Direct Mini Highlights: Top Nintendo Switch Announcements and Upcoming Games

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Nintendo revealed a lineup of upcoming games with a wide range of experiences from action and puzzles to multiplayer adventures. The compilation highlights the projects worth keeping an eye on after Direct Mini.

NieR vending machines. 2B fans will be happy
NieR Automata stands out as one of the best action games in recent years. Few titles match its thrill of dismantling foes with fluid combat. The camera angles shift expertly, screen–sized bosses block the way, and 2B delivers on beauty and grace. The story plays with the player in clever, puzzling ways that reward multiple playthroughs. On October 6, Nintendo Switch players will finally get to explore the adventures of 2B.

The Switch version carries the subtitle The End of YoRHa Edition. The port includes all DLC and costumes, and cosplay star 2B will try on exclusive outfits. Dress her as you like, and be mindful of the operating system chip in the body, or risk an unintended fate for the android.

All screenshots from NieR Automata can be viewed here.

What do you think of NieR Automata?

Return to Monkey Island. Cult classic
Monkey Island remains a legendary questline that captivated gamers decades ago. The tale follows a new pirate who dreams of sea adventures and is drawn into a mystical twist. The sharp art direction and thoughtful game design kept players hooked as they unraveled the mysteries.

Return to Monkey Island marks a continuation of the original duo. Visually it’s a step forward, and the core gameplay is updated, yet the atmosphere stays true to the classics. The cast includes familiar faces like Guybrush, Elaine, and LeChaka, with the original creator, Ron Gilbert, steering development. A release date is yet to be announced.

All screenshots from Return to Monkey Island can be viewed here.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Mario in XCOM style
Back in 2017, Mario joined forces with the Rabbids for an imaginative adventure. Worldwide exploration and puzzle solving gave way to tactical battles that echoed XCOM when combat started. The concept resonated with players, leading to a sequel scheduled for release on October 20.

Gameplay remains true to the first game, but with grander scale. This time the heroes roam the galaxy, visiting diverse worlds and facing a variety of imaginative foes. No matter how tough the challenge, the forces of darkness stand ready.

All screenshots from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope can be viewed here.

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. Collection of classics
Mega Man has become a staple across many genres, from platforming to turn-based battles to driving antics. The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection bundles ten classic games featuring a hero who wields a gun-hand. The collection is slated for release in 2023.

All screenshots from Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection can be viewed here.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac. Everyone Loves Pacman
Pac-Man is more than a simple arcade figure racing through mazes. The franchise has a long history of inventive entries, including a notable 1999 platformer with a rich plot and varied gameplay. The remake Pac-Man World Re-Pac arrives on August 26.

All screenshots from Pac-Man World Re-Pac can be viewed here.

Super Bomberman R 2. Multiplayer Battle
What could be more fun than zipping around a small arena and blasting friends with bombs? The early days of gaming had that magic, and Super Bomberman R 2 promises the same rush in 2023 with a fresh story, classic multiplayer for up to 15 players, and a battle royale for 64 players.

All screenshots from Super Bomberman R 2 can be viewed here.

Harvest. RPG with life simulation mechanics
Harvestella blends fantasy role-playing with life sim elements in the cozy village of Lith. Monsters, strange creatures, and a looming evil threaten everyday life, so the protagonist must take action. The game adds gardening, cooking, fishing, and other rhythms that shift with the seasons, keeping gameplay fresh.

In addition to standard action and magic, players will manage daily tasks in harmony with seasonal cycles. Harvestella releases on November 4.

persona. Port of the best parts on Switch
Persona is a beloved series known for its deep mechanics and lengthy campaigns. Quests often mix dating, daily routines, social events, and mind-bending journeys through the minds of antagonists. The road to the credits can stretch across many months.

As the series grows, Persona 5 expanded its scope with more activities and social layers. The Switch port is exciting news for fans who prefer playing casually in line or on the move, then continuing the adventure at home. The plan includes Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable at different times. The fifth installment has a release date set for October 21.

All screenshots from Persona 5 Royal can be viewed here.

Portal: Companion Collection. Already on Switch
Portal is celebrated for its clever storytelling, brilliant puzzles, and the memorable GLaDOS. The games remain elegant and visually striking, making the dilogy a strong fit for Nintendo Switch where the Portal: Companion Collection is now available.

All screenshots from Portal: Companion Collection can be viewed here.

Minecraft legends. dice strategy
Minecraft Legends blends action with strategy as players confront monsters emerging from an ancient portal. To hold the line, builders set up structures, gather armies, craft gear, and lead battles on the ground. The game is scheduled for 2023.

All Minecraft Legends screenshots can be viewed here.

Sonic Limits. Sonic in the open world
Sonic Frontiers drew mixed reactions, but the latest trailer offered reassurance. Expect large enemies, expansive tracks for high-speed races, and plenty of activities. The verdict on its success will unfold by the end of 2022.

All screenshots from Sonic Frontiers can be viewed here.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. The monster hunt continues
Sunbreak adds new regions and many critters to Monster Hunter Rise. The DLC, arriving on June 29, expands the world and deepens the hunt for impressive creatures.

All screenshots from Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak can be viewed here.

Disney Dreamlight Valley. A Disney Fan’s Dream
Disney Dreamlight Valley invites players into a fairytale valley where iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Simba, Goofy, and Moana live. Players interact with them, complete quests, and build homes. The game enters Early Access on September 6.

All screenshots from Disney Dreamlight Valley can be viewed here.

A Plague Tale: Requiem. Even coming out on Switch
Direct Mini announced the sequel to a standout 2019 title, A Plague Tale: Requiem, which will also reach Nintendo Switch via cloud streaming. A solid internet connection should ensure smooth gameplay.

All screenshots from A Plague Tale: Requiem can be viewed here.

Which Direct Mini games will you be following? Share your picks in the comments.

What is your favorite Nintendo Direct Mini game?

Source: VG Times

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