Nintendo packed a ton of new game announcements into their 40 minute E3 2019 Direct this morning. There were plenty of surprises as well, giving Nintendo fans more than enough of a reason to fire up their Switch. Unfortunately, the Nintendo 3DS was absent from the E3 2019 Direct, a sign that the handheld system might be finally finished. With the Nintendo Switch becoming the defacto mobile game console, it seems like quality Switch content is the only thing Nintendo needs to keep its fans excited. From new Legend of Zelda content to surprising character announcements in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the Nintendo E3 2019 Direct had plenty of stuff to get excited about. Let’s take a quick look at all the things Nintendo showed off this year.
Everything Nintendo Announced at E3 2019
Dragon Quest XI comes to Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Nintendo kicked off the E3 2019 Direct with a new character DLC announcement for Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Players can enjoy a bit of RPG action when the unnamed Hero from Dragon Quest XI fights their way into Super Smash Bros Ultimate sometime soon.
In addition to the character reveal, we got a new trailer for Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age S – Definitive Edition. This trailer gave us the release date for this Nintendo Switch remaster, which will be arriving on September 27th, 2019.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
After introducing the new President for Nintendo of America Doug Bowser, the E3 2019 Direct delivered more information on one of my most anticipated games of the year; Luigi’s Mansion 3.
This new adventure will contain cooperative play, and sees Luigi navigating through a haunted hotel after his friends mysteriously disappear. Switch owners will enjoy the online multiplayer, brand new gameplay mechanics, and signature Nintendo charm when the game releases sometime in 2019.
Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics
Based on the revival series by Netflix, this new role-playing game has a unique art style and looks like a welcoming adventure in the RPG genre. From the short amount of gameplay shown, the title appears to be a tactical strategy title, offering turn-based battles with a variety of characters and classes.
You can dive into this Netflix video game adaptation when it launches sometime in 2019.
Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
We also got a brand new trailer and a release date for the highly-anticipated remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. This new take on the cult classic is immediately identifiable due to its incredibly unique graphics, charming gameplay, and lovable cast of characters.
The new trailer also highlighted some additional features to the game, such as the ability to craft your own classic Zelda dungeon. You can create your own dungeon by assembling room tiles that you’ve already beaten in the main game, crafting your very own challenge to take on.
We’re more than excited for this wonderful remake, and can’t wait to play it on September 20th, 2019.
Trials of Mana and Collection of Mana
RPG fans will love this dual announcement, as the third game in the Secret of Mana franchise is finally being released in the West. With brand new graphics and a complete overhaul, Trials of Mana looks like an absolutely awesome adventure.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing the pixelated RPG masterpieces from the Super Nintendo era, you can dive into all three original Mana games in the Collection of Mana, a compilation title that is available now on Nintendo Switch.
The Witcher 3 Complete Edition
I recently started playing the first expansion for The Witcher 3, Hearts of Stone, and I can attest to the quality of this fantastic RPG and its two main expansions. Previously The Witcher 3 was only available on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC. The massive scope and detail of the game is nearly incomprehensible, and a main reason the game was unable to be released on the Switch. Until now, that is.
Nintendo Switch owners can enjoy the dangerous and exciting fantasy world of The Witcher 3 when the “complete” edition launches sometime later in 2019.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
We already know quite a bit about this epic follow-up in the strategy franchise, Fire Emblem. Nintendo fans have been clamoring for more news, and while the E3 2019 trailer didn’t show a ton of gameplay, it did get players ready for action.
The intense strategy title will challenge you with difficulty decisions, where you’ll have to expertly maneuver large-scale battles and command your troops. The long-awaited game is releasing soon, on July 26th, 2019.
The Resident Evil Franchise Frightens Switch Owners
With October not too far in the future, it’s a good time to start collecting horror content to enjoy for the Halloween season. There’s no better franchise to play in October than Resident Evil, the video game series that coined the term “survival horror”. At the Nintendo E3 2019 Direct, the company announced that a handful of classic Resident Evil titles will be making their way to the Switch.
Resident Evil HD, Resident Evil 0, and Resident Evil 4 are currently available on the Nintendo Switch and awaiting your purchase. Fans of the zombie horror franchise can look forward to Switch ports of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 when the release later in 2019.
No More Heroes III
If you haven’t played the No More Heroes franchise, it’s a hard game to describe. Full of stylish action, a cocky protagonist, and tons of anime-inspired visual goodness, the No More Heroes franchise is one of the weirdest game series around. The first two games were cult classics when they released on the Nintendo Wii, due to the game’s humorous writing and fun use of motion controls.
After a long hiatus, No More Heroes III has been finally announced, and it’s looking great. Players will once again assume the role of Travis Touchdown, a light-sword wielding goofball who is incredibly skilled and deadly. Switch owners can revel in the unique brand of humor and action when No More Heroes III releases sometime in 2020.
Contra Rogue Corps and Contra Collection
The Contra series has been punishing players with its brutal difficulty yet addictive gameplay since the days of the NES, where the original Contra was a must-own title for co-op gaming sessions. The series has seen a few different iterations over the years, and now it’s time for another new title in the form of Contra Rogue Corps. This top-down shooter will be playable online and is sure to test your shooting skills. You can grab it on September 24th, 2019.
For fans of the classic Contra titles, you can open your wallet for a brand new compilation, the Contra Anniversary Collection. This Nintendo eShop title contains 10 classic Contra games, and is sure to keep your night of retro gaming going into the wee morning hours. The Contra Anniversary Collection is can be purchased as soon as you like, since the game is available now.
Daemon X Machina
This mech-based action game was announced during a previous Nintendo Direct, but the E3 2019 Direct gave us an explosive trailer and a release date to boot. The anime-inspired visuals are exceptionally cool, with tons of incredibly graphical effects. The gameplay is quick and frenetic, with too many explosions to count.
We had a good time when we tried out the previously released demo, so we have a good feeling about the full game. We won’t have to wait long though, as Daemon X Machina received a release date of September 13th, 2019.
Panzer Dragoon
Originally released in 1995 on the Sega Saturn, Panzer Dragoon is an exciting on-rails shooter set in a vibrant fantasy world. It is the first in a storied franchise, and one that has been missing from the gaming industry for quite some time. During the Nintendo E3 2019 Direct, a brand new remake of the game was announced.
Panzer Dragoon is a fantastic game with plenty of excitement and action, and it’s a perfect title for fans of Star Fox 64. If you’ve never experience a majestic yet dangerous ride on an ancient beast, blasting enemies with your lock-on and laser attacks, then you should definitely check this one out. The game will be releasing sometime in 2019.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield
If you’re looking for more Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield information, make sure you saw the previous Nintendo Direct, which contained a huge amount of news regarding the game. At the Nintendo E3 2019 Direct, we were simply reminded of the game’s release date and got a brand new trailer.
The new trailer showed off another gym leader, Nessa, the water-wielding foe you’ll have to take down to progress in the game. We are more than excited for this brand new Pokemon adventure, and we hope you are too. You can start your journey to become the Pokemon Champion when Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield launch on November 15th, 2019.
Astral Chain and Empire of Sin
Following the Pokemon trailer, we also got two new trailers for other exciting Switch titles, Astral Chain and Empire of Sin. Developed by Platinum Games, Astral Chain looks to bring tons of intense third-person action to your Nintendo Switch. You can pick it up on August 30th, 2019.
Empire of Sin is a completely different experience, as it is a strategy game set in the Prohibition Era. Players will have to plan their moves as career criminals, growing their empire as the authorities move in. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for this game though, as it won’t be releasing until sometime in Spring 2020.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
If you find yourself wanting more superhero action on your Nintendo Switch, then you’ll be more than happy to grab a copy of the newest comic-book RPG, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. Combining your favorite characters from Marvel comics, you’ll take on tons of exciting quests against iconic villains in this cooperative adventure.
Although Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will be releasing soon, there was still a bit of new information regarding future downloadable content. The expansion pass will feature brand new characters, including the X-Men, Marvel Knights, and the Fantastic Four. You can grab your copy of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 on July 19th, 2019.
Cadence of Hyrule
Fans of rhythm games and The Legend of Zelda will be pleased to hear that the Crypt of the Necrodancer spin-off, The Cadence of Hyrule is launching soon. Players must hop their way through Hyrule to the beat of many classic Zelda tunes, exploring dungeons and defeating bosses.
Switch owners can enjoy this nostalgia-inducing musical adventure on June 13th, 2019.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Our favorite plumber and blue hedgehog will join forces again and take on the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan in the new title, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Based on the upcoming Olympic competition, players will be able to enjoy a slew of new sport activities with a variety of Nintendo and Sega characters.
This sports-filled package will be releasing in November 2019, giving you plenty of time to play before the Olympics start.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo delivered on their promise to show more Animal Crossing content towards the end of the E3 2019 Direct, revealing the game’s (newly delayed) release date, as well as a first look at the gameplay. Players will embark on a journey to a group of stranded islands, enjoying their camping and scavenging vacation with friends online.
The game has a wonderfully joyous vibe, and features many of the classic Animal Crossing characters and mechanics fans have come to love. You’ll still have to pay off a debt to Tom Nook, the opportunistic business-raccoon who offers you the ability to craft new furniture for your housing.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be arriving a bit later than expected, as the release date has been pushed from the expected 2019 release to March 20th, 2020.
Banjo-Kazooie Comes to Super Smash Bros Ultimate
The Nintendo E3 2019 Direct ended as it began, with the announcement of a brand new downloadable character for Super Smash Bros Ultimate. After tons of rumors got fans hopes up, Nintendo proudly confirmed that the bear and bird protagonists of the N64 classic Banjo-Kazooie will be coming to Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Like the other Smash Bros Ultimate DLC, players can expect more than just a new character when they purchase this package. New music, an awesome stage, and plenty more surprises await when you welcome Banjo and Kazooie to your copy of Super Smash Bros Ultimate. There’s no official release date, but fans can expect the downloadable content to launch sometime in Fall 2019.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
Although very little was shown of the project, Nintendo confirmed that a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is in development. This is a notable announcement as Nintendo essentially confirmed that this sequel will not be a completely new world, but one that takes place after Breath of the Wild.
There’s obviously no official release date, as development is seemingly in its earlier stages. That said, we can probably expect the new Legend of Zelda to release during late 2020 or 2021.