Everything Nintendo Revealed in Their Massive 2021 Direct

So. Many. New. Games.

In case you missed it, yesterday Nintendo held a 50-minute long Nintendo Direct event, outlining all the new games and extras that are due this year and in 2022.

To say this was exciting would be an understatement. This is the first Nintendo Direct event that Nintendo has held since September 2019, and with a whole host of new and highly anticipated games on the cards, it did not disappoint.

Here is the rundown:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

With the 35th anniversary of Zelda at the front of everyone’s minds, we all had our fingers crossed for a new installment of the franchise. Previously, we were living off the rumors that some OG games were getting remastered, but yesterday Nintendo revealed that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD would be coming to the Nintendo Switch.

Originally a Nintendo Wii game, the new game will feature more intuitive motion controls as well as button-only controls. It is due to hit shelves on 16 July 2021.

Along with the reveal of a Zelda remaster comes two themed Joy-Con controllers, the same day as the game's release. These blue beauties are designed after the Master Shield and Master Sword from the original game.

Mario Golf: Super Rush

In case you thought Nintendo was done milking the Mario franchise, think again ‘cos yesterday they revealed the character's newest game: Mario Golf: Super Rush.

Combining both your favourite Mario characters with the skill of golf, this is a putt putt fans’ dream. Not gonna lie, this is giving me major Wii Sports golf vibes.

Featuring motion controls as well as a story mode, Mario’s latest golf game will be available on the Nintendo Switch from 25 June 2021.

Splatoon 3

One of the most exciting announcements to come out of the event was the drop of an unexpected teaser trailer for Splatoon 3.

Ending the event with a bang, the trailer gives away very little. We do get to see a cheeky robot crab and an unsettling view of the Eiffel Tower sat upside down in the sand, so fingers crossed it meets expectations.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2022 to get our hands on the game, hence the ‘teaser’ trailer, but it sure has sparked some excitement.

Miitopia

The fan favourite from the Nintendo 3DS, Miitopia is being remastered to become playable on the Nintendo Switch.

The slightly weird game has also had the option to put makeup on your Miis, just in case you wanted to spice up their looks even more.

At this stage, the Switch version of the game is set to drop on 21 May 2021.

Neon White

Developers Annapurna Interactive have announced an awesome new first-person action game called Neon White for the Nintendo Switch.

The new game has players fighting against demons and angles in an anime styled universe.

However, it’s not exclusive to the Switch; the game will also be released for PC mid this year.

Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville Complete Edition

A game you can snatch up real soon is Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville Complete Edition.

Featuring everything that has already been released, the complete game is the latest Nintendo Switch game to use EA’s Frostbite engine.

With a March release, you’ll want to jump on this one.

Knockout City

If you were a fan of dodgeball in high school you’re going to love this one.

Velan Studios announced their latest team-based multiplayer game Knockout City, which is essentially an extreme digital version of dodgeball. Okay it’s got way more effects and moves than real life dodgeball but it looks just as fun.

It’s due for release on 21 May 2021.

Arcade Stadium

If short and simple games are more your thing, Capcom has you covered.

Also announced yesterday was Capcom Arcade Stadium, featuring 32 of Capcom's most famous arcade style games, directly on the Nintendo Switch.

There are a bunch of different title packs that you can purchase, as well as additional packs on the Nintendo eShop.

Famicom Detective Club

Looking for something a little deeper?

Famicom Detective Club gets players using their sleuthing skills to discover the details of a grisly murder. The new mystery-thriller game has players follow an anime-styled, story walkthrough to discover the deadly truth.

It will be available on the Nintendo eShop from 14 May 2021.

Samurai Warriors 5

Another biggie from the event was the announcement of the 5th installment of the Samurai Warriors franchise.

Introducing a new art direction, Nintendo has featured Nobunaga Oda as the likely protagonist but is keeping all other details about the game very quiet.

While there isn’t a lot to know yet, fans won’t have to wait too long, as it is due for release this winter.

Remastered Legend of Mana

The fan favourite Legend of Mana is also getting a remaster for the Nintendo Switch, as well as on the PS4 and PC.

The updated game will feature new music, customisation options and, of course, remastered visuals.

It is set to hit consoles on 24 June 2021.

No More Heroes 3

A fourth installment of the No More Heroes franchise, and third entry in the mainline, was also revealed for the Nintendo Switch yesterday.

The action-adventure hack and slash video game—developed by Grasshopper Manufacture—has players defeat bosses and fight their way to the top of galactic superhero rankings.

It comes to the Switch on 27 August 2021.

Star Wars: Hunters

Fans were treated to more than one teaser trailer yesterday; this one from a galaxy far, far away…

Yep, that’s right. Nintendo have teased their newest Star Wars game, a competitive, free-play, arena based, hunting game.

Unfortunately, as the trailer is just a taste of what’s to come, there aren’t a lot of details to reveal, so watch this space (haha, space).

DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power

And finally, for younger players, Nintendo has announced a new superhero story game in which teenage versions of famous superheroes fight to save Metropolis.

DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power will be available on the Switch from 4 June 2021.

Aside from some brand-new games, Nintendo fans are also being treated to some Switch versions of a few favourites that were previously only available on other platforms—some were even exclusives.

Games new to the Nintendo Switch:

• Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
• OuterWilds
• Tales from the Borderlands
• Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel Without A Pulse
• World’s End Club
• A physical version of Hades
• Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
• SaGa Frontier Remastered

On top off all that, we’re also in for a bunch of fun extras like DLC downloadable content and demos this year.

Fun extras:

Prya and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are set to join in as characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Animal Crossing stans are in for some fun news ‘cos Super Mario Bros. items are coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, so you can live your Mario Animal Crossing dreams and travel through Mushroom Kingdom-style warp pipes.

The successor to Octopath Traveler, a Project Triangle Strategy demo has been announced for the Switch. The full game should be available some time in 2022, but you can play the demo on the Nintendo eShop now.

Plus, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is getting two waves of DLC as well as an expansion pass that is set for a June and November 2021 release. You can preorder now for $30.00.

If you want to catch some further details about all of these upcoming games and extras, you can watch the full version of the Nintendo Direct event here.

Header Image: Nintendo