Unlike PlayStation Showcase and Xbox Games Showcase, the Nintendo Direct lasted for less than 45 minutes—but was fully packed. The show which aired on June 21, 2023, immediately dived into action with the reveal of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Area Zero. Although the show was hosted in Japanese, it was translated into English.
Immediately after the Pokémon reveal, the hosts of the show, Yoshiaki Koizumi and Shinya Takahashi, appeared on screen in front of a red background with tiny white dots, which paid tribute to the Nintendo colors.
“That was the latest trailer for the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, the paid DLC for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games,” said Takahashi.
He went ahead to explain that the “first half of the trailer took place at a festival in the countryside”. Koizumi added that “the second half seemed to be in a completely different location, a futuristic academy in the middle of the ocean.”
Fans of the Pokémon games will get to know more about the DLCs in the coming months. We will definitely keep you updated whenever we hear anything. The hosts also revealed that after the Nintendo Direct, there would be a special event in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
The “Special Tera Raid Battle Event” in Pokémon Scarlet will run until July 2, 223. In this event, Shiny Chest Form Gimmighoul may appear on rare occasions in 5-star Battles. The special event in Pokémon Violet will see players receive helpful items for Paldean Treasure Hunt. The presents can be x10 Nugget, x10 Rare Candy, or x1 Friend Ball.
When players receive a mystery gift in Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, they are expected to unlock it using the password ‘TREASUREHUNT’. The redemption period will run until July 31, 2023.
All the games revealed at Nintendo Direct June 2023 event
One of the most fascinating features of the Nintendo Direct game showcase was that it featured games across a broad genre. In other words, there is a game for everyone to look up to. Right after the introduction, the Nintendo Direct game reveal kicked in with familiar faces and surprise entries.
Sonic Superstars
The reimagined Sonic game will see Sonic and his team of friends spin-dash into a redesigned 2D side-scrolling world. The game has been expanded to include 12 brand-new zones. Gamers have the chance to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy. Each of the characters offers a different playing experience.
Sonic will continue to roll and knock off most enemies. With Tails, players can take to the skies. Players that prefer to climb walls and glide will be better off with Knuckles. Amy Rose just loves to swing a powerful hammer. Harnessing the powers of the chaos emeralds allows players to summon a storm of clones. There are also hidden secrets to be discovered.
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For the first time in the series, Sonic Superstars will allow local co-op of up to four players. Now you have a reason to grab extra Nintendo Switch consoles for the family. Together, your entire team can take on evil Dr Eggman. The game is due for launch this Fall but no specific date was given.
Palia
Palia looks and plays a lot like Sims. The only difference is that while the latter is set in the city, Palia recreates a rural life where you can do everything from fishing, growing crops, hunting, cooking, building, and decorating houses. This is one of the games that caught our attention at the Nintendo Direct June 2023.
The game allows players to interact with other in-game characters as well as players from all over the world. There are also hidden mysteries for those that love exploration. This Nintendo Switch exclusive will launch in the Holiday of 2023. Our best guess is that it will be in December.
Persona 5 Tactica
This is a tactical spin-off of Persona 5. “When the group ends up in an unfamiliar world, they must join forces with a revolutionary named Erina to combat the armies that have taken control.” That was how the narrator spelled out the challenge that lies in the path of the Phantom thieves.
During battles, players will decide whether to use a ranged attack, a close attack, or a Persona. This time, when players knock enemies down, they have a chance to perform another action called “1 More”. This action allows players to surround their foes and take them out with dramatic flair using the new ‘all-out attack triple threat’.
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The fusion ability from the Persona series has been reintroduced to the Persona 5 Tactica. This ability allows players to combine Personas to create new ones. Unlike the earlier games revealed in Nintendo Direct June 2023, Persona 5 Tactica has a definite release date of November 17, 2023. It is also a Nintendo Switch exclusive and pre-orders started immediately after the Nintendo Direct event.
Mythforce
Mythforce is a first-person action game that takes place in a mythical world inspired by the Saturday morning cartoon. The goal is to stop the evil Daedalus from taking over. To succeed, you need to rely on your arsenal of weapons including swords and bow and arrows.
Along the way, players will find treasures that can be used to boost the character’s abilities as well as weapons. Just like Sonic Superstars, the game allows up to 4 online co-op players. The game will be available later this year but no definite release date was given.
Splatoon 3: Next Splatfest
Fans of Splatoon have every reason to be excited as the next Splatoon game was confirmed on Nintendo Direct June 2023. The next Splatfest will be held from July 14 to July 16, 2023. Splatter your favorite flavor to victory. It was also revealed at Nintendo Direct that more events will be announced in the future.
Detective Pikachu Returns
In Detective Pikachu Returns, you will work with Pikachu to solve mysteries in the city. As it was rightly mentioned in the announcement trailer, disguise is an important part of a detective’s job. The game will launch on October 6, 2023.
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG is one of the surprise reveals at Nintendo Direct June 2023. The showcase revealed different parts of the game. Some areas appear to feature turn-based combats while other areas saw Mario riding on a rail. The game is due for launch on November 17, 2023. However, the books are already open for pre-orders at the Nintendo eShop.
New Peach Game Tease
Most of us grew to know Princess Peach as the trapped princess that would be saved by Mario. However, she is about to get her own game. A teaser trailer showed Princes Peach shooting yellow lasers from her hands and weaving through obstacles. The hosts promised that more details will be shared at a later date.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
The hosts of Nintendo Direct also revealed that Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon was in development. The new game has been visually enhanced. Originally released on Nintendo 3DS, the new game will be available on Nintendo Switch. Both Princess Peach and Luigi’s Mansion are in 2024 releases.
Batman Arkham Trilogy Announcement
Developed by Rocksteady Studios in collaboration with WB Games, Batman Arkham Trilogy will be coming to Nintendo Switch. The trilogy will include Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight. Although the games have been available on PlayStation console for a long time, they will be coming to Nintendo Switch for the first time. The game will be available in Fall 2023.
Gloomhaven
The new game allows you to choose from 17 different mercenaries and weave through the cursed dungeons in the land of Gloomhaven. Players need to build their tactical prowess and balance their attack to avoid exhaustion.
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It features turn-based card battles with RPG elements. There are over 260 missions to brave and over 1,000 abilities to master. It will launch on September 18 2023 but pre-orders for the mercenaries and gold editions began after the Nintendo Direct show.
Just Dance 2024
Fans of Just Dance will be delighted to hear about the Just Dance 2024 Edition which was announced at Nintendo Direct June 2023. There are 40 tricks to learn. Also, Latin, K-Pop, Hip-Hop, and more have been added to the game. The game will be available on October 24, 2023, at Nintendo eShop.
Silent Hope
In this action, RPG, 7 wordless warriors must work together to explore the abyss and find the secluded king. Developed by XSEED Games, the game will see players navigate through changing dungeons and fight powerful foes using swords, bows, and magic.
Resources gathered during each adventure can be used to craft new items when you return to base. The game will be available to Nintendo Switch users on October 3, 2023.
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is another sim game that will see players build their space, farm, and build relationships along the way. The game experience can be shared with four friends locally or online using 4 player co-op. It will launch on September 8, 2023, as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Pre-orders that include in-game bonuses are available now on Nintendo eShop.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is a different type of racing where you can modify your car, create your tracks, find shortcuts, and knock off opponents. There are 130 vehicles to choose from. The game allows players to race locally with friends using split-screen co-op, but a total of 12 players can play simultaneously online. It will launch on Nintendo Switch on October 19, 2023.
Manic Mechanics
Developed by 4J Studios Ltd., Manic Mechanics is a mechanic simulator game where the player will need to repair vehicles. The faster you get them fixed, the more points you earn. However, you need to watch out for workplace hazards. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch on July 13, 2023. However, pre-orders started after the Nintendo Direct June 2023 showcase.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope DLC
The Sparks of Hope is a DLC of the Mario + Rabbids game. Developed by Ubisoft, the game will see Mario and his friends explore a musical planet and battle new enemies. The new DLC launched a few hours after the Nintendo Direct showcase. Fans can watch the demo of the main game at the Nintendo eShop.
Dragon Quest Monster: The Dark Prince
In a world where monsters roam free, a dark prince rises and sets out on a quest for revenge. You can combine different monsters to create an army for battle. The game which was developed by Square Enix will be available on December 1, 2023.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 is a game that features lots of plant-like creatures called Pikmin. You will play as the newest recruit to the Rescue Corp and undertake a rescue journey in the company of a pup called Oatchi. Your mission is to repair the damaged Rescue Corp spaceship and save as many castaways as you can find. The game will launch on July 21, 2023, on Nintendo Switch.
Metal Gear Master Collection Vol. 1
The stealth action series developed by Konami was announced for Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Direct June 2023. The collection will include Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
Those that purchase the collection will also get the first Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel. And the sequel. There is also a lot more included in the collection including a digital soundtrack. It will launch on Nintendo Switch on October 24, 2023.
Vampire Survivors
This is a survivor game that challenges you to stay alive for up to 30 minutes. It usually starts with weak enemies but the longer you stay alive, the stronger enemies will emerge. The evolved game now allows 4 players through local co-op. The game will launch on Nintendo Switch on August 7, 2023.
Headbangers: Rhythm Royale
Headbanger is a pigeon battle royale where you will fight to be the last bird standing. Up to 30 players can participate in over 20 mini-games. One of the mini-game called ‘Yes Commander’ challenges players to copy the actions of the leader correctly.
Another called ‘First Piano Shooter’ allows you to fire slingshot and play music—but there is so much more. The Nintendo Switch exclusive is due for launch on October 31, 2023.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
Developed by Private Division, gamers will play as Penny and try to outrun powerful enemies. The 3D platforming game will see players explore the bright and colorful world of Macaroon and help Penny and Yo-Yo escape the clutches of the grouchy Emperor Eddie. There is also a time attack mode which will challenge players’ skills and help them to unlock special items. The game’s launch is scheduled for 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
New characters from different Mario franchises have been added to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. They include Petey Piranha from Mario Kart double dash, Wiggler from Mario Kart 7, and Kamek from Mario Kart Tour.
The Wave 5 of the Mario Kart Booster Course Pass DLC will be available on Nintendo Switch in the Summer of 2023. Interestingly, active Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack members will enjoy the DLC at no extra cost.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Developed by Square Enix, this sci-fi fantasy is a remake of the Star Ocean game that features new graphics that fuse 2D and 3D. After a failed mission, Federation Officer Claude gets stranded on an undeveloped planet.
There he meets Rena who possesses mystical powers. Players can choose either of the characters and your decisions will affect the outcome of the game. It will come to Nintendo Switch on November 2, 2023.
Warioware: Move It!
The game allows you to hold two Nintendo Switch controllers and move your body while the game responds. You need to move your body to beat different lightning-fast micro-games. The way you move will depend on the micro-game.
Reacting quickly with the right movement is the only way to victory. You can also play locally with a friend if you have 2 pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. The two players will need to sync their actions to beat each microgame. Party mode allows up to four players. The game will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on November 3, 2023.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Every game showcase has its star game which is always reserved for the last. The star game for Nintendo Direct was Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The new side-scrolling game introduced scenes that we have never seen in any Mario game—although it shares lots of resemblance with the classic Super Mario Bros.
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Wonder Seeds have been introduced. Touching a Wonder Seed turns the world on its head the ground can start moving or Mario may grow out of proportion. Daisy is also a playable character in the new game. Special mushrooms can turn Mario into an elephant. The game is scheduled for release on October 20, 2023.
Which game was your favorite at Nintendo Direct June 2023 showcase?
That’s a wrap of all that happened at the Nintendo Direct June 2023 showcase. However, the hosts promised that more details on some of the games will be revealed in the coming months. We will keep you updated as soon as we hear anything.
By the way, which of the games showcased at the Nintendo Direct caught your interest the most? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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