What we learned from April's Nintendo Direct

Nintendo has released a new Nintendo Direct, and while there's not a lot of new information, it was nice to get confirmation on many titles. We summarize what we learned.

12-04-2017  -  by Iris Wijers

Yesterday Nintendo released a new Nintendo Direct video. The 30 minute video features release dates, new games and various other bits of information. If you want to watch the whole video youself, you can go here. Don't feel like watching, but still want to keep up with the latest news? We summarize what we've learned. 

A lot of new titles and release dates

3DS:

• Team Kirby Clash Deluxe - Available now
• ByeBye BoxBoy! - Available now
• Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia - May 19
• RPG Maker Fes - June 23
• Ever Oasis - June 23
• Hey! Pikmin! - July 28
• Culdcept Revolt - September 1
• Monster Hunter Stories - Fall 2017
• Yo-Kai Watch 2 - Fall 2017
• Kirby’s Blowout Blast - Summer 2017
• Kirby multiplayer action game - Holiday 2017
• Miitopia - 2017

Nintendo Switch:

• SNK Classics: Samurai Showdown 4 – April 13
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - April 28
• Puyo Puyo Tetris - April 28
• Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition – May 11
• Disgae 5 Complete – May 26
• Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers – May 26
• ARMS - June 16
• Splatoon 2 - July 21
• Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star – July 21
• Sonic Mania – Summer 2017
• Project Mekuru – Summer 2017
• Sine Mora EX – Summer 2017
• NAMCO MUSEUM – Summer 2017
• Battle Chasers: Nightwar - Summer 2017
• Monopoly for Nintendo Switch - Fall 2017
• Sonic Forces - Holiday 2017
• PAYDAY 2 – 2017
• Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition – 2017
• A variety of games from NEOGEO Arcade Archives – unknown

New Switch Hardware

Nintendo has also announced some new hardware and accessories for the Nintendo Switch. First, Joy Cons and straps will soon be available in the bright 'Neon Yellow' colour. Additionally, battery packs will be coming to increase the life of your Joy Cons. These pads attach to the back of your Joy Cons and run on batteries. Nintendo has also announced that Standalone Nintendo Docks will be available from May 19th. 

New Amiibo figures

Amiibo collectors rejoice! Nintendo has announced twelve new Amiibo's. Three Amiibo's will be added to the Zelda collection, showing three versions of Link from different games. These Amiibo figures are available June 23. The Super Smash Bros Amiibo's will be released on July 21st and consist of Amiibo's for Corrin, Cloud and Bayonetta. Each Amiibo comes in two versions, so you can pick your favorite. Finally, three Amiibo's for Splatoon 2 will be released when the game releases on July 21 as well. 

ARMS

Upcoming Nintendo Switch title ARMS was featured plenty in Nintendo Direct. We got a closer look at the types of ARMS: extendable arms that fighters use to punch their opponents. The ARMS come in different types with different attributes. You can equip any hero with any type of ARMS, as long as you've earned them or bought them with the in-game currency. This means you can pick a hero and the type of ARMS they have on their left and right arm. The feature also introduced a new character called Minmin, a noodle-armed girl with a kick that packs a punch. 

Splatoon 2: Salmon Run

Nintendo Direct ended with Splatoon 2. The video below showcases a new gamemode: Salmon Run. In this mode, you team up with up to four friends to battle the Salmonid species. Fight wave after wave of Salmonid and collect their power eggs. It appears you can exchange these power eggs for items or power-ups. The functionality of the new and older Amiibo's was also revealed, along with the July 21st release date.