ARMS and Splatoon 2 Headline Nintendo Direct Presentation

April 12, 2017

A couple of days ago, Nintendo mentioned they would have another Nintendo Direct, which would focus on ARMS and Splatoon 2 for Nintendo Switch. Most of us around here were excited, as we still do not know much about these two games, even though they are launching soon. What we did not expect was the large number of other games they would cover during the Direct.

One of the ones that caught me off-guard was Payday 2, a cooperative first-person shooter that originally came out in 2013 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows and was re-released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2015. I never expected to see it on a Nintendo platform, let alone four years after the initial launch. I hope we keep seeing games like this on Switch, but it’d be nice to get new ones and not re-hashes of last-gen’s titles. Those that are enjoying this game may want to check out the PayDay 2 Fling trainer on websites like flingmods.com so they can see what else they can do with the game, adding to their enjoyment even more with this release.

Nonetheless, what we saw from ARMS and Splatoon 2 was great, as the games keep adding more and more to make them worthy of our day-one purchase. The growing roster and arsenal of weapons for ARMS is quite impressive. Similarly, Splatoon 2 has a new cooperative mode and amiibo functionality that is helping it shape up to a worthy successor to the original.

Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2
ARMS
ARMS

Other games they covered that stood out to me include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Monopoly, and NAMCO Masterpieces. The 3DS also has a few upcoming titles that should keep me charging the little system that hasn’t gotten much attention lately. Hey, PIKMIN! is definitely at the top of that list.

The new amiibo are also exciting, even though my wallet disagrees. Having more Zelda amiibo to use in Breath of the Wild is great, and finally getting the rest of the Super Smash Bros. amiibo is nice too. Of course, the new Splatoon amiibo will also look good beside my collection.

What did you think of all the announcements? Let us know in the comments. And if you missed any of tonight’s Nintendo Direct, we’ve got the entire video here, along with the entire list of games and announcements from the press release Nintendo sent to us.

Here is a full list of everything that was announced (via Press Release from Nintendo of America):

Nintendo Switch

  • ARMS: One of the biggest features in the upcoming fighting game is the ability to equip two types of customizable ARMS per fighter. These ARMS range from standard gloved ARMS to curved weapons like boomerangs. Each ARM has a special attribute like fire, ice or electricity that activates when delivering a charge punch. As players fight through the game, they will earn in-game currency that can be used to play the ARM Getter, a fun mode in which they can get new ARMS for their fighters. The fast-paced game can be played in 1-v-1 matches or even 2-v-2* for more entertainingly chaotic battles. During the Nintendo Direct presentation, a new character was also revealed: the super-fast, ramen-armed Min Min. ARMS launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on June 16. In addition, special Neon Yellow Joy-Con controllers and Joy-Con Straps will be released separately on the same day alongside a Joy-Con AA Battery Pack accessory.
  • Splatoon 2: Salmon Run, a new four-player co-op mode*, is coming to the Splatoon 2 game. By teaming up with friends, players can take a part-time job battling the new Salmonid species, which the Squid Research Lab reports might even be more lethal than the Octarians! When players fall in co-op mode, teammates can revive them by inking them on the battlefield. Splatoon 2 launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on July 21. In addition, three freshly designed individual amiibo figures for the game – a new Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy and Inkling Squid uxe game launches on April 28, it will do so with more characters, karts and tracks unlocked from the start than any other game in Mario Kart history. Both traditional racing and the newly redesigned battle modes can be played in Local Wireless mode with up to eight players, and in Online** or LAN mode with up to 12 players***. For fans who want to show off their driving skills, Nintendo will be hosting two Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online tournaments in game. More details about these tournaments will be revealed in the future.
  • Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers: Fans waiting to play this enhanced version of one of the most celebrated fighting games of all time won’t have to wait much longer! The Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengersgame launches for Nintendo Switch on May 26 and includes all of the classic characters and two new fighters: Evil Ryu and Violent Ken. Additionally, a “Way of the Hado” mode lets players throw HADOKENS with first-person motion controls, while an exciting two-player co-op mode* gives players and a friend one health bar for intense two player vs. CPU matches.
  • Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition: One of the most popular creation games of all time is coming to the Nintendo Switch console. The fan-favorite Super Mario Mash-Up pack along with new multiplayer play and control options will be included in Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition when it launches in Nintendo eShop on May 11 and in stores at a later date.
  • Two Sonics, Two Styles: Nintendo Switch is getting two new Sonic games in 2017. Sonic Forces is a modern 3D take on Sonic games and follows the blue hedgehog hero as he uses his stylish high-speed moves to bring down the nefarious Eggman. Sonic and a mysterious new ally will rise up when Sonic Forces launches for Nintendo Switch this winter. Sonic Mania launches this summer and features retro 2D graphics and a host of new stages, as well as some classic stages from previous games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
  • Project Mekuru (name not final): Players that like multiplayer action games are in for a treat when Project Mekurulaunches exclusively in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch this summer. The frantic and fun game finds up to four players battling locally* or online** to flip panels and blow up opponents.
  • Disgaea 5 Complete: This tactical RPG franchise is beloved by many, and the definitive version of the fifth game, Disgaea 5 Complete, is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 23. Perfect for portable play, this epic RPG will launch with both standard and limited-edition versions. A free demo for the game will launch in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch soon.
  • NEOGEO Masterpieces: Starting April 13, more NEOGEO classic games like Samurai Showdown IV will be available to purchase in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch. Some future NEOGEO games coming to the system include Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters ’99.
  • Puyo Puyo Tetris: Two classic puzzle games face off in Puyo Puyo Tetris. The four-player* puzzle mashup game is only a little more than a week away, launching on Nintendo Switch on April 25. For people who want to try before they buy, a free demo for the game is now available.
  • Monopoly for Nintendo Switch: One of the most famous board games ever is coming to Nintendo Switch. Up to six players can experience the classic game with HD Rumble features and optional shorter sessions when Monopoly for Nintendo Switch launches this fall.
  • Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition: The gorgeous, award-winning platformer is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year. On Nintendo Switch, an exclusive Kung Foot experience offers a Solo Mode and tournaments for up to eight players*.
  • THQ Nordic Games: The diesel-punk shoot-’em-up game Sine Mora EX, co-developed by acclaimed studio Grasshopper Manufacture, launches on Nintendo Switch this summer with local co-op and versus* modes. Also coming to Nintendo Switch from THQ Nordic Games is Battle Chasers: Nightwar, an RPG inspired by console classics and based on the Battle Chasers comic book series. Battle Chasers: Nightwar launches with timed exclusivity on Nintendo Switch in late summer.
  • PAYDAY 2: In this four-player co-op game*, players band together to rise to the top of the criminal world for bigger jobs and better paydays. PAYDAY 2 launches for Nintendo Switch this winter.
  • NAMCO MUSEUM: Some of the most popular games of all time are coming to Nintendo Switch as part of the NAMCO MUSEUM package. Classic games, including PAC-MAN, GALAGA and SPLATTERHOUSE, as well as multiplayer gems like ROLLING THUNDER, SKYKID and TANK FORCE, can now be played at home or on the go. Players can stop and resume gameplay at any time, and Special Challenge Modes offer ways to test players’ skills. NAMCO MUSEUMlaunches for Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star: Featuring playable characters from multiple Fate productions across three distinct narrative perspectives, Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star delivers the series’ most legendary showdown yet. The Nintendo Switch version will come loaded with 35 previously released paid DLC costumes, along with an exclusive new Unshackled Bride outfit. The high-octane action game will launch for Nintendo Switch in North America on July 25.
  • Nintendo Switch Standalone Dock: The Nintendo Switch standalone dock accessory will be available for purchase starting on May 19. Additional docks are perfect for traveling without having to unplug the main Nintendo Switch setup, as well as switching between TVs in the same house without transporting cords.

Nintendo 3DS

  • Hey! PIKMIN: The first Pikmin game for Nintendo 3DS finds Captain Olimar embarking on an adventure through lush worlds with his trusted Pikmin by his side. In a new type of Pikmin game, players are tasked with throwing all types of different Pikmin using the touch screen to solve puzzles, overcome challenges and defeat enemies through side-scrolling levels. The Hey! PIKMIN game launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on July 28. A new Pikmin amiibo figure will also launch separately on the same day.
  • Kirby’s 25th Anniversary: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adorable Kirby franchise, three new Kirby games are coming to Nintendo 3DS.
    • Exclusive to Nintendo eShop, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe features four Kirby characters with different powers (Sword Hero, Hammer Lord, Beam Mage or Doctor Healmore) who battle giant enemies together. The free-to-start game launches … today!
    • In Kirby’s Blowout Blast, players move freely through more than 25 action-packed 3D stages, inhaling enemies and powering up along the way. The game launches exclusively in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS this summer.
    • Last but certainly not least, a new multiplayer* action game in the Kirby series is coming to Nintendo 3DS this holiday season. More information will be revealed about this game in the future.
  • Miitopia: Fans have never played an RPG quite like Miitopia. By casting Mii characters in roles across the world of Miitopia, players set off on an adventure to battle enemies, hunt for treasure and open up new areas of the map. The turn-based battles are straight out of an RPG, but allies have a mind of their own. The relationships they build affect their performance in battle. This Nintendo 3DS RPG launches later this year.
  • Ever Oasis: Grow and expand the world’s last oasis in Ever Oasis, a new action-adventure RPG from Koichi Ishii, the creator of the Mana series. The Ever Oasis game launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on June 23. More information about the game will be revealed in the future.
  • Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia DLC: The new Fire Emblem game might take the series back to its roots, but one modern enhancement will help expand the adventure. The downloadable content launching for Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia will be a combination of free and paid, and provides players with new maps, dungeons and challenges. More information about this DLC, including launch timing and the optional season pass, will be revealed in the future.
  • BYE-BYE BOXBOY!: The epic trilogy that has taken the world of geometry by storm comes to its dramatic conclusion with the BYE-BYE BOXBOY! game, the third entry in the highly acclaimed BOXBOY! series. By rescuing new Qbabies, main character Qbby will receive one of four powers – Boxrocket, Bombox, Warpbox and Remotebox – that can help the boxy hero overcome obstacles in a new way. Tapping any of the Kirby series amiibo figures like Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight or Waddle Dee will permanently unlock a new colorful costume for Qbby based on that character. BYE-BYE BOXBOY! is now available exclusively in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and at http://boxboy.nintendo.com/. A free demo for all three games in this series from HAL Laboratory, Inc. is also available in Nintendo eShop.
  • Monster Hunter Stories: Prepare to embark on an RPG adventure unlike anything the Monster Hunter series has ever known. In Monster Hunter Stories, become a rider and bond with monsters to raise their potential and unleash powerful combos. Players can fly, swim and crash into new areas of the map; discover eggs to collect and hatch; and participate in turn-based battles with a party of up to five monsters. Monster Hunter Stories launches for Nintendo 3DS this fall.
  • The Yo-kai are Back … Again!: Whether players missed it the first time or want to fall in love again, the definitive version of YO-KAI WATCH 2 is here! The YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters game delivers the same full YO-KAI WATCH 2 experience, but adds new Yo-kai to befriend, exclusive quests and the ability to hop on the Hexpress to a new resort area. Players can even befriend Wicked and Boss Yo-kai from previous games, learn about the origin of the mysterious feline Yo-kai, Darknyan, and experience a revamped Blasters co-op mode to beat powerful new bosses. YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters launches for Nintendo 3DS this fall.
  • NIS America Games: NIS America is bringing two great games to Nintendo 3DS this summer. The Culdcept series is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so it’s the perfect time to launch Culdcept Revolt! The card-meets-board game launches in a standard and limited edition on Aug. 29. With RPG Maker Fes, players of all skill levels can create their own RPGs. A free download called RPG Maker Player will be available in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. RPG Maker Player will let anyone play fan-created RPGs even if they don’t own RPG Maker Fes. RPG Maker Fes launches for Nintendo 3DS on June 27.

amiibo

  • New amiibo Approaching!: The final Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures are on the way! Two versions of Cloud, Corrin and Bayonetta amiibo figures will hit store shelves on July 21.
  • The Legend of Zelda amiibo: Three new amiibo figures based on Link from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be released on June 23.

Remember that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/ or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

*Additional accessories are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

**Online services require a Nintendo Account. Starting in fall 2017, some online services will also require a paid subscription. Online service availability is limited based on location.

***Eight-player Local Wireless play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe requires at least four Switch Consoles and four Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Games; 12-player LAN or Online play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe requires at least six Nintendo Switch consoles and six Mario Kart 8 Deluxe games.