Nintendo Direct February 2023 Highlights: Top 5 Announcements

The first major Nintendo Direct presentation of 2023 brings with it some huge Nintendo game announcements and updates, including the reveal of many Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles–such as Tetris, Kirby’s Dream Land, and more–available via Nintendo Switch Online right now! Here are five of the biggest games shown off at this new Nintendo Direct presentation.

Pikmin 4

Available on July 21st, Pikmin 4 is a return to the gorgeous puzzle-solving garden world filled with adorable little creatures to help along the way. Announced at a previous Nintendo Direct presentation, Pikmin 4 today received new gameplay footage including a first look at red Pikmin, ice Pikmin, and an as-yet-unnamed dog creature that can bash through obstacles and guide the Pikmin to safety. Combine abilities to solve puzzles and traverse the environment in the latest installment of this beloved franchise when it releases later this year!

Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass

Two waves of exciting new content for Splatoon 3 have been announced as an Expansion Pass, with Wave 1 coming in Spring 2023 and featuring a return to the iconic town of Inkopolis from the original Splatoon. Explore the various locations and shops and meet a mixture of new and familiar faces. Wave 2, titled “Side Order”, will arrive at a later date, teasing a brand new campaign with an unknown mystery. Millions of players have already been enjoying Splatoon 3, so this is the perfect opportunity to dive back into the world of Splatoon and enjoy the nostalgia of Inkopolis this spring.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

The hotly-anticipated remaster of the beloved Kirby’s Return to Dream Land will be receiving brand-new content at launch on February 24th! The Magolor Epilogue explores events taking place after the story is finished, whereby the main antagonist Magolor becomes a playable character on a quest to recover his abilities. Defeat enemies to collect magic points and obtain new abilities across over 20 new stages with support for up to four players at once just like the main game. Additionally, ahead of its launch later this month, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe gets a free demo on the Nintendo eShop today!

Metroid Prime Remastered

In a shocking shadow drop, Metroid Prime Remastered arrives on Nintendo Switch today! Originally released on the Nintendo Game Cube, Metroid Prime sees protagonist Samus exploring a dangerous world and solving puzzles using her visors, and this iconic adventure can now be played with modern control schemes using dual sticks on Nintendo Switch and a legacy control option for those looking for a classic game feel. The physical version of Metroid Prime Remastered releases on February 22nd, but Metroid fans can purchase the game right now digitally, which is the perfect way to pass time while we wait for more news on Metroid Prime 4!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The final announcement of this Nintendo Direct is, of course, a new gameplay trailer for the hugely anticipated latest entry in the Zelda series! The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases on May 12th 2023, and the impressive new trailer showcases a variety of enemy types both new and familiar as well as some exciting game mechanics. Ancient mechanisms allow Link to drive across Hyrule or soar in the skies, while a terrifying metal giant attacks from below. Featuring a tense sequence involving saving Princess Zelda from certain doom, this high-profile sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild continues to be one of the most impressive upcoming titles for Nintendo Switch.

Watch the full Nintendo Direct presentation below, and stay tuned to Goomba Stomp for more Nintendo news!