In Nintendo’s last Direct Mini: Partner Showcase of 2020, Nintendo showed off some key games from third-party developers. They even tossed in a few surprises. The highlights for most will be Bravely Default II, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Hitman 3, Control, No More Heroes 1-3, and a demo for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
It is interesting to note that both Hitman 3 and Control are the “Cloud” versions of the game, which means that they will stream to your Nintendo Switch. While Japan has had a couple cloud games on Switch, these are the first cloud games we’ve seen come to Switch in other regions. It is important to note that the games’ visuals might be considerably better, as they will use the cloud rather than only your Switch; but there could be a degree of latency, depending on your internet connection.
Below, you can find the showcase video and a full list of all the games shown, along with their release dates/windows and the announcements pertaining to each game, compliments of the Nintendo of America press release.
BRAVELY DEFAULT II — Feb. 26, 2021
Brought together by fate, four heroes will embark on a great voyage in the beautiful and engaging role-playing game BRAVELY DEFAULT II from SQUARE ENIX, the creators of the FINAL FANTASY series. In the series’ new adventure, players will set off on an epic journey, visiting stunning locations, meeting intriguing characters and battling dastardly villains. By defeating enemies called Asterisk bearers, the heroes will acquire Asterisks, which allow them to change jobs. By using the right combination of jobs, players can turn the tide of battle in their favor. Some of the jobs that can be acquired include the powerful Vanguard, the White Mage, the Bard, the Beastmaster and the Gambler, among many others. After a demo version of the game went live in March, the developers collected player feedback about things like difficulty and controls to improve the overall game experience. A video addressing the helpful fan feedback will be posted on the official Nintendo YouTube channel later today.
STORY OF SEASONS: Pioneers of Olive Town — March 23, 2021
Cultivate a farm from the ground up! Chop down trees! Discover flora and fauna! Raise animals! Experience all of this and more as part of STORY OF SEASONS: Pioneers of Olive Town, the newest game in the original farm simulation series, coming to Nintendo Switch on March 23, 2021. Will players sow fields and grow a cornucopia of colorful crops? Or construct a massive ranch with lots of animal pens? How players choose to live their farm life is completely up to them.
Surviving the Aftermath — Spring 2021
Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future – resources are scarce, but opportunity calls. Players can build the ultimate disaster-proof colony, protect their colonists and restore civilization to a devastated world. Remember: The end of the world is just the beginning. The Nintendo Switch version of Surviving the Aftermath launches in spring 2021.
Immortals Fenyx Rising — December 3, 2020
The fate of the world is at stake. Play as Fenyx, a new winged demigod, on a quest to save the Greek gods and their home from a dark curse. Take on mythological beasts, master the legendary powers of the gods and defeat Typhon, the deadliest Titan in Greek mythology, in an epic fight for the ages. Immortals Fenyx Rising launches for Nintendo Switch on Dec. 3, with pre-orders beginning today!
Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia — November 3, 2020
Fierce strategy plus epic action equals Bakugan! It’s up to players to build the best team and duke it out in high-energy battles. Become the ultimate champion in Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia, launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 3.
Griftlands: Nintendo Switch Edition — Summer 2021
Sharp negotiating skills are a must when playing Griftlands, a deck-building roguelite game. Every decision matters in each playthrough, whether it’s the jobs players take, the friends they make or the cards they collect. Explore the gritty sci-fi world of Griftlands when it launches on Nintendo Switch in summer 2021.
Tropico 6 – Nintendo Switch Edition — November 6, 2020
El Presidente is back! In Tropico 6, players have the fate of their island in their hands. Build and rule an island nation on large archipelagos, take care of subjects’ needs and send agents to steal world monuments. Tropico 6 lands on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 6. Pre-orders for the game begin later today.
HITMAN 3 – CLOUD VERSION — TBD
HITMAN 3 is the first time the HITMAN series has been on Nintendo Switch and represents the dramatic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy. Whether players are new to the franchise or familiar with the series, they’ll enjoy a globetrotting adventure to sprawling sandbox locations as Agent 47 returns for the most important contracts of his entire career.
Control Ultimate Edition – Cloud Version — Today!
Winner of more than 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep players on the edge of their seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of developer Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience. Control Ultimate Edition – Cloud Version* is available now on Nintendo Switch!
No More Heroes III — 2021
Experience the latest exploits of legendary assassin Travis Touchdown in No More Heroes III. In this game, players are put in the middle of the action, as the fight between assassins becomes a battle on a galactic scale. Destroy aliens in this garden of madness when No More Heroes III launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2021. If players haven’t experienced the series’ prequels, no problem!
No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle — Available Now!
The first two No More Heroes games, which originally launched for the Wii console, are available now on Nintendo Switch.
Part Time UFO — Today!
From HAL Laboratory, the developers of the Kirby series, comes Part Time UFO, a colorful game in which players take on the role of an adorable (and helpful!) UFO. From dishing up sweets, to fishing, and building a castle, the little UFO will perform all sorts of part-time jobs. Players can clear stages by carrying the required object, but more rewards will be earned by completing three specific challenges per stage. By passing a Joy-Con controller to a friend or family member, two people can perform jobs together! Part Time UFO is available now on Nintendo Switch!
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity demo — Today! (Full game available Nov. 20, 2020)
Before the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game launches for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 20, fans will be able to try out a free demo for the game, available now in Nintendo eShop. The action-packed story is set in Hyrule 100 years before the events of the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game. The demo will let players experience the fast-paced action and dramatic cutscenes, which shed light on the events that led to the Great Calamity. During the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, it was revealed that the massive, screen-filling Divine Beasts will also be playable in the game. Using the over-the-top powers of the Divine Beasts will surely help players find victory when used in their respective stages.
What did you think of the October Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase? Which game(s) are you most excited about playing? Let us know in the comments or in our Discord server!
[Source: Press Release email via Nintendo of America]
Steve is the Senior Editor of NintendoFuse and co-host of the NintendoFuse Podcast. He’s been a Nintendo gamer since age 6 and has been on staff with NintendoFuse since 2008.