Today marked the premiere of the first Nintendo Direct showcase of 2022. The 40-minute presentation featured a bevy of announcements and reveal trailers for games coming to Nintendo Switch over the next few months. The showcase featured updates for several previously announced games as well. Below is a round-up of all the trailers for the biggest announcements from today’s Nintendo Direct showcase.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Announcement
Today’s Nintendo Direct kicked off with the announcement of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. Set in the same universe as Fire Emblem: Three Houses, this new installment will feature familiar characters of the previous title. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes launches on Nintendo Switch on June 24.
Mario Strikers: Battle League Announcement
The Mario Strikers series is getting a new entry in the form of Mario Strikers: Battle League, a soccer-based sports game coming this summer. The Mario Strikers: Battle League announcement trailer highlights several of the game’s features, including the new Hyper Strike ability. The 8v8 soccer game will arrive on June 10, 2022.
No Man’s Sky Lands on Nintendo Switch This Summer
Procedural space survival game No Man’s Sky will make its debut on Nintendo Switch this summer. The No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch Edition will include every update released for the game up to this point.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Mouthful Mode Reveal
Today’s Nintendo Direct featured a new trailer for Kirby and the Forgotten Land that showcases the game’s Mouthful Mode. This mode takes Kirby’s copying ability to a new level by allowing Kirby to transform into cars, vending machines, and even lightbulbs. With these new forms comes new abilities that will help Kirby maneuver through various areas. Kirby and the Forgotten Land releases on March 25.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Adds 48 Remastered Courses
While there was no word of Mario Kart 9 during today’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo did reveal a new paid DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Booster Course Pass will add 48 remastered courses to the game from the Mario Kart series. Unfortunately, the full set of courses won’t be out this year. The courses will gradually roll out in sets of eight across six waves, with the final set releasing by the end of 2023. The Booster Course Pass costs $24.99 as a standalone purchase. The DLC will also be available for free as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
Splatoon 3 Salmon Run Mode Revealed
Splatoon fans got an extended look at gameplay for Splatoon 3’s co-op mode, Salmon Run: Next Wave. Although no release date was announced, we do know that Splatoon 3 is expected to release sometime this summer.
Disney Speedstorm Arrives on Switch This Summer
Move over, Mario Kart. There’s a new kart racer in town. Disney Speedstorm is a brand new kart racing game coming to Nintendo Switch and it features a combination of iconic Disney and Pixar characters. Disney Speedstorm will be free-to-play, cross-platform, and even features split-screen support. Disney Speedstorm is expected to cross the finish line this summer.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Release Date
Game Boy Advance strategy games Advance Wars 1 and Advance Wars 2 will be headed to Switch on April 8 in the form of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. The reboot will feature new modes, voice overs, and gameplay improvements. Pre-orders are available now.
Chrono Cross Remaster Coming to Switch
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition was announced for Nintendo Switch. The remaster of the acclaimed RPG will release on April 7, with pre-orders available starting today.
Nintendo Switch Sports Revealed With Gameplay Trailer
Sports games are finally coming to Switch this April in the form of Nintendo Switch Sports, the next iteration of the Wii Sports series. The game will feature returning sports such as bowling and tennis, while also introducing new sports like badminton and volleyball. Nintendo Switch Sports releases on April 29.
Triangle Strategy Demo Now Available
A prologue demo for tactical RPG Triangle Strategy is now available on Switch. The demo covers the first three chapters of the upcoming game. Progress made in the demo will also transfer to the full game once purchased. Triangle Strategy releases on March 4.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival Release Date Reveal
Bust out those drum sets, because there’s a new Taiko no Tatsujin game coming to Switch. Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival releases this year and features 76 tracks, including an orchestral version of The Legend of Zelda main theme song. Rhythm Festival will also feature new modes including Practice, Don-Chan Band, and Great Drum Toy War modes.
Portal 1 & 2 Coming to Switch in Portal: Companion Collection
Both Portal 1 and Portal 2 are releasing for Nintendo Switch in the Portal Companion Collection sometime this year. This will be the first time either game has released for a Nintendo console.
LIVE A LIVE Debuts in the West This July
Japan-exclusive JRPG LIVE A LIVE will make its western debut on July 22. This will be the first time the game will be available outside of Japan.
Metroid Dread Free Update Adds New Difficulty Mode
Metroid Dread has received a free update that introduces two new difficulty modes to the game, Dread Mode and Rookie Mode. A second free update will arrive in April, adding a new boss rush mode to Metroid Dread.
Earthbound, Earthbound Beginnings Added to Nintendo Switch Online
Beloved NES titles Earthbound and Earthbound Beginnings are now available on Switch as part of Nintendo Switch Online.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Announcement
The February 2022 Nintendo Direct wrapped up with the announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The third entry in the acclaimed RPG series will be coming to Nintendo Switch this September.
Those were all of the major trailers and announcements shown during today’s Nintendo Direct. You can rewatch the full broadcast below as well as on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.