Here are the Best Games From Nintendo’s E3 2017 Direct

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Nintendo’s E3 2017 direct kicked off with a big new trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, showing us more of the story, setup, and even a little bit of combat. The trailer also featured, for the first time, English voice acting. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 certainly looks like one of the most gorgeous and expansive games on the Switch, as the trailer featured some gorgeous vistas on top of the game’s vibrant anime art style.

The best part of the Xenoblade trailer, however, was when Nintendo confirmed the game is still coming Holiday 2017. Having another giant RPG to pick up for your system this year is a big draw.

Kirby

It’s no surprise that Nintendo’s adorable pink puffball will be making his way to Switch, but it’s definitely still exciting, and the new Kirby title looks fittingly enjoyable. We got a look at a decent amount of gameplay for the title, which appears to have four-player multiplayer. In addition to the usual powers Kirby can get from sucking up enemies, this time he can also combine with other players for brand new options, like turning into a wheel that rolls down the stage. Kirby is currently schedules for a 2018 release, but we can’t wait to jump back in as the puffball.

New Mainline Pokemon Game

It may have only been a brief announcement, but Nintendo did drop the detail that a brand new mainline Pokemon game is in development for Switch. This is huge news, as Pokemon is routinely one of the biggest franchises for Nintendo. It also marks the first time a mainline game in the series will appear on a Nintendo console instead of a handheld, although the Switch is a hybrid of course.

No details for the new Pokemon game were given at this point, but we do know to expect within the next year or so. It’s certainly big news for Nintendo fans, and is sure to be one of the biggest games talked about next year.

Metroid Prime 4

As if a brand new Pokemon game wasn’t enough, Nintendo also announced the return of the long-dormant Metroid franchise. Even better, it’s Metroid Prime 4. Again, this is a title that’s currently in development, but even just letting Metroid fans know the series is coming back is a gargantuan announcement. For years, fans have been pining for a brand new entry, and it’s interesting to see Metroid Prime, the first person shooter, come back to the Switch.

Metroid Prime 4 will, no doubt, be a big focus for Nintendo moving forward, past the 2017 season. 

Rocket League

That’s right, one of the biggest indie game hits is coming to Nintendo Switch, Rocket League. The title honestly seems like a perfect fit for the hybrid console, as it has a huge emphasis on multiplayer and party play. The Nintendo Switch version will also have features like cross-system play and new Nintendo customization options. Rocket League is currently scheduled for a Holiday 2018 release, which could be a big hit for the latter part of the year.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey was bound to be Nintendo’s big game for this E3, and the new trailer we got today certainly didn’t disappoint. We got a brand new trailer for the game, showing off new gameplay features like Mario using his hat to turn into different items out in the world like a sign post, Bullet Bill, and even a T-Rex at one point. There’s also some pretty interesting new looks at New Donk City, a dinosaur world, an ice world, and more. There’s loads of little details crammed into the trailer, that you need to watch it more than once to get everything.

Super Mario Odyssey even launches sooner than we expected on October 27. It’s bound to be one of the biggest holiday titles of this year, and easily the best thing to look forward to on Switch for the rest of 2017.