In a new Nintendo Direct video presentation transmitted to terminals across the planet today, Metroid Prime Remastered, an HD remaster of the first Metroid Prime game, which originally debuted on the Nintendo GameCube system, was announced for the Nintendo Switch system. A digital version of Metroid Prime Remastered launches on Nintendo Switch later today and a physical version will be available in stores Feb. 22! Nintendo also announced that a growing library of select Game Boy games will join the Nintendo Switch Online service later today – beginning with nine classic titles – while the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service will receive a growing library of select Game Boy Advance games as well, starting with six classic titles today.
A digital version of Metroid Prime Remastered launches on Nintendo Switch later today and a physical version will be available in stores Feb. 22! (Graphic: Business Wire)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the upcoming sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, also featured prominently in today’s Nintendo Direct. Gameplay footage of Link’s massive adventure included the islands floating above Hyrule, never-before-seen weapons and mysterious vehicles. Plus, the first full gameplay trailer for Pikmin 4 – the newest entry in the series which asks you to overcome obstacles by guiding pint-sized creatures on a strange planet – was revealed. The latest installment features a Space Dog, Ice Pikmin and a range of new discoveries, and will land on Nintendo Switch on July 21.
Other highlights of the video presentation include reveals from Nintendo’s development and publishing partners showcasing the return of several beloved characters and franchises headed to Nintendo Switch. These include PROFESSOR LAYTON and The New World of steam, a new game in the Layton series; Disney Illusion Island, featuring Mickey and Friends in a 2D platformer-adventure; Samba de Amigo: Party Central, the classic rhythm game that has been reborn groovier than ever; Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster, a revival of the Nintendo GameCube RPG classics; Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the mystery thriller; and the King of All Cosmos’ return in We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie.
“With a robust lineup of Nintendo Switch games for all types of players, and with Metroid Prime Remastered launching today, Nintendo is still finding ways to surprise and delight fans,” said Devon Pritchard, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications. “2023 is shaping up to be yet another stellar year for Nintendo Switch players and anyone who’s eager to join the fun.”
To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/02-08-2023/. Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:
- Metroid Prime Remastered: The first Metroid Prime game has been remastered for Nintendo Switch with HD visuals and enhanced sound! Explore Tallon IV from the perspective of Samus Aran. But beware: There’s more to this alien planet than meets the eye. When hostile creatures attack, fight back with Beams, Missiles, Bombs and more. In addition to remastered visuals, this version adds modern dual-stick controls, allowing you to move around while separately changing your point of view. It’s also the first time this classic game can be played on the go! The digital version of Metroid Prime Remastered launches in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com … later today! The physical version of the game will be available in stores Feb. 22.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom? In addition to the standard version, which will be available at a suggested retail price of $69.99, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition will release on launch day at a suggested retail price of $129.99, and includes a physical version of the game, an artbook with concept art, a Steelbook case, an Iconart steel poster and a set of four pin badges. A new amiibo figure of Link from the game will also be available separately that grants access to materials and weapons, as well as a special fabric for Link’s paraglider. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launches for Nintendo Switch on May 12. Pre-orders for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are available now in Nintendo eShop, at retail and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
- Pikmin 4: Meet Pikmin – the small, plant-like creatures you can grow, pluck, command and also overpower your enemies with during your grand mission on a strange planet! These curious helpers come in different types – fire is no sweat for Red Pikmin, and the new Ice Pikmin can freeze enemies and the environment. Use your Pikmin’s miniature might (and some strategic thinking) as you explore. You get a Space Dog, too: Oatchi can help with things like smashing obstacles and carrying Pikmin throughout your adventure. With the miniscule Pikmin and a capable canine in tow, no challenge is too big or small! Please look four-ward to the Pikmin 4 game when it traverses to Nintendo Switch July 21! Pre-orders are available now in Nintendo eShop, at retail and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.
- Disney Illusion Island: Join Mickey and Friends as they explore the mysterious island of Monoth on a quest to recover three magical books and save its little furry inhabitants, the Hokuns. In this new cooperative 2D platformer-adventure for one to four players, you’ll navigate as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy through a beautifully hand-crafted world. Featuring fully voiced, animated cutscenes and an orchestrated, original score, Disney Illusion Island swings exclusively onto Nintendo Switch July 28. Pre-orders for Disney Illusion Island are available in Nintendo eShop, at retail and on Nintendo.com, beginning today.
- OCTOPATH TRAVELER II: The new entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series is just around the corner! Eight new stories await, following eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations and unique skills. Which path will you take first? Who will your allies be? And where will your journey lead you? Venture through a new world in OCTOPATH TRAVELER II, launching on Nintendo Switch Feb. 24. A demo containing the game’s opening hours will be available in Nintendo eShop … later today!
- Samba de Amigo: Party Central: Move to the beat and shake your Joy-Con controllers in a new Samba de Amigo game! Compete online*** in World Party mode or enjoy local multiplayer** with a friend to see who has the best moves! Forty songs are included, spanning a multitude of genres from around the world. So, grab those controllers and get shakin’ when Samba de Amigo: Party Central shimmies onto Nintendo Switch this summer.
- Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games: Select Game Boy games are being added to Nintendo Switch Online! On Nintendo Switch, you can play these games anytime, anywhere – just like you could back in the day. You can use Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket or Game Boy Color screen filters to help customize your play style. And, up to two players can play compatible games together locally or online for the first time. Here’s the full list of classic games that will be available at launch, with more games being added in the future:
