The latest Nintendo Direct came and went with a bang yesterday, showing off plenty of footage for games we know about, footage for games we didn’t know about, and a fair few surprises that we’re still trying to wrap our heads around.
Below, we’ve put together a list of all the show’s highlights as well as the full show itself – ideal if you missed it the first time around.
Ready? Here’s everything that happened during the September 2021 Nintendo Direct:
Nintendo Direct September 2021 – The Full Presentation
Mario Movie Casting
In a stand-out segment, Shigeru Miyamoto appeared on screen to share new details about the upcoming Super Mario movie, revealing its North American release date and cast.
Read more: The Super Mario Movie’s Release Date And Cast Are Revealed
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
A new membership plan is coming to Nintendo Switch Online in late October with classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games. In addition to all the benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online membership such as online play, access to a growing library of NES and Super NES games, and more, members can play select titles like Mario Kart 64 online with up to four players for the first time ever (additional accessories required; sold separately)!
Read more: Nintendo 64 And Sega Genesis ‘Expansion Pack’ Announced For Switch Online, Launches This October
Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis Controllers
Nintendo Switch Online members will also be able to pre-order two new controllers that resemble the original Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis controllers at a later date. These wireless controllers can be used to play these classic games on Nintendo Switch Online.
Read more: Nintendo Is Releasing N64 And Sega Genesis Wireless Controllers
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
The next Kirby adventure on the Nintendo Switch system is going 3D! In this new 3D platforming game, players can freely navigate areas using familiar Kirby copy abilities. What lies in store for Kirby as he explores a mysterious setting filled with abandoned structures from a past civilization? Find out when Kirby and the Forgotten Land launches for Nintendo Switch in spring 2022.
Read more: Nintendo Officially Reveals Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Bayonetta 3
A new trailer for this stylish, action-filled sequel showed off gameplay for the first time, revealing a new look for Bayonetta and new mechanics, including the ability for Bayonetta to directly control demons. Bayonetta 3 will launch for Nintendo Switch in 2022. More information about the game will be released at a later date.
Read more: Bayonetta 3 Finally Gets A New Trailer, Out In 2022
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Capcom is currently working on a massive, paid DLC expansion for the hit Nintendo Switch game MONSTER HUNTER RISE. The expansion will include newly added stories, locales and monsters, as well as newly added hunting actions and quest rank. MONSTER HUNTER RISE: SUNBREAK is scheduled to be released in summer 2022. More information about this massive expansion will be revealed in the future.
Read more: New Threats Emerge In Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak DLC, Coming To Switch Summer 2022
Splatoon 3
The next game in this INK-redible series features new and returning stages in 4-v-4 battles, as well as new weapons never before seen in the Splatoon games. In the game’s single-player campaign, mammals might be returning … but what does this mean? Find out more when additional details about Splatoon 3, which is scheduled to release in 2022, are revealed in the future.
Read more: Splatoon 3 Gets A New Trailer, Story Footage And Has A Crab Mech
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars
A spellbinding experience from the creative minds of YOKO TARO and Yosuke Saito is about to unfold. In Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars from SQUARE ENIX, players will square off in experiences that reveal themselves through cards, including turn-based battles, where their skills – and a little bit of luck – will determine the victor. This fresh take on tabletop RPGs launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 28
Read more: Yoko Taro’s New Game Is A Swords-And-Sorcery Strategy RPG With Cards
Chocobo GP
Get ready for a new racing experience! Race as familiar FINAL FANTASY characters like Chocobo and Gilgamesh using special character abilities and Magicites to speed past the competition. Engine customization options will also be available, as well as local and online multiplayer. Up to 64 players can compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine the racing champion! Chocobo GP launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Read more: Switch Exclusive Chocobo GP Sure Wants To Be Mario Kart, Doesn’t It?
TRIANGLE STRATEGY
In February, SQUARE ENIX sent out a survey for the demo version of TRIANGLE STRATEGY. Since then, the developers have been updating the game, with a focus on adjustments to the difficulty, as well as improvements to on-screen visuals, camera controls and the ability to view past conversations. The stunning HD-2D strategy RPG TRIANGLE STRATEGY launches for Nintendo Switch on March 4, 2022.
Read more: Triangle Strategy Has A Silly Name But Looks Great, Out In March
Actraiser Renaissance
The classic Super NES game Actraiser returns on the Nintendo Switch system, now remastered in HD! In Actraiser Renaissance, strike down monsters in the side-scrolling action phase, Realm Acts, and cultivate lands in the world-building creation phase, Realm Management. Enjoy the much-loved original score and a rearranged soundtrack featuring new music. New stages and boss battles also await.
Read more: Actraiser Renaissance Hits Nintendo Switch Later Today
Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version
In Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version, master both parkour and tactical combat to survive in this brutal open-world action RPG. Explore alone or with up to three others in online co-op. Unravel the dark secrets of those in power during the day, then plunder the lairs of the infected at night. Choose sides and decide the fate of the City. Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 4, 2022. A free demo for the game will also be available on the same day.
But that’s not all: The prequel, Dying Light: Platinum Edition, is also coming to Nintendo Switch on Oct. 19. Pre-orders for the prequel start today!
Read more: Dying Light Platinum Edition Dated, Dying Light 2: Stay Human – Cloud Version Confirmed
DELTARUNE Chapter 2
The new expansion to DELTARUNE Chapter 1 has arrived! Enter DELTARUNE Chapter 2 and once again experience a hilarious and emotional story in the mysterious Dark World. Players will dodge everything, from balls of yarn to ambulances and missiles, in creative attacks that appeal to beginners and not-so-beginners alike. DELTARUNE Chapter 2 will be available as a free update for owners of DELTARUNE Chapter 1 later today!
Read more: Deltarune Chapter 2 Is Available Now On Switch As A Free Update
Animal Crossing & Smash Bros. Ultimate Updates Are Coming
Update: A new free update is coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons this November! More details will be revealed in an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct airing in October.
The Final DLC Fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is…: …going to be revealed soon! Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game, will host a final “Mr. Sakurai Presents” video on Oct. 5 revealing the final DLC fighter. This will be the last presentation about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC, so make sure to tune in!
Read more: There’s An Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update Coming Soon, And Brewster’s Back | Final Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Fighter Will Be Revealed October 5th
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass DLC
On Oct. 29, the second wave of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass content arrives with a newly playable character duo, additional stages and emotional new story sequences. Defend Hyrule as the quirky duo character, Purah & Robbie, and their array of ancient technology. See how places like the Coliseum and Kakariko Village looked 100 years in the past in new story stages. Learn more about the Champions and the mysterious Guardian in emotional new story sequences as the fight for Hyrule’s future continues! Players who purchase the Expansion Pass will also gain access to Wave 1 of the DLC, which is already available.
Read more: Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity Wave 2 DLC Arrives On Switch Next Month
Mario Party Superstars
It’s almost time for Mario Party Superstars, which launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 29! In addition to the main Mario Party mode, which will see the return of several classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era, including Woody Woods, Yoshi’s Tropical Island and Horror Land, Mario Party Superstars will also feature the minigame mode Mt. Minigames, which includes the competitive Survival course and the cooperative multiplayer course Tag Match, among other courses.
Read more: Nintendo Reveals Three More Classic Boards For Mario Party Superstars
Mario Golf: Super Rush DLC
FORE! More free content is coming to Mario Golf: Super Rush. Later today, two new playable characters will be added to the game: Koopa Troopa and Ninji! In addition to these characters, two new courses will be added – the snowy BlusteryBasin and the desert-set Spiky Palms – as well as the ability to change the difficulty level of the CPU opponents.
Read more: The ‘Second Free Update’ For Mario Golf: Super Rush Swings Onto Switch Today
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
In this groundbreaking role-playing adventure, interrogate people and uncover clues with the help of 24 inner skills. The player’s behaviors and available choices will change depending on how they develop these skills, directly impacting how the story progresses. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut launches digitally on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 12. The physical version of the game launches in early 2022. Pre-orders for the digital version start today!
Read more: Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Is Heading To Switch In October
STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic
A beloved Star Wars game is coming to Nintendo Switch! Blast off to captivating planets and join forces with Jedi, droids and outcasts in this blend of action, role-playing and adventure. STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic launches for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 11. Pre-orders for the game start later today!
Read more: Aspyr Is Bringing The Classic BioWare RPG Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic To Switch
Castlevania Advance Collection
Castlevania Advance Collection brings together four classic Castlevania games – Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Castlevania: Dracula X – with deathly beautiful graphics and hauntingly epic music. Rewind, Quick Save and Button Mapping features will also ramp up the fight against evil. All regional versions of each game, as well as a gallery mode with never-before-seen artwork, are included.
Read more: Castlevania Advance Collection Is Out Today On Nintendo Switch eShop
Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition
Players are invited to live in a magical world with Mickey Mouse and dozens of Disney characters! Spend time with Disney friends, craft whimsical costumes and furniture, and explore delightful Disney-themed worlds. All downloadable content from the original Nintendo 3DS version will also be included when Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition launches for Nintendo Switch this holiday season.
Read more: Disney Magical World 2 Is Getting Re-Released For The Switch
Shadowrun Trilogy
Cyberpunk meets fantasy in this three-game collection of cult classic RPGs. As a Shadowrunner mercenary, players will explore a dystopian future where magic has reawakened and fantasy creatures have come back to life. Immersive branching narratives, skill-based character growth and gripping turn-based tactical combat await in Shadowrun Trilogy, launching for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Players excited to dive into this next title in the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series can pre-order the game starting today! Shin Megami Tensei V launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 12.
Rune Factory 5
In Rune Factory 5, players can grow crops, tame monsters and team up with townsfolk to explore a massive world. But when they aren’t off on adventures, they can also find friendship and love among a colorful cast of characters. Rune Factory 5 launches for Nintendo Switch on Mar. 22, 2022.
Arcade Archives PAC-MAN / Arcade Archives XEVIOUS
Two classic NAMCO games are coming to Nintendo Switch as part of the Arcade Archives series. Play arcade hits PAC-MAN and XEVIOUS at home or on the go when they both launch for Nintendo Switch … later today!
And a Sizzle Reel!
The Nintendo Direct presentation also featured a montage of upcoming Nintendo Switch games, including HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED, a high-speed racer launching on Sept. 30 that lets players collect the best vehicles in the Hot Wheels universe, build spectacular tracks and dive into high-octane races; Surviving the Aftermath, a procedurally generated world-building game set in a post-apocalyptic future, launching this winter; and Wreckfest, a demolition derby-themed racing game with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading, launching for the Nintendo Switch system this fall.
Which announcements were your favourites? Any games mentioned here that you’re looking forward to playing? Feel free to share your thoughts on the show in the comments.