Watch today’s Nintendo Direct right here with us

Watch today’s Nintendo Direct right here with us

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You thought the summer exhibition festivities were over, but – hooray! – there’s still one event left to enjoy: Nintendo Direct. The programme begins today (18th June) at 3pm UK time and is scheduled to run for roughly 40 minutes.

I’ll be updating you live on everything that’s announced straight from the broadcast, right here, so you don’t miss anything if you’re unable to watch it yourself. Of course, you can also check out the stream here and jump into the discussion with us—these occasions are simply better when you share them.

So, what are we likely to see? Let’s start with the biggest question: Nintendo Switch 2? Unfortunately, not. Nintendo has already shut down that idea. “There will be no discussion of the Nintendo Switch successor during this presentation,” Nintendo said yesterday, announcing the broadcast. Instead, this episode will focus on the games coming to Switch in the second half of 2024.

And which games might those be? It’s possible we’ll get Switch versions of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD and The Wind Waker HD. There’s also a good chance of a release date for Plucky Squire, along with – yes, we’re going there – an update for Hollow Knight Silksong, at last.

See you at 3pm!

Watch on YouTube

Our live updates for this event have now wrapped up.


Hello there! Great to see you again. I can see Neddie has already kicked things off with his guesses for this afternoon (gold star for you, Ned), but what’s everyone else hoping to hear?


For the record, I was just rewatching a Nintendo E3 press briefing from 2004, and wow—how much things have changed. Do you remember those sales charts? And those business update segments? Back when Nintendo actually ran live presentations. Ah, good old days.


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Robert Purchese


One event that really sticks with me is the one where Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aimé either pretended to play (or actually did) basketball with someone, while also trading some painfully awkward lines. Comments like, “You’re going to hurt yourself throwing so many rocks.” It was hard to watch—in the best and worst way. I’d love to figure out which conference it was, just so I could find a recording!


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Also, quick request: could we change the name to Twiglet Princess? It would make my brain much happier.


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Robert Purchese

Earl-Grey says: Show at 3 pm, 18 is 6 times 3, Half-Life Episode 3 confirmed.

Hold on a second…!


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Kami says: ARMS 2 LEGS. They’ve spent the last six years or so crafting fresh stretchy-leg physics lol

Haha, that really got a laugh out of me!


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Robert Purchese


The wait for it to begin is almost over. We’re under 10 minutes out. I’m going to savor a Swedish Fika cookie while I’m anticipating it.


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Robert Purchese

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Dangerous_Dave says: My Wild Card forecasts; They’re remaking Super Metroid using the Dread engine and rolling it out before Christmas. There’s also a two-pack release planned for Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD, scheduled for the summertime. A forthcoming announcement will cover a collection with all the 3DS Picross games, available right away. The Pullblox and Pushmo(?) titles will be packaged together for late 2024. A brand-new Kirby side scroller will be revealed for Christmas 2024. A fresh Punch Out!! game will also arrive before November.

And that will be the last Direct before they show off the new console.

I’ve written all of this down on a bingo scorecard, and I can’t wait to start marking it off!


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Robert Purchese

Fallout2 says: Shining Force collection, including SF I, II, the three arcs of III, and the SegaCD release.

A sequel to Demon’s Crest.

A remaster of E.V.O.

A Switch version of Fantasian.

A Switch port of AM2R with a visual refresh.

A Reggie voice pack for main Nintendo games.

That sense of wonder you had when you spotted an amazing screenshot at age 11.

I’m hoping at least one of these comes through.

Haha, fantastic! You’re all on fire today.


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Robert Purchese


We’re coiled up and ready for what comes next. The clock keeps ticking along, indifferent to our anticipation. I keep wondering when Nintendo filmed this Direct—was it one week ago, two weeks ago, or maybe longer?


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Robert Purchese


Here’s a useful suggestion from Ed Nightingale: “There’s typically a lag on these streams, but if you set it to 2x speed it’ll sync up.”


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Robert Purchese

MajesticStevie says: Yoshi’s Island, Golden Sun, Mario Marker 3. Any of these, please.

Mario Marker, huh? That’s a bold idea. Can you tell I’m trying to make a joke? You don’t get it? Nobody else either? Alright, I’ll stop.

I do get what you mean, though—and I’d happily take all of them!

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We’re almost there now—just 30 seconds to go. Go on, Nintendo, let’s have a show.


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The presentation begins

10, 9, 8…

We’re live!


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Mario & Luigi: Brothership unveiled

Here’s Luigi running…

Escaping from a swarm of bees while calling for Mario’s help—just like always. Yes, that’s Mario & Luigi!

It’s a cel-shaded kind of world, with the brothers getting up to all sorts of mischief. They’ve picked up massive mallets, swinging them around during turn-based showdowns. Is this a remake, or a completely new adventure?

And there’s Peach—hey Peach! Everything looks bright and cheerful. Mario & Luigi: Brothership. 7th November 2024.


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It looks like this is the first new entry in the series in nearly ten years—so yes, it truly is something fresh.


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Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is almost here. Can you outpace the speedrunners?

This compilation is packed with thrilling challenges for anyone who enjoys that kind of challenge. It lands on Switch on 18th July.


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Take a look at those running animations. This is Fairy Tail 2 Land from Tecmo Koei. It’s due to arrive on Switch this winter.


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Hironobu Sakaguchi alongside Nubuo Uematsu are introducing their latest turn-based RPG, Fantasian. It looks quite promising—a pleasant mix of classic touches and something new. Fantasian: Neo Dimension is scheduled to release this winter on Switch.


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Robert Purchese

Switch Sports gets a free basketball update this summer

It’s Switch Sports time. Basketball is coming to the game as a no-cost add-on. You’ll be able to dribble, pass, and shoot in two-on-two matches. There’s also a free throw challenge

you can play solo, or team up with three extra players. This sounds like a great time! I’m a big fan of a bit of basketball.

It’s expected to arrive this summer.


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A hand-drawn look to it now. We’re seeing an automaton with glowing wires running through its hair. Those settings are genuinely striking. It plays like a side-scroller for the most part, and yes—it feels a bit reminiscent of GLADoS!

A lively, colorful world. Mio: Memories in Orbit, set to arrive in 2025 from Focus Home.


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Disney Illusion Island is getting an update, and it goes live later today!


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Which open-world adventure have you been looking forward to most? Is it Hello Kitty Island Adventure? If so, it’s coming to Switch next year.


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Or maybe you’re hoping for a Looney Tunes sports game—that one’s on the way as well. It brings to mind Space Jam a little, and it’s scheduled to launch on Switch this autumn.


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This is fast-paced and intense! Not the game—the broadcast. There will be a free update for Among Us on Switch later today.


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An RPG with an anime-style take on Pokémon looks like it’s coming soon. You’ll be able to grow plenty of monsters in your, uh, garden. That’s certainly intriguing.

During battles, you command groups of them. And you can also merge them together in the style of Power Rangers to form giant creatures, such as a dragon. It’s called Farmagia, and it arrives on Switch starting November 1st.


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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD lands on Switch

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is making its way to Switch. It looks like a port of the Wii HD release. I can’t believe I played this on SNES when it first came out—so long ago. It also includes extra stages from the 3DS version.

It’s due out on January 16, 2025, so there’s a little while to wait for this one.

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Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake coming in November

Well, would you look at that? Things have finally quieted down a bit for some major reveals. What do we have here? A beloved, classic-style RPG—Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake!

So what should you expect? It feels a lot like Octopath Traveler, if you’ve played that before. You’re getting the familiar look, just refreshed, and it honestly looks fantastic.

It releases on November 14 for Switch.


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DQ 1&2 remakes arriving in 2025

And there’s more: Dragon Quests 1 and 2 are also getting remakes, scheduled for 2025.


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By the way, all of the Dragon Quest games are expected to receive the exact same treatment.

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Oh no, there’s a Funko Pop title in the works. It’s called Funko Fusion, and it’s an action-adventure game. In the gameplay, you can pick from one of 60 characters—each one packaged up and shown like a collectible on a shelf. It’s not very attractive, but somehow it’s still oddly appealing.


It launches on 13th September for the Switch.


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Next up, there’s a trailer for Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. It’ll be available later this month on 27th June—just a quick reminder.


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A free Demper Men game is set to arrive on 22nd July. From what we saw, it felt pretty unusual.


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A new entry in the turn-based Metal Slug series is on the way. Metal Slug Attack Reloaded launches later today!


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Great news! Darkest Dungeon 2 is heading to Switch. I’m a big fan of Darkest Dungeon, so I’m genuinely impressed that it’s doing so well on Switch. Its release is planned for 15th July.


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Turok and Perfect Dark are available today


Zelda: A Link to the Past Four Swords and Metroid: Zero Mission are on the way. Beyond that, a number of mature N64 games are scheduled for release. Among them are Turok and Perfect Dark—particularly fitting in light of the recent reveal of the new project. Perfect Dark will include online multiplayer. All of these titles will be playable later this same day.


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A new Phantom Brave entry is currently in development! Just look at that adorable petticoat. Expect tactical turn-based combat, spectral allies, and fire projectiles. I also like the gentle, muted color palette the game uses. Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero launches next year.


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Capcom arcade classics! The Marvel vs. Capcom series is included, and The Punisher is in the lineup too. X-Men also shows up—I honestly didn’t realize there was a Punisher game. There will also be an online mode.


Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is due to arrive “this year”.


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Super Mario Party Jamboree launches on 17th October


Super Mario Party Jamboree is nearly here. We’re being treated to a first look at a set of brand-new mini-games. There’s plenty to try, including Goomba Lagoon and Roll ’em Raceway. It’s tough to keep up with everything, but the range looks genuinely impressive.


Reports suggest there will be more than 110 mini-games available.


In Koopathlon mode, as many as 20 players can take part online. It seems to follow a Fall Guys-style concept.


Be sure to put 17th October in your diary.


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A new Zelda game starring Zelda announced


Plot twist! Here comes something Zelda-related! It’s a remake of a well-known classic—though which one is it?


The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Eiji Aonuma is on hand with the details. Link has disappeared, and Zelda has to set out on a mission to find him! A new style of gameplay has been introduced for Zelda, using a top-down view.


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It’s presented with a delightful, slightly plastic-like look. Zelda uses a magical wand to tackle environmental puzzles. As she explores, she can form echoes of the things she encounters to help her reach new locations—like tables, crates, and similar items.


And yes, there are combat encounters. For example, you can craft a rock echo to throw. You can also generate echoes of enemies so they can fight alongside you.


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Zelda:

Echoes of Wisdom zaplanowano na 26 września


Widzimy montaż, w którym Zelda wykorzystuje rozmaite stworzenia oraz przedmioty, by pomagać jej w wykonywaniu zadań. Wygląda więc na to, że tym razem stawiamy na podpowiedzi i „mądrość” Zeldy.


Premiera ma odbyć się 26 września — w tym roku!


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BJive says: Może tylko ja, ale uważam, że Eiji Aonuma jest wyjątkowo pociągający. Szary lis.

To prawda — czyż nie jest w tym sporo uroku?


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WithLove&Squalor says: UGH, KOLEJNA EDYCJA LIMITOWANA DO KTÓREJ TRZEBA DOPŁACIĆ, ŻEBY JĄ MIEĆ?! CZY TO KIEDYKOLWIEK SIĘ SKOŃCZY?!

Kupcie ją bez zastanawiania się w kółko — tak przynajmniej radzimy.


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Robert Purchese

Lego Horizon zmierza na Switch


No i mamy LEGO Horizon Adventures na Switch! To naprawdę trafi na platformę Nintendo.

Gra ma pojawić się tej zimy.

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Madame-Drofla remarks: @WithLove&Squalor – Twiglet Princess? Chyba mi to umknęło.

Od dziś robimy z tego rzeczywistość! Usłyszeliście o tym jako pierwsi.


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Robert Purchese

Stray trafi na Switch tej zimy

„Cat Game” – Stray – będzie dostępne na Switch. Zastanawiam się, czy konsola da radę, ale jak to dokładnie wypadnie — jeszcze nie wiadomo. Start tej zimy.


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Urocza gra o hobbitach Tales of Shire zmierza na Switch. Myślę, że Chris mógł już to zobaczyć na Summer Game Fest. Tytuł ma trafić na rynek tej zimy.


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Dwa tytuły z serii Ace Attorney zostaną wydane na Switch w jednym pakiecie. W grze pojawią się nowe, ręcznie rysowane grafiki, obok klasycznego stylu pixel art.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection będzie dostępne 6 września.


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What on earth? Two characters are walking through a city, and suddenly we’re staring at a battered, destroyed urban landscape filled with enemies that look like they walked out of Splatoon. Still, it’s not Splatoon!

This seems to be a tactical RPG. The visuals are appealing, the whole thing feels a bit strange, and I’m completely at a loss. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is due to arrive early next year, created by the same team behind Danganronpa.


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A turn-based RPG focused on growing empires. Different characters are shown wearing short skirts and long stockings. It’s Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven, arriving on 24th October—coincidentally, it’s also my birthday!


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Robert Purchese

One last thought: a sci-fi story. Is this Metroid?


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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond announced

That’s Samus’ ship. Yes—Samus! This looks like it’s a brand-new game. We’re in a first-person perspective, jumping into some explosive shootouts. We move through air vents and corridors. Everything here is fully 3D. So what’s going on?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond! Coming in 2025.


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The presentation concludes

That’s the end of the presentation. The session was packed with information, including several big announcements as well as a lot of smaller updates.


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Grenners1397 states: MP4 seems a bit too impressive for the Switch……

Wow, that’s a great point. On which platforms will this game be released?


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Robert Purchese

Also, the acronym MP4 is pretty confusing to me.


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perfect_organism remarks: I hope I age as gracefully as the Switch has.

Haha – that’s the line of the day!

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Kami mentions: Do you remember how utterly empty the final stretch of the Wii U years felt? I do, without question. That’s exactly why this Direct stands out so much.

Totally—I’m recalling it clearly. What a brutal stretch.


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Kami notes: I remember that almost every KickStarter had a Wii U stretch goal set up to unlock extra funding.

Haha, honestly—you’ve nailed it.


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dbaner states: They didn’t say whether Prime 4 was headed to Switch.

Yes, that’s right. The bigger question now is whether it shows up on Switch 1, Switch 2, or maybe on both.


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FTJT mentions: There was quite a bit of filler in that, and I thought it was strange, especially since the major announcements were solid and really deserved more time. M&L, the new Zelda, and DQ3HD2DR are my top picks.

You’re spot on. Some parts felt rushed.

I just caught the acronym you used for Dragon Quest 3: DQ3HD2DR. Goodness. It looks like a license plate.

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Kami remarks: So here’s the question: when will the Switch 2 Announcement Date land? Do you think they’ll wait until October—eight years after the first Switch tease?

Eight years. Has it really been that long? It would seem reasonable. Still, pushing it to 2025 may feel a little late if spring is the expected window for release. Sounds thrilling, though, doesn’t it?


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Robert Purchese

perfect_organism states: @Kami this Direct would have me queuing up for a midnight release!

Midnight releases! Oh, slow down my racing heart. Anyone else remember those?


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Robert Purchese

Grenners1397 comments: Miss a dance move and you get blown up.

Haha. That made me laugh.


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Robert Purchese


Well, that’s everything from us. Thanks for sticking with us for what turned out to be one of the most memorable shows this summer. Well done, Nintendo.


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