I was pretty sure going into the Nintendo Direct that we wouldn’t see any new information on Animal Crossing, despite the community salivating for it. That definitely seems like more of an E3 reveal. Despite my disappointment at no new animals to cross, there was plenty that was exciting to see.

Super Mario Maker 2

We’ve got slopes now! Super Mario Maker was easily my favorite game on the Wii U, so I’m happy to see a sequel that addresses some of the issues people have had with that version. With Luigi featured on this one I think it hints that some co-op functionality might be included. Can’t wait to play it when it comes out, I had a blast with the first game.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

I absolutely love the look of this one and feel like it was an excellent way to close out the Nintendo Direct. The new art style seems contentious among the community, but I love that Nintendo is continuing to experiment with their old titles. Hopefully this will pave the way for an Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages remake for Switch.

Astral Chain

I wasn’t sure what to make of this when the trailer first started. I assumed it was some sort of sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles in a different universe. However, when Hideki Kamiya’s name popped up I knew this was Platinum’s new project. It seems interesting enough, though I’ll reserve judgement until we have more information about how the combat works.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Nintendo finally gave us our first look at Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It looks like a mix of Persona and Fire Emblem that should please fans of both. I’ve been waiting for a full-fledged Fire Emblem game on Switch since it was announced, so I can’t wait to get my hands on the game when it comes out later this year.

Box Boy + Box Girl

When the trailer first started I assumed the classic 3DS trilogy from HAL Labs would be coming to the Switch. I was pleasantly surprised to see this is an entirely new game in the series. I’m still holding out hope that the original trilogy will be ported when Nintendo stops caring so much about the Nintendo 3DS userbase. Excited to play this co-op, too.

Tetris 99

Nintendo surprised everyone with the reveal of Tetris, battle royale style. The game is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and seems like a good ploy to bump up those subscription numbers. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks fun.

Other Announcements

I’ve recapped the most exciting announcements and their trailers, but Nintendo revealed plenty of games during this 35-minute presentation. Here’s a peek at everything revealed today.

  • Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
  • Mortal Kombat 11
  • Yoshi’s Crafted World
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker + Special Levels
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Spring Update
  • Daemon X Machina
  • Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
  • Dragon Quest 11
  • Dragon Quest Builders 2
  • Oninaki
  • New Star Fox content for Starlink: Battle for Atlas
  • Disney Tsum Tsum Festival
  • Deltarune
  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Chocobo Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
  • Dead by Daylight
  • Assassin’s Creed III Remastered
  • Unravel Two
  • GRID Autosport

Overall I think this was a pretty solid Nintendo Direct presentation, given what was shown. We got release dates for most of the major games that are coming and a teaser for a game coming this fall. Hopefully we’ll see something more about Animal Crossing at E3 later this year.