Every game and release date from February 2023’s Nintendo Direct

Every game announced during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct, and their release dates

It’s always an exciting time to get a Nintendo Direct. Not a Partner Direct, honestly, and Indie Directs don’t exactly get me jumping out of my seat, but a fully-fledged Nintendo Direct? Not only do they not come around often enough, but they are certainly the most exciting.

Before this presentation the year ahead for Nintendo Switch looked a bit dry. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is obviously a huge game to launch this May, and Pikmin 4 was an exciting unknown quantity, but other than that? Eh.

Now we at least have a better idea of what Nintendo is doing. We’re getting a bunch of brand new content for existing games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 3, but we’re also getting an expanded Nintendo Switch Online game selection, in addition to a few surprises, like Metroid Prime Remastered, which is out now, with a physical release coming later.

For every game you need to know about in February 2023’s Nintendo Direct, just take a look through our list below. We’ve listed each game, the release date, and what you should expect from it.

Pikmin 4, July 27, 2023

Pikmin 4 kicked off the Direct, and looks great. It even has a new dog-like creature, Oatchi.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass Volume 3, February 15, 2023

A brand new addition to Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is coming very soon, and Expansion Pass purchasers will be able to meet new heroes and a roguelike-style battle challenge.

Samba De Amigo Party Central, Summer 2023

Sega’s Samba De Amigo series is back, and if we have to guess, we’re assuming you’ll be shaking the JoyCon to play this entry.

Fashion Dreamer, 2023

Match outfits, collect outfits, design outfits. Fashion!

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania, March 6, 2023

A brand new Dead Cells game? Based on Castlevania? Honestly, this could be a Game of the Year contender.

Tron: Identity, April 2023

A brand new title from Bithell Games set in the Tron universe. Seems like a recipe for success.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective HD, Summer 2023

Ghost Trick is a firm fan favorite, and heard several screaming as this was announced.

Decapolice, 2023

A brand new game from Level 5, Decapolice looks like a fascinating detective adventure game in the same vein as Astral Chain, but a bit more cutesy and less action.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, March 17, 2023

This game is nearly here, and we’ll be seeing much more of it in the next month.

Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass Wave 1, Spring 2023

Inkopolis is coming to Splatoon 3 in Wave 1 of the Expansion Pass, in addition to Wave 2’s the new Side Order DLC, which looks a lot like a campaign expansion.

Disney Illusion Island, July 28, 2023

A very lovely-looking Mickey Mouse game.

Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass Wave 2, out now

Soren, the problematic fave, is back in Fire Emblem. Oh, Chrom too, sure.

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, June 2023

A megacorp threatens the harmony of the world. A story-driven adventure game with impressive animation and artwork.

Octopath Traveler 2, February 24, 2023

This game is out soon, and a playable demo is now available to download.

We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie, June 2, 2023

That name is unnecessarily long, but hey, we really do love katamari, so it’s fine.

Sea of Stars, August 29, 2023

A really nice looking turn-based RPG. This sprite art is really great. A demo is available now.

Omega Strikers, April 27, 2023

It’s a F2P team-based Windjammers, but looks slow, honestly.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection, June 1, 2023

The first three Etrian Odyssey games remastered in HD. Also available separately.

Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot Camp, April 21, 2023

Advance Wars is finally releasing after a lengthy delay.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe, February 24, 2023

Now with a new character and new Major Epilogue story. A demo is available today, with multiplayer minigames.

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games, out now

Yes, Game Boy games are now a part of Nintendo Switch Online, and the Expansion Pass even includes Game Boy Advance games. Impossible to resist.

Metroid Prime Remastered, out now

A remaster of one of Nintendo’s most beloved games, Metroid Prime, out right now.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code, June 30, 2023

A very interesting new game from Spike Chunsoft, who could strike gold once again.

Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster, Summer 2023

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: the second Baten Kaitos game is actually a prequel, and originally titled Baten Kaitos Origins. I guess that would be too wordy though, huh? This will also be the first time the second title is released in Europe.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, 2023

The title is a bit mysterious, but hey, it’s a new Fantasy Life game, and that can only be a good thing.

Professor Layton and The New World of Steam, unknown

Professor Layton is back, and he’s going steampunk. Hell yes.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC Wave 4, Spring 2023

Yes, new courses, but also: Birdo!

Highlight reel:

• Minecraft Legends, April 18, 2023
• Blanc, February 14, 2023
• Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, April 14, 2023
• Have a Nice Death, March 22, 2023
• WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros, out now
• Disney Dreamlight Valley Realm Update, April 2023
• Tales of Symphonia Remastered, February 17, 2023

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, May 12, 2023

The big boy. Tears of the Kingdom gets a chunky new trailer, and it looks glorious.