New year, new rumors. We’re not even halfway into January and rumors are flying around — some boasting some talented photo shopping skills — that a Nintendo Direct is imminent. If Nintendo follows suit from its January 2017 showcase, we could be getting myriad new game announcements, game play reveals for upcoming hits and solid release dates for those games hanging out in the Subspace Emissary.
As the rumor goes, Nintendo was set to release its first Nintendo Direct on Thursday, January 10. A Twitter user shared what was purported to be a tweet from Nintendo of America, including an expert image of the Direct’s title card. As January 10 came and went, no Direct was announced, though a slew of mini Nintendo announcements trickled out through the week. We received word on Yoshi’s Crafted World’s release date (due this March) and tidbits on the upcoming Final Fantasy re-releases on the Switch.
With announcements like these coming to light with little fanfare, those in the industry are left wondering if Nintendo planned to have a Direct this month but, in classic Nintendo fashion, aren’t willing to play by others’ rules and pushed it back for something truly special. If a Direct is on the horizon, here’s what we hope the gaming giant has in store for us.
Metroid Prime Mania
Many were disappointed at The Game Awards this year when a re-release of the Metroid Prime Trilogy wasn’t announced. We think that Nintendo is taking slight joy in making us squirm but will announce not only A release of the trilogy for the Nintendo Switch, but also the first cinematic and game play footage for Metroid Prime 4. What’s more, we think Nintendo will drop a release window as well — maybe the rumored November 29, 2019 release date courtesy of Czech online retailers?
Pokémon 2019
With a release window around the 2019 holiday season, we expect Nintendo to share a first glimpse with a follow-up that more will be announced at E3 2019. Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have a lot riding on this upcoming game — the first actual core Pokémon RPG to arrive on a home console
Luigi’s Mansion 3
The game was announced in 2018 with a 2019 window. Nintendo could use the upcoming Direct to drill into an official release date (dare I say Halloween?). Hopefully if Nintendo shares any details on the other Super Mario Brother’s adventure, we hope the game play and cinematics are sharper than the announcement trailer.
Town
With the surprise announcement of Town at E3 2018, Game Freak’s newest IP in the RPG space, fans are eager to learn more about the colorful world and the depth behind the cute facade. With a 2019 release window — and hopefully no delays — fans can expect more to come in the upcoming Direct.
Animal Crossing
The reveal of the upcoming game in the Animal Crossing franchise was truly Nintendo’s best troll moment in the last decade. It’s been a long time coming and fans want to know more about what to expect with the 2019 release.
Bayonetta 3
Announced two years ago at The Game Awards, little has been released about Bayonetta’s next adventure. Plan to see a solid release window and deeper cinematic trailer from the upcoming Nintendo Direct.
Surprises, Surprises, Surprises
Nintendo has revealed a solid slate of 2019 games so far, but to keep up the Switch’s momentum, Nindy needs to wow gaming fans and industry influences alike with some solid, surprise announcements for the upcoming year (and beyond). Perhaps a new top-down Zelda is in the works, or a remaster of a classic franchise heading to the console in high definition?
With the potential for a Nintendo Direct to drop before the month ends, what are you looking forward to in the gaming showcase?
Nintendo has been silent since the announcement of Joker and Smash. News about Metroid Prime Mania, Pokemon 2019, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Town, Animal Crossing, and Bayonetta 3 are already pretty well known. I don’t think the next Direct’s huge surprises have something to with them. What I’m hoping for is a new Mario RPG that isn’t Paper Mario and a remaster of Golden Sun.