February 2023 Nintendo Direct live stream, live blog
Nintendo is set to host its first Nintendo Direct of the year with a February 2023 presentation. The company previously confirmed that the event will be about 40 minutes long and will “mostly” be about Switch games launching in the first half of the year.
As is tradition, we’ll have a live blog that’ll be updated throughout the event. On top of that, we’ve rounded up the different versions of the broadcast for major regions – North America, Europe, and Japan. We’ll have tons of coverage after the event on the main site as well.
You can watch the February 2023 Nintendo Direct live stream below. It’ll kick off at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET / 10 PM in the UK / 11 PM in Europe.
Live streams
Live blog
The Direct opens with Pikmin 4 – our space ship makes a landing on a large planet full of wild life. Pikmin can be used to move large objects and down walls impeding pathways. An ice styled Pikmin can be used to freeze water. You and your Pikmin can work with and ride a dog-like creature for quicker movement. The dog seems to have other uses as well.
Pikmin 4 launches 7.21.2023
Headliners are rolled out – first up is Volume 3 DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Masha is a new hero that can use ore to craft accessories. Challenge battles can be ran with roguelite rules. In-game outfits can be earned. DLC 3 launches this month.
Volume 4 of the DLC brings back Shulk and a continuation of the story, to be released later on.
Next up is Samba de Amigo: Party Central, this version has random events to keep players on their toes. 40 songs are included, launching this summer.
Fashion Dreamer is reveled from XSEED, players can collect over 1000 fashion items with customization. Players can get items others wear by using a “like” feature. Online friend circles are included, as is growing your own brand. Fashion Dreamer will be out some time in 2023
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is a DLC for Dead Cells. Alucard and Dracula himself are included. 12 original covers and 51 songs from Castlevania’s series are included. Launch is 3.6.2012
TRON: Identity is a puzzle adventure where you navigate through the mysterious server world. Launches first on Switch this April.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective new title from Capcom is next in this rapid fire. Arriving this summer.
Decapolice is next, a detecive game set in a virtual world where you collect evidence and fight action battles. The player character can transform into a cat and use a variety of weapons.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is shown with a storybook-style artistic approach. A demonic Cheshire cat will also be controlled by the player character in addition to our protagonist, Cereza. She can bind the enemies, but Cheshire can do combat damage. Using both characters is key to winning and progressing.
Splatoon 3 will be receiving another update, this time as an entire expansion pass. The Expansion Pass will give out two waves of content, the first being Inkopolis from the original Splatoon. Players will spot familiar faces, new shopkeepers, and new and returning gear. Amiibo functionality works as it did before. Wave 1 arrives this Spring. Wave 2 is teased with a bleached coral environment, the wave is called “Side Order,” launching later on. The Expansion Pass can be pre-ordered later today on the eShop.
Next up, we have Disney Illusion Island. This is a whole new adventure to find 3 magical books. The game mostly operates with platforming mechanics and old-time animation. Abilities can be unlocked as you progress, unlocking new spaces to explore. Four-player local play is included. Available 7.28.2023 with preorders open today.
Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass; Wave 2 includes Hector: Emblem of Strength. Soren Emblem of Acumen, and Camilla, Emblem of Revelation. Wave 3 includes Chrom and Robin, Emblem of bonds. Veronica, Emblem of Heroes who can summon additional allies. Newly added missions will allow players to recruit these emblems. Wave 4 has new story content called Fell Xenologue. Wave 2 arrives later today.
Harmony: Fall of Reverie is shown with opening animation. Reverie is connected to our world, and our player can use their unique ability to travel between worlds and decide humanity’s fate. Music is from the composer of Celeste. Available June 2023 first on Switch.
Octopath Traveller II demo available after the Direct concludes. Full game available 2.24.2023
We Love Katamari Remaster shown. New features include playing as the young king, selfie camera. Arrives 6.2.2023 free game trial for Katamari Damashi Reroll
Sea of Stars – Beautiful pixel graphics and retro music. Arrives 8.29.2023 with a free demo available later today on the eShop.
Omega Strikers – Air hockey-like multiplayer battle game. Arrives 4.27.2023 with preorders open today.
Etrian Odyssey Collection – Includes the first three games together in a compilation. This mystery-dungeon style game will allow you to change your team and upgrade skills if you wipe out in a battle. New animations and difficulty options. Available 6.1.2023 with the games also available separately on the eShop
Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot shown, maps can be designed and shared with friends. Arrives 4.21.2023 with preorders open today.
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland DELUXE will have an epilogue starring Magalor. You’ll need to defeat enemies and collect magic points to improve his skills and recover lost powers. This includes 20 interdimensional stages. 4 players can work together to help Magalor after clearing Story Mode. A demo will be available after the Direct.
Nintendo Switch Online news includes Game Boy/Color titles. So far, Super Mario Land 2, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Tetris, Gargoyle’s Quest, Game & Watch Gallery 3, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, Metroid 2: Return of Samus, Wario Land 3, Kirby’s Dream Land are included. 2 players can play locally or online. Later titles will be included, alongside GBA titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, WarioWare: Mega Microgames. GBA games will include Golden Sun. GameBoy games will be played with Switch Online, GBA will require the Expansion Pack.
Metroid Prime Remaster officially announced. New dual stick controls are included. Control style can mimic old controls. Available today on the eShop.
World Detective Archives: Raincode is shown next. Yuma and Shinigami will solve strange incidents in their city. Players can use the unique abilities of their team to discover new information and get closer to cracking a case. Available 6.30.2023
Baten Kaitos 1&2 Remaster is coming to Switch. Battles are fought using cards, with attack power being determined by which cards are used. Real time battles with card deck building will require skill and timing. Available Summer 2023
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time revealed – an all new Fantasy Life adventure. Time travel between the past and present will be needed to develop the island the players adventure on. Classes can be changed as can roles to better develop the island. Arriving 2023
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam – revealed with little detail. This does mean Level-5 may be publishing in the West again
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe wave 4 DLC includes a Yoshi’s Island track. Wave 4 arrives Spring 2023. Expansion Pack members get this for no additional charge.
Rapid-fire of already announced content ensues.
Last segment showing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom now plays. The blood moon appears and fires flaming chunks toward the ground, seeming to empower enemies. Rail sliding is shown, as is more gliding. Vehicles make a return, including one that resembles a hot air balloon. Launch date is 5.12.2023 preorders open today. A collector’s edition was also revealed, as well as a new Amiibo.
