While several gamers were likely disappointed the February Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase didn’t show off any first-party content, Nintendo has announced a plethora of interesting third-party titles to bolster the Switch’s already robust library. Here is our compiled list of everything that was announced during the Feb 8th, 2024 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.
Grounded
Originally released as an Xbox exclusive, Obsidian Entertainment’s shrunken survival game finds its way onto the Nintendo Switch, which feels very appropriate. If it can handle a stable framerate—particularly in the online co-op, then this could be a real gem to have on the Nintendo Switch. Grounded releases on April 16th, 2024.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
The newest entry in the Ender Lillies series, Ender Magnoilia: Bloom in the Mist, looks and plays similar to its predecessor. Players will take the role of Lilac, who must traverse a dying world, battling and recruiting homunculi to use their powers against other fearsome foes in order to unravel its mysteries. No release date has been given for Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, but it’s projected to release in 2024.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
In what appears to be an evolution of the much-maligned sliding-block puzzle, Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure actually looks to do something creative with the concept. Players will follow Jemma, a small-town misfit, on a journey of self-discovery in this puzzle-packed adventure game. Though absent from the trailer the game’s art was done by David Hellman—who did the art for Braid. No exact release date has been given for Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure, but it’s set to launch on the Switch in Summer 2024.
Monster Hunter Stories
In a surprise reveal, a remastered version of the first Monster Hunter Stories is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Originally released on Oct 8th, 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS, this version will feature full voice-acting as well as an HD upscale. The game will also feature additional Monsters from across the entire franchise as well as a collection of artwork and music. Monster Hunter Stories will launch on the Switch in the Summer of 2024.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Another surprising announcement, one of the more odd titles from the Nintendo Wii is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Epic Mickey originally launched for the Wii on Nov 30th, 2010 and was lauded for its charm, dark story, and interesting gameplay mechanics. The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase was sparse on details, simply saying it was a “faithful remake,” likely meaning it will incorporate some degree of the Wii’s motion controls, as well as update it to HD. No official release date was given for Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, with the game being slated for “this year.”
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase wasn’t particularly clear about what Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance was, but it is, in fact, a full-fledge rerelease of the game. In this definitive version of Shin Megami Tensei V, players will be given two complete story paths, including a brand-new storyline with new locations and demons, where your choices will determine the fate of all existence. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengence will launch on June 21, 2024.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble
The newest entry in the Super Monkey Ball franchise is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch. Featuring over 300 character customization options, over 200 levels, a new Spin Dash move and a four-player co-op story mode. Furthermore, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumber will feature 16-player online multiplayer, with modes such as Race, Banana Hunt and Robot Smash. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble will be released for the Nintendo Switch on June 25, 2024, with pre-orders available now.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Announced during the Feb 8th, 2023 Nintendo Direct, Level 5 showed off a few more details for the newest installment in the Fantasy Life series. Detailing a bit more of the crafting, combat, job system and life-sim elements it will likely be familiar to anyone who played the original Fantasy Life on the 3DS. Thankfully, this time around players got a release date for the game, with Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time will be launching for Nintendo Switch on Oct 10th, 2024.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Described as an undersea Soulslike Adventure, Another Crab’s Treasure puts players in the role of a hermit crab on a quest to recover its shell. Players will be able to equip temporary shells ranging from cans to old mugs, with each shell bestowing new abilities on the player. With a unique style and interesting mechanics, this game looks to be a fresh new addition to the Soulslike genre. Another Crab’s Treasure launches for the Switch (and Xbox and PlayStation) on Apr 25, 2024.
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!
One of the more curious announcements from the February Nintendo Partner Direct, a remastered version of the 3DS hidden gem, Pocket Card Jockey, lands on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Game Freak back in 2016, Pocket Card Jockey was a unique blend of Solitaire and Horse Racing, where putting together your best cards would give your horse the advantage it needed to win the race. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! will feature new rules that allow for more strategic play, comfortable Joy-Con controls, and racing segments reborn in 3D, as well as online competitive play. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! was released after the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase alongside a playable demo.
Rareware Games on Nintendo Switch Online
In a pretty surprising move, Nintendo also announced five classic Rareware games coming to the NES, SNES and N64 Nintendo Switch Online service. These classics include Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll and R.C. Pro-Am for the NES, Battletoads In Battlemaniacs and Killer Instinct for the SNES, and Blast Corps for the N64. All of these games were made after the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase—provided you have a Nintendo Switch Online (plus Expansion Pass) subscription.
Endless Ocean Luminous
The third entry in the Endless Ocean series, Endless Ocean Luminous, will feature the familiar aquatic exploration of its predecessors, with randomized environments for each playthrough. New to this entry will be up to 30 players online exploration, as well as over 300 species of sea life to discover. Endless Ocean Luminous launches for the Nintendo Switch on May 2nd, 2024.
Unicorn Overlord
In this tactical fantasy RPG from Vanillaware, players will cultivate an army of over 60 characters, including humans, elves, massive beasts and heavenly angels and perform heroic deeds throughout the five nations. Unicorn Overlord launches for the Switch on March 8, 2024, with a demo available now.
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection
Featuring the 2004 Star Wars Battlefront and its 2005 sequel, Star Wars Battlefront II, each game features solo campaigns, local multiplayer matches and massive online battles with up to 64 players. Players can play not only as different soldier types but unlock powerful heroes and villains to turn the tide of battle. Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection lands on Nintendo Switch on March 14, 2024.
South Park: Snow Day!
Team up with Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny to save the town in this co-op action game. Players will be able to customize their own character and weapons and deploy devastating special abilities. South Park: Snow Day comes to Nintendo Switch on Mar 26, 2024.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream
In this distorted version of the Sword Art Online world that exists beyond memories, time and space, players will be able to pick their role in the form of their favourite SWORD ART ONLINE characters and team up in 20-player raids to defeat powerful enemies in both solo and online play. No specific release date was given for Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, slating it for “this year.”
Gundam Breaker 4
Players will be able to create their ultimate Gundam and deploy it across a variety of combat missions. With over 250 kits to personalize their own Gunpla with the biggest variety of mobile suits and parts of any Gundam Breaker game to date. No release date was given for Gundam Breaker 4, but it will be released “this year.”
World of Goo 2
In this sequel to the iconic Wii title, World of Goo includes even more goo! Put your imagination to the test and use living liquid creatures to build bridges, grow towers, terraform terrain and fuel flying machines. World of Goo 2 launches for Nintendo Switch on May 23, 2024.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
From the team that brought you Sonic Mania, players will swing, dash, flip and trick their way over 11 colourful worlds and 40 levels. Penny’s Big Breakway surprise launched on Nintendo Switch at the end of the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.
Suika Game – Multiplayer Mode
The fruit-matching casual puzzle game phenomenon is receiving a paid DLC season pass that adds local two-player battles to the mix, with online multiplayer arriving in the future. Suika Game – Multiplayer Mode Expansion was available after the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.
Pepper Grinder
We briefly covered Pepper Grinder in our PC preview of the game, but now players will be able to engage in puzzle platforming, battle bosses, and power up with treasure on the Nintendo Switch. Pepper Grinder is releasing for Nintendo Switch on March 28, 2024.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley
Experience a symphony with every footfall, elevated by music and melodies from the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, and wander Moominvalley with your heart open. Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley comes to the Nintendo Switch on Mar 7th, 2024.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Embark on a poignant action-adventure game inspired by the rich myths of Bantu cultures. Wield cosmic powers from the sun and moon and brave the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera alongside the God of Death. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU lands on the Nintendo Switch on Apr 23rd, 2024.
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – Sweep the Board!
Experience the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba through a board game! Select a familiar character and roll the dice to advance your journey around boards that feature iconic landmarks from the anime. Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – Sweep the Board! rolls onto the Nintendo Switch on Apr 26, 2024.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Royal Edition
The acclaimed historical action RPG comes to the Nintendo Switch. Players will experience an open world filled with challenging combat, majestic castles and lush forests. Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Royal Edition launches for Nintendo Switch on Mar 15, 2024.
Contra: Operation Galuga
Blast through a reimagining of the classic action game from the ’80s with modern graphics, new features and explosive co-op combat! Contra: Operation Galuga launches on Nintendo Switch Mar 12, 2024, with a playable demo available now.
Pentiment
Journey to 16th-century Bavaria and face choices and consequences that will ripple throughout a small community for years to come. Each decision you make along the way can impact the community’s future for generations. Pentiment launches for the Nintendo Switch on Feb 22, 2024, though it was originally an Xbox exclusive.
