Is this Nintendo Direct leak real? The games that might be coming
Deprived of big Nintendo news in 2020, anxious gamers can once again rev up the hype for a hot 2021 lineup of releases. A compelling Nintendo Direct leak labeled “internal use only” is now circulating on the internet. The document unveils many games, hardware, and release dates set to make it big in 2021.
Before you get too excited to lap up these promising titles, please know that these games are not confirmed. Some spelling errors like “softwar” and “Plant’s vs Zombies” raise eyebrows and the new Metroid game listed is doubtful considering Metroid Prime 4 shifted in development from Bandai Namco to Retro Studios. Thus, the leak could possibly be a hoax.
With these hazy reservations in mind, we’ll have to just wait patiently for more official news in order to say these titles can indeed be expected to hit the Nintendo Switch. Though, it doesn’t hurt to take a peek at the leak, right? Here are the games on the secret Nintendo Direct list.
First party software
What’s first party software? This means a game comes directly from Nintendo – in other words, the first party is the core developer. Second party refers to us – the ones who can’t wait to play these titillating games.
Nintendo World: Park Tour (April 23rd, 2021)
This game may be referring to the new theme park Super Nintendo World, which is planned to open at Universal Studios Japan on Feb. 4. Noting the travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, this title could take you through a virtual version of the amusement park.
Mario Kart 9 (Spring 2021)
Another installment of the popular racing franchise, Mario Kart 9 will be the sixteenth installment in the Mario series. According to Fantendo, the game will be a direct sequel of Mario Kart 8 and will introduce the new “water ski mechanic” and “time flow mechanic”.
Super Mario Odyssey 2 (Holidays 2021)
This Mario title will be a sequel to the latest Mario 3D platformer Super Mario Odyssey. Considering the success of the first game, it’s not surprising to see a sequel on this list. Nintendo insider Emily Rogers hinted at more Mario content saying, “Good year to be a plumber.”
Fire Emblem Echoes: Path of Radiance (May 2021)
Another one?! We kid – Fire Emblem games are fire 🔥and we can’t wait to see how this next game will contribute to the renaissance of these “niche” strategy RPGs. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance was released in 2005, so this Fire Emblem Echoes title must be a kind of remake.
Metroid Resurgence (Fall 2021)
As mentioned above, Metroid Resurgence (a game we can assume to be Metroid Prime 4?) is an unlikely release due to the shift in studio developers. But hey, maybe they made unexpected progress and we really will see the Metroid game come fall. Metroid Prime 4 was announced at E3 in 2017, after all.
Third party software
What’s third party software? As you may have deduced, this means games that are subcontracted to a 3rd party. For example, Final Fantasy games (one of which is listed below!) are made by Square Enix, but can be released on Nintendo hardware through contract.
Kingdom Hearts: Destiny’s Embrace (2021)
After the long gap between Kingdom Hearts 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3, another one coming so soon would be a surprise. Destiny’s Embrace is actually the title of Kairi’s Keyblade introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. Not sure what this would be about, but we’re certainly enticed.
Bayonetta 3 (Summer 2021)
Is this finally an update about the long-awaited Bayonetta series? The action game was said to be progressing from the Japanese creators Kamiya, but it sure has been awhile since its teaser announcement in 2017.
Shin Megami Tensei V (Fall 2021)
The classic RPG series from Atlus, Shin Megami Tensei is an exciting exclusive addition to the Nintendo Switch library. We really hope its worldwide release will truly come this fall.
Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition (April 23rd, 2021)
Seriously? Enough is enough. GTFO GTA V! Can’t we just get Grand Theft Auto 6 already? Read our thoughts about the matter here.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (May, 7th, 2021)
Okay, we’ll take this one. Nintendo is smart to partner up with Call of Duty developers, and they’ve previously done so with the Wii & Wii U.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake (Fall 2021)
Initially released on the PS4, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is apparently going to be available on the Nintendo Switch soon! (But honestly, first we can’t wait for the iconic Square Enix game to come to PC!)
Capcom titles
Titles from Capcom include Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 3 Remake on April 4th, 2021 and Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition in the Summer of 2021.
Ubisoft titles
Titles from Ubisoft include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion on April 4, 2021 and Far Cry 6 on an unspecified date in 2021.
Nintendo Switch Pro?
Aside from this large slew of projected game titles, this Nintendo Direct leak also lists the new Nintendo hardware: the Nintendo Switch Pro. The features flaunted on its description include 4K support, Dock Pro, pro Joycons, an HD screen, and Bluetooth audio support at a price of $399. The date listed on its release is April 23rd, 2021 – the same release date as the highly-anticipated game revealed below.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past (April 23rd, 2021)
Displaying at the bottom of the leak, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past is the likely title of the confirmed Breath of the Wild sequel everyone and their mother is squealing over. And who can blame them? After the most sensational Nintendo Switch game ever, how could we not be desperately awaiting more? Especially after the first look trailer shown at Nintendo E3.
Other games
The Nintendo Direct leak also tacked on many other Nintendo Switch Pro titles with no date listed including (but not limited to): Crash Bandicoot 4, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, Yakuza 6, Persona 5, Fallout 3, NieR Replicant, Apex Legends, Borderlands 3, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
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Is this Nintendo leak too good to be true? Which of these titles are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments.
