Nintendo Direct Reveals Metroid Prime Remastered, Game Boy on Switch and More

Written by Brandon Hofer on February 08, 2023

News: Nintendo had a lot to show today including some titles that people have been wanting on the Switch for a very long time.

Nintendo held another Direct special today and revealed some exciting news about games that are coming to the Nintendo Switch. There was a new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, they announced and released a remaster for Metroid Prime, revealed that both Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games will be available on the Switch, and much more.

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 today. The physical version of the game will be available in stores February 22nd.

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. Pre-orders for the Collector’s Edition should be at all of the normal spots like Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon.

Pikmin 4

Pikmin are 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. You will have to 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. Pikmin 4 will arrive on Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2023.

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 will arrive on Nintendo Switch on July 28th.

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 February 24. A demo containing the game’s opening hours is also now available in the Nintendo eShop.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central

Move to the beat and shake your Joy-Con controllers in a new Samba de Amigo game. You will be able to 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. Samba de Amigo: Party Central will arrive on the Nintendo Switch this summer.

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Arrive on Nintendo Switch

Games from the original Game Boy are finally going to arrive on the Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch Online members. There will be classic Game Boy games like Super Mario Land 2 and Metroid II: Return of Samus. The Game Boy Advance lineup will include titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap as well as Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. The Game Boy Advance titles will be available for those who have the Expansion Pass tier of Nintendo’s online service.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

You will join Andy, Max, Sami and more in two full story campaigns, each one filled with colorful turn-based tactical action. Flex your strategic muscles across a multitude of modes. Design your own maps and share them with friends. You can also challenge friends to head-to-head battles online, or up to four players locally. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp comes to Nintendo Switch on April 21. Pre-orders begin today in Nintendo eShop, at retail and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Experience a new take on the Bayonetta series starring Cereza, a young apprentice witch before she would come to be called Bayonetta. Harness Cereza’s magic and her infernal demon partner Cheshire’s ferocity to travel through a mysterious and dangerous Avalon Forest filled with puzzles and enemies. You’ll control both Cereza and Cheshire at the same time. By obtaining the elemental power of wood, rock, water and fire from the forest, new paths will open and battles can be swayed in your favor. Can Cereza gain the power to save her mother and will Cheshire ever find a way back home? Approachability options, such as reducing damage or automating some controls, can help newcomers and Bayonetta fans alike enjoy Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon when it arrives on the Nintendo Switch on March 17th.

Omega Strikers

You have to duke it out in this free-to-play online multiplayer showdown. Smash opponents off the arena and score goals in this lightning-fast 3-v-3 “footbrawler”. As one of more than 15 Strikers, you’ll sling slime, toss tofu and rocket boost to victory, air hockey style. Omega Strikers arrives on Nintendo Switch on April 27.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection

A collection of the first three Etrian Odyssey games is coming to Nintendo Switch, remastered in HD. Dive back into the sprawling labyrinth, with a blank map as your only guide. By drawing the map as you explore, you can progress even further, where vicious monsters and treasures await. Twenty-four newly drawn character illustrations are included. Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection launches for Nintendo Switch on June 1. Each game in the collection will also be available separately in Nintendo eShop. Pre-orders begin today.

Sea of Stars

Combine the powers of the sun and moon to fend off evil in this retro-inspired, turn-based RPG. Freely traverse a breathtaking world, meet characters from all walks of life and devastate foes with well-timed attacks in battle. Sea of Stars will arrive on Nintendo Switch on August 29. A free demo is available to download right now so you can get an early look at the game.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

A new story will unfold in the Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe game when Magolor, the interdimensional traveler from the main adventure, loses his powers and must escape the realm between dimensions. You can access this new epilogue after clearing Story Mode. Up to four players on the same system can venture through this mysterious realm together, where there are over 20 stages to explore. Can Magolor restore his powers and safely return to his world? There will also be a Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe demo available in Nintendo eShop. Up to four players can play a specially arranged demo with select stages and subgames. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe launches on Nintendo Switch February 24. Pre-orders are available now in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Volume 3 and 4

Enrich your adventures through Aionios with new content. In Volume 3, join forces with Masha, the newest Hero and a refined Lapidarist. Challenge Battles with roguelike elements are also being added. Add multiple Heroes and unlock special abilities for your party as you play through this challenge battle mode and earn newly added in-game outfits for your main characters. Volume 3 of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass launches on February 15. Coming in Volume 4 later this year will be an exciting final volume featuring an original story scenario. The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass, which includes four total volumes that will be released through the end of 2023, is available for purchase now in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com.

Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass - Inkopolis & Side Order

This paid DLC for Splatoon 3 features two waves of content. The first wave includes Inkopolis. You can make this splat-tastic place from the original Splatoon game your stomping ground. Wave 1 also includes Inkopolis Plaza, which has changed over the past several years with some new shopkeepers. The Squid Sisters will perform here during Splatfests, too. In the second wave of this DLC, a new single-player campaign called Side Order arrives. See what’s become of Inkopolis Square, the central area featured in the Splatoon 2 game. The Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass will be available for purchase now in the Nintendo eShop, with Wave 1 launching this spring. Wave 2, Side Order, will launch in the future. Players will be able to download a content pack that contains bonus in-game items after purchasing the Expansion Pass.

Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass Waves 2-4

New Emblems are coming to future waves of the Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass DLC. Wave 2 features newly added Emblems, including Hector, Emblem of Strength; Soren, Emblem of Acumen; and Camilla, Emblem of Revelation, to help the Divine Dragon and their allies in battle. Wave 3 will include its own group of valiant Emblems – Chrom and Robin, Emblem of Bonds, and Veronica, Emblem of Heroes. You’ll be able to tackle additional missions to recruit these Emblems. In Wave 4, a new story, Fell Xenologue, will be unlocked. The Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass, which includes four waves releasing through the end of 2023, is available for purchase now in Nintendo eShop and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com. Wave 2 launches today.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass Wave 4

Yoshi’s Island, a new course, is coming to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC. Birdo, who originally hit the track in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, is also being added. Returning characters from the Mario Kart series will be added in future waves. Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC arrives on the Nintendo Switch system this spring. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass includes six separate waves, with eight courses each, which will all be released by the end of 2023. Buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass separately in Nintendo eShop or enjoy it for no additional cost as part of a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania

Dracula’s Castle beckons in this new paid DLC for the roguelite action-platformer Dead Cells. Venture through the castle’s hellish halls and outskirts alongside Richter Belmont and Alucard, leading up to a showdown with Death and Dracula himself. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania arrives on Nintendo Switch on March 6.

We Love Katamari ReRoll + Royal Reverie

Run around and collect objects in this remaster of We Love Katamari. Roll in a classroom, a zoo and space as the pint-sized princely son with orders to restore the twinkle back in the heavens. New features include playing as the young King of All Cosmos in five new challenges and taking photos with the Selfie Camera. We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie arrives on Nintendo Switch on June 2. Any active Nintendo Switch Online member can play a free Game Trial of Katamari Damacy REROLL beginning February 20.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

The time-bending murder mystery Ghost Trick returns in HD. After kicking the bucket and becoming a ghost, you acquire the ability to possess and control objects. Uncover Sissel’s unknown past and help unravel mysteries that occurred that fateful night. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective spirits onto Nintendo Switch this summer.

Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster

A remastered collection of both Baten Kaitos games, originally released on the Nintendo GameCube system, is coming to Nintendo Switch. These emotional journeys feature a distinct card-based RPG system where split-second decisions edge you closer to victory. What revelations will come to light in the skies above and the lands below? Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster arrives on Nintendo Switch this summer.

Fashion Dreamer

Fashion Dreamer is a fashion game where you glam it up and share your creations on your quest to become a stylish influencer. You will be able to choose from over 1,400 design options and connect online to expand your friend circle and grow your brand. Got an eye for fashion? Fashion Dreamer debuts exclusively on Nintendo Switch in 2023.

DecaPolice

Play the role of a futuristic police detective and solve difficult crimes. In this mysterious detective story from Level-5, the developers of the Layton series, you’ll explore a vast open world and experience the fun of deductive reasoning. DecaPolice launches on Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time

After drifting onto a mysterious island where a bygone civilization once prospered, you embark on a new life full of adventures. As you develop your island with crafting, quests and combat, you’ll also time travel to the past to uncover secrets and alter history. Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time launches for Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Professor Layton and The New World of Steam

In the newest entry in the beloved series, Professor Layton will face new puzzles in a fresh setting. Solve epic riddles as you progress through the story of this puzzle-fantasy adventure. More details will be revealed in the future.

Tron: Identity

Enter a new Grid in this narrative puzzle-adventure set within the Tron universe. You will have to uncover dangerous truths and retrieve what was lost as you navigate through a perilous world. Your decisions and the alliances you forge will actively influence the story, with a multitude of possible outcomes shaped by your actions. The future of the Grid hangs in the balance. TRON: Identity launches first for consoles on Nintendo Switch this April.

Minecraft Legends

In this new action-strategy game, explore a beautiful land full of diverse life and rich resources. But this paradise is on the brink of destruction – the piglins have arrived, threatening to corrupt the Overworld. Inspire unexpected friends to form valuable alliances and lead them in strategic battles to protect their home. Take the fight to the piglins before their Nether corruption devours the Overworld. Minecraft legends arrives on Nintendo Switch on April 18, 2023.

Have A Nice Death

Sharpen your skills (and scythe) for fast-paced hack-’n’-slash combat in this new title. Have a Nice Death is a hand-drawn 2D action-roguelike where you assume the role of Death, Founder and CEO of Death Incorporated, the underworld organization responsible for processing souls in the afterlife. Explore the darkly charming, procedurally generated departments of the corporation’s headquarters to rehabilitate rogue employees who have been snatching up too many souls on Earth. Show them who’s boss with your arsenal of weapons, spells and special skills when Have a Nice Death launches for Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2023.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code

Enter the Mystery Labyrinth in this offbeat puzzle-solving experience. A city of rain is gripped by innumerable unsolved mysteries, under the complete control of a megacorporation. Master Detectives from around the world, each possessing unique powers, must rise to the challenge of uncovering the truth. Play as Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, accompanied by Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, as you delve into the ever-changing realm and get to the heart of the case. Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE launches for Nintendo Switch on June 30, 2023.

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie

In this new narrative experience from Don’t Nod, you’ll play as Polly, an upbeat young woman who can travel between our world and Reverie, a realm where the deities live. When a megacorporation threatens the balance of these two worlds, an apocalypse looms. Using her gift of clairvoyance, Polly must choose which path to take to defend her world and save Reverie. Many branching story paths, along with a riveting soundtrack by Celeste composer Lena Raine, set the stage for your journey. Harmony: The Fall of Reverie launches first for consoles on Nintendo Switch in June 2023.

If you want to check out the Nintendo Direct in its entirety, you can check out the video below. Which game that was announced or shown are you most excited about?