There is a lot to unpack in the February 2021 Nintendo Direct trailer videos. It’s not surprising though, since Nintendo has been tight-lipped about most of its first-party titles for the past months. Thankfully we no longer have to wait for any news throughout this year considering February 2021 Nintendo Direct was jam-packed with many shocking reveals! From unexpected Smash Bros. newcomer, a Zelda remaster, No More Heroes III, Fall Guys, Ninja Gaiden bundle, to Splatoon 3, here are all of the announcements from this month’s Direct.
Pyra/Mythra Announced as a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Newcomer
The first announcement of February 2021 Nintendo Direct is the addition of Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for Smash Bros. Instead of one being an echo fighter, they both work as a single character that you can freely swap while fighting. The DLC will be available in March as part of the Fighters Pass Vol. 2.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is Getting an Expansion Pass
Two waves of DLC are coming to Age of Calamity, starting in June and the second hitting in November. Priced at $19.99, you’ll also get an additional in-game weapon and costume for Link as a purchase bonus starting on May 28. Here are the details of the Expansion Pass contents:
- June 2021
- Expanded roster.
- Newly added weapon types.
- New challenges in the Royal Ancient Lab.
- Newly added challenging enemies.
- Wave 2 (November 2021)
- New character vignettes.
- Newly added stages.
- Expanded roster.
- New battle skills for existing characters.
Soak in the Nostalgia with Capcom Arcade Stadium
Expanded roster.
Newly added weapon types.
New challenges in the Royal Ancient Lab.
Newly added challenging enemies.
New character vignettes.
Newly added stages.
Expanded roster.
New battle skills for existing characters.
Compilation of classic Capcom games, Capcom Arcade Stadium, is coming to Switch on February 18. It offers three different packs of 10 games, with 32 different arcade titles in total. 1943: The Battle of Midway is included as a free download and you can buy specific packs for $14.99 each or purchase an all-in-one option for $39.99. PS4, Xbox One, and PC Steam versions will follow later.
Bravely Default II Showcases Its Final Nintendo Direct Trailer
The saga begins when Seth, a young sailor, washes up on the shore of one of Excillant’s five kingdoms. Here, he meets Gloria of Musa, a princess who fled her kingdom, and encounters Elvis and Adelle, two travelers determined to decipher a mysterious and magical book. Guided by fate, it’s up to them to stop the forces that threaten all of Excillant. Bravely Default II will launch for Switch next week, on February 26.
Monster Hunter Rise Details Its Rampage Feature
This fourth Monster Hunter Rise Nintendo Direct trailer showed us first looks at the two new monsters: the fire-breathing spider Rakna-Kadaki and the mud Leviathan Almudron. We also got a glimpse of the ‘Rampage’ system, where we have to defend the Kamura Village from rampaging monsters and banding together with the villagers.
Relive the Tales from the Borderlands This March
One of Telltale’s classics, Tales from the Borderlands, is coming to Switch digitally via the Nintendo eShop on March 24. Buying the game will include all five episodes: Zer0 Sum, Atlas Mugged, Catch a Ride, Escape Plan Bravo, and The Vault of the Traveler.
Wreak Havoc with Stubbs the Zombie This March
As previously reported, the original Xbox and PC classic Stubbs the Zombie is getting a remaster. It will be released digitally for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG on March 16. Apart from the upgraded visuals, you can also invite a friend to play as Grubbs for classic couch cooperative hijinks.
Protect or Destroy the Neighborhood in Plants vs Zombies
Electronic Arts and PopCap have announced that Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville – Complete Edition will be coming to Switch on March 19. You will have access to 23 fully customizable characters and all cosmetic items ever released as in-game unlockables, without any premium store or currency.
SaGa Frontier Remastered Releasing in April
Square Enix is releasing SaGa Frontier Remastered for PS4, Switch, PC via Steam, iOS, and Android on April 15 digitally for $24.99. This game will include upgraded graphics optimized for modern platforms and previously cut content, including Fuse’s main scenario and several new events for fan-favorite character Asellus.
Miitopia is Coming to Switch This May
Originally released for 3DS back in December 2016, Miitopia will be getting a Switch port on May 21 for $49.99. Create and customize Mii characters of anyone you like and cast them in a grand adventure to bring down the face-stealing Dark Lord. Watch the fun and cute Nintendo Direct trailer above.
Unveil Mysteries with the Famicom Detective Club in May
Nintendo and Mages will be releasing the remake of previously Japan-only classics, Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind. Both games will be available for Switch on May 14 for $34.99 each. Buy one of them through Nintendo eShop, and you can get $10 off the other.
Knock the Other Crew Out in Knockout City This May
Another competitive PvP title comes from Electronic Arts and Velan Studios. In Knockout City your dodgeball crew can fight in three-versus-three, four-versus-four, or free-for-all matches. The game will launch for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and Origin on May 21 for $19.99. cross-play and cross-progression are supported across all systems and they will be releasing a free trial as well.
Set Off On a Mystical Journey in Legend of Mana This June
Square Enix has announced the Legend of Mana remaster is launching on June 24. It will come with upgraded visuals, a rearranged soundtrack, and the ‘Ring Ring Land’ mini-game which will be available to the West for the first time. The game will be available for PS4, Switch, and PC via Steam for $29.99. Pre-ordering it on PS4 will include 10 avatars and a custom theme, while PC pre-orders give a bonus custom wallpaper.
Take a Swing with Mario Golf: Super Rush in June
Mario Golf is back! This June 25, hit the green with up to four players, either locally or online, to compete in many modes including Standard Golf, energetic Speed Golf, or an RPG-like golf adventure in story mode. You can also enroll your Mii character in golf training and go from rookie to pro. The game is priced at $59.99.
Be the Ninja Master in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection This June
Fans of hardcore games, now (later this year, I mean) is the time for you to shine! Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection will drop for PS4, Switch, and PC via Steam on June 10. It includes remastered versions of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, as well as most previously released downloadable content. Team Ninja will also run a special collaboration with Nioh 2, letting you transform into Ryu Hayabusa starting on February 18.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Releasing in July
Wii’s classic The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is getting a Switch port on July 16 for $59.99. Nintendo will also be releasing a set of themed Joy-Con controllers, designed after the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield. The game originally debuted in 2011 and then released to Wii U eShop in 2016.
It’s No More Heroes III, Get Ready to Kill or be Killed in August
No More Heroes III will launch for Switch on August 27 for $59.99. This time Travis Touchdown must make it to the top of the Galactic Superhero Rankings in order to stop the evil Prince FU and his ten alien assassins from taking over the Earth. Use his Death Glove to activate a variety of skills, customize the new Skill Tree, and try out different Death Glove Chip combinations, allowing for more strategic battles.
Ready Our Body to Compete in Fall Guys This Summer
The viral, alternative battle royale game Fall Guys is finally coming to Switch. Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Mediatonic announced that it’s dropping to the portable console sometime this summer.
Venture Again Into the Outer Wilds This Summer
Annapurna Interactive and developer Mobius Digital have announced that they’re porting their critically-acclaimed and award-winning open-world adventure game to Switch with a summer release window. Watch the February 2021 Nintendo Direct trailer above.
Prepare to Exterminate Demons in Neon White This Winter
From Annapurna Interactive and Donut County developer Ben Esposito, comes fast first-person action game, Neon White. As the titular “hero”, you were handpicked from Hell to compete with other demon slayers for a chance to live permanently in Heaven, but only the fastest slayer can stay. Collect Soul Cards to attack your foes or discard them to use unique movement abilities and uncover Heaven’s mysteries by getting to know the other assassins.
Hunt or be Hunted in Star Wars: Hunters
A free-to-play competitive arena combat game, Star Wars: Hunters from Zynga will launch sometime in 2021 for Switch, iOS, and Android. Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, you will play as Bounty Hunters, heroes of the Rebellion, or an Imperial stormtrooper.
Conquer Japan in Samurai Warriors 5
The long-awaited title for fans of Koei Tecmo’s Warriors game series has finally shown itself. This time, the story will focus on young Oda Nobunaga’s journey to become the first Great Unifier of Japan along with his retainer, Mitsuhide Akechi. Aside from Switch, the game will be available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. More information will be revealed during the monthly Samurai Warriors 5 live stream, beginning February 25.
Get Tactical with Project Triangle Strategy Next Year
Square Enix has announced tactical RPG Project Triangle Strategy as another entry in its HD-2D series. The weirdly titled project will launch for Switch in 2022 and a demo is available now in the Nintendo eShop. Command a group of warriors as Serenoa, heir to the Kingdom of Glenbrook. Along the way, your decisions will bolster one of three convictions — Utility, Morality, or Liberty — which will influence how Serenoa’s story will unfold.
Prepare to Dive into Splatoon 3 Next Year
Last but not least, Nintendo has revealed that Splatoon 3 will launch in 2022. This time, you left leave Inkopolis behind and head to a new region: the Splatlands. Armed with many new weaponry such as ink bow, its heart is where battle-savvy Inklings and Octolings gather: Splatsville, also known as the City of Chaos.
