The next Nintendo Direct is almost upon us. Beyond Pikmin 4, there is no information about Nintendo’s lineup for 2023, and with a leaked Persona 3 Reload trailer hinting at a Nintendo Switch release, a new Nintendo Direct seems imminent. Here are our predictions for the June Nintendo Direct!
Persona 3 Reload
Recently, a trailer for the upcoming Persona 3 Reload was leaked. The description for the trailer reconfirmed that the game would be released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. However, the description also mentioned a Nintendo Switch release.
Persona 3 Reload was announced at the June 2023 Xbox Showcase. It was revealed alongside Persona 5 Tactica. Both games were confirmed to be released on all consoles, with Persona 5 Tactica confirmed to be released on the Switch. Strangely enough, a Nintendo Switch release for Persona 3 Reload was mysteriously unannounced.
Recent Persona games like 3, 4, and 5 have been released on the Switch to massive success. As such, it’s a no-brainer that the game will eventually be released on the Nintendo Switch. This is backed up by the game listed for the Switch on multiple retailers, such as PlayAsia. It seems highly likely that we’ll get an official Switch port confirmation at the next Nintendo Direct.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 is set to release on July 21, 2023. Despite the imminent release, though, not much of the upcoming release has been shown. The game was first shown at the February 2023 Nintendo Direct with a five-minute gameplay demo. A few trailers were released by Nintendo that hinted at the game’s story and gameplay mechanics, but nothing about the game is known beyond that.
The next Nintendo Direct will definitely show off more details about Pikmin 4. Perhaps we’ll get a more in-depth look at the gameplay and the story before its imminent release. Pikmin 4 is the only game that Nintendo has set for the summer. I’m not yet sold on the game, so hopefully, a new trailer will be enough to hook me on the game before it comes out in July.
Arms 2
In 2017, Arms was one of the first flagship titles released on the Nintendo Switch. It was a unique fighting game that combined most fighters’ traditional combat with ranged attacks. The game wasn’t incredibly successful compared to other releases at the time, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, it was still beloved enough for one of the characters to earn a place in Smash Bros.
One of the most random announcements in the summer was the reveal of a sequel to one of the other launch titles of the Switch, 1-2 Switch. The sequel is called Everybody 1-2 Switch and is set to release on June 30, 2023. With the sequel on the horizon, a sequel to Arms would be a no-brainer. If not a sequel, then at least a spin-off. I would love a sequel to Arms, especially with how fun and unique the gameplay is compared to other fighting games.
Tears of the Kingdom Expansion Pass
One of my other predictions for a June Nintendo Direct is an expansion pass for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In 2017, after Breath of the Wild was released, an expansion pass was announced three months later. The expansion included Master Mode, new costumes, and the promise of a major DLC that would add a brand-new story section.
It’s been a month since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released to massive success. Therefore, it seems evident that an expansion pass will eventually be revealed for the hit new Zelda game. I would want it to include more story features and a few new dungeons here and there—the more variety, the better, especially with a game filled with so many unique gameplay possibilities.
A New Mario Game
With the new Mario movie being such a massive box-office success, a new Mario game seems inevitable. It’s been six years since the last major Mario game in the form of Super Mario Odyssey. Granted, a few ports have been released here and there. These include Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury and New Super Mario Bros. Deluxe. But since 3D World, there hasn’t been a new Mario game at all.
With Tears of the Kingdom rejuvenating the Zelda franchise and Kirby and the Forgotten Land bringing new life to the Kirby franchise, a new Mario game to change the formula would be a massive hit. Whether it’s a brand new 2D game or an exciting new 3D platformer, both would be undoubtedly successful in their own right.
Metroid Prime 2 Remastered
One of the most surprising games of the last year was Metroid Prime Remastered. The game had been rumored for years, almost since the Switch was first released. The rumor, however, was for a trilogy for the Prime games rather than just an individual release. Therefore, with the success of Metroid Prime Remastered, a Metroid Prime 2 Remastered with the same level of quality would be similarly successful.
I enjoyed the remastered version of the first Metroid Prime. A sequel that builds off of the first remastered version would be great for both newcomers to the series and long-time fans.
Metroid Prime 4
It has been six years since Metroid Prime 4 was first revealed. Since then, almost every single game that was originally announced for the Switch has been released. Metroid Dread, Metroid Prime: Remastered, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tears of the Kingdom, Bayonetta 3, and more. Metroid Prime 4 is the only loose end remaining.
Prime 4 has gone through a tumultuous development cycle. Two years after the initial announcement, the game completely restarted development. Retro Studios was brought on board to work on the sequel. That, along with pre-orders being completely halted earlier this year, indicates that a new reveal is imminent. Tears of the Kingdom pre-orders were halted, too, just before the game was confirmed for a May 2023 release.
A new Metroid Prime game has been anticipated for years. Hopefully, we’ll get an official release date confirmed very soon.
Wind Waker/Twilight Princess Remastered
My final bold prediction for a June Nintendo Direct is the long-anticipated Twilight Princess/Wind Waker Remaster. The two remasters were first rumored back in the Fall of 2022. People have been hoping for a Wind Waker and Twilight Princess port on the Nintendo Switch for years. Whether it be in the form of a Gamecube Nintendo Switch Online bundle or through a remastered version, both would be welcome.
Being able to play both Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on portable consoles would be a dream come true and would help make the Switch the definitive place for the Zelda franchise.
That wraps up the June 2023 Nintendo Direct predictions! Stay tuned to Final Weapon for more information about the next Nintendo Direct!
