Unlike some of the other big publishers who have a single major event each year, Nintendo prefers to keep its audience updated on plans via multiple live stream events throughout the year. September 2022 featured one of those live streams, with a Nintendo Direct confirmed just the day before it was held after weeks of speculation. Going into the event, the biggest expectations from fans were the rumored ports of some Nintendo classics, specifically from The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. A more ambitious hope from many was, unsurprisingly, more details on the long-awaited Breath of the Wild sequel set to release in 2023.
When September's Nintendo Direct was announced, it promised "40 minutes of information mostly focused on Nintendo Switch games launching this winter," and it delivered just that. The showcase was dominated by JRPGs, as well as a huge number of remakes, remasters, and ports coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2022 and 2023. Notably missing were the ports of Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess that had been rumored to be in the works. There was, however, some new info on the Breath of the Wild Sequel. Nintendo Direct also featured a short look at Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023, which were already revealed at Ubisoft Forward 2022.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
While the remakes of The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess didn't make an appearance during the show, Zelda fans still had something to keep them satisfied. The final clip of the event was a new trailer for the sequel to 2017's Breath of the Wild, as well as the name for the much-awaited game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The only new gameplay element revealed was a new traversal feature, a big mountable glider for Link. More significant, however, is the game finally getting a release date - May 12, 2023
Pikmin 4
Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto made an appearance during the event with a segment dedicated to Pikmin. Miyamoto first promoted the mobile game Pikmin Bloom, a Niantic AR and GPS-based game, similar to the team's other game, Pokemon GO. But the bigger news he brought was the official reveal of Pikmin 4, releasing in 2023. It will be the first mainline game in the series since 2013. The teaser lasted only a few seconds, but Miyamoto confirmed a new low perspective option and simplified controls.
Fire Emblem Engage
The newest installment in the strategy JRPG series Fire Emblem was revealed and confirmed for January 20, 2023. Fire Emblem Engage will follow new protagonist Alear, who awakens from a thousand-year slumber at the start of the game. The game looks like it will keep some of the new mechanics from Fire Emblem: Three Houses such as its town management and relationship building.
Octopath Traveler 2
The second entry in the Octopath Traveler series has been confirmed for February 24, 2023. The game will feature eight new protagonists in the world of Solistia as it enters a new era. Octopath Traveler 2 will also bring some new features, including varying paths for characters based on day and night cycles.
Bayonetta 3
The first entry in the series since 2014, Bayonetta 3 will follow the famed witch as she faces man-made bioweapons in a new story. The trailer shown during Nintendo Direct also featured other characters making appearances - Luka, Jeanne, and Viola. Bayonetta 3 releases on Switch on October 28.
Fae Farm
Adding to a genre that keeps growing, farm simulator Fae Farm will be arriving in spring 2023 as a Switch exclusive. The game puts a magical spin on the genre, featuring spells, the fantasy setting of Azoria, and mystical enemies. It will also support up to four players in co-op, either local or online.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is the newest installment in the rhythm game series based on Final Fantasy, coming to the Switch on February 16, 2023. The game will include tracks from across the Final Fantasy series, with postlaunch content including music from the SaGa series, Nier, Octopath Traveller, and Live A Live. It will also feature two-player local co-op and online competitive play with up to four players.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key, the next installment in JRPG series Atelier will be coming to the Switch on February 24, 2023. The newest adventure will follow Ryza and up to 11 companions as they explore islands across the seas.
Master Detective Archives: RainCode
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From the developers of Danganronpa comes Master Detective Archives: RainCode. The game will have a similar structure to Danganronpa, being an RPG mystery adventure, following trainee detective Yuma and his ghostly companion Shinigami. Master Detective Archives: RainCode will make its way to the Switch in spring 2023.
Harvestella
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Blending action-JRPG and farming sim elements, Harvestella will be coming to the Switch on November 4. The game has widely been described "Final Fantasy meets Stardew Valley," mixing flashy combat against world-threatening foes with more laid-back farm management elements. A demo was also made available right after Nintendo Direct, which will transfer its save data over to the final game.