Nintendo Direct Reveals Summer Release Dates for ARMS and Splatoon 2

Arm Swinging and Ink Splatting Galore In Latest Nintendo Direct

The latest Nintendo Direct came in at a beefy running time of almost 40 minutes as it not only showcased Switch’s ARMS and Splatoon 2, but also hit us with a salvo of quick-fire Nintendo gaming goodness for the 3DS and Switch too.

The first big announcement for the Nintendo Direct came in the form of ARMS’s release date on June 16, 2017. Besides that, we also got a look at the different ARMS types such as Curve, Glove, Heavy, and more. Each type will have a special attack when charged up. Also, fighters can wield two different ARMS going into battle. Suprisingly, Nintendo revealed a new colour for Joy-Cons as a Neon Yellow version along with Neon Yellow Joy-Con Straps will be available with ARMS’ release date. Also, a Joy-Con attachment is coming out too that will give more battery life for the controllers.

Splatoon 2, the sequel to the Wii U breakout hit is coming out on Switch on July 21, 2017. The original title which we also reviewed was one of the more refreshing new IPs from Nintendo. The main takeaway here for Splatoon fans from this Nintendo Direct will be the all new Horde-like mode called Salmon Run where players work together to stop oncoming waves of Salmonids. The game will launch with a series of new Splatoon amiibos as well. Unfortunately, Nintendo is going forward with not calling the game “Spla2n”.

Here’s a round-up of the news items in this Nintendo Direct along with its scheduled release date.

Nintendo 3DS

• Hey Pikmin (July 28th): A sidecroller version of the Nintendo franchise that uses two screens and releases with a new Pikmin amiibo too.
• Ever Oasis (June 23rd): A cutesy multiplayer co-op RPG that has some serious JRPG pedigree behind the game.
• Monster Hunter Stories (Fall 2017): A departure from the main series as it’s a turn-based RPG where players control various monsters for combat and exploration.
• Yokai Watch 2: Psychic Specters (Fall 2017): This new version features a few new quests and areas.
• Culdcept Revolt (August 29th): A hardcore card-boardgame mashup that looks niche, but will serve fans of that genre.
• RPG Maker Fes (June 27th): DLC announced that includes crossovers from Disgaea.
• Miitopia (2017): Remember Tomodachi Life before PokéMon Go? Well, players will get a new Mii-centric game as this one is a turn-based RPG using your friends’ Miis as party members.
• Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (May 19th): We get a look at the game’s Season Pass and paid and free DLC coming up.
• Kirby 25th Anniversary (2017): Kirby turns 25 in 2017, and Nintendo will celebrate with a few Kirby games coming to Nintendo eShop this year as Kirby turns 25 this year.
• BYE-BYE BOXBOY! (Out today): A puzzle platformer that looks like a nice palate cleanser after all the early 2016 greatness.
• 3 new Zelda amiibos out on June 23rd.
• Cloud, Corrin, and Bayonetta will have two versions of their amiibos out on July 21st.

Nintendo Switch

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28th): Nintendo will be hosting a tournament soon for its racing and battle modes.
• Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (May 26th): Players can now beat up cars and barrels as Evil Ryu and Violent Ken.
• Minecraft (May 11): This edition features Super Mario Mashup Pack, which gives players Mario-themed assets to manipulate.
• Neo Geo arcade classics coming out on Switch with Samurai Showdown IV Amakusa’s Revenge out tomorrow.
• Sonic Forces (Holiday 2017): This new 3D Sonic game features two different versions of Sonic and a new character.
• Sonic Mania (Summer 2017): The beloved classic gameplay of 2D Sonic returns.
• Project Mekuru (Summer 2017): A multiplayer with shades of Bomberman that trades bombing foes to oblivion for flipping panels to your color.
• Fate/Extella (July 25th): A musou-type game based on the visual novel.
• Disgaea 5 Complete (May 23rd): No new features announced here for this version.
• Puyo Puyo Tetris (April 25th): A Switch demo is out now.
• Monopoly (Fall 2017): This Switch version uses HD Rumble to simulate feeling of dice to truly complete the classic board game.
• Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition (2017): A port that includes some new modes that iterate on older modes.
• Sine Mora EX (Summer 2017): A rather exciting, new SHMUP game that features co-op and versus mode.
• Battle Chasers: Nightwar (Summer 2017): A visually-striking turn-based RPG based on the comic.
• Payday 2 (2017): The bank-robbing multiplayer FPS comes to Switch, and is easily the grittiest game here.
• Namco Museum (Summer 2017): Play a mix of Namco arcade classics with local co-op, and different screen options too.
• Standalone Nintendo Switch Docks (May 19th): Finally!
• Lastly, Nintendo also announced a Splatoon Wii U contest that lets winners go to E3 2017.