Nintendo's E3 Direct Delivers

Nintendo’s customary E3 Direct presentation just concluded, and while it certainly didn’t provide a particularly deep dive into any one of our upcoming favorites, it did give us a quick look at the very broad (and not-too-distant) future of the Switch lineup. From DLC to new IP, there was surely something for everyone.

The Dragon Quest franchise was well represented, with the multifaceted Hero arriving in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate this summer. You’ll also be able to continue your adventures when Dragon Quest Builders 2 and Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition hit the Switch on July 12 and September 27, respectively.

July will definitely be heating up with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order and Fire Emblem: Three Houses arriving on July 19 and 26. And if that’s too long to wait for a new-game fix, simply set your sights on Cadence of Hyrule ~ Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda, which will be available in the eShop this Thursday, June 13.

Obviously, the already announced Pokémon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening made their expected appearances, with Luigi and the crew showing off the game’s upgraded Poltergust G-00 weapon, returning companion Gooigi, and new ScareScraper multiplayer mode. But that’s not to say there weren’t plenty of surprises.

In an epic troll for the ages, Nintendo teased what appeared to be the silhouettes of Banjo-Kazooie as new characters in Smash, only to be revealed as the Dunk Hunt crew… only to turn back around and reveal Banjo-Kazooie in earnest. (They’ll be arriving in SSBU this fall.) We were also treated to news of a remake of fan-favorite Panzer Dragoon, an upcoming HD remake of Trials of Mana, and the retro throwback Collection of Mana, which is available today. Of course, my favorites were the unlikely mash-up that is The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics—a turn-based strategy title set in the world of Thra—and a closing look at the in-development sequel to system standout The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Last but certainly not least, the next installment of the much-loved Animal Crossing series was finally revealed. Animal Crossing: New Horizons sends players on an all-exclusive Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package where you seemingly gather resources and build your own community from the ground up. The only problem? It won’t hit shelves until March 20, 2020.

Animal Crossing delays aside, it was another fun Nintendo Direct, and you can watch (or rewatch) it below, as well as the veritable parade of gameplay details and developer interviews that is Nintendo Treehouse Live.