Nintendo Direct: 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' & Other Announcements

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the company Mario built is letting us know that there are still many games to enjoy on the current Switch model. On Thursday, March 27, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct ahead of its big Nintendo Switch 2 presentation next week, April 2. During the nearly 40-minute presentation, Nintendo showed us some highly anticipated titles and surprises we didn’t know were in the pipeline. Let’s jump into the biggest announcements made during yesterday’s Nintendo Direct.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been in video game limbo for years, but now we know it’s an actual thing. We also know what to expect from the latest game in the franchise, which puts players behind the helmet of Samus’ power suit.

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In Beyond, Samsus finds herself on a mysterious planet that is teaming with alien life, friendly and dangerous as you search for answers and wield new psychic abilities on top of the arsenal granted to you by your Power Suit. Official synopsis from Nintendo:

Samus Aran has been unexpectedly transported to the planet Viewros. As she explores the planet for answers, Samus is granted Psychic Abilities – mysterious and ancient powers that allow her to control the trajectory of her beams, operate mechanisms and open doors. Why were these powers bestowed upon Samus and what will her fate be? The threads intertwining beyond space and time will weave a new tale when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Nintendo Switch this year. 

Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Okay, here is a game we didn’t know we needed, but we are happy it exists. Tribute Games, the same studio that gave us other beat ’em up bangers like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, is dipping into the Marvel bag with Cosmic Invasion. Published by DOTEMU, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a love letter to the 90s beat ’em up arcade games featuring our favorite Marvel Superheroes that we willingly used our allowance money to play. The game features a stacked roster of heroes to play with and take on the cosmic threat Annihulus. You can either suit up as  Wolverine, Spider-Man, Nova, Captain America, Storm, Venom, and more to help save the world. Official Synopsis from Nintendo:

Join MARVEL’s greatest Super Heroes, including Wolverine, Spider-Man, Nova, Captain America and more, in a star-spanning battle against Super Villain Annihilus. In this action-packed, 2D arcade-style beat ’em up, the timeless fun of brawlers has been modernized with dynamic tag-team fighting and a pixel art style that embodies classic MARVEL character designs. Plus, up to four players can assemble for local** or online*** co-op play. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the MARVEL universe will be fought across the stars in MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, launching on Nintendo Switch this winter.

This one is high on our list, for sure.

Shadow Labyrinth

Amazon Prime’s video game anthology series, Secret Level, gave us a very dark and twisted version of the friendly power pellet /ghost-consuming character Pac-Man. It turns out that the short was also based on an actual game, Shadow Labyrinth,  that takes the same premise from the Secret Level episode. Pac-Man is taken from his familiar settings and thrown into a mysterious planet as Swordsman No. 8’s mysterious guide, PUCK. Official Synopsis from Nintendo: Consume darkness in this 2D action platformer and genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic PAC-MAN series. On a mysterious planet littered with relics from past wars, Swordsman No. 8 is awoken by a floating yellow orb known as PUCK. As you navigate this alien maze you will shift between three different forms – jumping and slashing as the agile Swordsman No. 8, exploring in classic PAC-MAN style as Mini PUCK and unleashing devastating power as the mecha construct GAIA. Use these different playstyles to turn the tables on your enemies and grow from prey to apex predator. Work to uncover PUCK’s true goal when Shadow Labyrinth launches for Nintendo Switch July 18. A Digital Deluxe edition of the game will also be available, featuring a digital artbook and soundtrack. These were not the only announcements from yesterday’s Nintendo Direct presentation. Hit the gallery below to see the other announcements.

1. DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake

These modern versions of two legendary JRPGs continue the Erdrick Trilogy narrative of the iconic Dragon Quest series. DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake launches for Nintendo Switch this year.

2. No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

As Kaname Date – a special agent with an AI partner embedded in his left eye – your mission is to track down Iris, an internet Idol who has been trapped in a mysterious escape game. Conduct interviews to investigate her whereabouts, dive into a subject’s dreams to reveal clues hidden in their psyche and solve mind-bending puzzles to learn the truth. No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch July 25.

3. RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

Unleash the supernatural and undertake the case of the century in this action RPG from ATLUS. This remaster of the classic game from the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner series features several enhancements over the original, including revamped visuals, voice acting, battle system and more. Become Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha and work alongside over 120 demonic allies to unravel the mysteries that block your path. RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army launches on Nintendo Switch June 19. A Digital Deluxe edition of the game will also be available. Pre-orders are live.

4. PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY

Remasters of the classic rhythm action games Patapon and Patapon 2 are coming to Nintendo Switch! The mysterious yet endearing creatures known as Patapon are guided on their adventures by the rhythm of four drums. Play these drums to the beat to give different commands to your Patapon army. There are multiple different classes of Patapon, including the shield-wielding Tatepon and the horse-riding Kibapon, allowing for different tactical approaches as you battle a variety of fierce foes. PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY marches onto Nintendo Switch July 11.

5. STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar

Welcome to Zephyr Town – its bazaar was once a famous destination, but it has fallen into disrepair. Originally released on Nintendo DS, this cozy farm life experience builds up and improves on the original with updated visuals, new characters, an expanded story, and voiced event scenes. Step into the shoes of a new resident with the power to breathe fresh life into the town and restore the market’s fortunes. Rebuild your farm and spend each day planting, watering, and harvesting crops while tending to the animals. Learn to harness Zephyr Town’s unique winds to make farm life and travel a breeze. Then, gather your farm’s bounty to sell at your customizable stall in the weekly bazaar. Along the way, you’ll forge friendships with a cast of charming townsfolk. And who knows, if you find that special someone, romance might blossom. STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar launches for Nintendo Switch Aug. 27.

6. Disney Villains Cursed Café

The dreams of Disney Villains are in your hands as a potionista newly in charge of a mysterious potion café in this visual novel game, illustrated in a 2D style with hand-drawn elements. Reimagined with a modern twist, players can converse with Cruella de Vil, The Evil Queen, Gaston, Captain Hook, Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula and more as you navigate the branching narrative storylines. Use ingredients provided by Yzma to brew a variety of potions for each villain to help steer them towards their desires while working to uncover the mystery of this peculiar café. Disney Villains Cursed Café launches for Nintendo Switch later today.

7. Witchbrook

Discover the magic around you in this spellbinding adventure. Start your residency as the newest witch in the bustling seaside city of Mossport. Learn spells at Witchbrook College, craft goods to grow your witch business and customize your cottage and garden to suit your style. Make friends, find love, and discover a world filled with wonder and charm on the road to graduation and beyond! Plus, up to four players can make magic together in online co-op***. Enrollment begins when Witchbrook flies onto Nintendo Switch this holiday.

8. The Eternal Life of Goldman

Step into the unexpected in this hand-drawn, story-driven 2D platforming adventure. You’ll take on the role of unlikely hero Goldman, navigating a mysterious Archipelago where twisted fairy tales and corrupted folklore come to life. Your mission is to track down the fabled Deity, a legendary figure no one has seen – yet. Blending challenging platforming gameplay with rich exploration, the game lets you upgrade your trusty cane to unlock powerful abilities. Can you uncover the secrets of this world, where myths, legends and fairy tales collide? The Eternal Life of Goldman launches for Nintendo Switch this holiday.

9. Gradius ORIGINS

It’s time to venture into deep space and face off against relentless alien forces in the GRADIUS ORIGINS collection, bringing together 17 versions of six arcade classics: GRADIUS, SALAMANDER, LIFE FORCE, GRADIUS II, GRADIUS III and SALAMANDER 2. This collection also includes the long-awaited GRADIUS III AM Show version, and a brand new entry: SALAMANDER III. Pilot your ship through dangerous enemy lines, upgrade your weapons and master the intense, fast-paced gameplay that is the hallmark of the GRADIUS series. New gameplay features include rewind, save anywhere, reduced hit detection, invincible mode and more. GRADIUS ORIGINS launches on Nintendo Switch Aug. 7. Pre-orders begin later today on Nintendo eShop.

10. Rift of the NecroDancer

Cadence and friends are back in an all new rhythm game where each note is a monster to dispatch. Dragged into a strange new world, you’ll face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original electric soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky and friends. Plus, more musical mayhem awaits in the Celeste Music Pack paid DLC****, with even more content arriving in the future. Keep the cadence going with epic boss battles, quirky minigames, remixed stages and online*** global leaderboards when Rift of the NecroDancer launches on Nintendo eShop later today!

11. Tamagotchi Plaza

Tamagotchi Plaza is the latest entry in the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop series of shop simulator games. Set in the charming Tamahiko Town, players will manage a dozen different shops and engage with over 100 Tamagotchi as you take orders and help with lost items and enhance each shop’s reputation. Create the perfect glasses for your patrons in the Eyewear Shop, set tables to match your style at the Tea Shop, visit the Dentist where cavities are treated and many more. Plus, play with friends in two shops with local two-player co-op and versus modes. Celebrate the world of Tamagotchi when Tamagotchi Plaza launches on Nintendo Switch June 27.

12. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Choose either Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile to be your first partner Pokémon and begin a new adventure in Lumiose City – a setting that was introduced in the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Here, Quasartico Inc. is carrying out an urban redevelopment plan with the goal of making it easier for people and Pokémon to coexist. But when the sun goes down, the battles heat up. At night highly skilled Trainers are invited to participate in the Z-A Royale tournament: Just enter a battle zone to begin your climb from Rank Z all the way up to Rank A – Trainers who reach the top are even said to have a wish granted. Day and night reveal two sides to Lumiose City … so what will you find on your adventure? Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches on Nintendo Switch late 2025.

13. Rhythm Heaven Groove

The Rhythm Heaven series returns with a brand new entry: Rhythm Heaven Groove! Play a wealth of eclectic rhythm games along with music produced by the renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂. Don’t miss a beat when Rhythm Heaven Groove launches on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

14. High On Life

Experience the hit action-adventure comedy title on Nintendo Switch. Rescue and team up with charismatic talking guns and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. High On Life launches on Nintendo Switch May 6.

15. Star Overdrive – Speed into the Unknown Trailer

Explore a massive world on your Hoverboard and use your powers to overcome challenges, face multitudes of enemies, solve puzzles and shape your destiny! Star Overdrive launches as a timed system exclusive on Nintendo Switch April 10.

16. The Wandering Village

Experience a city-building strategy game set on the back of a giant, roaming creature. Build a settlement and form a symbiotic relationship with the colossus to survive together in this hostile, yet vibrant post-apocalyptic world. The Wandering Village arrives on Nintendo Switch July 17.

17. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time – New Life Guide

Begin a fantastic life on a ruined island and embark on a great adventure into the past! Gather friends, craft and rebuild the island when Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time launches on Nintendo Switch May 21.

18. SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered – Launch Trailer

In this HD remaster of the RPG classic, step into the world of Sandail and follow the intertwined fates of Gustave, a royal heir caught in a struggle for power, and Wil, an excavator confronting a hidden world-threatening danger. Their journeys unfold through the innovative History Choice system, where key events can be experienced from multiple perspectives. Featuring deep storytelling and strategic battles, SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered weaves a tale of legacy and destiny unfolding across generations. Featuring fully enhanced HD watercolor visuals, additional in-game events and refined gameplay mechanics, you can uncover history once more when SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered launches on Nintendo Switch later today.

19. Monument Valley

Embark on a series of peaceful journeys across this trilogy of meditative puzzle games. Explore isometric worlds filled with individually crafted puzzles to unravel, stunning landscapes to manipulate, optical illusions to discover and mysterious secrets to uncover. Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 feature all additional chapters, add-ons and the DLC for the complete experience. Monument Valley 3 is a fresh entry point for newcomers, introducing dynamic sailing mechanics that offer expansive open-ended exploration on tranquil seas. Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 launch on Nintendo Switch April 15, with pre-orders beginning later today on Nintendo eShop. Monument Valley 3 sets sail on Nintendo Switch this summer.

20. EVERYBODY'S GOLF: HOT SHOTS – Announcement Trailer

The popular golf game series makes its debut on Nintendo Switch with a variety of characters and courses. The three-button shot mechanic makes it so anybody can jump in and begin playing; it’s easy to learn yet challenging to master. Win in-game tournaments in the single player Challenge Mode to unlock characters and courses, or try out the new Wacky Golf mode, where all sorts of shenanigans can help or hinder your chances. Up to four golfers can hit the fairway together locally** or online***. Customize your character, grab your clubs and get ready to par-tee when EVERYBODY’S GOLF: Hot Shots launches on Nintendo Switch this year.

21. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

The Tomodachi Life series is back with its first brand new entry in over ten years. Create your own Mii characters based on yourself, friends, family – anyone! – and watch them live their lives on an island out at sea. Get involved with their relationships and experience all the weird and wonderful ways these Mii characters interact. You may even drop in on their dreams! Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

22. Nintendo Today!

A brand-new app* that delivers Nintendo content to your smart devices. This smart-device app is like a daily calendar which delivers a variety of content including latest news, videos, and comics of your favorite Nintendo games and characters from select franchises. After the Nintendo Direct presentation about Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, you’ll also find information about the Nintendo Switch 2 system directly on the app. Anyone with a Nintendo Account and compatible smart device can use the free app. Available to download from the App Store and Google Play starting later today.

23. Virtual Game Card

Introducing the virtual game card – a new feature for easily managing purchased digital games, playing games on two different systems, and even lending or borrowing games. Similar in concept to moving physical game cards between systems, virtual game cards make it possible to “eject” a purchased digital title from one Nintendo Switch system and “load” it onto another – whether it belongs to a member of the same Nintendo Account family group, or a second system tied to your account. This optional feature allows you to view virtual game cards or eject them from your system. The digital game can also be lent to a Nintendo Account family group member’s system via local wireless connection. Games that you lend can then be played on a Nintendo Account family group member’s system for two weeks, after which the game will be automatically returned to you. This feature will be available on Nintendo Switch starting late April via a hardware system update. Additionally, virtual game cards will also work with Nintendo Switch 2 systems at launch.