Nintendo Wiretap: E3 Edition (6/18/17)

Welcome to the Nintendo Wiretap: E3 Edition! It’s been an exciting week for Nintendo fans the world over, complete with amiibo announcements, franchise revivals and plumber possessed T-Rexes. To help make ingesting all these meaty stories easier than Kirby hopped up on Miracle Fruit, we’ve compiled a handy list for everything you may have missed regarding the Big N over the last few days. Without further ado, here’s everything we’ve picked up over the wire:

SUPER MARIO ODYSSEY SETTING COURSE FOR THE SWITCH THIS OCTOBER

Mario’s latest adventure in wedding crashing undoubtedly stole the show at E3 this year, featuring everyone’s favorite portly plumber traversing colorful kingdoms while body snatching staple franchise minions with a flick of his iconic cap. Be sure to browse all the links below for the full scoop of reveals, from a gorgeous new line of dapper amiibo figures to Super Mario Galaxy inspired co-op features.

NEW MAINLINE POKÉMON GAME CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT FOR SWITCH

Trainers and Poké fanatics, rejoice: Game Freak has finally announced development plans for a core Pokémon game on console! At the absolute earliest, expect to be collecting adorable pocket monsters both at home and on the go for the Nintendo Switch around the tail end of 2018. Fighting fans also got some love during Nintendo’s Spotlight event via Pokkén Tournament DX, currently set for release this September.

XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 2 STILL SET FOR A HOLIDAY 2017 RELEASE WINDOW

After its initial reveal several months ago, more details for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 have finally graced our eyeholes. The video showcased during the Spotlight event provides a deeper dive into the RPG’s narrative while also showing a few snippets of gameplay. We also received confirmation that the talented crew over at Nintendo of Europe will once again be handling localization efforts, set for release simultaneously worldwide — a franchise first. Be sure to check out our full breakdown of everything new gleaned within the three minute reveal, courtesy of our resident Xenoblade expert, Ben Fruzzetti.

Watch here: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 trailer drops, showing story and combat in English
Read more: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 E3 trailer breakdown
Read more: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being localized by Nintendo of Europe, aiming for worldwide launch

SAMUS RETURNS FOR A DUO OF FAN PLEASING METROID ADVENTURES

It’s admittedly been a bumpy road for everyone’s favorite intergalactic bounty hunter ever since boarding the Bottle Ship in Other M seven years ago. Much to everyone’s surprise, E3 2017 quickly proved to be the year of Metroid with not just one, but two, franchise title announcements that are sure to please both retro and modern series fans alike. Look forward to Metroid Prime 4 and a full remake of Return of Samus blasting their way to Switch and 3DS systems, not to mention special editions for the latter and a new line of delightfully squishy amiibo figures. Samus is back, baby!

WE HOPE THERE’S STILL ROOM ON YOUR AMIIBO SHELVES

Over a dozen new amiibo were unveiled during Nintendo’s video and Treehouse presentations! From Zelda and Mario to Metroid and Fire Emblem, we slapped together a nifty gallery for everything coming to a living room near you. Also, feel free to take a brief tour through the E3 show floor — both our own and Nintendo Australia’s — featuring the many games and products announced over the course of the week.

Read more: E3 2017 Nintendo amiibo gallery
Read more: E3 2017 Nintendo floor tour
Read more: Nintendo Australia releases an E3 booth tour

NEW KIRBY TITLE PUFFING TOWARDS SWITCH IN 2018>

The unannounced Kirby title recently hinted at during April’s Nintendo Direct received its first detailed look on Tuesday. Series fans will definitely want to check out the debut trailer below, especially considering the multiplayer adventure is set to bring back many of the series’ greatest hits.

YOSHI WEAVES A WEB OF CUTENESS ON SWITCH IN 2018

A new Yoshi adventure is set for the Nintendo Switch featuring a similar papercraft aesthetic from the dashing dinosaur’s more woolly wanderings. I dare you to try and contain those “oohs” and ”awws” when checking out the adorable trailer below.

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS STRATEGIZES FOR A FALL 2017 RELEASE

A new Fire Emblem Warriors trailer debuted during Tuesday’s Spotlight event. While the surprises were largely kept in check, there’s just enough flavor and intrigue to offer a glance at what’s to come thanks to various story details and playable character reveals. Join our tenacious tactician Ben Fruzzetti in the war room as he gathers his finest generals for a full breakdown of what’s to come.

CHAMPION AMIIBO JOURNEY THROUGH BREATH OF THE WILD ALONG WITH A DLC PACK #1 RELEASE DATE

It’s a fantastic time to be an amiibo collector. Alongside a tease for the game’s second story focused DLC pack, four new Breath of the Wild figures fashioned after the Champions of legend were revealed during Tuesday morning’s presentation. We also received a firm release date later this month for the first DLC pack, not to mention confirmation that reprints for older amiibo are making a comeback.

SONIC FORCES SPIN DASHING ON SWITCH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Just moments after the Nintendo E3 Spotlight came to a close, a new trailer released for Sonic Forces. Throughout the week, we learned Sonic’s speedy adventure is still scheduled firmly in that elusive Holiday 2017 window and that the cute and cuddly Chao won’t be returning for adventures in babysitting. Don’t forget to check out our initial impressions from the E3 showfloor, written by the hedgehog hobbyist himself, Logan Plant.

MARIO + RABBIDS KINGDOM BATTLE INVADING SWITCH THIS AUGUST

After months of rumors and heavy leaks, it’s finally happened: Ubisoft confirmed Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle during its E3 2017 Press Conference. Check out the delightful debut trailer, details on a collector’s edition, bizarre Instagram takeovers and more below — including our full impressions piece by our very own rascally Rabbid, Ricky Berg.

MARIO & LUIGI SUPERSTAR SAGA + BOWSER’S MINIONS HAVE FURY ON 3DS

Those looking for an excuse to revisit the finest title in the Mario & Luigi saga of RPGs will be ecstatic to learn an enhanced port of Superstar Saga is heading to 3DS systems this October! As an added incentive for double dipping, the game comes packaged with a completely separate side story following high ranking Bowser minions in search for their king.

PIKMIN 4 STILL IN DEVELOPMENT DESPITE MISSING YET ANOTHER E3

Those of you bummed at Pikmin 4’s repeat absence from E3 this year can rest easy as Miyamoto himself confirmed the game is still under development and progressing swimmingly (assuming you’re a blue Pikmin, of course).

LEVEL-5 CURRENTLY DEDUCING WAYS TO BRING LAYTON TO SWITCH

Due to the touchscreen-focused nature of the Layton franchise, fans have often wondered whether the puzzling series could logistically find a home on Nintendo Switch. Level-5 CEO and Layton producer Akihiro Hino recently commented on the possibility, citing that finding a workaround for playing with the system while docked has proven difficult.

ARMS SWINGS THROUGH THE NINTENDO ESHOP WITH NEW DLC ON THE HORIZON

ARMS had some significant coverage at E3 this year despite having launched within the same week, perhaps courtesy of the show floor’s open invitational tournament. Outside a tease for the game’s first free DLC character, a pair of new ARMS wallpapers punched through My Nintendo in North America. Physical swag was also made available at select GameStop events this weekend in celebration of Friday’s release.

OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS FOR SPLATOON 2’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY

Admittedly, there wasn’t much coverage for Splatoon 2 this week beyond a jam-packed booth of squid kids eager to test out Salmon Run for the first time. For now, revel in the glory of the game’s latest stage reveal: Inkblot Art Academy.

Read more: New stage announced for Splatoon 2

SPEND SOME RUPEES IN THIS WEEK’S MASSIVE E3 ESHOP SALE

In celebration of this week’s E3 festivities, the Nintendo eShop is holding a massive sale with up to 50% off both classic retro and modern franchise favorites. Check out the full list of fantastic titles below before they revert back to their regular pricing on June 20th.

DIP YOUR TOES IN A DUO OF 3DS DEMOS

Both Miitopia and Ever Oasis dropped demos in the eShop during Nintendo’s Treehouse livestream. For those not in the know, Miitopia is a quirky blend of Find Mii and Tomodachi Life, while Ever Oasis takes you dungeon crawling through the dusty dunes of a sprawling desert.

Read more: Miitopia demo available later today
Read more: Miitopia demo arriving in Europe on June 22nd
Read more: Ever Oasis demo available now

ROCKET LEAGUE SCORES ON SWITCH THIS WINTER

The PC smash-hit Rocket League is headed to the Nintendo Switch this holiday season! Look forward to exclusive Nintendo customization options and vehicles to deck out your rides, including iconic Mario and Luigi hats.

UBISOFT’S STARLINK: BATTLE FOR ATLAS CHALLENGES YOUR AMIIBO BUDGET

Hot off the heels of Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle epic reveal, Ubisoft unveiled another surprise for the Nintendo Switch: the new toys-to-life title Starlink: Battle for Atlas. Check out a brief summary and debut trailer of the customizable star ship battler below.

Watch here: Ubisoft enters toys-to-life with Starlink: Battle for Atlas

KICK OFF SUMMER WITH THE POKÉMON GO SOLSTICE EVENT

For those who aren’t able to go to one of the many real world events being held around the globe, Niantic’s currently holding an in-game Solstice event centered around Fire and Ice-type Pokémon. Too bad every time I open the app I’m still bombarded by Rattatas and Pidgeys.

Read more: Fire and Ice-type Pokémon GO event begins tomorrow
Read more: Pokémon GO Solstice Event begins

SKYRIM TAKES A GUARDIAN ARROW TO THE KNEE

The hero of time is making an appearance in the upcoming Switch port of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Revealed during Bethesda’s E3 press conference last weekend, various amiibo will be compatible, with Archer Link confirmed to bring Link’s iconic Master Sword, Hylian Shield and Champion’s Tunic from Breath of the Wild into the game.

BLADE STRANGERS CLASHES CLASSIC NICALIS CHARACTERS WITH STUDIO SAIZENSEN TITLES

If you ever wanted to know who would win in a fight between Curly Brace’s machine gun and Kawase Umihara’s patented hookshot, ponder no longer! Last week during Twitch’s official E3 livestream, Nicalis and Studio Saizensen unveiled Blade Strangers, a new 2D crossover fighting game coming to PC and consoles — including the Nintendo Switch!

MARIO KART ARCADE GP RACES INTO THE FOURTH DIMENSION

Bandai Namco announced just before E3 struck that Mario Kart Arcade GP VR will be racing to their VR Zone Arcade in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Luigi’s death stare never felt so personal!

RIVER CITY: KNIGHTS OF JUSTICE JOUSTING ON 3DS THIS WEEK

Natsume officially announced via Twitter that the next River City localization is hitting up the North American and European eShop this coming Tuesday. Punching dragons in 8-bit fashion and medieval settings with your bare fists? Count me in.

2064: READ ONLY MEMORIES JOURNEYING TO NINTENDO SWITCH NEXT YEAR

Cyberpunk adventure game 2064: Read Only Memories is heading to Nintendo Switch sometime in early 2018. Fans of point-and-click games, pixel art, compelling characters and mysterious narratives won’t want to miss out.

MIGHTY GUNVOLT BURST BEAMS ONTO NINTENDO SWITCH

In case you missed it, the upgraded version of the original 3DS Mighty Gunvolt launched just a few days ago. Featuring Gunvolt from Azure Striker Gunvolt and Beck from Mighty No. 9 in a more expanded world, the game’s sure to excite retro fans of classic ‘80s pixel platformers.

SWITCH TO FEATURE CROSS-PLAY GAMING SANS SONY

Despite both Microsoft and Nintendo’s willingness to play nice when it comes to cross-play multiplayer, Sony’s proving to be the proverbial stick in the mud. With the exception of PlayStation platforms, expect to enjoy games like Minecraft and Rocket League on Switch alongside both Xbox One and Steam players in the near future.

GO OLD SCHOOL WITH THESE SUPERPOWERED SWITCH ACCESSORIES

Accessory developer 8BitDo showcased a slew of new Nintendo Switch peripherals. Check the full gallery below for all the retro inspired goodness scheduled for release later in the year.

POKÉMON: I CHOOSE YOU GETS SOME GORGEOUS NEW PROMO ART

The Pokémon Company is going all out promoting the next franchise film to hit Japanese theaters. Check out the link below and bask in the faint glow of nostalgia radiating from Ho-Oh’s majestic mane.

BADGE ARCADE OFFICIALLY CLOSING ITS DOORS TO NEW BADGE RELEASES

Just like its Japanese counterpart, North American and European Badge Arcades are set to cease production of new badges to collect. While repeats are still set to rotate through the Arcade for the foreseeable future, next week will mark the final set of brand new catchers to dip your quarters towards.

That’s all for today! For all your future Nintendo news, stay plugged in to Nintendo Wire.

Written by Matthew Weidner

When it comes to playing and writing about video games, Matthew aspires to be the very best, like no one ever was. Writing for Nintendo Wire and the thought of one day finally achieving a perfect, no death Super Meat Boy run fills him with determination.