, this Nintendo Direct has left fans excited for the future of gaming on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates as these games approach their release dates!
