E3 2019: Nintendo teases the next "Zelda" and is not stingy with other new games either
Contrary to expectations, Nintendo delivered a packed Direct livestream with many interesting announcements. However, the highlight was certainly the first trailer for the next "Zelda".
Nintendo brought the E3 press conferences to a close. This means that the Japanese company has not held a classic press conference for years. Instead, there was a pre-produced Nintendo Direct. Nintendo announced in advance that no new hardware would be on show. Instead, the focus was on the Switch-exclusive titles to be released in autumn. And there are quite a few of them.
Banjo Kazooie and other new characters for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate"
Nintendo announced Banjo and Kazooie's debut for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" with a funny trailer. The release is this autumn.
A number of heroes from "Dragon Quest XI" will also be added with the DLC in the summer.
"Luigi's Mansion 3"
A huge hotel full of ghosts and only one person can help: the Ghostbusters? Mario? Nope. This show belongs to Luigi alone. With all kinds of new weapons and moves, he shows the ghosts what's what. "Luigi's Mansion 3" can also be played by four players. Will be released in 2019.
"Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics"
The fantasy tactics game "Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics" will be released at the end of the year to accompany the "Dark Crystal" Netflix series.
"Zelda Link's Awakening"
The remake of the Gameboy classic looks absolutely cute. Anyone who knows the original will hardly recognise it. New is a dungeon maker that allows you to create your own dungeons. To be released on 20 September.
"Trials of Mana"
The "Mana" series is getting a new spin-off after twelve years with "Trials of Mana" (excluding mobile games). The RPG will be released in 2020.
In addition, the "Collection of Mana" is the first official release of all the old games outside of Japan. Available now.
"The Witcher 3"
Geralt the Witcher will soon be able to chop the heads off monsters on the Switch. It will be interesting to see how this looks and runs on the Switch.
"Fire Emblem Three Houses"
The latest instalment in the "Fire Emblem" series will be released on 26 July.
"Resident Evil" 5 and 6
You can play "Resident Evil" 5 and 6 on the Switch this autumn. One of them is quite decent.
"No More Heroes III"
Game designer Gōichi Suda is working on the next crazy action game. "No More Heroes III" is set to be released in 2020.
"Contra: Rogue Corps"
The legendary sidescrolling action game series continues. Pandas with miniguns are the most normal thing you can expect. Over-the-top action and shooting until your fingers hurt. It all kicks off on 24 September.
"Panzer Dragoon Remake"
The remake of "Panzer Dragoon", a rail shooter from 1995, has been given a complete overhaul and will land on the Switch at the end of the year.
"Pokémon Sword and Shield"
A few new details for the Pokémon adventure, which will be released on 15 November, were also revealed. Nintendo explained that the Poké Ball Plus is compatible with it. If you carry a Pokémon around in it for a long time, something special will happen. Wow, we can't wait to see what happens.
"Astral Chain"
"Astral Chain" offers a special gameplay twist. With your chain, you can control enemies and have them fight for you. The graphic style also looks pretty crazy. It will be released on 30 August.
"Empire of Sin"
John Romero, one of the makers of "Doom", is trying his hand at a strategy game with a 1920s gangster setting. Due out in spring 2020.
"Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3"
Create your own team from a huge roster of Marvel superheroes and take down rows of villains. The third instalment of the action RPG series is sure to be a blast. Released on 19 July 2019.
Costly expansions with new heroes have also been announced.
"Cadence of Hyrule"
"Crypt of the Necrodancer", the ingenious indie game in which you have to move to the beat of the music, meets "Zelda". Awesome, simply awesome. Already coming out on 13 June.
"Mario & Sonic Olympic Games"
Do you think the Olympics are a nightmare? Not when Mario and Sonic take part. They duel with their friends in numerous disciplines such as skating, martial arts and climbing. Will be released in November.
"Animal Crossing: New Horizons"
Build yourself a nice little house, go farming and cook tasty things so that lots of cuddly animals visit you. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is coming on 20 March 2020.
Follow-up to "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"
Nintendo saved something special for the end of the presentation. A short teaser for the successor to "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild". There is no name yet.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.