Nintendo Direct: February 2021 Announcements

February 18, 2021

Yesterday, February 17th, Nintendo held another live Direct event, the first one since 2019. The event was slated to reveal new games to be released in 2021. Among them was expected to be Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

It opened with an introduction to Pyra, from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, who will be joining the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character collection, along with Mythra. Shinya Takahashi appeared after the display of Pyra and Mythra’s fighting in SSBU to thank the audience and present the games and DLC coming to the Switch later this year.

Among them were games like Outer Wilds (releasing this summer), a game where you have 22 minutes until solar system is destroyed. Your goal is to explore the remnants of what is left behind by ancient civilizations. But you’re stuck in time loop. Each cycle gives you the same 22 minutes to explore other areas to discover the hidden secrets of the universe.

Nintendo then presented Mario Golf Super Rush, another chapter in the Mario Sports category. Playable characters appear to be Bowser, Yoshi, Waluigi, Peach, and Luigi, aside from Mario. A full list is never given, but the game looks to feel similar to the golfing game in Wii Sports. Right down to using the joycon as the golf club. The game will also feature “Speed Golf,” where several players start at once, race to your ball to his it again, and work to outpace your opponents. Players will get to use dashes, special shots, and bonus items. There will also be a story mode where the player can use their Mii character, and a versus play will be included. Projected release for the game is June 25th, with pre-orders available today.

Nintendo Miitopia, an RPG-style game, will release on May 21st. With control over your own Miiville, the player will cast characters into different roles within your city. Makeup will be available for the first time, as will a wig feature. Characters will socialize to build bonds, which then helps during battle. Pre-orders are now available.

World’s End Club involves a group selected to go to an underwater theme club and play Game of Fate. With the expectation being that the world is ending, people flee the country. But then, the game is cancelled. As the characters called to take part in the game, players will journey across the country as they try to make it home to Tokyo`X. A side-scrolling action game trying to make it home to Tokyo. Game is cancelled, everyone’s left. That releases May 28th.

A working title, Project Triangle Strategy is an RPG taking place during the Salt Iron War. Unlike other RPGs, the battles take place on terrain with different elevations. Higher ground provides power with long range weapons, as well as the use of the natural elements in the environment. With the ability to link attacks and use magic, PTS provides a new dimension to RPG play. Launching in 2022, a demo is available in the Nintendo eShop.

Other releases to look forward to include:

Ghosts and Goblins Resurrection – February 25
Bravely Default 2 – February 26
Super Mario-themed items are coming to Animal Crossing New Horizons: outfits, super mushrooms, coin blocks, and warp pipes. The free update launches February 25. Items will become available in the store March 1.
Apex Legends – March 9
Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel without a Pulse – March 16
Plants vs. Zombies Battle for Neighborville – March 19
A physical release of Hades, which includes a download code for the soundtrack and a 32-page character compendium – March 19
Tales from the Borderlands (taking place between BL 2 & 3) – March 24.
Monster Hunter Rise with Monster Hunter Rise edition Joy-Con launching the same day – March 26
Famicom Detective Club: Missing Heir and FDC Girl Who Stands Behind – May 14 (pre-order available)
Knockout City (which looks like a big game of dodgeball) – May 21 (pre-order/demo available)
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has more battles coming in May and June.
DC Super Hero Girls Teen Power – June 4
The Ninja Gaiden Master Collection featuring Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razors Edge – June 10
Legend of Mana – June 24
No More Heroes III – August 27
Samurai Warriors 5 – Summer 2021
Neon White – Winter 2021
Star Wars Hunters, a competitive shooter game set between Episodes VI and VII – Late 2021
Splatoon 3 – 2022

Eiji Aonuma, the producer of The Legend of Zelda series, also made an appearance. While there’s no news on Breath of the Wild 2, he did announce the launch of Skyward Sword HD. Players can either choose to use the Joy-Con as the Wii remote and Nunchuk were originally used for the game, or they can use the controls as they might with a handheld device. New features, like use of the bow and arrow with Joy-Cons, will also be available. Specially designed Joy-Con controllers will be available the day of the release, July 16th. Pre-orders are available in the eShop.

After the event, sources (including those that were the original sources for the Mario 35th Anniversary release) have claimed both Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD will be released later this year. Hopefully it gets confirmed soon.

Was there any news that excited you? Be sure to let us know!