Topic: Next Nintendo Direct?

@OctolingKing13
Nintendo doesn't care about surpassing PS2 sales. The gaming media and forum dwellers care but Nintendo certainly doesn't. What they care about is maximizing profits which, in the medium term, means giving the Switch 2 a good launch

If in the process of maximizing profits the Switch breaks sales records? That's a nice bonus. But it's not a priority

I know it's a crime to say so on this site, but I personally don't really think of Metroid Prime 4 as a 'big title' whether or not it releases this year. Metroid Prime remastered got plenty of critical acclaim but it still only sold 1 million copies. I feel Prime 4 could be a good showcase of Switch 2 performance upgrades, but otherwise it's just another game in one of the medium-ranked Nintendo franchises. Sure, it's always possible there will be a BotW moment and propel the series massively upward, but it is at least as likely that doesn't happen.

The new claim is PS2 actually sold 160 million rather than 155; that would require 20 million more Switches sell. I doubt Nintendo really cares about getting number 1 as long as they have a smooth transition. I do think they will keep the schedule reasonably full for Switch 1 this year to make sure the transition doesn't leave the huge userbase in the dust.

NoA’s doing that thing where they’re very quiet which usually happens the day before a Direct announcement. This is the only tweet today so far:

@Grumblevolcano You think our oracle Pyoro has failed us and not given us advanced warning of a direct? 😆 I certainly wouldn't complain about a surprise direct this week, but I admit I've gotten used to the several day advance warning and it makes it easier to arrange my schedule around a direct... I wish Nintendo would just give us advanced warning instead of forcing us to read Twitter tea leaves.

Also, if a direct is this week, you shall inherit the oracle title since you have been predicting this week for quite a while.

@Grumblevolcano I will trust your day on this one... April Direct seems likely after all!

@Grumblevolcano Wait what’s the average for Nintendo tweets a day

@FishyS
My view re Prime 4. While it certainly isn't a big title for the broader market it is a big title amongst enthusiasts. Which makes it a key title for a console launch when pretty much all of the people buying in that early are enthusiasts. Almost by definition

Honestly I see it as almost like a bit of a loss-leader for Switch 2. Will it make a huge return for Nintendo? Probably not. Certainly not on the scale of a Super Mario Wonder. But what it will do is change people's perceptions of what Nintendo's hardware is capable of. Which is something that can translate to more interest in Switch 2 generally

The fact we had a trailer for the title Metroid Prime 4 shows it's a big title (granted in hindsight it was a little premature lol.)

I love you guys, but it seems like you'll never learn: Metroid was not, is not, and most likely will never be one of Nintendo's best-selling franchises. Metroid sales are relatively pathetic when held up against Mario, Zelda, Kirby, and lately even Splatoon, Animal Crossing, and Fire Emblem.

It's great to appease the "core" audiences like us, but I don't think Nintendo would ever use Prime 4 as the "big" launch title, which is why I think they're gonna do Prime 4 this holiday season as a swan song for the Switch: biggest possible install base to give it the chance to sell well.

@rallydefault

Oh I dunno, Dread sold twice as well as Engage did.

Time to wait another week

Yep. I'm in need of some direct news too. Especially first party.

Yeah, no Direct this week then as it’s very rare that Directs are announced after 3pm UK time. I figure that next week wouldn’t happen because Splatoon 3 and the week after is too close to Endless Ocean. So nothing this week makes it seem like maybe standalone announcement of a July game in May and then Switch 1 general Direct in June.

I still say I’m 100% correct in my prediction.

@Grumblevolcano i could still see a drop next week, Endless Ocean could get a final shoutout prior to release - “out now!” or “look forward to getting it tomorrow!” along with other announcements planned for a general Direct

That said, I agree it’s likely they’re going to hang on until summer and drop a title or two in announcements until that time. My gut says June as well, same week as last year following other showcases.

I have a feeling we're getting at least MINI Direct or Indie World before this month is over and then a general direct in June.

Honestly it feels like everyone saying that there's going to be a Direct in April or June is just copium. The fanbase is just desperate for more games but it doesn't sound like they have much. I could see a Mini at best to announce some more remasters but I suspect we won't see another general Direct until Spring 2025. They just don't seem like they're going to have enough games to justify a full Direct until next gen, and I suspect a Switch 2 presentation is going to take the place of the usual September Direct, so I suspect we're in another lengthy drought of a full Direct. The transition to next gen and the rumored delay just feels like it's going to lead to a long period of little to no news and activity.

@Bolt_Strike It's hardly Wii U-ville just yet lol.

I think it might be quiet until late may or june. I welcome being wrong, though.

@GrailUK Ehh, it's close enough at this point. There's been no new AAA games announced in a year, with the exception of Mario Wonder and Princess Peach Showtime (can you even call that AAA?) it's been just remakes and remasters in that time. There's been more remakes/remasters and third party games on the Switch than the Wii U, but other than that this does feel like Wii U-ville right now. It's been bone dry for a while and the games that should be ready to release soon are more suitable for next gen than the Switch.