Nintendo Direct August 2024: Everything Announced

The August 27, 2024 Nintendo Direct has now finished and IGN has you covered with the biggest and best news (and everything else) revealed.

This two-in-one showcase, which began with an Indie World Showcase and ended with a Partner Showcase, began at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK and featured roughly 40 minutes of announcements on games coming to the Nintendo Switch.

Fans hoping for news on the next Nintendo console should set their expectations low, however, as the company made no mention of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch successor.

Yakuza Kiwami Coming to Nintendo Switch in October

The (remake of the) first Yakuza game is coming to Nintendo Switch after the series was absent on the platform for years.

Revealed alongside an October 24, 2024 release date, Yakuza Kiwami tells the story of Kiryu Kazuma as he battles through the criminal underground of Tokyo, Japan.

Faced with ten years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, Kiryu reemerges in the city with a whole new world to comprehend, as the Tokyo he knew in the 90s has long disappeared.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Announced for Switch

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is bringing its nature reviving and town building adventure to Nintendo Switch. The game arrives sometime in spring 2025, though no more specific release date was announced.

“The classic action role-playing game and life-simulation gameplay beloved by Rune Factory fans the world over is boldly reimagined in Guardians of Azuma, an all-new adventure set in the eastern lands of Azuma,” the synopsis reads.

“A once-thriving land, this never-before-seen region was struck by a terrible calamity. The gods of nature vanished, causing the land to wither and the people to suffer. For the very first time, play as an Earth Dancer and call upon unique powers to battle blighted monsters and restore the land, people, villages, and even gods to their natural glory.”

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 1st Is a Huge Remake

In a blink-and-you’ll miss it reveal during today’s Nintendo Direct,

While past Civilization titles came to Nintendo Switch after the fact, the highly anticipated Civ 7 is hitting the platform alongside everything else on February 11, 2025.

“Experience the latest revolutionary chapter from Firaxis Games as you embark on the epic journey of building an empire to stand the test of time,” reads the official synopsis.

“Your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.”

PowerWash Simulator Says Get Outta Ma Swamp

PowerWash Simulator is getting Shrek DLC, meaning players can soon take their power washer to the ogre’s famous swamp and clean it up for good.

“A fairy tale collaboration is coming to Nintendo Switch this fall in the new Shrek Special Pack for PowerWash Simulator,” reads the description.

“Wash away your worries and live happily ever after to the soothing sounds of high-pressure water, carefully ridding nostalgic locations from villainous muck! In this hero’s journey, players will clean up the grime covering five iconic maps from the Shrek Universe, including Shrek’s Swamp, Dragon’s Lair and three other unrevealed locations.”

Sea of Stars Dev Shares Trailer for Throes of the Watchmaker DLC

Sabotage Studio has shared a new trailer for Sea of Stars’ highly anticipated expansion Throes of the Watchmaker.

“Journey into a magical miniature clockwork world where a plethora of oddities and wonders await,” Nintendo said.

“In the world of Horloge, where a cursed carnival threatens the innocent denizens, Valere and Zale will have play by foreign rules for their powers to manifest.”

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Gets Gameplay Trailer

A short and sweet gameplay trailer for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake was revealed during the Nintendo Direct.

“Dive into brand new gameplay from Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake and discover how to customize your party’s vocations and appearances, use different battle strategies to defeat the monsters you’ll encounter, and view exclusive content not seen in the original game,” the synopsis reads.

The highly anticipated return of the classic role-playing game arrives November 14, 2024.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land Has the Longest Name of the Nintendo Direct

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land comes to Nintendo Switch in early 2025 and officially has the longest name of the Nintendo Direct.

“Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land is on the way, an alchemy JRPG themed around ‘memory,’ reads the official synopsis.

“It tells the story of Yumia, an alchemist, as she confronts her past, her memories, and the art of alchemy, progressing along the path she believes in, despite her doubts.”

Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer Coming to Switch

Your very own personal trainer is coming to Nintendo Switch via Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer. This fitness title arrives December 5, 2024 and lets players find a workout which fits their lifestyle.

“A workout that fits your lifestyle,” the synopsis reads. “Pair up with your choice of six fully voiced virtual instructors with customizable outfits and hairstyles — and then get your groove on in 30 new instrumental songs, some of which are inspired by catchy pop tunes.

“Jump into a single Quick Workout, or build an exercise routine that fits your life. New additions to the series include Mitt Drills to practice combos with your instructor and Sit Fit Boxing to work up a sweat without leaving your seat. Whether you’re after a serious burn or just a bit of stretching, the intensity of your workout is up to you.”

SpongeBob Affiliate Patrick Is the Star of His Own Game

SpongeBob Squarepants: The Patrick Star Game is officially coming to Nintendo Switch on October 4, 2024.

Players can explore Bikini Bottom as a sandbox playground, using various objects to create physics-defying fun.

The game features missions from beloved characters like SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, and Plankton, and includes iconic locations such as Glove World, The Dump, and Demolition Derby. Activities range from building Krabby Patties to causing chaos in Mrs. Puff’s rage room.”

Goat Simulator 3 Available on Nintendo Switch Today

Goat Simulator 3 is coming to Nintendo Switch later today, August 27, 2024, at least digitally. Its physical edition launches later this year.

“Venture forth into Goat Simulator 3, the baa-rilliant sequel to 2014’s Goat Simulator that puts you back into the hooves of Pilgor the Goat,” the synopsis reads. “Begin your whirlwind adventure on the sandbox island of San Angora.

“Lick, headbutt, and crash your way through an open world full of quests to solve, secrets to uncover, and NPCs to terrorise. We won’t tell you how to play (except in the tutorial), but provide the means to be the goat of your dreams.”

Star Overdrive Revealed as a 2025 Timed Switch Exclusive

Star Overdrive launches as a timed Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2025, letting players can explore a vast planet and defeat myriad beasties using their trusty hover board.

This bright and colorful adventure received a brief reveal trailer which showed off a fantastical world full of familiar and alien sights.

Players use their hover board as a means of traversal but also as a weapon, and it seemingly grows to become a valued companion throughout the game.

Tetris Celebrates 40 Years in New Collection

A new mode called Tetris Time Warp will also let players jump between different eras of Tetris in the same game, from the classics to the latest.

Described as an “interactive museum,” Tetris Forever features a variety of different Tetris games, including the 1988 Famicom version of Tetris, Super Bombliss, Super Tetris 2 + Bombliss, Tetris Battle Gaiden, and Super Tetris 3.

Wario Land-Inspired Platformer Pizza Tower Is Out Today

Pizza Tower launches on Switch today, as revealed during the finale of Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase.

The fast-paced 2D platformer inspired by the Wario Land series launched on PC last year, but finally arrives on Switch as of August 27. Players take on the role of Peppino Spaghetti, a manic pizza man with many abilities like charging, super jumping and dashing.

IGN’s Pizza Tower review returned a 9/10. We said: “Pizza Tower is a blisteringly fast 2D platformer with an unmistakable art style and unforgettable soundtrack that transcends its Wario Land inspirations and finds its own identity as one of the most energetic, fun, and creative 2D platformers in recent memory.”

Metal Slug Tactics Gets New Trailer

Metal Slug Tactics gets a new trailer and release window on Nintendo Switch, as it arrives sometime in fall 2024.

“Get ready for an intense ride through the best of both worlds: classic arcade action and roguelite tactical thrills,” reads the official synopsis. “Jump into the combat zone and revive your METAL SLUG nostalgia in a whole new way.”

The trailer showed plenty of the game’s snazzy style and a bit of its tactical gameplay too.

On Your Tail Arrives This November

On your tail, the game about animal people seeking a perfect summer vacation, arrives on November 21, 2024 for Nintendo Switch.

“Set in the charming seaside village of Borgo Marina, On Your Tail follows the adventures of intrepid Diana in her pursuit of the perfect summer vacation,” the description reads.

“For a curious spirit like her, that means three things: explore her new surroundings as she gets to know the eccentric inhabitants, unwind with some of the area’s iconic recreational activities, and get to the bottom of some of Borgo Marina’s most puzzling local mysteries.”

Cuisineer Is a Tasty Roguelite Dungeon Crawler Coming in 2025

Described as a “super cute and tasty roguelite dungeon crawler and restaurant sim,” Cusineer is an upcoming Nintendo Switch title set to launch January 28, 2025.

“Explore a lush world and defeat monsters with your trusty spatula and some boba tea, then gather delicious ingredients and bring them home to cook and serve at your restaurant,” the description reads.

A lengthy reveal trailer showed plenty of gameplay of the bright and colorful world, including exploration, dungeon crawling, and more.

Europa Gets Release Date and Demo

Exploration game Europa is launching October 11, 2024 on Nintendo Switch, but those eagerly anticipating it can also download a demo today.

Europa promises “a breathtaking world of lakes, meadows, and mountains scattered within the remains of a fallen civilization.”

Players can “run, glide, and fly across the landscape, solve mysteries in the ruins of a fallen utopia, and discover the story of the last human alive.”

Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX Announced for 2025

Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX is the ultimate edition of the beloved adventure game. Nintendo released a trailer for it during the Direct alongside a 2025 release window.

The description reads: “Jump, battle foes, and seek treasures as you quest to defeat the Order of No Quarter and their vile leader, The Enchantress. Shovel of Hope DX enriches the original game with 20 distinctive playable characters, seamless online multiplayer, and innovative additions like rewind and save states.

“Whether you’re a long-time shoveler or eager to discover the Blue Burrower for the first time, Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX invites everyone to celebrate a decade of digging, dashing, and discovery.”

Pico Park 2 Launches Today

2D action puzzle game Pico Park 2 gets a surprise release on Nintendo Switch today.

Players can join up to seven others either locally or online, even if only one has a Nintendo Switch.

All levels can be played no matter how many players you have, and a Dark Mode lets players discover more levels and a new (kind of) unfair and difficult version.

Wobbly Life Wobbles Its Wobbly Way onto Nintendo Switch

Open world physics sandbox game Wobbly Life wobbles its way onto Nintendo Switch in December 2024.

“Wobbly Life is a vibrant open world physics sandbox,” Nintendo said. “Play with your friends online or in local co-op, with exciting jobs, mini games, and wacky story missions.

“Earn cash to spend in the world on clothes, vehicles and houses. There is a whole Wobbly World out there to explore.”

Peglin Launches Today on Nintendo Switch

Bubble bopping and role-playing game combo Peglin is shadow launching today on Nintendo Switch.

“The dragons have been popping peglins and stealing all of your gold for as long as you can remember.

“Enough is enough. It’s time to venture through the woods, conquer the fortress, and delve into the heart of the dragon’s lair to take back what’s yours and teach those dragons a lesson.”

Date Everything Lets You Date Everything in October

Date Everything is taking the dating simulator genre to new heights when it arrives October 24, 2024.

The official synopsis reads: “Date Everything is a sandbox dating simulator set in the comfort of your own home, featuring 100 fully voice-acted datable characters.

“Each dateable object will open up, have their own stories and potentially become your lovers, friends, or enemies. Are you ready to Date Everything?”

Topdown Roguelike Morsels Announced for Nintendo Switch

“Oddball top down roguelike” Morsels comes to Nintendo Switch in February 2025.

“Take on the form of a mouse who uses magic cards to transform into little monsters, battling against wicked felines who dominate the game’s world,” reads the official synopsis.

“Collect and nurture a troop of your own monster friends to overcome cat dominance and bring peace to the land.”

Moth Kubit Gets New Trailer

Bizarre topdown role-playing game Moth Kubit received a new trailer and details at the Nintendo Direct, due out in spring 2025.

“Take on the role of Moth Kubit in this surreal and satirical role-playing game,” the description reads.

“Investigate the mysterious insect mega-corp, bee-friend co-workers, engage in some verbal showdowns, uncover secrets, and shape the story.”

Coffee Talk Tokyo Is a Super Cute Game About Chatting and Drinking Coffee

Coffee Talk Tokyo is a super cute game blending everyone’s three favorite things: coffee, talking, and Tokyo.

Coffee Talk Tokyo is a new installment in the Coffee Talk series of visual novel games, where players will take on the role of barista in an all-night coffee shop in the backstreets of Tokyo.

“In a world where humans and fantastical creatures rub shoulders with each other, listen to their stories of love, loss, joy and sadness, all while serving up delicious drinks designed to not just quench their thirst but warm their hearts,” the synopsis reads.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.