Nintendo is resurgent. The Switch is a hit. And it’s E3. What could possibly go wrong?
Actaully, not much at all. Nintendo can sometimes have a rough ride at E3. For every Wii Sports, there’s a Star Fox Zero. For every Breath of the Wild, there’s a Pac-Man Vs. And occasionally, E3 just seems to fall at the wrong time for the Japanese game maker. Last year they turned this to their advantage by doubling down on the new Legend of Zelda, but with the Switch off to a stellar start, this year’s E3 was all about confirming a pipeline of appealing software.
Nintendo have been careful to set expectations, saying that today’s presentation would only focus on 2017 releases, and for the most part it did. Nonetheless there were a few teases for future titles, including confirmation of the much-anticipated Metroid Prime 4, as well as Metroid: Samus Returns for Nintendo 3DS, a remake of the GameBoy’s Metroid II.
Devoid of the fan-pleasing humour seen during the Wii U years, today presentation was stripped back affair that got straight down to business. Introduced by a rather poetic Reggie Fils-Aimé, the showcase breezed through a solid lineup of games that included Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Rocket League, and DLC for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
As far as firming up this year’s Switch lineup, the presentation must be considered a success. The disappointments came with a lack of information regarding Nintendo’s plans for the virtual console, and an absence of indie titles. Hopefully, some more game announcements will trickle out over the next few days.
Nintendo E3 2017 conference announcements
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Monolith Soft’s sprawling open-world RPG series returns with a direct sequel to the cult Wii favourite. Coming to Nintendo Switch in holiday 2017.
New Kirby title
Usually a Kirby game is usually a sign that a Nintendo console is on its last legs, but not on this occasion. This new untitled Kirby game looks like being action focused multiplayer romp. Due in 2018
Pokkén Tournament DX
Another brief preview of this summer’s Wii U reissue.
New Pokémon RPG for Switch
A new mainline Pokémon RPG is confirmed to be in development for the Switch, will probably be released in fall 2018.
Metroid Prime 4
It was just a title card, but that was all we needed. Now in development for Nintendo Switch.
New Yoshi title
Yoshi escapes the woolly word for a new adventure that feels a lot like a Paper Mario game. We expect it’s being developed by Good Feel, and will be released in 2018.
Fire Emblem Warriors
Fan favourites Marth, Chrom, Corrin, and Xander are confirmed to be in Koei Tecmo’s game. Coming to both Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch at some point this fall.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Another look at DLC Pack 1, which contains the Trial of the Sword, new masks, and Master Mode. Pack 1 will be released in two weeks, on June 30th. Pack 2 contains The Champions Ballad story expansion will follow later this year. The game will also get four new compatible amiibo figures.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Another look at Ubisoft’s mash-up of Mario, Raving Rabbids and X-com. Released on August 29th.
Rocket League
Psyonix are bringing Rocket League to Nintendo Switch in holiday 2017. The game will feature cross-network, local wireless multiplayer and Nintendo themed add-on content.
Super Mario Odyssey
Where to start? Perhaps the most bonkers trailer Nintendo has ever published. You’re best off just watching it again, and again, and again. The game will be released on October 27th.
