This was a big week for cancellations stemming from the coronavirus. Announcements were being made about the temporary closing of major events, sporting leagues, and venues. E3 2020 has also been impacted, as it’s been cancelled outright.
Not having an E3 this year is a pretty big deal. Yes, the conferences will go on, as the likes of Ubisoft and Square Enix are probably going to shift from live in-person conferences to digital events. Nintendo will likely have its usual Nintendo Direct as well. But it’s just not the same. Many gaming aficionados look to E3 as a Superbowl of sorts. It’s not just about the announcements, as we also get to see tons of footage of new games, learn about those games through interviews, and hear about how they’re shaping up in previews. Something else that isn’t widely discussed is that E3 gives an opportunity for all types of industry members from around the world to interact and connect in one central space.
Another Japanese commercial for One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 has arrived, this time focusing on Wano Country. Check it out below.
Nintendo NY is taking several precautionary steps to help avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
On social media, the store says it has increased deep cleaning services, started limiting the amount of customers allowed inside at the same time, and has cancelled events. Store hours are also being reduced “for the foreseeable future.”
Here’s the full statement from Nintendo NY:
Months after it was taken down, Ittle Dew 2+ finally returns to the Switch eShop next week. Developer Ludosity is now able to release the game directly rather than having to go through Nicalis, the company that originally published its game.
The original issues came about last September after Ludosity terminated Nicalis’ publishing license six months prior due to breach of contract. Though Nicalis said it would transfer the game back to the studio on consoles, CEO Joel Nyström said Nicalis never followed through, and the title was simply taken down entirely.
Interestingly, according to Nyström, Nicalis apparently tried to re-publish Ittle Dew 2+ consoles despite having lost the rights. Nyström commented on the situation on Twitter and while speaking with GamesIndustry, writing:
Tying in with the release of Alder’s Blood – a tactical-strategy with stealth-based combat, RPG elements, crafting, resources gathering, and management – No Gravity Games has shared a new launch trailer. Watch it below.
Nippon Ichi Software has posted a new gameplay video for its cross-dressing adventure game Bokuhime Project. We’ve added it in below.
Switch owners in China will soon have access to a pair of additional Switch titles. Super Mario Odyssey, in addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, are both launching on March 16.
A physical release isn’t planned – at least not initially. Instead, the games will be offered as download cards and on the eShop, limiting things to a digital release.
Those who pre-order Super Mario Odyssey will be given a passport cover while the bonus for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a sticker sheet.
Nintendo celebrated Valentine’s Day last month with a special piece of Splatoon 2 art. It’s White Day in Japan (and other countries) now, so we have an equally lovely design for you above.
Valentine’s Day and White Day tend to go hand in hand. Those who received gifts on Valentine’s Day have a chance to reciprocate by giving back gifts of their own.
According to an eShop listing, the rogue-like arena shooter Mist Hunter is coming to Switch. It will launch digitally via the eShop on March 20.
We have the following overview and trailer for Mist Hunter:
