Feature: What We Expect From The Inevitable January 2018 Nintendo Direct

Smash is all I want to hear about, that or Pokémon.

Anything else is icing on the cake.

Interesting choices.

But IMO it doesn't matter much, as I'll still get the switch because there's already a lot of incentive to get one.

Maybe a couple of HD remasters. I'm hoping for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door HD and Super Mario Sunshine HD. Maybe even Eternal Darkness HD or Luigi's Mansion HD. They can even announce an HD remake of Ocarina of Time for its 20th anniversary, with additional content.

Not one mention of (non-Nindie) third party support? Honestly, I would almost prefer a third-party-centric Direct, if only because we already know that the first party support will be there. I'm really hoping that, somehow, Dark Souls ends up not being a rumor! For those who haven't played it, you missed out on an incredible game!

I'd be happy with a load of smaller games and save Metroid/ Smash for E3. A box boy collection, Captain Toad's treasure tracker sequel, Yoshi, Kirby, Runbow, along with Wolfenstein and maybe another R* or Capcom port.

You guys are banking pretty hard on Nintendo having a January Direct. Not saying it won't happen (it's tradition, after all), but do you know something we don't?

Anyway, I don't expect a peep about services and infrastructure. Doesn't feel like Nintendo thinks Directs are the most appropriate medium to divulge that kind of info. Same thing with mobile, aren't they trying to keep that separated from anything Switch?

I don't think Prime 4 will make it this year (and judging by the game info sidebar, it seems the site doesn't either), but I could see Nintendo putting out a couple of seconds of footage. Mostly, I think we'll see more of titles that we already have good info on (say, a trailer, at least) and a few entirely new announcements.

@Eigotaku Captain Toad is an absolute no-brainer, and it suits the system perfectly. I'm positive we'll see either a port or a sequel announced eventually.

New Switch XL

Hotel Mario 2 or bust!

Capcom announces Disney Afternoon Collection on Switch and it's available for download at the conclusion of the Direct.

@MarcelRguez I'm sure of it too, but yay!

I bet GameCube eShop will come later. For now they'll just give a release date for the virtual console and go more in depth on the new Netflix style setup where you get unlimited games but are sort of renting them as long as you as have a subscription. Could be wrong though, it just seemed like that was the direction they were taking. They need to upgrade their online presence. Xbox and PlayStation is making them look bad on the online multiplayer scene

I know it’s unlikely given that Pocket Camp has only recently come out but I’m really hoping for Animal Crossing Switch!

@BanjoPickles Agreed. I also found it astonishing that third-party support wasn't mentioned at all in this feature. Nintendo can't bang out big first-party titles every month forever, so besides indies, it seems important that third-parties do 'some' heavy lifting here and there.

I'm just going to say it now, don't expect anything about online infrastructure to be announced in the Direct, or mobile gaming or Metroid Prime 4. May not even talk about VC or whatever replaces it.

I honestly think a Smash Wii U port will come to Switch. Can’t let that game die on Wii U.

Oh, and VC as a whole is another thing. I don't think it's coming back at all, they'll replace it with a different service.

I want to see how the new Yoshi game is shaping up honestly. Though depending on how long that is still off for release, it might be better to wait for a little while still on that- maybe the Direct after the next one. Maybe E3, if it's planned for August or later.

That said, I do hope Smash 4 gets ported to the Switch. The roster in that game is just too good to ditch so early and I doubt Smash 5 will get ALL of those characters back. Better yet, a port of Smash 4 will probably give us even more characters, if only just a handful- at the very least I think it's safe to say the Ice Climbers will return considering they had those working on the Wii U version but were cut due to the 3DS. (Although honestly I don't even really expect much Smash Bros related in the first place.)

Aside from that, I'm mostly hoping for information on the upcoming online infrastructure. How the payment's gonna go, what we get for this payment, how Virtual Console is gonna shape up, all that good stuff.

I don't expect anything Metroid at all though. Maybe something with Virtual Console, sure, but not Metroid Prime 4, that really seems like an E3 kind of deal. Then again, the same could be said for Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and they still did show a little of that game outside of E3 after the game was officially revealed, so.. I don't know. We'll see I guess.

All good things. We'll see.

They've already teased a new Pokémon and Fire Emblem coming to Switch. More info on those would be great.

What I want is Pikmin 4! Miyamoto said they were already working on it years ago.
Where is it???

They need a there minute Nintendo Direct: announce a full-fledged Pokemon with full online capability tournaments, and matchmaking for Switch, step back, and watch the internet explode.

I’m mostly expecting more on Kirby, Yoshi, FE, and potentially a remaster and/or a deluxe version of a Wii U game, preferably Super Mario Maker though. For 3DS perhaps a couple indies, and maybe some minor last project Nintendo is working on.

I want to see Virtual Console there, but it probably won’t be mentioned just yet. I’m expecting to see the Switch Online announcment to be pushed back until sometime later in 2018 as well.

Come on Virtual Console. I don't care if its just NES and SNES at the start with those promised online features, lets just get it a-rolling.

And please, remember us gamers that have purchased these games on Wii U and 3DS above all else, please....

So we are doing predictions on predictions now?

I am expecting a couple ports sprinkled through the year. Wonderful 101, Mario Maker and Smash 4 being key ones.

It might be a bit too soon to expect another peep about Prime 4, but Nintendo may surprise me. It would be nice to learn more about the online features and/or Virtual Console; I'm really hoping for GCN support when/if the latter happens.

A few ports seem likely, as does more third-party support from studios big and small. Throw in a couple of surprise announcements, and I'll be a happy camper.

Okay, my forecast for Nintendo based on Chinese zodiac.

Nintendo ( year 1889 = Earth Ox) on year 2018 (Earth Dog) will be pretty Tough year.

Nintendo should focus on Animal Crossing for Switch, Kirby Star Allies, Style Savvy for Switch, call the 3rd party developers to contribute their games that dedicated to Girls and Women, because from i read from another website, Earth Ox will gain Boost Profit from business that contribute to Fashions or Women. So, cute games like Sumikko Gurashi on Switch and upcoming cute games that dedicated for Girls will help Nintendo to boost Switch sales. And of course, make it Fashionable.

Animal

Crossing

@AirElephant
Pssst...
Pokemon Switch trailer + Animal Crossing for Switch trailer + Metroid Prime 4 trailer = Mega Explosion !!

I'm ready for Pikmin 4 now.

I am predicting (and praying for) Pikmin 4 news...

I'm going in with as few expectations as possible. The best and worst thing about Nintendo is that they're always surprising us. Might as well do my part and just go in with an open mind instead of being disappointed when they inevitably end up not announcing half of my unstated "checklist" of expected first party games.

@Mintendo Yeeeessss!!!!

"Whether this takes the form of a Deluxe version of Super Smash Bros For Wii U or a full-on sequel (we're really hoping it's the latter of the two)..."
I'd rather have a Super Smash Bros. Deluxe with only some new characters (or just returning characters like Ice Climbers, Snake, Ivysaur, Squirtle and even Pichu, so no one is left out), a mix of stages from the 3DS and Wii U versions, plus a few new ones, all playable in 8-player Smash for those interested, a local tournament mode, a new side mode that doesn't suck like Smash Tour, and a few new event matches, challenges, and trophies.
A sequel will take way too long to develop, and Sakurai won't direct it, so I'm not sure if I'd be interested in it anyways.
EDIT: Also, a proper Target Smash. I don't care if it's five stages like in Brawl, or one for each character like in Melee, just get rid of that piece of crap Angry Birds ripoff! It's worse than Smash Tour!

I'm just going in with no expectations, if there is a direct coming. I feel like this year is going to be the year of PS4 and that we have to wait for 2019 where all the 'big' Nintendo titles will launch.

Thumbnail seen, instant click. Fingers tightly crossed for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch.

Agree with most ,but doubt we get to get a new smash bros game if we get an port of smash now

I doubt we'll see Prime 4. They're probably waiting for E3 for a full reveal of that game. Not sure Pokemon will show up either, it'll probably have its own Direct when they're ready to reveal it. I think more details on Yoshi and Kirby, reveals of Smash Deluxe and Animal Crossing, and details on online stuff are possibilities.

Think VC, and especially GameCube, is reaching.

But one can hope.

I hope Smash Bros is the Wii U / 3DS game and they continue where they left of with their dlc model and ballots.

@JaxonH Agreed, can't play Luigi's Mansion w/o analog triggers. Kept Gamecube VC off of Wii U, will keep it off of Switch until analog Joycon release. Or they just remaster HD port everything for $50 w/ a different control scheme. Sunshine NEEDS analog triggers for just about everything.

Your breakdown on the other thread about the 18 price points was so good I was going to copy and paste it here - giving you credit for it of course. A few of these predictions seem a bit off, but he's the new guy here so I'm cutting him some slack. No mobile, no SSB "tease", all or nothing on that one, no MP4, no infrastructure, no indies, 1 or 2 big 3rd party games hopefully a nice big surprise, many big 1st party Switch games. And it was probably going to be on the 11th but now that's it's leaked Ninteod will change it to the 10th or 12th just b/c.

I’d be most hyped for Smash and the arrival of the VC, especially with Gamecube. Considering how few N64 games made it to the Wii/WiiU though, I’m not holding my breath for GameCube support.

I’d really like to see two things:
A fire emblem compendium with the gcn and wii games, OR better yet, fire emblem fates special edition HD. I haven’t played the birthright or revelations lines because I refused to buy them as dlc. Put them on one disk that I can buy from not scalpers and I’m in.

And 2, a kid Icarus uprising sequel! I loved the first, and it hasn’t gotten love lately.

Third, maybe a new luigi’s Mansion? Hey, a man can dream.

@rjejr

Precisely.

About GC though, having modded my Wii U, the games seem to work fine. Even ones that supposedly needed the analog triggers worked. I'm sure there are probably two or three games that might not be ideal, but they could just choose to skip those few games and release the top X amount of games from the remaining 99 percent. It's not like they ever released all the games in VC anyways.

But I think the problem is getting an emulator that can run every GameCube game 100% across the board. Virtual console is really only profitable for them when they can create an emulator and then tweak it a bit for each game to get peak performance. Wii U ran them natively because it ran Wii natively. But Switch won't have that luxury. So they would need to be emulated, and I'm just not confident the system is powerful enough to provide professional level quality across-the-board which consumers will be satisfied with when spending real money on games. If it was hacked and running Dolphin, I'm sure it could run most of the games, just not professional level quality. They would be good enough for being free, but when you buy a game people expect them to run perfectly. And right now, I think the only way they can achieve that is by porting them individually. I

guess the question is, are the Wii games that are being released on Shield in China being emulated, or ported? If it's the former, then I think we have a fair shot. If it's the latter, then I think the best we can hope for is a similar outcome where they port a handful of the top games and sell em for $20 each.

Seems you have forgotten about Fire Emblem on Switch, that game need some footage like Metroid prime 4 we haven't seen nothing for both games

I want to see stuff we don’t know about, so give me Smash Switch and Mario Maker 2!

THIRD-PARTY PREDICTIONS:

Whether it’s announced during the next Direct or not, I’d be amazed if we don’t get Catherine: Full Body, Dark Souls Remaster, Grand Theft Auto V and/or Okami HD on Switch this year.

I hope they say something about Smash.
I would also like to know more about the online service, but we all know that we will hear about that.

Pokemon and the announcement that the Pokebank app will be added to the Switch when the Pokemon game releases. Although probably gonna get a 3DS again just to play Pokemon Crystal and try and finish Ultra Sun this time.

Hope it is non of that outside of Metroid and FireEmblem- have zero desire to buy even more outdated old game on the Switch on VC.

One Piece: World Seeker announcement, Update on Shin Megami, Cold Steel 4, Bravely Default 3, Catherine, DragonBall FighterZ, New RPG from Level-5 an actual high-end racing game.

New stuff - not the same old, same old that is always on Nintendo. Expand the choices.

I expect this to be a Switch only Direct, so no 3DS or mobile news here. I also think Smash 4 DX doesn't exist at all, so we'll have to wait for a new Smash Bros. game.

I can buy all of that besides Prime 4. If they were that close to having a trailer ready, we likely would have seen something, ANYTHING of the game itself at E3 last year. No, I think we get our first real Prime 4 trailer this E3. Mario Maker 2 is definitely a huge possibility as well.

i think a remastered collection of every smash game on switch is well overdue

Good chance it'll be a lot of Wii-U ports now that I think about it.

a direct with crazier announcements than E3?

A good list but I think Metroid will be here 2019 at the earliest. I’d love to be wrong though.

I think it'll be Smash Deluxe and it'll be soon, like the summer. How about a Kid Icarus mainline adventure? Or another new IP. Also Castlevania and some confirmation from Square Enix of what they have planned! I long for a Final Fantasy Tactics full on sequel for the Switch. They could have done that rather than Octopath (although I did like the demo)

Don't get me wrong I love Smash, but unless it's a sequel very unlikely I think just a tease is ridcidulous. I think it should be treated like all the other Wii U ports. By all means if their are new characters maybe do a few trailers for them leading up to a release but don't tease it without a release date for months and months when it's a game that's already been out a few years just because you know fans want it. Clearly im going to buy it. At this point it should have a few extras otherwise other than spreading game releases their is no reason this shouldn't have been a year one release.

Agreed with @MarcelRguez, I really don't think we'll see services/infrastructure stuff, including VC (which I again agree isn't coming back in the traditional form), in this Direct. I expect them to keep it focused almost exclusively on games.

Also, mobile stuff will definitely be at a separate time. Their big general Directs have never featured anything on mobile games.

A couple indie games might show up (Morphies Law?), but for the most part we'll have to wait until the next Nindies Showcase in February or whenever they have it for that stuff.... or just randomly as most indies do.

Expecting plenty of regular third party games though, whether that's reminders/release dates for known games or newly announced ports. Would love to see South Park or Dark Souls or Ni No Kuni or Dragon Ball FighterZ or something like that announced.

I'm still holding onto the false hope that we get some sort of Smash news in the next direct. I just want an answer. If Sakurai came on stream and straight up said "there will never be a smash game on the switch or any future switch console haha **** u all lol", I would be happy that we at least have an answer.

@Dom Small correction: It's the original Super Meat Boy that's launching on January 11th, not Super Meat Boy Forever.

Yes....yes.... what you all said.

Would love to see some modern takes on older franchises, turning ice climbers into an adventure game where you traverse the frozen tundra and unstable ice flows surviving harsh conditions while rescuing trapped explorer's would be a fun take on the franchise.

Here are my predictions:

(*) New online system details
(*) Virtual console
(*) GameCube and Wii remasters, sort of like virtual console, but upscale the games to HD and sell them at a higher cost
(*) More third party support, such as Fe from EA, maybe Dark Souls or Borderlands?
(*) Plenty of indie titles
(*) A very small amount of 3DS content, such as the new Kirby game for January (well, for the US at least) and a few Atlus titles.
(*) I'm going to go on a limb and say Smash Bros. will be revealed here. Same game engine as the Wii U version, but with all of the DLC, a few more stages and characters, maybe some updates on current characters like Mario with Cappy or Breath of the Wild Link, and a revamped online mode to coincide with the start of the payed online service. Summer release.
(*) Bayonetta in February (which we already know), Kirby in March, and Project Octopath in April (unless Lost Sphear releases around that time instead).
(*) A Mario spin-off, maybe a sport game, for May.
(*) Yoshi in the summer with Smash Bros.
(*) MAYBE a teaser for Animal Crossing or something like that... probably not, but the inner-Animal Crossing fan in me just can't help but get hyped.
(*) Oh, and I don't think we'll see any of the new Pokemon or Metroid, but if we do, then YES PLEASE!!!

My predictions:

Pikmin 4 - gameplay trailer. No announce date. Announce date released at E3 to be holiday 2018. Almost done for WiiU, but was held off for Switch.
Smash - WiiU port with all DLC and three new characters and two new modes. Coming May with the new online service
Kirby - February release date. Lots of gameplay
Yoshi - named, more gameplay shown. June release date
Pokemon - teased. Maybe 1-2 seconds of footage and a title. Will not release until 2019
Fire Emblem - Gameplay shown. name revealed. August release.
Mega Man 11 - shown off with some gameplay
Dragonquest shown. No release date announced until E3 event. Will make late 2018
Metroid Prime 4 - Gameplay shown (20-30 seconds). No release date. Ends up releasing early 2019
Wolfenstein - gets CG trailer and March release date. Playable at events, but gameplay not shown at Direct
Bayonetta - lots of gameplay shown for 1/2/3

5-6 Nindies are highlighted
2-3 other third party games announced without footage or trailers
Doctor Mario, SMB3, Balloon Fight announced for the online service. They announce that 2-3 will come each month including SNES, but won't name them until late Feb. March we get Mario World and SMB2.

Animal Crossing, Mario RPG/Paper Mario, Luigi's Mansion - all no-shows

I think we'll see Fire Emblem get a proper unveiling as one of the games that gets a longer spotlight focus. Not expecting Metroid at all.

Announce some 1st party games, give updates on stuff we know about, and reveal some unexpected (and some expected) third party ports. Do that and I'm happy.

Absolutely ZERO chance we see Prime 4 or Smash. Clearly a delusional fan boy article than an article that comes from a place of practical thinking

I don't expect Metroid until E3 and I think if any VC is announced this month it'll be the games tied to the online subscription rather than stuff you can buy separately.

I'd like to see some new original games and more 3rd party support. And that's just for starters.

I'd honestly just like to see more of the Kirby title and Yoshi title that's been in the works since E3. I'd like to know what they will be called and when we can hope to play them! Other than that, the virtual console is the only other thing I'd like to hear about, nothing really else, unless they announce a new F-Zero or Animal Crossing is coming!

Once again you people are putting your expectations way too high. Setting yourself up for disaster.

@getyourak

Um, not exactly sure how you came to the conclusion there's zero chance of Smash or Pikmin 4. And I'm even more puzzled how you concluded that makes it a fanboy article.

With the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a Smash port is all but guaranteed. The only question is when. With their online service rolling out in 2018, they'll want that game released before then. Which means there's is good a chance as any it gets announced in this upcoming direct.

Pikmin 4 is less likely, but still quite possible. Nintendo did tell us it was almost finished two years ago, after all. It's clear they've been strategically releasing their lineup to keep momentum, which means the game has probably been finished for some time, and they are just waiting to slot it in.

These are both very logical predictions based on the observable evidence of MK8D and the Pikmin 4 statement, and common sense observing Nintendo's efforts to cram in as many high profile MP games before the online service as possible.

@rjejr
I'm 120 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This game is getting real. I've been playing it all day today, all day yesterday... it's incredibly good. It started out good, but it just got better and better and better. There's like half an hour or more of cut scenes in total for every single chapter. The depth of the story is unprecedented. I don't think I've ever played a game that had so much story in it.

But I just wanted to report back and let you know I'm level 52 at the end of chapter 5 (10 chapters total) with a killer set of rare blades and on pace to break 200 hours before I finish. It's gone from one of the best games I've played all year to one of the best games I've ever played. And I can officially say it is better than Xenoblade X. And that's really saying something. In fact, it was my favorite JRPG ever... which means this, is now my favorite JRPG ever. Gosh DANG I love Xenoblade.

As soon as I finish this game and get my MH fix, I'm going back and playing the Baten Kaitos games- emulated in 4K they look almost as good as XC2. And then I'm gonna play Xenosaga trilogy. I think Takahashi is my favorite developer of all time now. Even holding him in higher regard than Sakaguchi himself.

@MarcelRguez Amazon posted a bunch of placeholders that said “Nintendo Switch game revealed at the recent Nintendo event.” Every time in the last few years that rumors have said a Direct was coming, a Direct appeared. It’s happening

@JLPick The Kirby game is called Kirby Star Allies

@bluesdance I'm aware, and I know about the leaked EA email as well, but I still find it odd that we're taking it pretty much for granted without any official confirmation whatsoever.

Again, not saying it won't happen, but still.

@JaxonH "I don't think I've ever played a game that had so much story in it." You don't play many RPG's then, I take it? Sure XC2 has a ton of story, a good one too, but XC1 and XCX weren't to be scoffed at either. It being better than X is your opinion, lad, so don't "official" me none. XCX has it's own charm and was great in it's own way. Too bad it was sent out to die on Wii-U.

Also 200 hours and level 52? You must've either been taking your time, or, those 200 hours aren't your actual play time, as I'm pretty sure you use sleep-mode, which counts hours in said sleep mode as play-time as well.

4K? And here I thought you were a Switch fanatic that happily excused any and all games on the system of their faults on account of handheld. You know that 4K is something Nintendo will never pursue, right? So don't get too used to it.

@MFD

The first 2 Xenoblades weren't to be scoffed at, but this one has more story than both. And I play RPG's all the time. That's why it's such an impressive statement. And when I say it's "officially" better, I am 1 talking to my friend, not you, so don't tell me "not to official you" because I was never talking to you in the first place, and 2 clearly stating my opinion on the matter because I wasn't sure if it was a better game but now I can officially say yes, I am enjoying this game more, so butt out, please

And no I am not at 200 hours. Try reading that again

Virtual console announcement please? And throw some systems and titles at us!!

Well, I also want to know if there will be a new Smash Bros on the way; but well, and of always, this is my wish list:

-F-Zero
-New "Original" Panel de Pon
-Cruin's
-Pokemon Rumble for Switch
-Sim City/My Sims/classic Need For Speed (yes, from EA, but, well, is worth dreaming)
-Dance Dance Revolution (if there is a rumour about Konami classics, then....)
-about Retro Arcade by Hamster: the Original Road Fighter, Puchi Carat, Cleopatra Fortune.

well, now remembering something else to add...

@JaxonH There's a difference between "This game is the best of all time no questions asked" and "I feel this game is the best game of all time" Nuance lad. It's all about nuance.

I'm guessing you're one of the fortunates not to have been struck by errors and lose quite a few hours of progress?

Wow, almost all of you are hyped for a new (or port) of Smash Bros. I, honestly, couldn't care less. I bought the game on Wii U and played maybe like two times. It's just not my coup of tea, too chaotic so I never know what's going on on the screen. I can't even find my character! But well, my son likes the game so I hope it is announced/released soon.
What I want is a juicy third-party announcements section, Luigi's Mansion 3, some new IP and some old IP brought back to life.

@MFD
I think it's a little much to have to go out of your way to say "imo" every time you make a statement. I've known my friend for 5 years, we talk about RPG's and Xenoblade all the time, and he understands exactly what I'm talking about without me prefixing it with "I feel" or "imho". I'm telling him how I feel when I say this is officially the best RPG of all time, the best one I've ever played. I would use "nuance" if I was writing an article or talking to someone I didn't know, but when I'm talking to someone I've known this long, such formalities and phrasing need not apply.

Anyways, I had a perfect run without a single crash... until today, actually. And as luck would have it, I lost a crap load of progress. Two long boss fights and two heart to hearts. I was not happy. But it's been over 100 hours so I guess it was bound to happen eventually. Lesson learned. Save often and don't take it for granted. The game does not auto save after boss fights.

@JaxonH Prime 4. As in Metroid Prime 4. Not Pikimin Prime 4... And yeah this article is meant for fan boys. Its not practical for them to think Nintendo would release a major release like Smash outside of the major holiday window. You're best off waiting until E3. Until then don't get your panties in a bunch

2017 will be a hard year for Nintendo to top. They came out swinging! New Mario and Zelda, plus Splatoon and Mario Kart. I would love to see some additional Mari Kart DLC for deluxe. They could redo all the previous tracks and I would buy every one. Metroid is the obvious pick for next holiday season and Smash would be a great addition. A regular Fire Emblem is supposed to be on its way too I believe.

I'd prefer Animal Crossing news to Smash news

@JaxonH "you concluded that makes it a fanboy article."

I find it best to just disregard people who use the term fanboy.

My wife was just saying to me she wished we had a good game to play, I'm playing ep Ignis in FFXV but that game has worn out it's welcome. And it's b/c of FFXV we won't start XC2 until it's "complete". Glad you are liking it. Wouldn't' take much at all for me to like it more than XCX, I'm all about story. XC was 1 of the best JRPG I've ever played, if it's half as good as that I'll be more than happy. Wish DQXI would hurry up and release in the west, NNK2 got delayed again but that also has a years' worth of DLC as well. My son's bar mtizvah is in 3 weeks, after that I'll start gaming again for real. Thinking about playing thru all the KH games but my backlog has a bunch of other stuff as well, as always.

Also, Fire Emblem news is a must

We need some sport !
Pilotwings ? 1080 ? Waverace ? Mario Golf ? ...bring it on !

Just give me Arcade Punch-Out!!, some Bayonetta 3 footage and a Baseball Stars Professional release date and I promise I’ll never ask Ninty for anything else ever again.

@rjejr
I think that's wise advice. In my experience people who throw "fanboy" at anyone who disagrees with their uneducated guesses are not really worth conversing with.

But ya. It's incredible. A bit of a slow burn at first. I enjoyed it from the moment I started playing, but it wasn't until I hit chapters 4 and 5 that I began to realize how insanely good it truly was. It creeps up on you.

@Tibob I would die for a Mario Golf game after how delightful and addictive Golf Story was. Same for Advance Wars after Tiny Metal, although I wasn’t as taken with that clone.

I’d also die for Sports Resort 2. It’s funny, after a year, I fell out of love with the Wii, but now I miss those original motion games.

I think we're due for some Mario Sports!

Gimme Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Mario Strikers, Mario Superstar Baseball (With the GBA/GBC Story Mode please)

So we can of course scratch off Mario Kart, Splatoon, 3D Zelda title and a 3D Mario title.

Animal Crossing, Wario Land, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, Top Down Zelda would be choice. I feel the only one on that list I may see is a Donkey Kong in 2018.

Virtual console, make it so

@Farts_Ahoy good call! Never played strikers but the other 3 are fun games and probably wouldn’t have very long development cycles (I remember reading Mario Tennis was done for Wii U because Nintendo was able to “bang it out” quickly) and they fit the bill for family fun sessions!

@joey302 And made a BIG mistake doing so!

@PigmaskFan well they of course have to keep that mix of family and adult gaming going and with games like Doom, Skyrim etc hopefully they can keep that going. Hell I’d love to see a remastered Eternal Darkness!

I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but we won’t be playing Mario Sunshine as we know it without analog triggers. It’s impossible. A remaster with new controls, maybe, but it can’t be properly emulated on Switch as-is. And the GameCube controller adapter isn’t a viable solution. It rules out handheld mode.

An official western release of Mother 3 would be great, albeit very unlikely.

All I will guess is that they show off Bayonetta 1+2. Releases in mid-February and ain‘t exactly a self-selling series outside of her fanbase. I do expect there to be release months announced for Yoshi and Kirby.

I‘d throw up in excitement if VC (especially N64 and GC) was announced but I am a firm believer in the fact that we‘ll see a subscription-based thing with the paid online service, which is rumored to have been delayed until Fall 2018 so I won‘t get my hopes up.

@stevenw45 At least being able to pin games to the front and not have them fall back as more and more games are added and/or played would be. Other than that, I do love the fact that newer additions are shown at the front and not added to the back as they receive less visibility and thus, less attention by the player. A lot of people would love for there to be some sort of manual sorting option or folders, but I personally wouldn‘t use either.

More than anything, it's time for Retro Studios to show what they've been up to for 5 years.
I'd also be ecstatic to see Pikmin 4.

This direct is already shaping up to be a disappointment. Too many people expecting too much out of it. If anything it will show more information on the mainline FE, Kirby, and Yoshi games. Then we might see some new minor thing, and a tease. And it will probably close out with this is available as of now thing. I expect no smash and no Metroid, pokemon could be a tease but I doubt it. Temper your desires, as awesome as all this stuff would be I only see a 3% chance of any of it happening.

"So you're telling me there is a chance!"

@thesilverbrick Indeed. That's why I'm thinking if Nintendo does bring GameCube and Wii games to the Switch, it will be separate from the core "virtual-console" and kind of it's on "remastered" series of games. I'm not going to get my hopes too high, though!

@wiggleronacid I’ve learned to not try to predict what Nintendo will do. It’s just setting myself up for repeated disappointment.

Pikmin or it didn’t happen.

this looks more like a pipe dream to me.
i don't think where gonna be hearing anything on VC, rumors said the prime 4 would be at the january direct. but i guess will wait and see.

GTA V! Pleeeaaasssee

Only Getting a Switch if Smash comes out. Same was true for Wii.

Skyward Sword HD feels like a thing that will happen. GC VC is my most wished for thing since the Switch was revealed. Playing F Zero GX anywhere will be incredible considering we probably won’t see a new F Zero for Switch anytime soon. I think we’re more likely to see something of Pokemon before Metroid but still think that both will bookend 2019. Aside from that, Smash is an absolute certainty and can’t see past it being a DX version, I mean, it’s pretty perfect and ready to go. Would absolutely love some more DLC for MK8 DX. It’s sold really well so you never know!

I’m think that we are going to get an overview of what is coming in the first half of the year. We may get a tease of a future game, but I wouldn’t expect too much.

Honestly fine with not hearing about pokemon or Smash bros just now although i do think a March/April smash release would be really good. For now, just dates for kirby, yoshi, fire emblem, a new game, some cool indies and the online price would be good. the juicy metroid, pokemon and more can be at E3.

I must say, I am getting tired of people asking for Smash anytime Nintendo might announce something.
You guys realize that Smash could just as well be a game for 2022 or something, yes?
They also need some big games for the Switchs later years after all...

I will just wait and see. We will find out soon enough.

They have been working on Pikmin 4 for a long time. Mario & Sonic olympic winter games would be likely. Earlier a developer accidentally leaked something about a new DK game.

I would love to see a new super mario bros but tbh it's not super likely. A switch version for Super Mario Maker seems more likely.

I'd say Metroid 4 for 2019.
Hoping on some remakes from Wii and WiiU. Smash could be possible deluxe port. I wish to get a game like Toad Treassure ". For those who did not own a wiiu, and to still release a big amount of games, they could do some ports and remakes.

@KayFiOS Yes! An inclusive Deluxe Smash Bros!!! In my wildest dreams, they'd bring back oldschool break the targets AND board the platforms! Screw all that other crap lmao

I expect the announcement of an achievement-system. In combination with the netflix-style virtual console this is a trigger to play all of these games.

It's probably way, way to soon, but a cheeky "The legend of Zelda" now in development a la Metroid would be cool.

Beyond that, I hope they have a similarly busy release schedule to buoy up the indie releases. I'm pretty confident they learned from the Wii u that few games = few sales.

It's probably way, way to soon, but a cheeky "The legend of Zelda" now in development a la Metroid would be cool.

Beyond that, I hope they have a similarly busy release schedule to buoy up the indie releases. I'm pretty confident they learned from the Wii u that few games = few sales.

Pokémon would be great, and they're usually announced in January or February.

My dang kids have got me hooked on tcg in the last six months.. would be nice if the Switch game's battles played more like tcg than previous games (won't happen, but a dude can hope..)

Hoping to see a port of Mario maker to switch and also switch pilotwings and switch f-zero...a man can dream can’t he ?

Unless it's a new Smash game, not interested. Had enough of these Wii U Ports. Same for virtual console and over-priced indies. Would be great to see Nintendo get some quality third party support and maybe an exclusive or so. Also, continue developing new IPs with a nod to their back catalogue of characters. Lots of people have just joined the Switch community...seeing ports of years old games on wishlists may be a little disheartening.

@IceClimbers Great spot, corrected!

I am really hoping for a new animal crossing! Playing that on a big TV would be amazing!

There are some rumours going round that the Pokemon Switch game is actually closer to completion than we've been led to believe, and that it's not what most people have assumed.

They have been very vague with what they've been saying about it (and the future of the franchise in general) since it was announced, which has caused a lot of assumptions to be made, yet they've made no effort to clarify whether these assumptions are correct or not.
If the rumours are true, and the game is breaking away from the traditional Pokemon formula, then this could explain their vagueness... they don't want people to know until they can actually show it in action, so that people don't start making judgements about it without knowing what it'll actually be like.
This could also explain why the game may be further in development that we've been led to believe, as this would keep people from asking too many questions about it.
It may therefore be far enough along for them to give us a proper demonstration of it already, and they are likely going to do so as soon as possible, rather than prolonging the vagueness, so it would make sense for them to show it off during the January direct.

"A first glimpse of Metroid Prime 4"

That will be E3 2018

"Expect Nintendo to go all-in on mobile"

No, because Nintendo's heart doesn't seem to be that much in it (as strange as that may sound). Sure there will be some mobile-titles this year, but they will most likely be shown at other events. And if they decide to show one at the Direct it definitely won't be the main-course.

The Direct will be about games BEFORE E3, like Kirby and Yoshi. Maybe one or 2 surprises though.

I'd like a new SMB. Considering how excellent Breath of the Wild and Odyssey were I'm hoping they will make an effort on a new mario bros. With a new artstyle and soundtrack cause I'd be really disappointed if they simply throw out another NSMB...

I've been away from Nintendo for a few years now and joyfully returned with Odyssey and BOTW I loved NSMB on Wii and DS though; mostly the local co-op on Wii. How likely is it that there will be such a game on Switch soon? I've missed Yoshi and Mario Maker on Wii U. Would I like the co-op style in (possible) sequels of these games? Thanks!

Where’s Donkey Kong

NeW DK game and Link’s awakening re-imagining for 3ds

:3

@Joeynator3000

Switch IMAX maybe, endorsed by Christopher Nolan and comes supplied with that weird neck brace thing listed here a couple of days ago (compulsory accessory).

My bet is on Fire Emblem Switch with a not too far release date hopefully (day one for me).
And we get news about paid online, welp. Something that I hate to think about - not that I couldnt afford it but because I rarely go online these days - got splatoon since september and havent tried it out yet.

Blimey. Sounds like an hour long major Switch event to me! I wonder if Kimishima will take to the stage again.

Mario maker and I’m happy

Current 1st party-ish games slated for 2018.....kirby yoshi bayonetta 3 right ?
Nintendo went big on yr 1. Few franchises have the same pull as Mario, Zelda, kart and Splatoon (in Japan) worried we will see lots of middle of the road games. Yoshi and Kirby for example look fun but I'm not gonna book the day of work to play them. I would LOVE GameCube VC tho. Resident evil 4 and remake be amazing on the go. Can't see Metroid releasing in 2018 . Most hyped Switch game so far to be fair is Street Fighter Collection.

All I really want right now is an enhanced port of Super Smash Bros 4 and Super Mario Maker. Anything else would be a major bonus, well unless they announced a Golden Sun 4.

All the first-party stuff is great, but personally I'm hoping for some nice 3rd party announcements too. Specifically FromSoftware. Fingers crossed!

Metroid Prime 4 is a joke right? We won’t see that until E3, and probably not even then. E3 2019 most likely. They teased that game way too early.

I dont think that we'll hear about Metroid Prime 4
Maybe we'll know a bit more about Pokemon, but I think that Prime 4 will release in 2019

Some first party announcements, hopefully something Metroid / Pikmin / Luigi's Mansion.

As or third parties, probably Bayonetta 3, and I have a (wishful) feeling Resident Evil 7 will get a Switch release. Maybe another exclusive as well? Beyond that, updated news (release dates, Indie reel,..), pink tights and plenty of ports.

Fingers crossed we see mainly fan ROM hacks. Hey if Nintendo UK seem to be ok with NintendoLife posting roms/translations hacks, then I don't see the issue.

I know this might sound a little optimistic and bordering on delusional but i would really like to see a port of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker on the 3DS before they put it to bed.

I never got a chance to play Wind Waker and i didn't complete Twilight Princess + i no longer own a WiiU to play the HD versions but id be happy with a 3DS handheld version, i know these games are likely to see releases on the Switch and i would get them on there when i do get a Switch but one can still hope.

Oh, and Nier collection, Cuphead, Beyond Good & Evil 2... More what I hope to see than what I expect, but hey.

Really doubt we'll see Metroid Prime 4 until E3 at the earliest. Fire Emblem's supposed to be releasing this year and we haven't heard a thing about it so that should definitely be in this direct

As much as I'd love to see GameCube VC the lack of analogue triggers is pretty much a deal breaker for some games as a few others have already said

@Shellcore but a good game is a good game no matter when it was made or how old it is, the things that made the game fun and good to play doesn't fade over time. Who wouldn't want to see GTA 5 or Red Dead Redemption on the Switch.

I personally dont mind ports of old games as long as they are done right, what i do agree with though is the over priced Indie games and lack of real 3rd party support port or not.

Need me some Fire Emblem news.

Things I personally expect to see...

• New trailers for Kirby and Yoshi.
• Kirby release date.
• Yoshi date is possible as I expect it to launch pre-E3, but might remain a "Spring" window for now.
• Fire Emblem trailer. I'm hoping a release date is ready too...
• No mention of anything Pokemon. It would get its own Direct as per previous titles. (I'd be amazed, but it's possible, an update could come just before E3).
• No mention of anything Metroid Prime 4. I fully expect it to be the lead title at E3 though.
• I expect at least 2 Wii U ports to be announced and dated. Smash Bros Deluxe and Star Fox Zero would be my predictions, but Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3 and DK Tropical Freeze all seem logical choices...
• I expect Online to be mentioned but only as a "we'll have more info soon".
• Which sadly means no GTA V announce as I cannot see R* launching GTA 5 on Switch without the Online.
• Also, I'd expect R* to announce the release themselves, not as part of a Nintendo Direct.
• I expect no mention of a Virtual Console. I think it'll come at E3.

Things I deem are possible...

• A new Donkey Kong title announcement. (Highly unlikely we'll get a DK Tropical Freeze port if they do announce a new title).
• A new Mario Maker title announcement.
• DLC for Super Mario Odyssey... but, I think it's far more likely they'll greenlight a sequel for Holiday 2019 (as per Galaxy 1 and 2).

@Blizzia I second that.

Other than that, I don't really care about Kirby or Yoshi to be quite honest, and I certainly do not care about mobile. I get that this is going to be a big, big part of Nintendo's business going forward, really I do, but that does not mean, that I personally have any interest in engaging with their mobile content.

It's shallow - sorry to say. Yes, the production values are decent, the microtransactions are far less obstrusive as in other games, and they are not "bad" games per se, but having spend some time with FE (given my deep affection for the series), I cannot say, that I will continue to play the series IF mobile WERE to be it's sole future. Honestly, I much rather play Sudoku or Picross on my phone ...

I hope, mobile will be an enduring success for Nintendo, I do, but even more so, I hope that they will use the profits gained in that sector to help expand (or in case things go wrong again, prop up) their "traditional" gaming ventures. I'd rather not spend my time gaming at all anymore than to spend it playing their mobile stuff. It's just not engaging - sorry to say.

Anyways, I DO like that the games are obviously meant to get people interested in their IPs so that they can then lure them into buying the Switch and the "full" versions of said IP. On the one hand that might be the reason why the mobile content feels so shallow, but on the other hand, it is a clever tactic, that for now reaffirms their commitment to "proper" games as a focus of their strategy. I hope it stays that way, and I hope it works out, because I have doubts that even IF they were to pivot towards more substantial games, I doubt it would work. Why? Because I feel the mobile market at large is not ready for that, and potentially, it will never be ready for that. I doubt even Nintendo could sell a full-price Fire Emblem game in signficiant numbers on the PlayStore or IOS. Piracy is just way too rampant and customers are conditioned to free or low prices. $15 is like ... astronomical on that store. Hence, all these games would have to be completely reinvented to support continous revenue streams by way of microstransactions.

I DO NOT WANT a mainseries FE game to be designed that way. Same goes for any other Nintendo IP in existence. I don't want to spend money on buying lifes in Mario, or ammunition in Metroid or whatever really. That is a friggin nightmare scenario.

Other than that, I do indeed hope we hear something solid on their online ecosystem plans as well as on the VC, and I seriously hope it will not be another drip-feed scenario, where 5 years from now, half of the games I was hoping to see have not materialized and the Switch 2 ONCE AGAIN starts the VC cycle all over again. I want room for some niche games, like Baten Kaitos, to make it to the VC, and I want a solid back-catalogue right form the beginning. I don't need an exhaustive catalogue right away, but I definitely feel like it should be an exhaustive one (more or less) by the end of the generation, which means Nintendo has to get a move on, as we are looking at one year passed soon, with not a single VC game in sight.

@Razer Don't get me wrong. Ports are a great side dish. Just think it's a little sad that they make up part of people's wish lists on a new console. I agree that good games don't become bad due to age (in general).

@MFD Nintendo will go 4K once 16K becomes the norm

Just a small grammatical error I'd like to point out. Under the Smash Bros. section, you mention how Brawlout serves to "wet our appetites" when it should be "whet our appetites", with an "h".

@bluesdance Hahaha, I can see that

@JaxonH It only saves when you open a core-crystal, and when you consider how that error tied you up and had you lose a bunch of progress, then that's a shame. I can't remember the last time a Nintendo game had an error of the sort, so why XC2? Switch having trouble handling it?

Could have to do with this: https://www.resetera.com/threads/xenoblade-chronicles-2-staff-analysis.9222/ Coupled with how Monolith were looking for people for another project: http://nintendoeverything.com/xenoblade-developer-monolith-soft-recruiting-for-ambitious-new-project/ But then it would kinda clash with them saying they've got their hands full on the XC2 DLC: http://nintendoeverything.com/xenoblade-chronicles-2-director-on-development-inspiration-for-the-world-and-setting-upcoming-dlc-more/

@MFD

I'm not sure. I tried fast travelling right after doing something, and it closed with an error.

Thankfully you can skip cutscenes, so it only took about 15 min to get back to where I was. But ya, lesson learned to save regularly.

I'm enjoying the game SOOO much though. Pyra/Mythra, Perun and Kora are my main crew. Love their character designs. Just made it to the cold, snowy titan, can't remember the name. Tantal? In any case, it's getting real. I love it.

How far are you? Or I guess, if you're playing it that is...

Nintendo can't follow 2017 with such a strong line up. I imagine it will be filled with smaller low revenue titles.
2018 : kirby, yoshi, pikmin, party, warioware, you could say a low year for mature hardcore content.
2019: smash, metroid, diddy kong racer,

@JaxonH If I'm playing? I'm at post-game, level 99, and only the level 130 superboss, as they call them, yet evades my killing blow. Am now working on getting max affinity with some blades, and hunting down KOS-MOS as my last rare. I've been enjoying it immensely myself, but I'm not able to really gush over games these days. Life afflicts one like me to heavily for that. Also are you going with Japanese or English? I can't stomach the English, just sounds overdone and not right to me.

Take another look at my last reply, you might want to give those articles a read.

Well, let me see... I would love if they ported DKC: Tropical Freeze and Pikmin 3 over to the Switch with some extra levels or in the case of Pikmin 3 all the DLC included since I missed those games on the Wii U.

My guess is they will announce Animal Crossing for the Switch in this Direct to capitalize on Pocket Camp. And I think we will get a teaser for Metroid Prime 4.

We will not see Pokémon or Smash Bros., those are big blockbuster games, perfect for E3 to catch all the buzz during a week where all companies show their big guns.

@MFD
English. Can't stand Muimui and the common blades voice acting- it's atrocious. But everyone else has been surprisingly competent. I actually love the voice acting for all the main characters. I'm in the US, so the accents sound good to me. I've heard alot of British say they don't like it though.

Gosh dang KOS-MOS... I've been hunting her since my first core crystal. I wish she had a sidequests or something rather than leave it to RNG. Oh well, if nothing else, I'm happy with Perun and Kora.

That affinity is hard to max. Got Boreas maxed out, but he was one of the easiest...

@JaxonH There's a way to cheese Affinity, just go to a shop, look for an item nobody really likes so that you don't get voice-clips, then buy a ton of them (put them in the pouch, of course) and spam a, buy a ton of them, spam a, rince and repeat, and you'll get max affinity in no time.

Too bad it doesn't work for Ursula. Her affinity is unnecessarily long and irritating...

i agree but I also want to see the first glimpses of a new Fire Emblem game and also surprising announcement of a new Golden Sun

The last time I made some guesses about an upcoming Nintendo Direct, I missed the mark on most of my guesses. The last time I said that we would finally hear about Nintendo's plan for it's online subscription for sure. I never happened. I think it will happen this time and it will be the primary focal point of the entire direct. I'll also make a prediction that we will not see anything for Metroid Prime 4. I think it's too far away and it will be given a proper official trailer at this year's E3. We may see more info for the upcoming Bayonetta games and Yoshi game.

speaking of the VC and GameCube, i would also love to play Baten Kaitos, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem or Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

@Oubie I don't want DKC: Tropical Freeze ported to the Switch.....I want a new Donkey Kong Country game! I thought the last two were brilliant games that didn't get enough credit. I couldn't stop playing Tropical Freeze. The controls were perfect, the levels were uniquely designed, the bosses were fun, the difficulty was tough but not impossible, and the sound/music were incredible. Unfortunately I don't think we'll see a port or new game in the series.

I think Fire Emblem has a great chance of happening, since it was first said to be in development around one year ago in a Direct after the January presentation.

Just give me the release date for SMT: Strange Journey Redux and I'll be happy.

Well thought out piece, though I think this represents what most people want and I keep waiting for the "not exactly what you wanted but still special in it's own way" Nintendo weirdness to kick in.

I do hope the online and VC is explained. Smash Bros. Switch would really make my day, even if it's a deluxe edition. That game deserves more time in the sun.

Past that, hoping for streaming apps, info on Kirby and Yoshi, Fire Emblem (seems like a safer bet not getting mentioned much), some third party surprises. For some reason I think Bayonetta is more likely than Metroid or Pokemon. Anything Retro is working on would steal the show for me.

@TheLegendOfLaser As long as they take their time, don't lock features to handheld mode, and preferably, emphasize how Pokemon will be playable on big-screen now as part of it's reveal/marketing etc.

3DS to Switch is a big leap in hardware, I hope they make use of it.

reads article to self

slowly in the background as each prediction is approached....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k

@JaxonH "It creeps up on you."

As a good JRPG should. XC didn't really get good until about hour 25. Then it got better a few more times after that. W/o spoiling anything for me, have they explained where it is in the timeline? My family and I are guessing sometime not too long after the end of XC, which is probably hundreds or thousands of years before XCX.

And if you play Xenosaga, 1 was great, 2 was a bad gimped shadow of the first, 3 was rushed. Sort of like the Matrix trilogy. Xenogears, the first game, despite the 2nd disc being a bad joke, was 1 of the best JRPG I had played at the time.

@rjejr
I can't where it is in any timeline because I never finished the first. My brother has made connections though.

He told me Xenosaga 3 was best, but maybe they're as little consensus as which Xenoblade is best.

If they remastered Xenogears I would play it, but PSone is a little to old for my taste nowadays

@rjejr What didn't you like about XCX then? I thought that was a pretty good story nonetheless. Maybe not up to the levels of XC1/XC2 but it was good in it's own right. Plus big mechs, I do like me some big mechs.

@JaxonH remastered Xenogears

Yeah, I know what you mean about the old graphics, I pretty much can't play anything before the Dreamcast, or retro, or ugly. I can play minimalist games like Journey, Bound, ABZU or Unfinished Swan but not Shovel Knight, anything pixelated bothers me.

You're brother may be right about Xenosaga 3, it's been a long time, I was probably bothered knowing it was supposed to be a lot more games but they rushed to tie things up in 3. And I tend to like games that develop the characters early on more than the sequels where they are established and then it's all about the story.

@MFD I didn't like the no name amnesia character. Squenix could pull that off 20 years ago but I'd much rather have an established relationship like Shulk and Reyn. The music was over the top and not at all what I'd expect in a sci-fi/fantasy JRPG. The Hulk Hogan dude was ridiculous. Tatsuo was just so annoying whereas heropon Rikki developed and added a lot to the story. I literally could not read a bunch of the text, I had to send my kid up to my 52" tv to tell me what some of it said. I stopped doing some of the side missions b/c reading them was such a nuisance. I never did figure out how the online multiplayer worked so only did a few of the missions on that board. I leveled up my characters to 60 after the end game doing a lot of optional stuff but never figured out how to get skells past level 30. I hated having to take the characters out of my party to do the relationship stories so I skipped a bunch of those as well.

Graphically it was a great engine, the lack of collision detection with vehicles didn't even bother me b/c I was having so much fun, and I'd love to see them do a Pokemon type game in an engine like that, but the story suffered b/c I didn't care about any of the characters and the story progression was a bit iffy. I'd still recommend the game to anyone who likes JRPG, but the first game was tight and cohesive w/ some great characters and a very interesting story w/ several twists and turns, I much prefer that.

@rjejr
That's a good point about established characters.

I love how each Xenoblade has been a brand new story with brand new characters. Can't wait for the next one! Hopefully they port XCX to Switch, or better yet release Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in a few years.

I question that dude from Game Informer who called XC2 "average". I swear he either only played the beginning and pretended to finish the game, or he secretly despised Nintendo or Switch and didn't want to admit it had yet another GotY quality game. Sounds crazy but, what's even crazier is his wack review of the game. Reminds me when GameSpot said DKC Tropical Freeze was "dull" with "bland environments" and conveniently omitted mentioning the David Wise soundtrack, which is still one of the best to date. When you read such absurd statements that completely contradict reality it makes the head spin. Not only is Xenoblade 2 not just average, it's one of the greatest games I've ever played! How do you confuse "greatest game ever" with "average" without either lying or jumping to conclusions?

@rjejr Well, XCX was a very different direction, that's true. I get what you're saying about established characters, though I prefer to make my own character. Maybe the ability to choose between one or the other would be interesting.

The characters were a mixed bag, though I did really enjoy the story what happened to humanity, and that open end drove me nuts for a while

Maybe they should revisit XCX, work out the kinks and dents, and then put it on the Switch, which isn't about to be sent off to it's untimely demise any time soon.

@JaxonH I'm going to chalk that one up to difference of opinion. I love XC2, I've got 200+ hours of which most if not all are legitimate because I don't use sleep-mode. Got the Season Pass and am looking forward to the story DLC, but opinions do differ and it has some issues that I'd like to see resolved (The errors and some of those frame-drops) maybe some improvement of the A.I. because man is it annoying when they stand in poison and just die.

@JaxonH Dont' think I've ever read reviews for JRPG, to me they are such a niche that you either love them or hate them before even playing. And even people who love JRPG tend to favor 1 genre over another. I know I tend to only like games that look and play like Squenix games, Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger, FF. Can be other companies, Level 5 has made some really good ones, and Monolithsoft. But I don't play Fire Emblem, Pokemon, anything Persona related.

I'm really looking forward to XC2, Target still has 1 $99 box siting on a shelf I keep staring at and contemplating, but they turned me off with that year long $30 DLC package. I can't get past it.

Would be great if we saw a Smash Bros. game with Inklings and a Grass Starter Pokemon and Breath of the Wild Link (he’d be his own character without the sword) as Fighters. If Existing Fighters were to get updated movesets, updated appearances, or even new palette swaps (for example Outfits from SMO and Ash-Greninja), that would more so probably be saved for a New Game in the Franchise. Yep, I believe in a Future for Nintendo Characters like Mario, Link, Kirby and Pikachu coming together.

@rjejr
Eh, just buy the game and buy the DLC. It's a separate story which can be played independent of the main game. And all the bonus items are out. 30,000 ether, common and rare core crystals, gold, and food pouch items.

This year seems like a good year for a New 2D Mario Game. Bout time it is that Mario started travelling between the Background and Foreground, start using Super Feathers again, and start stomping Rexes again.

@MFD and that open end drove me nuts for a while

It still haunts my nightmares. I keep seeing the main guy turned traitor sitting on a beach and that shadow and hand reaching out to help him up. I played another 20-30 hours after that trying to find out more but mostly I just followed the car traveling guy around trying to figure out the secret of the planet. I think I finished his story line but I'm not 100% sure of that either. I got the $30 hardcover guide w/ the game but haven't read it yet, keep telling myself I'll go back some day and figure it all out, but I know I never will.

@IceClimbers Thanks for the update. Anywhere I looked, it was just Kirby (tentative title). Did they actually give a release timeframe yet?

@dkxcalibur I bet it was a awesome game, but it's stuck on the Wii U and a lot of people didn't have that console. But I get your point because you played the game already. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because Returns on the Wii got a port with extra levels on the 3DS. Maybe they could do the same with TF but for the Switch. I do see a new DKC coming, but not in 2018.

@rjejr I know the feeling. It's my Nr.1 worst open end/cliffhanger in a game to date, it just leaves you wanting to know so much more, arguably with more questions you had when you began.

@Folkloner

Exactly. Nintendo fans, or at least many of them, are incredibly short-sighted and suffer from short-term memory loss. They want the same things from Nintendo that they wanted during the Wii U era: more first party titles. Success is, in many ways, cyclical. The best of the first party WILL sell, no doubt, but wouldn't it be nice if the B-titles (Yoshi, Kirby, Punch Out, Pikmin) sold just as well as the Marios, Zeldas, and Pokemons? How well will Bayonetta 3 perform? I talked to several people who bought Switch more for the promise of handheld Skyrim than the latest Mario. I'm sure that number would swell if games like GTA 5, Dark Souls, Red Dead 1, etc. were to be converted. How about AA-AAA offerings that aren't ports from previous generations? The Switch is a powerful console, more powerful than people realize, so why not utilize it? The Switch is a console hybrid that is such a golden opportunity (personally, I love mine), and it has the best chance at widespread third party success since the SNES days. Heck, Doom Switch shifted 80,000+ units in it's debut week! To some, that may seem like a relatively low number (the PS4 version sold 400k+), but considering that the Switch had (at that point) an install base of 10 million, that's nearly a 10% penetration rate. Not too bad, and it shows that there are people who want high quality non-Nintendo support. Fans of the Big N should eagerly want any and all quality games because those people will also gravitate towards first-party releases as well.

I don't think we'll see more of Metroid Prime 4 until E3. But I think some newly announced Wii U ports are likely. I think Smash Bros and Mario Maker are top contenders.

@BanjoPickles Is it a powerful console? I've had problems keeping the frames of XC2 stable, they sometimes dipped below 10 in some instance, and I don't think it is that much more taxing, if at all, than something like Mario Odyssey, so what went wrong there? And why are there people unwilling to make compromises to get their game on such a hot system if it was powerful enough?

Plus, so far as hybrid goes, I wouldn't say it is. The dock does far too little to account for it as a hybrid. You could tear out that small block of tech inside the empty shell and tape it to the back of a tablet-holder and call that a dock. An overpriced HDMI cable isn't what it should be, it should be alleviating the issues that Switch games have when handheld, otherwise it might as well be an HDMI cable.

@MFD

I think that has more to do with Monolith Soft than the Switch itself. Considering that Skyrim runs as well as it does (I'm forty hours in, and haven't experienced anything that wasn't also a problem on the PS4 remaster. If anything, I think that it runs better on Switch). Doom, considering it's current gen pedigree, runs startlingly well on Switch. I've heard people gripe that it runs at half speed, but it's stil an incredibly fun, very playable game. No, it isn't as powerful as, say, PS4 or Xbone, but it is certainly more powerful than the PS3/360.

The point is that Switch is selling to gamers, while Wii---well, how well would the Wii have sold, had it not launched with Wii Sports? Switch had so many things going against it (a high price, no pack in game, it's one killer game being shared with another console), but yet still succeeded because it offered something different. It even proved me wrong (I was initially very unimpressed and thought that it was destined to fail), by not only being a sales success but also gaining a very impressive first year library. I think that year two should be the reaction to the success of that first year: more substantive third party offerings, out-of-left field first party offerings, more collaborations with third-parties (it'd be awesome to see Nintendo work with Sega again on an F-Zero GX remake/sequel), the spiritual successor to VC (VC, as it was, is dead). Nintendo wants to sell 30 million Switch's this year. That's a crazy goal, but they can achieve it. They'll need more than their first party library to pull it off, though.

I suspect a peak at Fire Emblem on Switch

@BanjoPickles And what does the Switch sell on? What is the part that really rakes in these people? The promise of their games on the go primarily, since if they wanted it home-console, they could've bought a PS4/Xbox One. But if Nintendo improves the dock to do an actual, meaningful contribution, it could stand toe to toe with them, and Nintendo could stop hiding once the word competition is uttered.

In regards to Skyrim, that is a remaster of an old game though, so it isn't too taxing I'd reckon. Sure, DOOM is a better example, but then you're talking handheld mode when you say it does pretty well right? I can see that, but there's more to the Switch then handheld mode, and this is something I see a ton of Switch owners woefully ignore. Just because the game does it awesomely in handheld, doesn't mean that what it does in docked, is thereby justified.

@MFD

Granted, the handheld aspect is a substantial selling point, but I've been enjoying the game docked as well. Also, I think that it's a combination of gaming on the go (wait until Pokemon launches on Switch. Whoa!!) and the fact that it has had a string of pretty amazing core releases in the infancy year.

I look at Switch much how I looked at SNES during the 16-bit era. Could SNES run Neo Geo titles, or any arcade title, perfectly? No, but it was fun watching developers attempt to run more on less, and the games themselves oftentimes turned out incredibly well (Street Fighter II Turbo, Mortal Kombat II, Lethal Enforcers, etc.). I don't want, nor expect, Switch to be as powerful as a PS4 but the allure of Switch lies in its flexibility. I do use it as a hybrid, and I'm sure that others do as well.

I'm confused by what you're debating. Are you saying that Switch doesn't need third party support, or that it isn't powerful, or....well, what exactly? I'm sorry, I get confused easily. Lol!

@BanjoPickles I'm debating that the current dock, is severely lacking. It doesn't feel like a hybrid, because the handheld part is well made and fleshed out, albeit a tad big, whereas the docked part is but an overpriced, mostly empty plastic shell that does glorified HDMI. It could be so much more! But it isn't, and that detracts from the other part (home-console) of the Switch.

As for Pokemon, I don't trust Game Freak not to lock stuff to handheld mode, or to only lazily make use of the docked feature. Articles like these: http://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-on-how-switch-reaffirms-the-value-of-portable-gaming-has-an-advantage-over-smartphones/ make me wonder if the docked part really is just a side-feature to tide-over old fans who enjoyed playing SNES/Gamecube etc.

If Nintendo doesn't start emphasizing and giving value/spotlight to the docked part with Pokemon Switch being the first mainline Pokemon RPG playable on the big screen, then they'll probably never do so and affirm, in my eyes, that the dock is but a side-accessory not to be given any additional thought or function beyond what it does now, and that's not how you do hybrid if you ask me. Docked is supposed to have MORE power, for crying out loud! It mostly just magnifies and shows me that the background in XC2/FE:Warriors isn't very pretty....

People that play handheld, they accept the faults as part of playing handheld, but why should that impact how the docked part works? That's why the current hybrid is very much in it's kid's shoes, because handheld play impacts docked play due to the Switch really being a handheld in form-factor, and Nintendo wanting it at this price point, thus not having the technology inside to really make a difference therein.

Not a thought for Fire Emblem Switch, huh? That's kind of a shame. It's a more likely bet at this point for a preview than MP4, too.

final fantasy 7 on 3ds,breath of the wild 3ds and twiligh princess 3ds and wind waker 3ds

I hope we get Okami HD. So much... please make it so Mr. Picard.....

I really want that Metroid wall art in the back. Any idea where they bought it?

Regarding this whole Smash 5 vs. Smash 4 port debate, I think Shigeru Miyamoto said it best: a delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.

@JaxonH "It's a separate story which can be played independent of the main game."

But will I want to? It actually bothers me having to put FFXV back in the drive just to play a 90 minute episode so long after I finished the game. And it bothers me even more than the free AC carnival seems better than the paid DLC for episode Ignis. But I do it b/c I already paid for it. And I want to get back to the Zelda DLC but haven't found the time after finishing the first 1 hit kill hour. So my options are - buy the game now and dont' buy the DLC but miss out on whatever I'll be missing out on, or buy the game and the season pass for $90, play the game now, then maybe get around to playing the DLC when it releases.

I just think it's easier to wait until they're done w/ the game and then play it all at once. I really don't think it's a matter of right or wrong, just preference. I was looking at that $99 box again today w/ my son and we decided for $99 it should have come w/ the season pass, then I would have bought it. Probably.

Someday. And even if I'm done on here I'll find you and let you know how it went.

@MFD That pretty much sums it up. I'm going to guess with or without the DLC XC2 will have a better ending. At least I hope it does.

I'm hoping for a zelda spin off, sheik stealth game set during ocarina of time...

Xenoblade Chronicles HD please.

Plus Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, but maybe that's asking a bit much.

@rjejr I've completed it, so I won't say anything that gives even an inkling of it so as to not spoil your feeling even a little.

You'll just have to find out yourself

No mention of 3rd party eh?

I don’t care if it’s an HD remake or virtual console but I REALLY WANT MARIO KART DOUBLE DASH ON SWITCH!!!!!!

Sounds freaking great if any of these things are announced I’ve got so many games to play right now so I’m happy!

My brother and I were discussing this just last night and we think it's smartest to not expect much. We agreed that we'd be happy if just these three things were covered:
-Yoshi (Switch) official title and release date
-Kirby: Star Allies release date
-Mega Man Legacy Collection(s); whether or not it's a bundle or the two are going to be released separately, official title, and release date

And anything else? Gravy.

Nintendo in some ways has already done the hard bit by getting Switch off to a flying start and banishing the commercial failure of the Wii U to distant memory.
Now comes the next stage and they need to make sure that the stellar games of the last 9 months are the start of bigger and better things rather than a disappointing damp squib.
Smash Brothers is a must and a sighting of M4 is surely coming next week?! I would love to see a decent driving sim too. Ridge Racer anyone?
I’m confident that 2018 will be another great year but Nintendo be warned, some are waiting for you to slip up so don’t let it happen! And above all else, sort out the online gaming!!!!

Switch Strikers Overcharged!
A soccer/football game putting Mario Universe vs Zelda Universe vs Animal Crossing vs Star Fox vs Fzero etc

I only given a crap about Metroid so just that teased maybe is enough lol... Smash 5 would be great! But put a story in it again ... We need a huge! VC! 100s of games Inc cube!... And 100s more nindies aswell!... More brand new games announced!

If they do announce Smash, they better add Simon Belmont, Geno, Black Mage, Ridley and gen 7 Pokemon.

No, Ridley is NOT too big.

What also gives credence to a Direct happening is this: Besides Super Meat Boy, Shovel Knight: King of Cards is supposed to be releasing this month, and Shovel Knight has lately been one of Nintendo's biggest Indie go-to's that I'm sure they'll be wanting to showcase thoroughly. Also, I still don't believe that Gamecube multi-tap support for the Switch was purely "accidental"-- It seems like "somebody" in coding was tipped off to either SSB4 Deluxe, SSB Melee from Gamecube, or possibly both, so there's a good chance "something"... anything... Gamecube and/or SSB related is going to be announced soon. On another note, speaking of Retro Studios, we STILL have YET to learn just WHAT they are working on... They're awfully radio silent and I think it's about time they had some light shed on them.

@MFD Thank you, always appreciative of the non-spoilers.

And I'm easily swayed by my pre-conceived notions. I went into Zelda BotW not expecting much b/c I'm not really a Zelda fan, but I couldn't stop playing it all summer, it was so good. Then I was really looking forward to Super Mario but felt let down by the lack of Galaxy like levels. It's still a good 3D Mario game but I felt SMG 1 & 2 did more to move the genre forward. Odyssey felt like SMG3 but w/o the Galaxy. And I felt the last 2 dark moon's were a bit of a let down, I can't get past the first area of the last level.

I have high hopes for XC2, based on it seeming to be more like XC than XCX story and character wise, but I've been avoiding reviews and opinions on the game.

@rjejr Well, I believe it will not disappoint, and I hope I'm right in that assumption.

@Eigo
smash seems like the best choice for an early release

Mario maker. How about metroid maker or am I dreaming a bit too hard lol. Seriously though fire emblem should be here or at e3. Also the new Ip from retro here or e3 and yoshi and kirby release dates. oh and smash with story mode if its the old one or smash 5.

oh and pikmin 4 please

My spidey-senses tell me we won't see a Direct in January at all, rather February.

On a side-note: It really is time for a Kimishima Asks series. Love to read some interviews about recent games (Like Mario Odyssey).

Better start catching up with all current games 'cause 2018 will be packed with quality stuff

Skies of Arcadia Legends for Gamecube ! Please lol i know it's pushing it ~

Refreshing to see someone actually preferring a Super Smash Bros sequel over a port. Thank you, NintendoLife. It's been quite something to see people clamoring for a port instead of a new game.

Still, is Sakurai even okay? I know he had an injury during the production of SSB4. Hopefully Nintendo will know that it doesn't always have to be him directing it, it seems to be a lot of stress for him.

I think that pokemon switch will come at the end of the year. Excited for Kirby and for third party I actually really want to see Ace Attorney come to Switch.

So you just mentioned everything everyone is talking about, since when is wild speculation news. Damn, this website is not that far from complete gutter trash with articles like this and articles just linking to videos.