Nintendo has announced a June 2023 Nintendo Direct, marking its first major showing of the summer. This will hopefully provide a much-needed look at Switch’s 2023 schedule, as Pikmin 4 is the only major first-party release left for the rest of the year.
Nintendo’s 2023 schedule has hinged heavily on one game – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. There are few better choices to bet your year on than Tears of the Kingdom, which is already being cited as Game of the Year following mass critical acclaim and widespread sales. Those who aren’t interested in Link’s latest adventure haven’t had as much to look forward to on the Nintendo Switch, with some suspecting that the system is winding down ahead of the announcement of Nintendo’s next console.
Related: Multiple sources claim a Nintendo Direct has been delayed due to the Queen’s passing
Where You Can Watch The June 2023 Nintendo Direct
The June 2023 Nintendo Direct was held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The Direct was roughly forty minutes long, and it can be seen on the official Nintendo website and the Nintendo YouTube channel. The NA and UK YouTube Steams are Below.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC – Autumn 2023/Winter 2023
Surprisingly, the Nintendo Direct started with footage of the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC expansion: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. This footage mainly showed some of the new areas, returning Pokemon, and a look at some of the new Legendary Pokemon. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a solid release date, as The Teal Mask is set for Autumn 2023, and The Indigo Disk is set for Winter 2023.
Sonic Superstars – Autumn 2023
Originally revealed during Summer Game Fest 2023, it was confirmed that Sonic Superstars is coming to Nintendo Switch in Autumn 2023. This new 2D Sonic game with multiplayer co-op allows four players to take on the roles of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy and take on stages together. You can also use the power of the Chaos Emeralds to perform wacky special moves.
Palia – Winter 2023
It wouldn’t be a modern Nintendo Direct without a magical farming sim. The first one revealed during the June 2023 Direct was Palia, an upcoming free-to-play farming game where you can grow crops, design homes, complete minigames, fight monsters, and craft gear. You can do all this alongside your friends in online multiplayer when it launches in Winter 2023.
Persona 5 Tactica – November 17
Originally leaked ahead of the Xbox Showcase, Persona 5 Tactica is a new tactics RPG spin-off where the Phantom Thieves of Heart are transported to a fantasy world. They must fight alongside the Rebel Corps, alongside the mysterious Erina, as they try to find a way home. Persona 5 Tactica is coming to Nintendo Switch on November 17.
Mythforce – 2023
Ever wanted an action game with the aesthetic of a Saturday morning cartoon? Mythforce has you covered, as it’s a multiplayer roguelike with visuals from the era of He-Man and Thundercats. Mythforce is now confirmed for Nintendo Switch, and it’s coming in 2023.
Splatoon 3 Ice Crem Splatfest – July 15-17
Splatoon 3’s next Splatfest was confirmed and will have an ice cream theme. Those passionate about desserts can choose their favorite flavor from either vanilla, strawberry, or mint chip. You can all be wrong and not choose salted caramel when the next Splatfest takes place from July 15-17.
Detective Pikachu Returns – October 6
The long-awaited sequel to Detective Pikachu was first announced in 2019, and it’s been radio silence ever since. The June 2023 Nintendo Direct finally had information about the return of the Pokemon Sleuth, as Detective Pikachu Returns is coming to Nintendo Switch on October 6. Unfortunately, there’s no Ryan Reynolds or Danny DeVito to be seen.
Super Mario RPG – November 17
Super Mario RPG on the Super Nintendo is finally being remade for Nintendo Switch, with overhauled modern visuals. The new Super Mario RPG will launch on November 17, bringing Geno and Mallow back to the gaming world, where they belong.
A New Princess Peach Game – 2024
The shortest showing during the event was for an unnamed Princess Peach game. It seems to have things in common with Super Mario Bros. 3, as it appears the whole game takes place as part of a stage show. There is also a mysterious power-up that is only shown briefly before the trailer ends. Fans might be waiting a while to learn more about this, as the Princess Peach is launching in 2024.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – “In Development”
The Nintendo 3DS Eshop might be dead, but one of the system’s exclusives has returned from the dead on Nintendo Switch. A remaster of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (the second entry in the series) is currently in development for Nintendo Switch, with its visuals improved for the system.
Batman Arkham Trilogy – Autumn 2023
The game announcement that was surprising for having taken so long to happen is Batman Arkham Trilogy, as it feels like these should have been on the Nintendo Switch the whole time. Batman Arkham Trilogy has all three games plus their DLC (no Batman: Arkham Origins, sadly) in one package, coming to the Nintendo Switch in Autumn 2023.
Gloomhaven – September 18
It wouldn’t be a Nintendo Direct without a board game adaptation; this time, it was for Gloomhaven. Guide your party of mercenaries through dangerous dungeons and use your deck of cards to unleash powers against your foes. Gloomhaven will haunt Nintendo Switch on September 18.
Just Dance 2024 Edition – October 24
Another year passes, more of mankind’s history fades away and turns into dust, and another Just Dance game is released. This time around, it’s Just Dance 2024 Edition. The game has 40 new tracks (including “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston) and comes with a month trial for Just Dance +, launching on Nintendo Switch on October 24.
Silent Hope – October 3
Do you hate voice acting and prefer playing video games on mute, with a podcast in the background? The Nintendo Direct has a game for you, as Silent Hope stars seven silent protagonists descending into the underworld, killing monsters, and rebuilding their town, all without saying a word. You can begin your quiet adventure on October 3.
Fae Farm – September 8
What’s that? Do you want more farming RPG goodness? There’s more to come on Nintendo Switch in 2023, as Fae Farm will launch on September 8. This cozy farming RPG lets you build farms, slay monsters, and craft awesome gear, all in the fantasy world of Azoria. You can even bring your friends along for the ride, as it supports local and online multiplayer.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged – October 19
The toy cars are back in video game form, as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged brings 130 vehicles into the game and lets you perform outrageous stunts with them. You can also modify the vehicles to your liking and build all kinds of whacky tracks when Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged launches on October 19.
Manic Mechanics – July 13
Have you ever wanted to work as a mechanic in a fast-paced Autoshop filled with deadly hazards? No? Okay, we’ll pretend you didn’t say that and show you Manic Mechanics. This is a co-op game where you try quickly assembling vehicles with your friends while the factory conditions become more chaotic over time. Manic Mechanics hits Nintendo Switch on July 13.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope – The Last Spark Hunter DLC – Out Now
The Last Spark Hunter DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope was one of the shadow drops of the Nintendo Direct. In this DLC, Mario and his friends travel to a music-themed planet and face a robot Rabbified version of King Bob-omb as a new enemy. Unfortunately, Ray-Man won’t be appearing until a later DLC.
Dragons Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince – December 1, 2023
A new entry in the Dragon Quest Monsters series was announced during the Nintendo Direct. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is set in the world of Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen and stars its villain, Psaro the Manslayer, during his youth. The Dragon Quest Monsters series combines elements of Pokemon and Shin Megami Tensei’s gameplay loop alongside the iconic creature designs that the franchise is known for. Psaro’s quest for vengeance begins on December 1.
Pikmin 4 – July 21
Pikmin 4 launches on July 21, so it’s no surprise that it was prominently featured during the Nintendo Direct. Much like The Depths in Tears of the Kingdom, Pikim 4 will feature its own deadly underground kingdom, with unique monsters to fight and treasures to find. There is also a plant-like alien enemy, who the player must face in Dandori Battles, where you must collect more gear before your opponent does.
Pikmin 4 also features a skill tree for the dog, lets you craft gear, and you can now go on dangerous nighttime expeditions. The night is dark and full of terrors, but Glow Pikmin can now light your way through the evening shade. A demo for Pikim 4 is also coming on June 29.
Pikmin 1 +2 – Out Now
Those who can’t wait until the launch of Pikmin 4 can sate themselves right now, as HD remasters of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 on the GameCube were shadow-dropped onto the Nintendo Eshop, letting everyone go back and experience Olimar’s original adventures with the Pikmin.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 – October 24
Solid Snake’s revival tour continues on Nintendo Switch, as Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 1. was announced during the Direct. This compilation contains Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and the NES versions of Metal Gear and Snake’s Revenge. Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 1 launched on October 24, with Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater also available for purchase individually on Nintendo eShop.
Vampire Survivors – August 17
The highly-addictive game of fighting monsters in 30-minute intervals is finally coming to Nintendo Switch, as Vampire Survivors was announced during the Direct. Use your automatic attacks to hold off the enemy hordes while slowly upgrading your powers and finding new weapons. Vampire Survivors will be injecting itself into your bloodstream on August 17. It will also feature couch co-op for those who want to survive with their pals.
Headbangers Rhythm Royale – October 31
For the people who thought SkateBIRD was too subtle, there is Headbangers Rhythm Royale. In this multiplayer music battle royale, everyone takes on the role of a pigeon as they try and survive each minigame and be the last bird standing. This bizarre party game launches on October 31.
Penny’s Big Breakaway – Early 2024
The team behind Sonic Mania has made its own 3D platformer that doesn’t involve the Blue Blur. In this game, you take on the role of Penny, a yo-yo user who must escape from the grouchy king, whom she accidentally embarrassed in front of his court. Not only does this game feature expansive platforming stages in its Story Mode, but it also caters to speedrunners with its Time Attack mode. Penny’s Big Breakaway launches in early 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Pass Wave 5 – Summer 2023
Information about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Pass was revealed, with details about Wave 5, which is coming in Summer 2023. There’s a brand new stage called Squeaky Clean Sprint for those who want a bathroom-themed stage, but the biggest addition in the update is returning characters, as Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek will be available as racers.
Star Ocean The Second Story R – November 2
The days of 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds didn’t die with the PS1, as a remake of the second Star Ocean is bringing it back. Star Ocean The Second Story R lets players take on the role of spaceman Claude or magical monster Rena as they go on an adventure that spans the universe, merging fantasy with science fiction. The game will also feature a revamped combat system, allowing characters outside of battle to help out. Star Ocean The Second Story comes to Nintendo Switch on November 2.
WarioWare: Move It! – November 3
A new WarioWare game is on the way; this time, it involves the Joy-Cons. WarioWare: Move It! features over 200 microgames, where the players must use the Joy-Cons to complete the tasks presented to them. There is also a multiplayer party mode, where up to four players can battle it out in the microgames. WarioWare: Move It! shakes onto Nintendo Switch on November 3.
More The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Amiibo – Date
Were you hoping to see Tears of the Kingdom DLC news during the Nintendo Direct? Tough. Instead, two new awesome-looking amiibos were announced. Princess Zelda and Ganondorf amiibos are coming in Winter 2023, and it’s unclear if they will add anything new to the game.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – October 20
The big closer of the event was for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a brand new 2D Mario game with a gorgeous art style, all-new power-ups, trippy visuals, and a playable Princess Daisy. Sadly, they couldn’t get it out in time for the movie, but fans won’t have to wait long to enjoy it, as it launches on October 20.
Related: It Takes Two Switch port announced at Nintendo Direct
The June 2023 Nintendo Direct had a mixture of awesome announcements, a few meh reveals, and some notable absentees, such as anything regarding Nintendo Switch Online. Overall, it did a great job of fleshing out the 2023 schedule, which looked barren before the showcase, and is now packed to the gills with Nintendo goodness.
