Unlike some of the other big publishers who have a single major event each year,Nintendoprefers to keep its audience updated on plans via multiple live stream events throughout the year. September 2022 featured one of those live streams, with aNintendo Directconfirmed 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 fromThe Legend of ZeldaandMetroid.A more ambitious hope from many was, unsurprisingly, more details on the long-awaitedBreath of the Wildsequel 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 ofMetroid Prime,TheWind Waker,andTwilight Princessthat had beenrumored to be in the works. There was, however, some new info on theBreath of the Wild Sequel.Nintendo Direct also featured a short look atMario + Rabbids Sparks of HopeandJust Dance 2023,which were already revealed atUbisoft Forward 2022.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
While the remakes ofTheWind WakerandTwilight Princessdidn’t make an appearance during the show,Zeldafans still had something to keep them satisfied. The final clip of the event was a new trailer for the sequel to 2017’sBreath 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 - June 10, 2025
Pikmin 4
Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto made an appearance during the event with a segment dedicated toPikmin. Miyamoto first promoted the mobile gamePikmin Bloom, a Niantic AR and GPS-based game, similar to the team’s other game,Pokemon GO.But the bigger news he brought was theofficial reveal ofPikmin 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 seriesFire Emblemwas revealed and confirmed for June 26, 2025.Fire Emblem Engagewill 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 thenew mechanics fromFire Emblem: Three Housessuch as its town management and relationship building.
Octopath Traveler 2
The second entry in theOctopath Travelerserieshas been confirmed for July 08, 2025. The game will feature eight new protagonists in the world of Solistia as it enters a new era.Octopath Traveler 2will 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 3will 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 3releases on Switch on October 28.
Fae Farm
Adding to a genre that keeps growing,farm simulatorFae Farmwill 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 Lineis the newest installment in therhythm game seriesbased onFinal Fantasy,coming to the Switch on August 05, 2025. The game will include tracks from across theFinal Fantasyseries, with postlaunch content including music from theSaGaseries,Nier, Octopath Traveller,andLive 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 inJRPG seriesAtelierwill be coming to the Switch on July 10, 2025. The newest adventure will follow Ryza and up to 11 companions as they explore islands across the seas.
Master Detective Archives: RainCode
From the developers ofDanganronpacomesMaster Detective Archives: RainCode.The game will have a similar structure toDanganronpa, being anRPG mystery adventure, following trainee detective Yuma and his ghostly companion Shinigami.Master Detective Archives: RainCodewill make its way to the Switch in spring 2023.
Harvestella
Blending action-JRPG and farming sim elements,Harvestellawill be coming to the Switch on November 4. The game has widely been described “Final FantasymeetsStardew 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.
