Nintendo Direct Features
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 12th April 2017
Games, amiibo, more games...
Nintendo may have given the longest slots of this week's Direct broadcast to ARMS and Splatoon 2, as expected, but there was plenty more to dive into. Across 3DS and Switch segments we saw a range of games, old and new, and there were even some accessory announcements to throw in; amiibo, of course, made their mark. All...
Feature What We Expect From the Nintendo Direct - 12th April
ARMS and Splatoon 2 will be the focus, but small surprises seem likely
Nintendo has a pattern of hosting a Direct or 'info drop' in the month of April, with the slot far enough away from the all-encompassing E3 to be a useful launching point for some interesting announcements. It'll also be the first Direct since the 3rd March hardware launch of...
Talking Point What We Hope to See in the Fire Emblem Nintendo Direct
Switch and mobile to the fore
If early year intentions can be taken as an indication of Nintendo's eagerness to have a big year, then so far things bode well. Despite the various positives and negatives around the Nintendo Switch and its launch offerings, Nintendo did at least go wholeheartedly into presenting it. The live event from Tokyo was...
Feature Catch Up With the Animal Crossing Direct and New Leaf's Fresh Features
The only download in the village
The Animal Crossing Direct has taken place, and revealed a surprisingly extensive update for Animal Crossing: New Leaf. We knew that the 'Welcome amiibo' update and new edition would introduce the figures and cards into the much-loved 3DS game, but Nintendo went further with new minigames and additional features to...
Talking Point The 2017 Role of the 3DS Was Established in its Nintendo Direct
Ports, updates and occasional big-hitters to keep it ticking
It's not uncommon that, with new hardware around the corner, console manufacturers keep some content trickling onto the soon-to-be last-gen hardware. Often they rely upon third-party multi-platform titles, as we saw with PS3 and Xbox 360 after the arrival of their successors, though in...
Poll Did the 3DS Nintendo Direct Boost Your Hype for the Portable's Line-Up?
From Wii U game ports to all-new reveals
It was nearly six months between Nintendo Directs, with E3 and a smattering of reveals and extended commercials in between (and some Japan-only Directs). It had ben quite a wait, though it seemed that Nintendo did a pretty good job with its 3DS Nintendo Direct on 1st September, albeit with some caveats. As...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 1st September 2016
Surprises, ports and a fake beard
We had to wait nearly six months, but we finally had another Nintendo Direct to sink our teeth into. This time around the focus was primarily on the 3DS, with a couple of relatively minor Wii U details sneaking in. There were most certainly some surprises, and Nintendo of America maintained its recent record of...
Feature What We Expect From the 3DS Nintendo Direct - 1st September
That says '3DS', not NX
It feels like an age and a day since we last had a Nintendo Direct - at E3 the big N opted for a Treehouse Live approach, while if we ignore some Japanese Culdcept Revolt broadcasts we need to go back to 3rd March for the last 'typical' Direct. Crikey. It's nice to have it back, then, and this one is set to be focused on the...
Particularly on the 3DS
Nintendo, for reasons covered frequently on previous occasions, can no longer rely on sheer volume of releases for 3DS and, in particular, Wii U. What it can do is share its passion for its hardware through its own game releases and how it delivers them to fans. In its 3rd March Nintendo Direct broadcast the company did just...
Poll Did the Wii U and 3DS Nintendo Direct Kickstart 2016?
Aiming for current-gen buzz
Well, Nintendo certainly tried to wow its fans with its first full Direct of the year. Regardless of opinions over the content, what is clear is that there was plenty of it across the different key regions, with a mix of solidified details and surprises thrown in. Considering the timing and content here it's certainly...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 3rd March 2016
Setting the scene for longer gaming days
It had been a little under four months since the last full broadcast - aside from game-specific efforts - so Nintendo came into its most recent Direct broadcasts with a remit to seize momentum and excite Wii U and 3DS owners. Overall there was plenty to mull over with some surprises and big announcements,...
Feature What We Expect from Nintendo Direct - 3rd March
The temperature rises for Wii U and 3DS
Following the quickfire Pokémon Direct that arrived in late February, we now have a full-fat Nintendo Direct to look forward to. With clear expectations set by Nintendo - Spring and Summer games for Wii U and 3DS - along with trademark postings and the obligatory 'leaks' that always precede any broadcast,...
Release window discrepancies point to varied regional broadcasts
Thinking back to some older Nintendo Direct broadcasts between Europe and North America, the formula used by both was often largely the same - there'd be shared segments from Japan led by former company President Satoru Iwata, and then regional sections that specified local promotions...
Talking Point The Time is Right for a Nintendo Direct
Silence isn't always golden
As we reach mid-February we've realised something - this is our first article of 2016 with the words 'Nintendo Direct' in the headline. Internally we thought there may have been one in early- to mid-January when there was a hefty amount of downtime and maintenance for the Nintendo Network, though little emerged from it...
Feature What We Expect From the Super Smash Bros. Final Video Presentation
A glorious end to an era?
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS have now been out for over a year, and since launch we've seen numerous updates, tweaks and cast additions. Some of the new challengers have been expected arrivals, others have been surprises, and this gen's entries have certainly provided some of the biggest talking points and...
Talking Point The Latest Nintendo Direct Was a Bright Return to the Limelight
The end result got the job done
What should we expect of a Nintendo Direct? Megatons, subtle updates, comedy, straight-faced detail, important information? The strength of the format, ultimately, is that is can tackle any and all of these approaches, often within the same presentation. The 12th November broadcasts generally did this, especially in...
Poll Did The Nintendo Direct Comeback Fire on All Cylinders?
Did it work for you?
Was the Nintendo Direct on 12th November the most hyped we'd ever seen? Not quite, we'd suggest, but most definitely not far off. There have been broadcasts in the past that were slightly more anticipated due to specific games that were known to be featured, for example, while the '50 things' Super Smash Bros. broadcast is an...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 12th November 2015
Surprises, omissions and a Smash Bros. shock
Well, it had been a while. For a variety of reasons, 12th November brought the first global Nintendo Direct broadcasts in quite some time. Overall the presentations stuck to familiar styles and approaches, with Nintendo of Europe playing it fairly straight and Nintendo of America even indulging in a...
Interview Image & Form Discusses SteamWorld Heist and Its Nintendo Direct Cameo
"I think SteamWorld Heist is on par with some first-party games"
SteamWorld Heist doesn't have a firm release date beyond 'December' quite yet, but the Image & Form title had a welcome boost in exposure in the most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts. In North America it had a prominent role in an eShop segment provided by Bill Trinen, while in...
Feature What We Expect from Nintendo Direct - 12th November
The hype is building
After a long wait it's finally time to think about Nintendo Direct once again. With simultaneous broadcasts in North America and Europe we can expect a show packed with information on Holiday releases, perhaps some titles due in early 2016 and - hopefully - some surprises. We've already written about the need for deep breaths...
Feature Five of Our Favourite Nintendo Direct Moments So Far
Well, six if you count the honourable mention
With Nintendo Direct rapidly approaching we can't help but look back - this will be the first Nintendo Direct in quite some time and since Satoru Iwata passed away. There was an undeniably sad moment, for this writer at least, when this week's presentation was announced and it dawned upon me how integral...
Talking Point Deep Breaths Are Needed as Highly Anticipated Nintendo Direct is Confirmed
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Well, there it is. After months of waiting - for once that's not an exaggeration - we have the next full Nintendo Direct. With E3 and then the tragic passing of former President Satoru Iwata - who was very much the figurehead of the series - it was always likely to be a respectful delay before it returned; now,...
Talking Point As Rumours Come and Go the Desperation for a Nintendo Direct Grows
Roughly 7.8 billion 'rumoured' Directs haven't happened
There's totally going to be a Direct this week everyone... Someone probably said two months ago. There'll be a Nintendo Direct this week, because Miyamoto sneezed and it sounded like a very loud 'Direct'. And Kimishima-san was seen smiling, so that must mean he's thinking about the Direct...
Talking Point Considering the Future of Nintendo Direct and Beyond for Reaching Old and New Fans
Continued evolution, or a fresh direction?
Since it first emerged in late 2011, the Nintendo Direct concept has been integral to the big N's strategy for communicating with fans. In busy periods there can be multiple broadcasts in a single month, while longer gaps of 6-8 weeks have become relatively common in the past two years. We're in the midst...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 31st May 2015
Say hello to Morimoto-san
In what was surely the last notable information blow-out ahead of E3, we've had a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast focused on near-term Wii U and 3DS releases, with some Capcom Monster Hunter reveals thrown in. There were quite a few new games announced, fresh details on familiar titles and a new host in Morimoto-san,...
Feature The Key Details on Splatoon, Nintendo's Shot at a New Wii U Hit
Modes, guns, 8-bit games and amiibo
This week brought us Splatoon Direct, Nintendo's quirky pitch for its upcoming ink-based arena shooter. It's a game that's justifiably been talked up a fair deal, with a blend of intuitive and clever GamePad controls, bright visuals and a whole lot of gameplay potential. While large sections reiterated information...
Reaction The Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Is a Clever Nintendo Direct Highlight
Stress tests servers, creates an 'event' and builds hype all at once
Nintendo isn't quite as old-fashioned as some like to pretend; it is, after all, a multi-billion dollar entertainment company that manufactures and sells consoles. In recent times it's signalled a serious intent to tackle the smart device market, shake up its customer loyalty...
Feature What We Want to See in the Splatoon Direct
Inking in the details
It's now less than a day until our next Nintendo Direct or, to be more precise, a Splatoon Direct. Nintendo is mimicking its Direct scheduling approach from 2014, filling the spaces between its latest major broadcast and E3 with presentations focused on retail releases. Mario Kart 8 had its own - fairly lengthy - Direct not...
Talking Point Nintendo Turns to Classics, DLC and amiibo to Keep Fans Hooked
Stalling tactics, but delightful nevertheless
Nintendo's most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts were an oddity of contradictions - a lot was revealed, but it can easily be argued that there wasn't a great deal of new content. We were excited and delighted by some of the reveals, but conversely shook our heads and felt concern with every release...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 1st April 2015
Release dates, DLC, knitted amiibo and more
After a wait of over two and a half months, Nintendo finally gave us a fresh Nintendo Direct in which to indulge ourselves. It was interesting for a variety of reasons, not least the fact that its focus in large segments - particularly the opening and finale - was on DLC for existing blockbusters. There...
Talking Point What We Expect from Nintendo Direct - 1st April
Release dates, teases, DLC and eShop goodies
It's that time again, and before we start referring to this as the April Fools' Day Direct, let's remember that it's airing on 2nd April in regions and countries like Japan, Australia and CET parts of Europe. Nintendo will most assuredly be announcing plenty of real details, which is certainly worth...
Talking Point It's Time for a Nintendo Direct to Set the Agenda
With two months since the last broadcast, our bodies are ready
Ever since the broadcasts began, Nintendo Direct has given fans a fix of reveals, footage and talking points about upcoming releases; so when a gap opens up between presentations, there's some nervous twitching. When is the next video coming, and will Satoru Iwata appear in front of any...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 14th January 2015
Nintendo went big with New Nintendo 3DS and much more
With 2015 still only just picking up steam, the first Nintendo Direct broadcasts of the year ensured that the big N kicked off a vital 12 months with some style. It delivered some of its longer broadcasts in recent memory, with notable variations between regions, and as a whole kept momentum...
Reaction Nintendo Direct Went Crazy With Reveals, and Was Delightful and Confusing in Equal Measure
Tom Whitehead tries to make sense of 2015's first Nintendo Direct vids
Aside from a few small details that will be saved for a wrap-up article in the very near future, I reckon we've covered most of the important news and reveals from the recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts. It was an absolute bombardment of details, and after quite a few hours and a...
Feature Five Key Reveals We Want in 2015's First Nintendo Direct
New 3DS! Wii U release dates! Reward Scheme!
While January 2014 became entwined in fluctuating share prices and worrying financial results, Nintendo has shown its intent to kick off 2015 in a far more positive light. The year's first Nintendo Direct will be broadcast on 14th January at 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK / 3pm CET, confirming a focus...
Talking Point The Majora's Mask 3D Reveal Showed Nintendo Can Still Surprise and Delight
It was a S.T.E.A.M.Y Direct
This week Nintendo produced a rather traditional Direct broadcast — there was no animation, relatively little flashy presentation beyond trailers, and a diverse range of announcements. It was back to type and rather like those that we'd seen throughout 2013; that's not a criticism, as Nintendo has diversified its...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 5th November 2014
There were fireworks
There haven't been many full-on "old-fashioned" Nintendo Direct broadcasts in 2014, as the company has focused on game-specific presentations and an alternative Digital Event approach at E3. While variety is welcome, there was something reassuring about a live video featuring Satoru Iwata in front of a white backdrop; the...
Feature What We Want to See in the November Nintendo Direct
Smash Wii U demo! MK8 DLC! Surprises! Other things!
It wasn't so long ago we had a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Direct that unveiled over 50 "Must-See Things", so it was a pleasant surprise when Nintendo confirmed a wider-reaching, "good old fashioned Nintendo Direct" for today, 5th November; it kicks off at 2pm Pacific / 5pm Eastern / 10pm UK / 11pm...
Feature Breaking Down Over 50 Must-See Things in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Step by glorious step
Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Nintendo Direct delivered what it promised — 50 'Must-See Things'. In fairness to the 'New Things' wording deployed on multiple occasions by Nintendo of America, meanwhile, it wasn't far off that target either, even if that would require a little more slack and an absence of cynicism. In...
Feature Five 'New Things' We Want in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Time to take the franchise to another level
With Super Smash Bros. for Wii U increasingly close to release, Nintendo's gearing up to answer the call for full details of its features with an upcoming live Nintendo Direct that'll introduce 50 'new things'; that's a bold and exciting promise. Though, as an important note, some of Nintendo's messaging...
Talking Point With E3 Long Gone, Nintendo Still Has Plenty to Reveal 'Directly' to Fans
Keep the hype train running
While Nintendo's appearance at E3 — widely regarded as a success — was only a little under a month ago at the time of writing, in modern consumer and internet terms that is an age. Since that time we've had some updates on key releases on the way this Fall, and a lot of focus on the wider picture of eShop games and...
Feature All the Important Details From the Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Direct Broadcasts
A perfect boost
Nintendo has pulled another Nintendo Direct rabbit out of the hat with its Mario Kart 8 videos, which were released straight onto YouTube. There were subtle regional differences, including the range of titles available in the undoubtedly attractive free Wii U game Club Nintendo promotion, while the North American broadcast had a few...
Poll Have Your Say on Nintendo Direct Bonanzas and Single Game Demonstrations
Tomodachi Life and Super Smash Bros. delivered buzz
Nintendo sure knows how to play with our expectations. After a month had passed from its February Direct broadcast we were left guessing on when the next would come along, and logical predictions passed without any results. We waited and wondered what was happening while Nintendo maintained its...
Feature The Ultimate Super Smash Bros. Direct Round-Up
Details galore
The latest Nintendo Direct, admittedly, would have done nothing for those not enamoured with Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series. We suspect, however, that many with a love for Nintendo have at least a passing fondness for the series, albeit we're not all pros that specialise in unpicking the intricacies of move sets and physics. The...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 13th February 2014
Lots of games, few major surprises
The first Nintendo Direct of 2014 is down and, at this stage, it's tricky to digest and 'grade'. On the surface it was actually packed with announcements — some unique between North America and Europe — with a number of new titles shown, while footage was revealed for major titles such as Mario Kart 8,...
Talking Point What We Expect In Nintendo Direct - 13th February
Though we hope for so much more
Throughout 2013 Nintendo Direct broadcasts were a monthly affair, with some being small broadcasts focused on specific titles. After the pre-Christmas broadcast that surprised us with games such as NES Remix and more so with Hyrule Warriors, January passed without a further update. That was hardly a surprise due to...
Reaction Nintendo Direct's Final Flourish of 2013
Damien and Tom share their thoughts on this week's broadcasts
It's like Nintendo read our minds, or at least deduced what a number of enthusiasts may be thinking. Aside from a slightly awkward appearance at the VGX awards to reveal Cranky Kong for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, we've had festive season advertising but relatively slim pickings...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 18th December 2013 Broadcasts
Hyrule Warriors, NES Remix, Kirby, Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 and much more
With the Holiday season rapidly approaching, Nintendo took the opportunity to bring us all new Nintendo Direct broadcasts to show us what's to come, throw in a surprise or two and build some buzz around both the Wii U and the 3DS. Broadcasts in Europe and North America —...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 13th November 2013 Broadcasts
Big news for 3DS and a whole load of release dates and details
So, another Nintendo Direct broadcast has come and gone. The reaction online seemed to be, as is now standard, rather mixed. Some have expressed disappointment, while others (such as this writer) thought the broadcasts did a rather good job. Primarily announced as providing details on...
Feature The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 1st October 2013 Broadcasts
Few shocks, some release dates and awesome footage, with a couple of delays
Gauging opinion on the 1st October Nintendo Direct broadcasts in North America and Europe is relatively tricky, as the Wii U system update preceding it lacked that much desired improvement of an account system that escapes the shackles of hardware, while the broadcasts...
