Japanese video game and console company Nintendo held their most recent Nintendo Direct on Sept. 13, which announced a plethora of new games and updates to expect in the near future.

Nintendo Direct usually occurs three times each year, mainly during the months of February, June and September, focusing primarily on the games that are expected to come out for the following season. Therefore, this month’s direct is concerned with new games and updates releasing this winter, with a handful to be released in 2023. From the next installment of the “Fire Emblem” series to numerous farming simulator RPGs and “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2” finally getting an official name, there is plenty of content for any gamer to enjoy to the fullest on their Nintendo Switch!

Fire Emblem: Engage

The famous “Fire Emblem” role-play series that prioritizes strategy and skills while utilizing a variety of different heroes and heroines is expecting a new addition to the franchise, “Fire Emblem: Engage,” on Jan. 20, 2023.

Front Mission Trilogy

The trilogy of “Front Mission,” an action-packed third-person shooter franchise, is being remade with the first installment coming in November 2022 and the second later in 2023. The third game’s release date is currently unannounced but is said to be in development by the company.

Splatoon 3

The recent release of “Splatoon 3” has gained traction in the virtual sphere. Splatfest, a group event for in-game tournaments, is being held online from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25. Nintendo has also said that new updates will continue throughout the year. Audrey Louie, a second-year Computer Science major, said, “I recently got the new Splatoon 3 game and I was immediately impressed by its graphic design and new added features. I can’t wait to participate in the upcoming Splatfest event! Now that there’s three sides to choose from, it adds to the heated debate.” Needless to say, University students are very excited about the upcoming releases!

Fae Farm

“Fae Farm” is a new farming game that appears similar to Nintendo’s hit release of “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” which was released in 2020. “Fae Farm” allows gamers to play with a friend or by themselves and is arriving in spring 2023.

Pikmin 4

As a strategy and puzzle video game franchise revolving around cute plants, the awaited fourth installment of “Pikmin” is set to release in 2023.

Bayonetta 3

The third expansion of the action-adventure series revolving around an ancient witch, who is tremendously powerful and seemingly misunderstood by others in her clan, is planned to be released for the Switch on Oct. 28.

Resident Evil Village

Previously released on May 21, the eighth installment of the “Resident Evil” franchise is coming to the Switch on Oct. 28. Additionally, new DLC materials will be available on Dec. 2. “Resident Evil Biohazard,” the seventh installment, is also coming to the Switch later in 2022 alongside “Resident Evil 2” and “Resident Evil 3.”

Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection

Initially released in 2015, the award-winning and critically acclaimed remastered adventure game is being adapted for the Switch along with its prequel, “Before the Storm,” on Sept. 27.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

Cute but boisterous Kirby is back with his three friends for a remastered version of the original Wii release. “Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe” is set to become available for Switch players on Feb. 24, 2023. One can enjoy multiplayer features with up to four people or play alone to their heart’s content!

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Originally planned to be released this year, the long-awaited sequel to “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is planned for release on May 12, 2023, with an official title announced as “Tears of the Kingdom.” Excited fans and theorists of the franchise have already begun to come up with assumptions about what they think will be in the game, and only time will tell if it’s all true.