Despite no announcements regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, that didn't stop Nintendo from holding a pretty eventful Nintendo Direct on June 18.
There is plenty to discuss (despite no announcement for Hollow Knight: Silksong), so let's jump right in!
New Nintendo Switch Online games
It wouldn't be a Nintendo Direct if they didn't give us a list of new games that will be available to play if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The latest list of games includes The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
I feel like it's been a hot second since we've had a Donkey Kong game to look forward to. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD originally released on the Nintendo Wii, but it's getting a rerelease on the Switch.
This will have 2-player local co-op and includes the 80 levels from the Wii version and the additional stages from the 3DS version. It releases on January 16, 2025.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Call your mom and tell her that she's right after all these years: Zelda is the main character in The Legend of Zelda!
With the art direction of the Link's Awakening re-release from 2019, you get to play as Zelda in Hyrule trying to save her kingdom. Your tri-rod creates echoes of items throughout the world, which gives you so many creative ways to traverse the world and take on combat. It feels like a slightly less insane version of Tears of the Kingdom's building mechanics.
We don't have to wait long. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom releases on September 26!
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
It's probably the biggest reveal of the Nintendo Direct. They finally gave us a first look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond since it was announced at E3 in 2017. Not that we got much after all this time aside from a hint of gameplay and some quick looks, but it's nice to know it's finally on the horizon.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is slated to come out sometime in 2025.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
It wouldn't be complete if we didn't have a Mario announcement (not counting the Mario Party Jamboree announcement). Nintendo gave us a first look at Mario & Luigi: Brothership, which takes our plumber brothers on a seafaring adventure. It's a different kind of art style, too, which makes it look pretty fun.
This launches on November 7th!