Nintendo Direct February 2022 Recap: All the Major Announcements

Today, the latest Nintendo Direct let fans know what they can look forward to on the Switch this year. In case you missed the stream, don’t worry: we’ve got all the major announcements you need to know about!

Mario Kart is getting new tracks

Arguably the biggest news today was that Mario Kart 8: Deluxe is getting a staggering 48 new tracks. The first eight courses are coming on March 18, with more coming out through this year and into 2023. These new courses will come as paid DLC, though you can get the first eight courses for free if you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.

The return of Mario Strikers

If you want even more Mario, Nintendo has you covered. Mario Strikers Battle League is coming June 10 so that you and some friends can enjoy frenzied 5v5 soccer action.

Good news for Earthbound fans

As of today, you can now play Earthbound and Earthbound Beginning on the Switch. Sadly, though, no announcements about Mother 3.

Splatoon 3’s Salmon Mode

We still don’t know exactly when Splatoon 3 is coming out except that it will be sometime during summer 2022. However, Nintendo did offer a colorful glimpse of the game’s new Salmon Run: New Wave mode.

Chrono Cross Remastered

Chrono Cross wasn’t a very good sequel to Chrono Trigger, but this PlayStation game was an amazing RPG. Now, it’s getting a Switch remaster (complete with enhanced graphics, music, and other features) that comes to the system on April 7.

The Portal games are coming to Switch

The Portal games are perfect, and you’ll soon be able to play them on the go. That’s because Portal and Portal 2 are coming to Switch later this year via the Portal: Companion Collection.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Ready for more Xenoblade Chronicles? This sequel is coming to Switch in September and will follow Noah and Mio across intense and colorful adventures.

Metroid Dread updates

Metroid Dread got a free update today that adds two new ways to play. The Dread Mode will make the game easier and the Rookie Mode will make the game easier. Additionally, another update in April will add a Boss Rush mode.

Our first look at MLB The Show 2022

MLB The Show is finally coming to the Switch. While we don’t have many details yet, Nintendo did give us our first glimpse of the game.

Kirby’s Mouthful Mode

We already knew that Kirby and the Forgotten Land was coming March 25. But today’s stream revealed the new Mouthful Mode that allows Kirby to inhale larger, inanimate objects (including vending machines and cars) and transform into them.

More Star Wars on the Switch

Fans of the original Star Wars: Force Unleashed game will be happy to see the title getting a proper Switch port coming to Switch on April 20. For what it’s worth, this will be a port of the version originally released on Wii.

The return of Advance Wars

It’s been a long wait for fans of Advance Wars. But the wait is nearly over: Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp is coming out on April 8, 2022.

A F2P Disney racer comes to Switch

Aside from new Mario Kart tracks, racing fans have something else to look forward to: Disney Speedstorm. This free-to-play, cross-platform title launches this summer and combines Disney and Pixar characters and will introduce new characters, karts, and tracks across different seasons.

Nintendo Switch Sports

It’s fair to say that Wii Sports was a defining title for the Nintendo Wii. Now, Nintendo is updating this title with Switch Sports, a game launching on April 29. It will feature the following sports: tennis, bowling, chambara, soccer, badminton, volleyball, and (through later free DLC) golf.

You’ll be able to play Switch Sports Online. And if you want a sneak peak of the game, Nintendo will have an Online Play Test from February 18-20.

Front Mission 1 and 2 are getting remastered

Good news, Front Mission fans! Front Mission 1 and 2 are getting Switch remasters. The first game is coming out this summer, with the remastered sequel coming out later.

No Man’s Sky comes to Switch

Ready to take No Man’s Sky on the go? This popular and immersive title launches on Switch this summer.

News about Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes characters

Nintendo revealed that Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes will land on the Switch on June 24, 2022. Franchise fans will be excited to see that this game features some familiar characters from Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Klonoa comes to Switch

The Klonoa games were powerhouses back in the day but have been largely forgotten. But that all changes on July 8 when Nintendo releases KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series, a game that includes both KLONOA: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil.

Which announcement are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!