Nintendo Direct February 2022 Summary

Starting 2022, we knew very little about Nintendo’s lineup, other than a handful of vague release windows. All that changed Wednesday after the first Nintendo Direct of the new year.

The forty-minute presentation covered a wide range of Nintendo Switch games leading up to the end of Summer. We saw a resurfacing of classics, one of which never broke out of Japan, updates to previously launched Switch games, and even a couple new announcements to boot. Check out our Nintendo Direct February 2022 summary after the break.

Warriors of the Three Houses

Kicking off the Direct with a game reveal, we learn that Fire Emblem will be getting another Warriors treatment with Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. This time you’ll control characters from Fire Emblem Three houses as you battle your way through Fódlan.

Similar to other games from this presentation, you won’t have long to wait as Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes launches on the 24th of June 2022.

That one time at Re-Boot Camp

Next up, we received some new intel on the delayed Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. Each of the commanding offices now come fully voiced, perfect for those who’d rather hear the dialogue rather than read it. Both campaigns also allow players to fast forward combat or even rewind dodgy moves, allowing for a more efficient gameplay experience. In addition to these changes, we also got a look at some of the other modes, such as the War Room and Design Room.

It looks like WayForward is putting in a lot of work in this remake, but only time will tell when Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp releases on the 8th of April 2022.

To Infinity and Beyond… Way Beyond

Out of all the announcements from the Direct, this is probably the one I would’ve never thought would actually happen… and I am incredibly excited that No Man’s Sky is heading to Nintendo Switch. Explore a procedurally generated universe where the sky’s the limit. Each planet is never quite the same, and may never be found again in this every growing plane of existence. If you have to remember one thing during your adventure, no matter how harsh the environment or barren the landscape, you’ll never truly be alone.

Even your morning bus journey can fly you to the stars when No Man’s Sky launches later this Summer.

Mushroom Kingdom World Cup

Though the 2022 FIFA World Cup may not be taking place during the summer, that doesn’t mean you’ll completely lose out on some footy action. If you don’t mind the sport being completely turned on its head, then you may want to check out Mario Strikers: Battle League Football.

After fifteen years, it’s nice to see a new game in the series along with its grungy aesthetics. It may look like regular old football, but when you add items and powers into the mix, things can get just a tad barmy. With the addition of stat altering gear, powerful new abilities, and online clubs, I simply cannot wait to return to the field.

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football kicks off on the 10th of June 2022.

Fliper-Floppers and Fish Sticks

Grizco is hiring once again as we get a dive into Splatoon 3‘s version of Salmon Run (titled Salmon Run: The Next Wave). If you thought this job was hard enough as it is, several new Boss Salmonids plan to prove you wrong. Fish Stickis more like a gang of Salmonids as they flitter about pillars driven into the ground, showering any unsuspecting Inkling/Octoling with harmful ink. Flipper-Flopper on the other hand has mastered the technique of a belly flop, and it plans to you it on you! We also saw a glimpse of a gigantic Salmonid that’s so terrifying, even the thought of its name would turn the brawniest of sea legs into jellied eels… at least, that’s our theory why we haven’t gotten a name yet.

Luckily you get some upgrades too, such as the ability to throw those sought-after eggs to your teammates or your basket… just try not to aim for the sea.

Prepare to ink or swim with Splatoon 3 and Salmon Run: The New Wave later this Summer.

Mecha Tactics

Another tactical RPG remake is heading to Switch, this time in the form of Front Mission 1st: Remake and Front Mission 2: Remake. Pilot weaponised machines, known as Wanzers, to dominate the battleground and claim victory.

Front Mission 1st: Remake, blasts onto Nintendo Switch later this Summer, whereas Front Mission 2 will take a little longer.

When you race upon a star…

Mickey may have started out as a steamboat captain, but now he and his friends from Disney and Pixar are putting the pedal to the metal in Disney Speedstorm. This free-to-play action racer, from the developers of Asphalt, aims to bring the best of both worlds with characters and tracks inspired by Disney and Pixar franchises.

With the game’s free-to-play nature, regular seasons will introduce more tracks, karts, and characters to keep the title fresh. Additionally, local, online, and cross-play multiplayer will be supported when Disney Speedstorm launches later this Summer.

A Return to the Dark Side

We return to the perspective of the Dark Side as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has been announced for Nintendo Switch. Secretly an apprentice of Darth Vader, your role is to hunt down and kill various Jedi masters across the galaxy. Opt for button controls or motion controls (upgraded from the Wii version) and battle against a friend locally to become a force not to be reckoned with.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed launches on the 20th of April 2022.

A Need for Creed

Now you can become an assassin on the go with Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection for Nintendo Switch. Play three games across the chronicles of Ezio Auditore da Firenze along with two short films and all previously released DLC. The collection also utiliuses features exclusive to Switch, such as HD Rumble and touch controls.

Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection sneaks onto Nintendo Switch on the 17th of February 2022… that’s in a week’s time!

The Battle Alliance

Strange incidents are afoot in SD Gundam Battle Alliance. Piloting mobile suits, your job is to find out what’s causing these incidents in this dynamic action RPG while powering up your suit with various parts. Why not bring along your friends in online co-op multiplayer?

SD Gundam Battle Alliance breaks onto Nintendo Switch later in 2022.

Exitential Crisis

Imagine stepping into an alternate world where you no longer exist, you’ll find out in Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, a remake of the world acclaimed RPG classic. This version has made various enhancements, such as the ability to turn off enemy encounters, a remastered soundtrack, and even a port of the text-based Radical Dreamers from the Satellaview.

Prepare to adventure across two worlds as Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition launches on the 7th April 2022.

What a Mouthful

Nintendo presented a brand new peek at the upcoming Kirby and the Forgotten Land, detailing several new and exciting features. With Mouthful Mode, Kirby can now inhale a range of gigantic objects to assimilate brand new abilities. Chowing down on a vending machine, for example, allows Kirby to spit out various yummy beverages as projectiles; is there anything that Kirby can’t do? In addition to this, the more Waddle Dees you save, the more Waddle Dee town will grow, offering even more resources to help Kirby bring peace back to this mysterious world. You can even upgrade your copy abilities to become an even more powerful puffball.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land swallows your heart from the 25th March 2022.

Home Run Sluggers

For the first time ever, Nintendo Switch players will be able to enjoy a game from this critically acclaimed baseball series with MLB The Show 22. The game includes modes like the RPG-esque Road to the Show and the card-collecting Diamond Dynasty. Players can also play against other players cross-platform and even use any content you’ve unlocked from other platforms with cross-progression.

MLB The Show 22 swings onto Nintendo Switch from the 5th April 2022.

Keyblades on the Cloud

The three-game collection, Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece for Cloud is heading to Nintendo Switch as reiterated by this Direct. Experience all three mainline Kingdom Heart releases, including the ReMind DLC, with this cloud-based collection.

The worlds of Disney and Square Enix collide with Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece for Cloud from… well, it’s out now!

Two Dreamy Classics

Not one, but two platforming classics return in Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. Run, jump, and use Wind Bullets to grab and throw enemies and save the various dream kingdoms from Klonoa: Door to Pantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series returns on the 8th of July 2022.

You Monster

Aperture Science is here to take over your Nintendo Switch with Portal: Companion Collection. Both Portal and Portal 2 are now heading Switch-bound, ready to put your brain to the test with mind-bending puzzles. Figuring out where to place those portals won’t be the last of your worries as you try and escape the hazardous lab. If Portal 2 is giving you a tough time, you can always take along a friend with online and local co-op.

You’ll soon find out the cake is a lie when Portal: Companion Collection launches later in 2022… the cake on the other hand… unconfirmed.

It’s A Live!

Previously unreleased outside of Japan, Live A Live makes its new home on Nintendo Switch for the whole world to experience. Seven different stories await from various moments in history in this varied anthology RPG. Fight for your life with a bounty on your head in the Wild West, a kung-fu master searches for a worthy successor Imperial China, and more await you in this adventure.

Live A Live come to life on the 22nd July 2022.

Wii Would Like to Play

A Wii launch title is getting a reboot with Nintendo Switch Sports. Wii Sports is getting an upgrade on Nintendo Switch with this new entry in the series. Classic sports, such as Bowling and Tennis return along with a selection of new activities like Badminton and Volleyball. The physical edition comes with a leg strap that can be used in football Shoot-out, allowing players to kick the ball using their own leg. The game also aims to bring Battle Royale into bowling with Survival Bowling online with friends and strangers. There will also be a free update that reintroduces golf into the mix.

Don’t forget to use your wrist straps when Nintendo Switch Sports launches on the 29th of April 2022. An online playtest is scheduled to take place on the 19th and 20th of February.

The Little Drummer Drum

You’ll be doing a lot better than drumrolls when Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival launches for Nintendo Switch. This latest entry in the popular rhythm series introduces several new modes. Great Drum Toy War pits you against another player with special abilities, whereas DON-chan Band lets you work together to perform a live concert. The title includes more than 70 songs including, ‘Racing into the Night’ and even an orchestral version of The Legend of Zelda theme. If 76 songs aren’t enough, there will also be a paid subscription service that grants you access to more than 500 songs.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival drums its way to Nintendo Switch later in 2022.

Obtuse Tactics

We’ve got another update on Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy. A new demo is now available, giving players a glimpse of up to Chapter 3. In addition to this, save data from the demo can be transferred to the full game once purchased.

The cogs of fate start to turn once Triangle Strategy launches on the 4th of March 2022.

Just Deserts

It’s never too late for another helping as the Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course DLC is nearing release. Both Cuphead and Mugaman are now joined by Ms Chalice. Donning a new moveset, the trio travel to a previously uncharted Inkwell Isle to battle a foray of new bosses and monstrous enemies.

Satisfy that hunger when Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course simmer itself to Nintendo Switch on the 30th of June 2022.

Bring out your Dread

Rookies and veterans alike are sure to look forward to these new free updates for Metroid Dread. The first introduces two additional difficulty levels: Dread mode and Rookie Mode. Dread Mode isn’t for the faint of heart as even the slightest bit of damage will kill Samus in one blow. Rookie Mode on the other hand increases the amount of health regeneration and starting missiles while also decreasing the amount of boss and projectile damage and even making some finishing counters easier to manage. This update also includes more stats on the game completion screen and also allows you to fight Corpius in the demo, as reported by Shinesparkers. The second update adds a Boss Rush mode, letting you tackle those big baddies one after the other.

Metroid Dread‘s first free update is available now, with the second shinesparking its way into April 2022.

Bound for Adventure

The Nintendo Switch Online SNES and NES apps still have new offerings with EarthBound and EarthBound Beginnings. Follow the adventure of Ness, Paula, Jeff and Poo to thwart the evil Giygas in EarthBound, then travel back to 198X in the localised version of Mother in EarthBound Beginnings.

Both titles are available now from the Nintendo Switch Online NES and SNES apps.

Obligatory Sizzle Reel

It wouldn’t be a Nintendo Direct without a juicy sizzle reel quickly showcasing other Nintendo Switch delights. Such games include LEGO Brawls, a fast-paced LEGO take on multiplayer platforming launching this winter; Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles, an exhilarating arena fighter launching on 10th June; Two Point Campus, the campus-building simulation launching on 17th May; and Zombie Army 4: Dead War, a pulse-pounding sequel in the ultimate undead action series launching for Nintendo Switch on 26th April.

Throwback Tour

It’s only the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch so it’s a relief to finally see some new DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course Pass. Over the next two years, the roster of tracks will double as 48 courses from previous games, such as double Dash, Wii and Tour, are remastered in HD. According to our calculations, the game will be just short of 100 circuits by the end of 2023, 96 to be precise.

Eight courses will be released at a time over six waves. The first wave will include Tour Paris Promenade, 3DS Toad Circuit, N64 Choco Mountain, and Wii Coconut Mall in the Golden Dash Cup whereas the Lucky Cat Cup contains Tour Tokyo Blur, 3DS Shroom Ridge, GBA Sky Garden, and Tour Ninja Hideaway.

The first wave from the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass drifts its way to Nintendo Switch on the 18th March 2022. The entire pack can be preordered now for £22.49 or downloaded for free as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass membership.

I’m really feeling it!

A new future must be told as Xenoblade Chronicles 3 finally gets announced for Nintendo Switch. Step into the roles of Noah and Mio during a tense conflict between the cations of Keves and Agnus as the futures from the original two entries are tied together.

Prepare for this new journey when Xenoblade Chronicles 3 launches in September 2022.

---

This was definitely a very meaty Nintendo Direct, full of enough games that appeal to just about every demographic. As mentioned previously, I was thrilled to see that No Man’s Sky is heading to Nintendo Switch and, if I’m interpreting this blog post correctly, it may run natively too. Either way, it’s clear a lot of love is going into this project.

I was also incredibly excited to find out that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is finally getting some more love with the Booster Course Pack, it’s pretty insane we are essentially getting twice as many tracks than what’s currently available. It will be exciting to see what other circuits from previous games will make a return.

What I find pretty amazing is how all of the games mentioned above will be released before the end of September, assuming there’s little in regards to delays. Could we have even more surprises during the second half of the year?

What are your thoughts on the Direct? Any game particularly take your fancy? Let us know in the comments and on social media.