Nintendo Direct: What Awaits?

Third-Party Predictions for Nintendo

Anticipation for Nintendo Direct presentations is always high, but one gamer expressed a measured outlook, suggesting that the absence of major first-party releases this year would temper expectations. The theory is that Nintendo wouldn’t want to overshadow existing titles with announcements of games further down the line.

While some hoped for a dedicated showcase for Metroid Prime 4, a Partner Direct could prove more interesting, focusing on titles from other developers. The writer believes in managing expectations and anticipates a focus on already-announced, Nintendo-friendly games such as Star Wars Outlaws, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and Borderlands 4. They also expect Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Elden Ring to receive significant attention.

The big question is whether any completely new announcements will surface. Assassin’s Creed Shadows and a couple of minor Xbox titles are seen as possibilities. However, the feasibility of Red Dead Redemption 2 on the Switch 2 is questioned, with concerns about potential compromises like poor frame rates.

The writer’s biggest hope is for a surprise reveal from one of Nintendo’s close allies, such as Capcom, Bandai Namco, Sega, or Konami. The lack of new games from these developers is a major disappointment regarding the Switch 2 so far. While ports are appreciated, the writer yearns for third-party Switch 2 exclusives.

Horizon’s Future and PlayStation’s Strategy

A reader shared their thoughts on the Horizon series, suggesting that setting a game in another country would be a compelling direction, despite the existing games not heavily emphasizing their US setting. They note that Guerrilla Games, the developers, are Dutch.

The future of the series is pondered, with the assumption that the next instalment will remain in the same setting and potentially serve as a PlayStation 6 launch title. While acknowledging the strong sales figures, the writer questions the true popularity of the Horizon games, suggesting they excel in graphics and gameplay but fall short in storytelling.

They express a personal disconnect from the Horizon fanbase, stating they’ve never met anyone particularly enthusiastic about the series beyond general approval. This leads them to question whether it’s the right choice to launch a new console, but concede that time will tell.

Nintendo’s Awareness of Player Concerns

The recent Mario Kart World update prompted a reader to question Nintendo’s awareness, or lack thereof, regarding player complaints. They wonder if Nintendo is genuinely oblivious to issues raised by players or if they simply choose to ignore them.

The writer contrasts Nintendo’s approach with that of other companies, who would typically offer apologies and promise swift patches in response to criticism. Nintendo, on the other hand, often remains silent and seemingly even trolls players by addressing everything except the core issues.

The reader speculates on the reasons behind this behaviour, suggesting Nintendo might deliberately avoid online comments or perhaps find amusement in ignoring player grievances.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Sales Slump

A gamer expressed confusion over the projected sales of Monster Hunter Wilds, initially predicted to be the best-selling game of the year, but now experiencing a significant decline. The writer questions how titles like Devil May Cry (potentially boosted by a Netflix show) and even the eight-year-old Resident Evil 7 are outselling it.

Having never been interested in live service games, the writer wonders if the focus on story is to blame. They suggest that Capcom’s belief in the story’s importance might have led to neglecting the “endgame” content crucial for player retention.

However, they acknowledge that this wouldn’t necessarily affect initial sales, but rather the number of active players. They ponder the influence of word-of-mouth and online reviews on sales figures, ultimately concluding that they are content with single-player games.

Battlefield’s Accessibility Issues

A Call of Duty player shared their struggles with the Battlefield series, despite being proficient in Warzone and multiplayer modes. They express a willingness to try the new Battlefield game, driven by a desire to support the publisher.

The writer identifies two key issues hindering their enjoyment of Battlefield. Firstly, the difficulty of flying planes and helicopters presents a barrier to entry for casual gamers. Secondly, the long distances required to travel back into the game after being killed can be frustrating.

They argue that Battlefield needs to appeal more to casual players, who often lack the time to dedicate to mastering complex mechanics or traversing large maps only to be quickly eliminated.

The Evercade Neo Geo Super Pocket

A reader celebrated the release of the Evercade Neo Geo Super Pocket handheld, pre-loaded with 14 Neo Geo games, and the upcoming Neo Geo Arcade cartridges. They reminisced about the Neo Geo’s initial release, recalling that it was initially available for rent and later retailed for approximately £600, with games costing around £200 each.

The writer noted the Neo Geo’s advanced technology, claiming it was almost as powerful as the Sega Dreamcast, which was released nearly a decade later. This allowed for true arcade-perfect experiences at home.

The correspondent highlighted the collaboration between Evercade and Neo Geo, giving older gamers a piece of nostalgia that was once financially out of reach.

GTA 6: Unrealistic Expectations?

One player expressed apprehension about the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, suggesting that it may be impossible to live up to the immense expectations surrounding it. Despite this, they acknowledge that the game will likely dominate the industry in terms of sales, player base, and media attention.

The writer anticipates GTA 6 being featured prominently in the news, potentially being blamed for social problems and crimes. They fear that the game’s overwhelming popularity will overshadow other releases for months, which they consider a negative outcome.

Digital-Only Dilemmas with Ninja Gaiden

A reader inquired about the control scheme used in a Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound review, asking whether the analogue stick or D-pad was preferred. This question stemmed from their dilemma of choosing between the Xbox Series X and Switch 2 versions of the game.

The core issue lies in Nintendo’s lack of a suitable D-pad for portable mode play, with the Pro Controller 2’s D-pad suffering from accidental up/down inputs when pressing left/right. This makes 2D platformers and games like Tetris difficult to play. The writer cited this as the reason for not purchasing Street Fighter 6 on the Switch 2.

The reviewer noted that they initially used the analogue stick but switched to the D-pad, as the on-screen commands suggested it. They also pointed out that the Xbox and PlayStation versions run at 60fps, while the Switch 2 version is limited to 30fps, making the former a better choice.

Inbox Also-Rans: Devil May Cry 6 and Donkey Kong

A reader questioned the long wait for Devil May Cry 6, given the success of the previous instalment. Another praised Donkey Kong Bananza and its soundtrack.