Nintendo fans have been on quite the ride over the past year. 2020 was simultaneously a massively successful year for the Switch, thanks in no small part to the cultural juggernaut that is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and a relatively quiet one in terms of major releases. So far, fans haven't really been given much of an idea of what's in store for 2021 and beyond, especially after this month's launch of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.
That finally changed with the latest Nintendo Direct, which Nintendo acknowledged was the first in quite a while. Expectations were sky-high, but Nintendo delivered plenty of announcements pertaining to new releases and updates to existing games alike during this 50-minute long presentation. Here are the biggest announcements from the Direct.
Pyra and Mythra Join the Fight!
The Direct started with a trailer revealing Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in March. While not many details were revealed, we saw that the two will be considered one character that players can freely swap between, similar to Pokémon Trainer or Zelda and Sheik in earlier titles. It also appears that Rex will join in for the Final Smash, with the move itself varying based on which character is using it. More information will be announced closer to launch.
Fall Guys on Switch
After months as a PlayStation 4 and PC exclusive, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is finally bringing its quirky battle royale gameplay to Switch this summer. The game has received plenty of updates since launch, using a battle pass system with seasons similar to games like Fortnite. The adorable, colorful beans and chaotic game show-like style will fit in perfectly on Nintendo Switch, a system that's been great for bringing people together virtually throughout the pandemic.
Mario Golf: Super Rush
The fact that we're getting a new Mario Sports title in 2021 isn't particularly surprising, but the specifics revealed about Mario Golf: Super Rush make it one of the Direct's most exciting announcements. Super Rush will feature motion controls, allowing players to swing a Joy Con like a golf club, similar to how it worked in Wii Sports.
In addition to a Story Mode starring Miis, the game will also have Speed Golf Mode. Here, instead of taking turns like in traditional golf, it's always everyone's turn -- and the inclusion of dashes and Mario power-ups are bound to make things even more chaotic. The game will launch on June 25.
Animal Crossing X Super Mario
Though we've known this crossover was coming for some time now, the Direct finally detailed what players can expect from the Super Mario items coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This will include the expected clothing (such as outfits based on Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach) and furniture items (like question blocks and coins).
However, the most interesting addition is easily the working warp pipes, which will allow players to travel to other parts of their islands in a pseudo-fast travel system. The new Mario content will be added in a update coming on February 25, though the items themselves won't be available until March 1.
Project Triangle Strategy
The next game from the studio behind Octopath Traveler was announced under the working title Project Triangle Strategy. This strategy-RPG shares Octopath's gorgeous HD-2D art style and pixel graphics, but its turn-based battles are more akin to Fire Emblem's, and it seems to have more of an interconnected story than Octopath did. The game takes place on a new continent, Norzelia, and follows heir to the Kingdom of Glenbrook, Serenoa.
Project Triangle Strategy also features an intriguing morality system in which player choices determine Serenoa's worldview. Each will bolster one of three convictions: Utility, Morality and Liberty. What Serenoa believes will determine who your allies are -- and the fate of Norzelia itself.
The game is expected to release in 2022. However, those interested in the title can check it out now, as the developers have released a demo on the eShop. This will be similar to ones released for Octopath and Bravely Default II, with the team responding to and making adjustments based on player feedback.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass
Just like its predecessor, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is getting paid DLC this year. The Expansion Pass will be available to purchase starting on May 28, and doing so will get players a new costume and weapon for Link. The rest will be release in two wave, the first of which comes in June. This will add new characters, weapons and challenges.
The second wave, coming in November, will also expand the roster, and it will also add new stages, character vignettes and additional skills for existing characters. While not much was said in terms of specifics, more information will be announced in the coming months.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
While Nintendo had nothing to say on Breath of the Wild 2 aside from that development is proceeding smoothly and the developers hope to have news on it by the end of the year, it did announce the long-rumored remaster of Skyward Sword. It also acknowledged the ways Skyward Sword influenced Breath of the Wild, introducing things like the sail cloth and stamina gauge that became major features in the latter.
One of the more controversial Zelda titles, Skyward Sword HD will allow players to use the Joy Con as a sword and shield just like on the Wii. However, it will also let players use more traditional button controls, with sword motions being handled using the right control stick. The game will launch on July 16, and special Joy Con depicting the game's sword and shield will be released alongside it.
Splatoon 3
The final announcement was a tease for Splatoon 3, which is scheduled to release in 2022. While it's still a ways off, the game already appears to introduce some interesting new features, like more Inkling customization options and a bow and arrow weapon. The trailer, which shows an Inkling boarding a train in a desert and heading to a big city called Splatsville may hint towards a more story-driven Splatoon, at least in regards to its campaign.