Every once in a while, Nintendo does this thing where it just leans in and gives the fans what they want. Less the news you’re hoping to see and more the news you wouldn’t have dared to even hope for. Our latest Nintendo Direct stream is one of those occasions.
We got some blockbuster news, like reveals of Mario Strikers: Battle League and Switch Sports — yes, it’s effectively a sequel to Wii Sports, get hype — as well as new info about Kirby and the Forgotten Land (which looks positively delightful) and a promise for two more years(!!) of updates for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The “Booster Course Pass” will add 48 tracks to the game in total across six packs released through the end of 2023.
The stream also featured some shockers. Classic games like Chrono Cross, Front Mission 1st and Klonoa are incoming. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are also getting a pair of surprises in the form of Earthbound and Earthbound Beginnings, two beloved classics that sit at the top of many a super-fan’s hoped-for re-release lists.
There’s a lot more in the 40-minute direct, including looks at Switch re-releases of Portal (both games) and No Man’s Sky. Check it out.