Today’s Nintendo Direct reveals new games, and release dates for Splatoon 2, ARMS and Hey Pikmin!
Tonight’s Nintendo Direct broadcast – which was introduced by Yoshi Koizumi – was full to the brim with announcements. Although mainly focused on software for the Nintendo Switch, the humble 3DS also received a stack of B-tier game announcements that should see the console though to the end of 2017. The pick of the bunch looks to be Hey Pikmin!, but we’re also pleased to see that Mii-centric RPG, Miitopia, will finally get a Western release.
In terms of Switch news, there was new plenty of new gameplay footage from ARMS. The colourful fighter is looking much more evolved, and highlights included a fight in a giant Raman bowl between Spring Man, and the noodle-armed, Minmin. It looks absolutely bonkers, but also a lot of fun. The game will be released on June 16. 2017.
The other big news was confirmation of Splatoon 2‘s July release date. There was still no word of a single-player campaign, but the game does includes new horde mode called Salmon Run.
You can re-watch the broadcast on the Nintendo website. Here’s the full round-up of announcements:
Nintendo Direct Announcements – April 12, 2017
Nintendo Switch
- ARMS – Released on June 16
- Splatoon 2 – Released on July 21
- Neon Yellow Joy-Cons – Released on June 16
- Joy-Con AA Battery Pack – Released on June 16
- Minecraft – Coming to Switch eShop on May 12 along with the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack
- Sonic Forces – Confirmed for winter 2017
- Sonic Mania – Confirmed, again, for summer 2017
- Project Mekeru – Panel flipping action puzzle game coming this summer
- Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star – Released on July 21
- Disgaea 5 Complete – Released on May 26
- Samurai Shodown IV – now available on the Switch eShop
- Puyo Puyo Tetris – Demo out now on the Switch eShop
- Monopoly – The classic board comes to the eShop this Autumn
- Rayman Legends Definitive Edition – Coming in 2017
- Sine Mora EX – Released this summer
- Battle Chasers Nightwar – A new RPG coming late summer
- PayDay 2 – Starbreeze’s heist game announced for release later this year
- Namco Museum – Pac-man and friends arrive this summer
3DS announcements
- Hey Pikmin! – Released on July 28, with a new Pikmin amiibo
- Team Kirby Clash Deluxe – Coming to Nintendo eShop today
- Kirby’s Blowout Blast – Announced for summer
- Untitled Kirby multiplayer action game – Coming to 3DS eShop this winter
- RPG Ever Oasis – Released on June 23
- Monster Hunter Stories – Confirmed for autumn release
- Yokai Watch 2 – Crank-a-kai coin set available in-game until June 2
- Culdsept Revolt – Released September 21
- Dr Kawashima Devilish Brain Training – Released July 28
- RPG Maker Fes – Released on June 23 along with a free demo
- Miitopia – Confirmed for 2017
- Fire Emblem Echoes Shadow of Valentia – Season Pass and Free DLC announced
Amiibo announcements
- Two variants of the final three Smash Bros amiibo – Cloud, Corin and Bayonetta – released on July 21
- Three new classic Legend of Zelda series Link amiibos – released on June 23
- Three new Splatoon 2 amiibos – released on July 21