Nintendo fans, mark your calendars! The next Nintendo Direct presentation is set for June 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM ET (7:00 AM PT) and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting showcases in years. With a rumoured runtime of around 40 minutes, this Direct is poised to deliver a ton of news, updates and reveals for Nintendo Switch games coming later this year and beyond.
The 2024 Nintendo Direct presentation promises exciting updates for Nintendo Switch fans. Anticipated highlights include new Nintendo Switch games and expansions for Nintendo Switch Online. Fans are eager for announcements about Super Mario, Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda series. There’s speculation about new titles in the Metroid Prime and Donkey Kong Country Returns franchises. Additionally, updates on Nintendo Switch Sports and upcoming events like the Nintendo World Championships are expected. The Nintendo World is buzzing with anticipation for these announcements, making this Direct a must-watch for anyone invested in the world of Nintendo.
So what exactly can we expect to see? Let’s dive in and break down some of the biggest highlights and announcements that are likely to take center stage.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
One of the most highly anticipated games of the Direct will undoubtedly be the next mainline entry in The Legend of Zelda series. Titled The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, this new adventure is set to launch on September 26, 2024 and will feature a twist on the classic formula – Princess Zelda is the playable protagonist!
In Echoes of Wisdom, Zelda sets out on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious disappearances plaguing the kingdom of Hyrule. Wielding a variety of weapons and magical abilities, players will guide Zelda through dungeons, solve puzzles, and battle formidable foes as she attempts to get to the bottom of this sinister mystery.
The game will feature a vast open world to explore, filled with secrets, side quests and memorable characters. Longtime Zelda composer Koji Kondo is back to provide the sweeping orchestral score. With stunning HD visuals, intuitive motion controls, and a compelling new story, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is shaping up to be a must-play Switch exclusive this fall.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Another major focus of the Direct will be the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4. After a rocky development that saw the game restarted from scratch in 2019, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally ready to show off its first real gameplay footage.
While details are still scarce, we know the game will pick up after the events of Metroid
Prime 3: Corruption, with bounty hunter Samus Aran exploring uncharted regions of the galaxy. The game will retain the first-person exploration and combat that made the Prime trilogy so beloved, while introducing a variety of new planets to visit, enemies to battle, and abilities to unlock.
Retro Studios, the team behind the original Metroid Prime games, is back at the helm, so fans can expect the same high-quality production values and immersive atmosphere. With a 2025 release window confirmed, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will likely be one of the biggest Switch games of the year. The Direct will give us our first real taste of what’s in store.
Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood
Another major franchise making a comeback is Mario & Luigi. The beloved RPG series is returning with Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood, a unique adventure game that puts a fresh spin on the classic characters and gameplay.
In Brotherhood, Mario and Luigi find themselves transported to a mysterious parallel world where they encounter doppelgängers of themselves – a heroic Luigi and a villainous Mario! The four brothers must team up to uncover the truth behind this strange new realm and find a way back home.
The game will blend classic Mario platforming with turn-based RPG combat, allowing players to switch between the four brothers on the fly. Each character will have their own unique abilities and special moves, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles. With a colorful storybook art style and a hilarious script penned by WayForward, Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood is shaping up to be a must-play for Switch owners of all ages when it launches on November 7, 2024.
Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes
Square Enix is also getting in on the Nintendo Direct action, with the announcement of HD-2D remakes of the first three Dragon Quest games. Utilizing the same retro-modern visual style as Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, these remakes will bring the classic 8-bit adventures of the original Dragon Quest trilogy to life like never before.
Dragon Quest 3 will be the first to launch, hitting Switch on November 14, 2024. The game will feature fully orchestrated music, voice acting, and a wealth of quality-of-life improvements while staying true to the original’s beloved story and gameplay. Dragon Quest 1 and 2 will follow in 2025, rounding out a must-have collection for JRPG fans.
Other Highlights
Of course, the Nintendo Direct won’t just be about major first-party releases. We’re also expecting to see updates on several other exciting Switch games:
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, a remastered version of the acclaimed Wii platformer, is coming to Switch on January 16, 2025
- Super Mario Party Jamboree, the latest entry in the party game series, will launch on October 17, 2024 with new modes, online play, and amiibo support
- Several classic games will be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
The Direct will also likely feature a few surprises and “one more thing” reveals that will have fans buzzing. While Nintendo has confirmed it won’t discuss the successor to the Nintendo Switch, which is expected to be revealed by April 2025, there will still be plenty to get excited about.
Conclusion
With so many incredible games on the horizon, the June 18 Nintendo Direct is shaping up to be a must-watch event for Switch owners. From the epic return of The Legend of Zelda and Metroid Prime to the hilarious hijinks of Mario & Luigi and the classic RPG adventures of Dragon Quest, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.
The next Nintendo Direct, likely to be hosted by Nintendo around E3, will feature roughly 50 minutes of information focused exclusively on upcoming Nintendo Switch titles. This presentation will include games launching in the first half of 2022 and the first half of 2023, as well as new details on titles coming in the second half of 2021. Fans can expect information on available games like Super Smash Bros and other popular franchises. Additionally, there will be updates on games exclusively from Nintendo’s publishing partners. With a focus on games that would excite the community, Nintendo President Satoru will provide insights into the future of Nintendo Switch software. This event promises to be a comprehensive update, featuring roughly 50 minutes of information focused on games coming in the second half of the year and new launches in the first half.
So mark your calendars, set a reminder, and get ready to be blown away by what Nintendo has in store. The future of the Switch is looking brighter than ever, and this Direct is just the beginning. Don’t miss it!
