5 Biggest Headlines From Last Night’s Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Direct events usually come with connotations of disappoint, as fans work themselves into a frenzy getting hyped for games that inevitably never get confirmed. Last night was a different story. Last night, Nintendo took off the kid gloves and announced some big hitters.

In just half an hour, the Nintendo Direct event packed in an insane amount of news and announcements, so naturally we’ve sifted through the event to find the 5 biggest headlines or talking points. Let’s take a look.

 

 

Okami HD hitting Nintendo eshop this summer

Amaterasu has been enjoying her latest resurgence, making appearances for PS4, Xbox One and PC back in December of last year, but now it’s time for the Nintendo Switch. Though it’ll be the same adventure we’ve all been enjoying for the past 12 years, the Nintendo Switch version comes with a couple of new features. In handheld mode, you’ll be able to use the touchscreen to control the Celestial Brush, whilst in TV or tabletop mode, you’ll can use the Joy-Con’s in built motion controls for the same effect. No concrete release date has been set, but you’ll be able to save the world of Nippon whilst taking a massive dump sometime this summer.

 

 

Splatoon 2 is getting a single player focused expansion

Anyone who has been playing Splatoon 2 looking for more things to splat should listen up: the first paid DLC for the game is called the Octo Expansion, and sees you in control of an octoling known as Agent 8. She has to navigate 80 different trial rooms connected by an underground subway, and completing this manic gauntlet will allow you to play as an octoling in the multiplayer. The expansion will cost $20 and be released in the Summer. Also confirmed was a 3.0 update to the multiplayer, including some new maps, new customisation options and the new X Rank, which will be available in late April. Plenty of stuff for you squid kids to be getting on with. Speaking of which…

 

 

Super smash bros. for the switch confirmed, includes Squid kid thingy

Okay, so I’ve never played Splatoon. I’ve no idea what those things are called. Anyway, Nintendo Direct concluded with the announcement that Super Smash Bros. would finally be making its way to the Nintendo Switch, including both the squid kids from Splatoon and the Breath of the Wild version of Link. Unfortunately, they didn’t confirm much else, turning Twitter into an almost Civil War-like scenario where some believe it’s a new game whilst other believe it’s a port of 2014’s Wii U version. Personally, either option is going to be the impetus for me buying a Nintendo Switch. It’s fucking Smash Bros. 

 

 

Mario Tennis Aces Gets a release date

It could just be me who considers this to be big news, but the Mario Tennis games have always been one of the strongest parts of the “Mario does everything except being a plumber or the saviour of Mushroom Kingdom” games. Aces looks to be no different. The trailer above showcases some new aspects, including Zone Shot, which allows you to pause time and accurately place your shot, and Zone Speed, which allows you to slow down time to try and reach those punishing shots. You’ve also got Special Shots that are powerful hits that can break your opponent’s racket in one hit.

It’s in-keeping with the arcade nature of the series, but if you’re more of a tennis purist, you can always just turn on the Simple Rules mode, and play tennis the way it was meant to played: between a princess and a Chain Chomp. Mario Tennis Aces will be released on June 22nd, 2018, but if you’re jonesing for a fix before then, you can get involved in a pre-launch online tournament. Details haven’t been released yet, but keep your eyes peeled on the Nintendo homepage for more information.

 

 

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Confirmed For Switch (along with PC and Xbox One)

It’s been rumoured for a while that Crash would be making the leap from PS4 exclusive to a multi-platform juggernaut, but now it’s been confirmed. The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy will be joining the Nintendo Switch, PC and Xbox One on the 10th July 2018, which is more than enough time to psyche yourself up for the agony that is The High Road. I said this last night when the news broke, but Crash 1 on the Switch will lead to consoles being thrown around on public transport. Just prepare yourselves.

And those are the biggest headlines, but let’s not forget the likes of Undertale, Little Nightmares or South Park: The Fractured But Whole also making their way to the Switch. What was your favourite piece of news, and why was it Smash Bros? Sound off in the comments below, and check out our list of the best exclusive games for the portable console.