Jakob Eiseman, Editor-in-Chief

Header Image: Monolith Soft

On Feb. 9, Nintendo had its first Direct presentation for 2022. The last major Nintendo Direct presentation was on Sept. 23, 2021 and was the first time we heard about titles like “Kirby and the Forgotten Land,” “Splatoon 3” and the “Super Mario Movie.” While rumors about a Direct presentation coming soon have been rumbling for about a month now, this Direct was only announced yesterday, Feb. 10, leaving fans just a short time to speculate about what new announcements were coming. Some expected appearances included more information about the previously mentioned “Kirby” title set to release in March, “Splatoon 3” which was believed to be a summer title and “Triangle Strategy,” which was delayed from 2021 into early 2022. The following is everything announced at the February Direct:

“Nintendo Switch Sports” — April 29, 2022

A followup to everyone’s 2006 bowling obsession, “Nintendo Switch Sports” is a full followup to “Wii Sports.” “Nintendo Switch Sports” includes fan favorite sports bowling, tennis, golf and sword fighting, as well as the introduction of soccer, badminton and volleyball, all equipped with motion controls like the 2006 title.

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass” — March 18, 2022

The best selling Nintendo Switch game of all time “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is finally getting more content added to it after almost five years of being a kickback staple for nearly every Switch owner. The Booster Course Pass promises to add over 40 new racecourses to the title by the end of 2023.

“Mario Strikers: Battle League” — June 10, 2022

“Mario Strikers” is a soccer game series that adds all the childish zane of Mario to the classic sport. The other titles in the series are praised as incredibly fun party games for friends and family, and the new eight player mode in this title seems to live up to that reputation.

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3” — Sept. 2022

“Xenoblade” is a cult classic series that barely even got a sequel in America, but after the success and popularity of “Xenoblade Chronicles 2” in 2018 it appears that the series is here to stay. This dramatic expansive trailer shows the depth this new title looks to bring and appears to be a promising followup to its predecessors.

The following are some of the other notable announcements from the presentation.

“Kirby and the Forgotten Land” — March 25, 2022

“Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes” — June 24, 2022

“Portal: Companion Collection” — 2022

Additionally, further details were given for the previously announced “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-boot Camp,” “Metroid Dread,” “Triangle Strategy” and “Splatoon 3,” as well as new announcements for “Front Mission 1st,” “Chrono Cross,” “Live A Live” and other smaller announcements. A full list of content and further details can be seen on Nintendo’s website or in the full Direct below.