Nintendo Direct 2022 – How Nintendo kicked off the new year!

Heads up, Nintendo fans as another Direct update came early this year! Fans saw it coming in 2021, but it caught them by surprise in 2022. This year’s Nintendo Direct had so many announcements that it lasted for 40 minutes!

It showed so many new video games, especially sequels for the last year’s titles. Nintendo Direct 2022 also featured remasters of the classics from the SNES and other previous-gen consoles. There were even updates and DLCs!

I will start with a summary of the last year’s Direct event, so you can see how much it differs from this year’s announcement. If you weren’t able to watch it, this article will show a summary of Nintendo Direct 2022. We will also go through updates about the Super Nintendo World theme park.

What is Nintendo Direct?

Photo Credit: Nintendolife.com

Nintendo usually announces its latest offerings through online presentations.

Otherwise known as Nintendo Direct, these usually last around 25-50 minutes. These present software and hardware updates across all platforms.

What’s more, they provide shorter versions called Nintendo Direct Mini. If you can’t spare half an hour, these could provide Nintendo Switch Direct updates and others in less time. You can also check out Amazon for new Nintendo games.

When’s The Next Nintendo Direct?

These usually occur several times every year, but Nintendo didn’t announce it in 2021. The same was true in this year’s Direct event.

Some people claimed to have seen signs that Nintendo Direct 2021 was coming. They say that it usually happens at the start of every year, so the company may stay with this pattern.

These often occur several times every year, but the game company didn’t provide a heads-up before the 2021 event. That’s because Nintendo may launch the updates by surprise.

The fans suspected that it would be a complete Nintendo Direct presentation. On the other hand, some said it might come out as a short Partner Showcase.

In 2021, fans kept their eyes peeled for potential Nintendo Switch Direct updates. For example, they said the Nintendo Switch Pro may appear on store shelves that year.

While they didn’t get the Pro version, the Nintendo Switch OLED came out on October 8, 2021. This means their predictions sort of came true.

Direct Archive Appears To Be Updated

People also cited website updates when they were figuring out when 2021’s Nintendo Direct will happen. Specifically, someone noticed the recent updates to the Nintendo Direct archive.

This record received its latest update on January 8, 2021, That’s why the person assumed that this served as evidence of an upcoming Direct event that year.

However, this wasn’t enough to support his claim since the Japanese company updates the site regularly. They don’t always mean an imminent Nintendo Direct.

Where To Watch Nintendo Switch Direct

You could watch these announcements on various websites. The best one is Nintendo’s homepage. You could watch this year’s Direct event and past ones on the archives.

You can also get the written summaries on the online site. Moreover, you could watch it on YouTube and Twitch and the social media pages on Twitter and Facebook.

If you don’t want to miss out on the next Nintendo Direct, then follow these websites. After all, Nintendo could launch an announcement at any time.

Nintendo Switch Games in 2021

Photo Credit: Nintendo.com

You could just stick around for the games that came out in 2021. Perhaps you have the handheld console, but you haven’t played the following games:

Super Mario 3D World

If you liked the original Wii U version, Nintendo promises improvements with the Switch version. Super Mario 3D + Bowser’s Fury offers the colorful whimsy you loved from the original.

You may also share the fun with friends via local or online co-op play. What’s more, Bowser’s Fury offers additional content with its dark alternate world. This came out on February 12.

Monster Hunter Rise

Besides the Nintendo Switch Direct updates, gamers looked out for the release of Monster Hunter Rise. The game revolves around your hunter battling gigantic monsters for various rewards.

Photo Credit: Nintendo.com

Besides the Nintendo Switch Direct updates, gamers looked out for the release of Monster Hunter Rise. The game revolves around your hunter battling gigantic monsters for various rewards.

This Asian-themed iteration features all the monster favorites and new creatures too. The latest title also promises more maneuverability and versatility with the new Wirebug and monster companions.

More importantly, the Switch version lets you team up with 4 friends via co-op play. Enjoy your monster hunting experience with buddies, whenever and wherever! This came out on March 26.

New Pokemon Snap

If you’re a seasoned gamer, you may have wished that the next Direct will announce a nostalgic title. Thankfully, that happened with the release of New Pokemon Snap.

This brings the classic 1999 game from the Nintendo 64 with better graphics. Of course, it features Pokemon beyond the first-generation lineup.

The game lets you take photos of various wild Pokemon in various landscapes. Your goal is to take pictures of these creatures while following certain conditions.

In the latest installment, your goal is to shed a light on the mysterious glowing plants and wildlife in the Lental region. Along the way, your photos would uncover the strange Illumina phenomenon.

This could be the game for you if you need something relaxing. Otherwise, this might be the blast from the past that you’ve always wanted.

Super Nintendo World in Japan

Photo Credit: Universal Studio Japan

Soon, you and your family may experience Nintendo fun in Osaka.

Besides Nintendo Switch Direct updates, people may look to the first Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

It had to postpone the grand opening last year due to the pandemic, but it will open on February 4, 2021.

This addition will bring an experience that “can be found nowhere else in the world,” says Thomas Geraghty, executive producer of Universal Creative.

The park contains conventional rides, but it will allow guests to compete with each other. They may jump and punch blocks to collect coins, just like the original Super Mario game.

What’s more, they may purchase Power-up Bands to earn virtual keys and coins while playing. These also double as unique Amiibos, small replicas of video game characters that unlock unique Nintendo game features.

Moreover, Super Nintendo World will allow you to play Mario Kart in real life. You’ll be able to race in Bowser’s Castle and other game levels via augmented reality.

Super Nintendo World looks like Super Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom. While there aren’t any Nintendo Switch Direct updates yet, USJ has announced the park’s finalized attractions:

• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
• Mount Beanpole
• 1-Up Factory
• Yoshi’s Adventure
• Koopa’s Castle
• Peach’s Castle
• Stop It! Piranha Alarm Panic
• Kinopio’s Cafe
• Take Aim! Koopa Troopa POW Block Punch

You may also purchase merchandise and eat meals based on Super Mario Characters like Princess Peach. Nevertheless, Super Nintendo World is a one-of-a-kind experience you should try with the whole family!

Super Nintendo World in the US?

Just like the Nintendo Switch Direct updates, the opening of a Super Nintendo World in the US hasn’t been confirmed.

Universal Studios Hollywood was supposed to add a smaller version. It may include the Mario Kart attraction without the Yoshi ride. The expansion might open in 2021 or 2022, but there are no definite dates yet.

Also, the phase two expansion of Nintendo World was planned for USJ’s upcoming Epic Universe. Estimates point to a probably opening around 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused their construction to be put on hold. Also, it stalled Universal’s other overseas projects for Nintendo World.

Nintendo Switch Games in 2022

Last year’s presentation came without warning, and it didn’t disappoint in 2022. Nintendo announced the year’s first Direct event on February 8, but the start date was on the 9th!

That’s fine because you can watch all of them saved in Nintendo’s archives. Get ready for a super long list of games because that 40-minute runtime didn’t disappoint!

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

This is like a cross between Final Fantasy Tactics and Dynasty Warriors. You get to choose among three heroes, also known as the “Three Hopes” of the game’s namesake.

Then, you lead armies into battle with the grid-based map ala Final Fantasy Tactics. Once your troops encounter enemies, that’s when you get control of your character.

This is when it turns into Dynasty Warriors as your character mows down armies with various abilities and magic. As the battles push on, the plot for the main characters develops.

If you like this mix of action and strategy, then you might want to pick up Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. It will come out on June 24, 2022.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

This is a combination of the previous Advance Wars titles: Advance Wars and Advance Wars: Black Hole Rising. This is a turn-based strategy game where you command armies.

Unlike Fire Emblem, you won’t be controlling just one character. You get to choose a general for your army, but that character only provides power-ups for your units.

Instead, you and your opponent will deploy various types of military units against each other. You capture cities to increase resource production that lets you build more units.

The terrain is also a major factor as certain landscapes can provide advantages and disadvantages. You may like this if you’re up for a few mind games with AI or your friends.

The release date is on April 8, but you may place a pre-order right now.

No Man’s Sky

Game developer Hello Games got into hot water during the initial release of this game years ago. Yet, it has delivered on improving the game significantly.

You get to play as a mysterious person who travels around outer space. You can explore various planets that are procedurally generated, meaning they’re different for each player.

No Man’s Sky also works like Minecraft since you gather resources and build stuff with them. Yet, your creative session may turn into a game of survival as you enter space battles.

This should come out sometime in the Summer of 2022.

Mario Strikers: Battle League

Nintendo’s Italian plumber has been a beloved mascot since the 90s. That’s why we’ve seen him in so many spinoff games, especially ones with sports.

Nintendo fans have seen him play golf and tennis, and now they can play soccer (or football) with him. Mario Strikers lets you play this ball game with iconic Super Mario characters.

It first came out on the GameCube, but you will soon be able to play it on the Switch. Similar to the original, the new Mario Strikers involves power-ups and other gimmicks.

That’s why you can customize players with various equipment and use special moves. Mario Strikers will come out on June 10, but you may also reserve your copy as a pre-order.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance

This is another blast from the past if you’re a Gunpla fan. Gundams are giant pilotable robots that first became popular in various anime series.

The series is so iconic that there are two life-sized statues of them in Japan. That’s why it’s not surprising to see it in an upcoming video game titled SD Gundam Battle Alliance.

You get to pilot these robots, but they appear in cute forms, similar to Funko Pops. You dash around the battlefield fighting other robots using laser guns and swords.

The trailer didn’t leave that many details about the plot, though. If you’re interested, SD Gundam Battle Alliance should launch in 2022.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass update

You can buy the original game now, but it will have an update soon. The Booster Course Pass will give Mario Kart a total of 48 courses, but they will come in six waves.

Each wave will feature eight courses from previous Mario Kart titles such as Mario Kart Tour. For example, Nintendo revealed Wii Coconut Mall, Choco Mountain, and Tokyo Blur.

If you don’t have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe yet, then you may want to get it because of the casual gameplay. You race around wacky racetracks while using power-ups to win.

This new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update costs $24.99 MSRP, but you may pre-order it now. Note that the price may increase depending on several factors.

Nintendo Switch Sports

If you’ve played Wii Sports before, this may feel familiar to you. Nintendo Switch Sports lets you play various sports with the help of the handheld console.

The motion sensors of the Joy-Cons pick up your movements, so you get to simulate these sports even indoors.

Here are the games you can play with Nintendo Switch Sports:

• Tennis
• Bowling
• Soccer
• Badminton
• Volleyball
• Chambara
• Golf (to be added soon)

All these games seem common except Chambara, so I’ll explain it a bit. It’s a term for the “sword-fighting” movies from Japanese cinema.

The game involves you and your opponent hitting each other with simulated swords. Don’t worry about any sensitive content because you just wack each other’s characters with toy swords.

It appeared in the classic Wii Sports game but not in Wii Sports Resort. You win by either hitting your opponent enough times or by pushing them off the ring.

If these games are your jam, then you could buy them on April 29.

Triangle Strategy

This is a turn-based strategy game with grid-based combat. You have a team or party of characters that you move around in a grid map. It’s up to you to beat the opponent team.

You can buy this game now, so you can’t play the Triangle Strategy Demo anymore. Back then, it let you play for free until the end of Chapter 3.

Once the game came out, you can continue your save in the complete game. You can buy it from the Nintendo Store or various third-party retailers for $59.99.

Other Nintendo Direct 2022 games

There are just so many games that appeared in this year’s Nintendo Direct. Instead of going deeper into detail, here’s a list of all the other ones and their corresponding deadlines:

• Splatoon 3: Salmon Run Next Wave (Summer 2022)
• Front Mission 1st (Summer 2022)
• Live A Live (July 22)
• Taiko No Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival (sometime in 2022)
• Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course (June 30)
• Disney Speedrun (Summer 2022)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (April 28)
• Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection (February 17)
• Chrono Cross (April 7)
• Kirby And The Forgotten Lands (March 25)
• MLB The Show (April 5)
• Kingdom Hearts Integram Masterpiece For Cloud (February 10)
• KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series (July 8)
• Portal: Companion Collection (sometime in 2022)
• EarthBound & EarthBound Beginnings (February 12)
• Zombie Army 4: Dead War (April 26)
• GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon (February 9)
• Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles (June 10)
• LEGO Brawls (June 2022)
• Two Point Campus (May 17)

Summary

Nintendo has been performing well recently, so the Nintendo Switch Direct updates may come soon.

The company yielded significant global profits from Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Switch itself. Rest assured, there are more exciting updates to come.

We already have lots of promising games lined up for their 2021 releases. Even better, there are more titles with unspecified release days for the year.

Furthermore, you may visit Super Nintendo World in the first week of February. Take note of pandemic guidelines in Japan and your country beforehand.

From Nintendo Switch Direct announcements to possible console releases, fans have much to enjoy this year. Visit Nintendo’s official site to submit questions and website feedback.

Published on January 27, 2021, Updated on March 7, 2022.