Table of Contents
When is the Nintendo Direct Mini partner showcase?
The Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2024. It will commence at 14:00 GMT / 15:00 CET / 6:00 PT / 09:00 ET / 01:00 AET (Thursday) and is expected to last approximately 25 minutes. During this showcase, Nintendo will focus on games releasing in the first half of 2024 from their publishing and development partners.
You can watch the event on official Nintendo YouTube channels such as Nintendo of America, or regional variants like Nintendo UK or Nintendo Japan. Alternatively, the stream will also be available on the Nintendo Twitch channel. If you’d like to join fellow fans, Nintendo Life will be hosting a stream starting 30 minutes before the showcase for live discussion and reactions.
As for what to expect, the event will likely feature third-party game announcements. While specific details remain a mystery, there are exciting possibilities, including updates on titles like Contra: Operation Galuga and Penny’s Big Breakaway. Perhaps we’ll even get surprises like news about Call of Duty on Nintendo systems or the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong release. The anticipation is high, and we’re eager to see what Nintendo has in store!
What happens to the Nintendo eShop in 2023?
In 2023, there were significant changes to the Nintendo eShop. Let’s break it down:
- Wii U and 3DS eShop Closure:
- As of late March 2023, it is no longer possible to make purchases in the Nintendo eShop for both the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Additionally, free content downloads, including game demos, are no longer available.
- Nintendo eShop Selects:
- Each month, Nintendo Life curates a list of the best Switch eShop games. In June 2023, some notable titles were featured:
- BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted: A shmup game with a solid review score of 8/10.
- Ray’z Arcade Chronology: Another shmup title, also rated 8/10.
- The Lara Croft Collection: An 8/10 collection featuring Lara Croft’s adventures.
- Pikmin 1: A delightful RTS-type game with cute little plants, scoring 8.3/10.
- Pikmin 2: The sequel, adding more Pikmin types and caves to explore, rated 8.4/10.
- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective: A captivating title from Capcom, earning an impressive 8.6/10.
- Each month, Nintendo Life curates a list of the best Switch eShop games. In June 2023, some notable titles were featured:
- Farewell to 3DS and Wii U eShops:
- The closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops marks the end of an era. While we bid farewell to these platforms, the Switch continues to thrive with exciting eShop releases.
- F-Zero 99 made a triumphant return, securing the top spot in the September 2023 eShop Selects lineup.
In summary, the Nintendo eShop landscape underwent significant transformations in 2023, with closures and exciting game releases. The gaming community eagerly awaits what the future holds for Nintendo’s digital storefront!
- As of March 27, 2023, it was no longer possible to make purchases or download free content, including game demos.
- Related services also ceased to function at various dates:
- As of May 23, 2022, it was no longer possible to use a credit card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- As of August 29, 2022, it was no longer possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- As of April 3, 2023, it was no longer possible to redeem download codes in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- After March 27, 2023, users who linked their Nintendo Network ID wallet (used with Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems) with their Nintendo Account wallet (used with the Nintendo Switch family of systems) could use the shared balance to purchase content on the Nintendo Switch family of systems. The ability to link wallets was available until March 11, 2024.
- Even after March 27, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, it was still possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates, and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
What’s in the Nintendo Switch Live stream in 2024?
The Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase for February 2024 is set to be an exciting event for Switch enthusiasts! Here’s what you can expect:
- Date and Time:
- The showcase will take place on February 21, 2024, starting at 6:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM ET and lasting for approximately 25 minutes.
- Focus:
- This Direct will primarily highlight games from Nintendo’s third-party partners.
- While we won’t see updates on long-awaited projects like Metroid Prime 4, there’s still plenty to look forward to.
- Game Announcements:
- Cozy Indie Games: Expect a selection of charming indie titles.
- Shin Megami Tensei V Complete Edition: Although not formally announced, it was recently rated in Korea.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: Fans hope for news on this expansion, which has been eagerly awaited for half a decade.
- Xbox Games on Switch: Leaks suggest that Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment could be the first Xbox titles headed to the Switch.
- Switch 2 Announcement?:
- While Nintendo keeps its plans under wraps, a Switch 2 announcement seems unlikely.
- Recent leaks indicate a potential Q1 2025 release for the next console iteration.
The Nintendo Direct live stream in February 2024 focused on games from Nintendo’s third-party partners. Here are some highlights:
- The event was scheduled to run for 25 minutes.
- It was expected to feature a selection of cozy indie games and bigger projects.
- A complete edition of Shin Megami Tensei V was anticipated, which hadn’t been formally announced but was recently rated in Korea.
- Fans of Hollow Knight were hoping to see some mention of Silksong.
- The real draw for this Nintendo Direct could be the reveal of which Xbox games will be headed to the Switch.
- There were rumors that Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment will be the first Xbox titles headed to Switch.
- An announcement about a Switch 2 seemed highly unlikely.
So grab your coffee, settle into a comfy seat, and get ready for a delightful showcase of upcoming games!
When is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?
While Nintendo has yet to officially announce the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2, there have been several intriguing developments and rumors surrounding this highly anticipated console. Let’s dive into what we know:
- Potential Release Window:
- Rumors suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 might arrive sometime in 2024.
- Court documents related to the Activision Blizzard acquisition revealed that Nintendo briefed Activision on the “NG Switch” in late 2022.
- Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, confirmed that they will support the current-gen Switch until at least March 2025.
- Gamescom 2023 Demo:
- During Gamescom 2023, the Nintendo Switch 2 was reportedly demoed, showcasing a “souped up” version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- While a demo doesn’t guarantee an imminent consumer product, it does hint at Nintendo’s forward-looking approach.
- Name and Release Window Clues:
- A press release from games software company AI Shark (formerly GameShark) hinted at the name and release window for the ‘Nintendo Switch 2’.
- South Korean news site ChosenBiz also suggested a second-half 2024 release.
In summary, while we await official confirmation, it’s clear that Nintendo fans have exciting times ahead. Keep an eye out for further announcements, and let’s hope the Nintendo Switch 2 lives up to the legacy of its predecessor!
Also Read: 2025 Toyota Camry | Review, Price and Specifications
