With such a crammed Nintendo Direct, there was far too much to give every single announcement in the June showcase its own post (check out our round-up for the full rundown). However, we didn’t want to skip highlighting this gem that popped up: Vanillaware’s Muramasa is returning in the form of Muramasa: Revenant Blades.
Scheduled for “Early 2027” on both Switch 1 and 2, this will be an overhaul for Wii’s Muramasa: The Demon Blade, a brilliant 2D action RPG from 2009. Or more accurately, an overhaul of an overhaul; the game was previously remastered for PS Vita in 2013 as Muramasa Rebirth.
Having apparently overcome the “problems” cited by Vanillaware’s president preventing a new version from happening, this will include characters and DLC added for the Vita version, plus other enhancements. Notable for its beautiful art and presentation of Japan’s Edo period, this remaster-of-a-remaster adds “support for up to 4K resolution, new combat and weapon systems, as well as additional modes and gameplay options.”
More recent Vanillaware works include 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Unicorn Overlord, the latter of which we particularly adored, and we weren’t alone, as it claimed the #1 spot in our reader-ranked Switch GOTY 2024. So, if you’re unfamiliar with the studio, that’s the pedigree we’re talking about. Check out the trailer at the top of the page to see Muramasa in action.
Here are some more details courtesy of Marvelous’ PR blurb, plus some more screens:
The UltimateMuramasa: A brand-new localization, including English voiceover, provides immersion like never before. Plus, all six stories are available from the start, confirming this as the complete version of this unforgettable tale.
Fluid and Frenetic Gameplay: The side-scrolling, hack-and-slash action has never been better with updated controls, over 100 swords to forge, and dozens of skills to upgrade, master, and customize.
Breathtaking Beauty: Muramasa’s fantastical world has been meticulously upgraded to gorgeous 4K, bringing characters, maps, and animations to vibrant life with stunning clarity.
Reforged and Refined: Variable gameplay styles and new modes give players more ways to play this classic adventure, and to appreciate the game’s magnificent art and animations from a fresh perspective.
Muramasa: Revenant Blades will also feature original protagonists Momohime and Kisuke alongside Okoi, Gonbe, Arashimaru, and Rajaki – all originally introduced in the PlayStation Vita version – allowing players to experience all six unique storylines in any order they choose from the start.
Physical pre-orders are apparently coming soon, with a Standard Edition available on your choice of Nintendo Switch (plus PS5) for €49.99 / £44.99, and a Deluxe Edition for €69.99 / £59.99 which comes with an artbook “filled with Vanillaware’s gorgeous artwork.” We’ll let you know when we get a look at that.
[As an aside — and stepping away from the ‘we’ for a moment — I’m very happy to accept your personal appreciation and thanks. Why’s that? Having been moved by Alana’s article for Muramasa’s 15th anniversary, and with a port looking unlikely, I tracked down a Wii copy.With no official confirmation whatsoever, past evidence all but assures that my spending 80 quid on a copy on eBay (rather than patiently waiting for a port) absolutely, definitely resulted in this remaster getting greenlit. You’re welcome.]
Please give thanks below and let me us know if you’re excited for this one.
Kingdom Hearts fans the world over were very happy over news from the recent Nintendo Direct that Kingdom Hearts 4 will launch simultaneously on Switch 2 and other platforms (no date yet) and native versions of the first three games (well, more than three, but let’s not muddy things just yet) helping to wash from our mouths the taste of the rancid Cloud Versions (now removed from sale). Good news all round and there was much rejoicing.
However, taking a closer look at the NA key art for the Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] box opened up the internet to debate over the alleged use of AI to enhance and/or upscale Tetsuya Nomura’s artwork.
What’s causing the upset? It kicked off when it was noted that Donald Duck had four fingers on his left hand, not his regulation three (which he does have on his right hand). Observe:
Incorrect digit counts and droopy detailing are telltale signs of generative AI, although it appears that things aren’t as simple as they first appeared. For reference, here’s the key art that’s apparently unaltered (left) versus the version Square Enix is using on the US box art (right):
Following on from theories that the whole thing was generated by AI (with previous art of Goofy and Donald in identical poses being cited as potential proof), posters such as streamer and artist Kahene on Bluesky believe that the characters from Nomura’s original artwork have been separated from the original composition, with the previously hidden details extrapolated using AI and repositioned for the Western box art.
A very plausible theory, given the evidence – we’ve reached out to Square Enix for comment and will update this post when we hear back.
With Square Enix previously stating that the company is looking to make extensive use of AI in areas such as QA, fans were always going to be on high alert. If generative AI has been deployed here by Square’s US branch, not catching an issue as obvious as an extra finger feels like a schoolboy error, especially considering the involvement of Disney IP, Noruma’s treasured artwork, and ever-devoted fans.
Let us know below if the current theory makes sense to you, and if it affects your excitement for the series’ return.
Those hoping that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World might be right around the corner had better temper their expectations a little. While the game is launching this year, we still have a fair few months to wait.
As revealed in the Nintendo Direct, The Withered World will launch on Switch 1 and 2 on 3rd December, making it a nice holiday treat for those already after something for the Christmas list.
The new trailer gave us a brief look at some of the gameplay, showcasing the monster scouting and battling. There was also a second or two of overworld footage, all of which seemed to be running pretty smoothly, which is a relief!
Here’s a closer look at some screenshots, so you can get an idea of the visuals:
After nine months of waiting, Nintendo treated us all to a full 50 minutes of full-fat Direct bliss. We got game reveals, surprise announcements, and a bunch of new trailers giving us a closer look at it all.
There was so much to take in, in fact, that we’ve assembled the following round-up, so you can see everything included at a glance. We’ll kick things off with the full presentation, then run through the reveals in the order they were announced.
Nintendo Direct June 2026
Before we dive into the news itself, here’s the full presentation, so you can watch it from start to finish:
Every Game Announcement
Now then, let’s get onto the news itself. The show started with quite the toe-tapper…
Take on over 80 games & challenge your rhythm in single player or play with up to four friends & get in the groove with over 30 co-op & competitive rhythm games.
Witness Musashi’s harrowing story as he faces off against his destined rival, Ganyru. Master the art of the blade and hone your techniques against a legion of powerful foes with precise parries and powerful Oni Armaments. Walk the path of the samurai with the standard controls or feel the blade in your hands with fluid motions using Joy-Con 2. The choice is yours.
The latest game in the Dragon’s Dogma series comes with new content! Experience Capcom’s dynamic action RPG together with your Pawn companions and venture into the all-new Norgan region—where the Relic Expedition Cycle from Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen makes a return.
Humanity’s last hope arrives. In Stellar Blade, take on the role of EVE of the 7th Airborne Squad and battle to reclaim Earth from the mysterious forces. This story-driven action-adventure features fast-paced combat built around dodging, parrying, and unleashing powerful combo attacks, alongside cinematic exploration and intense boss encounters.
Experience EVE’s journey at home or on the go, with Joy-Con 2 gyro controls for activities like fishing.
Join forces with a friend to bravely navigate this wild co-op, retro anime adventure together! You’ll step into the shoes of the daring duo, Maki and Omura, as they journey through space. Will you be able to save their home?
Whether you’re playing solo or in co‑op with friends, musical maps deliver some of the adventure’s most memorable moments—where precision, coordination, and rhythm are everything. Every jump, punch, and glide counts! Hit the beat, trust the flow, and let the music carry you through the madness.
In this co-op online walker-talker from the creators of Untitled Goose Game, set out with your friends through a wide-open world full of challenges, puzzles, and discoveries. Work together to find your way around, stay in contact using an assortment of tools and toys, and figure out new ways to communicate when you suddenly find yourself speechless. Adventuring aside, there’s plenty of time to just hang out. Sit and watch the sunset or steal your friend’s binoculars and kick them into the ocean. Spending time with friends is the best part of a big walk.
Build a floating restaurant with the Straw Hat Crew—cook up new dishes using Devil Fruit abilities, collect ingredients, and customize your space in a charming management sim. Serve up an unforgettable dining experience, and watch familiar characters become regulars as your restaurant grows into the greatest restaurant on the seas.
Part 1: Bubbly Basin of the Expansion Pass paid DLC is planned for release this August! Enjoy an underwater town, with new Pokémon to encounter, furniture, and outfits for Ditto. A free update is also coming to Pokémon Pokopia this August that adds a new move: Dive. With Dive, you’ll be able to explore the world on the ocean floor and enjoy a life with Pokémon living under the sea.
In the capital of the Dagdan Empire, powerful fighters gather to participate in the Heroic Games, where the winner is granted one wish. Hone your techniques at the training grounds, recruit new allies, or travel beyond Dagsion’s walls to gain experience. How you spend your free time is up to you.
In Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet, the first half of a two-part saga, the protagonist is hurtled into an unknown world after breaking a forbidden seal. Adventure across vast landscapes on a quest to return to Earth. Master diverse Ninja Gum actions like Gum Hook, Gum Boost, and Gum Balloon to speed across the planet. Score exhilarating IPPON victories against enemies with weapons like katanas, hammers, and rockets! Or try your hand at co-op with a maximum of four players and battle against fearsome, giant foes.
DK Challenge – Today
For a limited time only on Nintendo Switch 2, take on challenges in Donkey Kong Bananza and other select Donkey Kong Nintendo Classics titles via Nintendo Switch Online. Active Nintendo Switch Online members can earn collectible digital Challenge Cards. Barrel through these limited-time challenges starting later today until 12:59 am PT on Sept 1, 2026!
From the creators of Vampire Survivors and Shueisha Games, dive into an intense survivors royale where eight players compete—but only one can stand victorious. Fight cursed spirits while competing against other players for points using simple movement controls and auto-attacks. Victory comes down to smart positioning, precise timing, and strategic choices.
Battle against the darkness in an epic adventure across a shattered kingdom. A millennium after the Great Rupture, the Umbral darkness has consumed almost all. One Kingdom remains—a sacred land shrouded by an ancient force. But as light fades, darkness rises, and the Eternal Night draws near. A hero must rise, for a God to fall.
You are Geppetto’s puppet, caught in a web of lies in a city overrun by unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy allies. Experience the complete journey in Lies of P: Complete Edition which tells the full story of the Krat tragedy. In the base game, awaken to a city poisoned by madness and carve your path to humanity. In the included expansion, Lies of P: Overture, cross the bounds of time to witness Krat in its final days of Belle Époque grandeur—all in one seamless package.
Dive head-first into the game’s signature blend of high-octane action and otherworldly original characters, including Dante’s longtime rival and fan-favorite Vergil as a playable character! Enjoy blistering speed, impeccable controls, flashy visuals, a thrilling story and more, all at a smooth 60 frames per second in both TV Mode and Handheld Mode. This is the pinnacle of S-S-Stylish action!
Behold the legend of the Demon Blades, refined to new heights of breathtaking beauty for a new generation! Experience the side-scrolling action RPG epic from Vanillaware and Marvelous with stunning 4K visuals, all-new English voiceover and localization, new modes and more.
Xenoblade(s) – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition(s) – Today / 30th Jul / 3rd Dec
The digital version of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and its upgrade pack, are available today. A physical version is also being released on July 30. Additionally, the digital Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will be available July 30 and Dec 3, respectively.
Welcome to Wuhu Island, home to all kinds of sports. There are 12 sports to choose from, all with intuitive motion controls. Use the Joy-Con 2 controllers as rackets, bows or even handles!
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Journey alone or together in this open world survival adventure for 1-4 players. Gather resources, build shelters, and master wild magic to withstand the growing threat. Do you have what it takes to rise and challenge the Dragon Queen?
Team up with your favorite Sanrio characters and jump into a lively collection of cute mini-games designed for fun with friends and family. Whether you’re playing solo, locally, or online, it’s packed with charm, competition, and customization. Gather your friends, choose your partner, and let the games begin in Hello Kitty Party Land!
A battle for the fate of the galaxy begins! Blast off for adventure across the Lylat System with Fox McCloud and his crew in a free demo that includes a tutorial and one of the game’s opening stages.
Imagine what classic FINAL FANTASY could have become if pixel art kept evolving. FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is the first HD-2D FINAL FANTASY title blending pixel art with dynamic camera work. Engage in classic turn-based combat refined with modern mechanics and call on legendary heroes from across the franchise as Visions to aid in battle.
The long-awaited adventure sequel sends Piku on a strange and whimsical mission to foil a dastardly plot. Wander, solve, and gossip your way through a charming, colorful world where not everything is as happy as it seems.
As with all great adventures, it’s the journey that counts rather than the destination. Along the way Piku will meet many odd folk, each with a story to tell. Their tall tales include whisperings of giant fruit, malevolent robot frogs, and an all-powerful potato.
The monsters are taking center stage! From the iconic Slime to brand-new faces, discover hundreds of monsters to scout, train, and battle alongside. Mix and match your favorites or create entirely new companions through synthesis to build your dream team.
Step into this new PvPvE multiplayer action game from FromSoftware, where you take on the role of a Bloodsworn. Fight through a world overrun with enemies using unique weapons and abilities, while occasionally forming transient alliances on your path to victory.
Team up with the musical trio Deep Cut and hunt for treasure on the Spirahlite Islands in this new single-player-focused game. Stay tuned for even more details in the upcoming Splatoon Raiders Direct, airing on June 30. Look out for more info in the future.
Join Kris, Susie, and Ralsei as they continue their journey to seal the Dark Fountains that threaten the world. Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters in this epic role-playing adventure that serves as the parallel story to UNDERTALE.
Enter the royal tournament to fight for the throne and for the future. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. Team up with a compelling cast of characters and embark on an immersive journey that promises hours of captivating exploration, exhilarating discovery, and dynamic combat that blends turn-based strategy with real-time action.
Survive the night or create a work of art in Minecraft, the ultimate sandbox game! Now with Vibrant Visuals, a graphics upgrade that transforms the way players experience Minecraft with enhanced visual elements such as improved lighting, fog, and more. Uncover mysteries and face thrilling foes in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough. Have a blast with friends, whether you’re sitting on the same couch in split-screen or miles apart.
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Observer: System Redux gives players unprecedented freedom in experiencing this modern classic. Players will be able to enjoy the game anywhere at any time, when playing in handheld mode, or play docked to experience the game in its highest visual fidelity. This new version of the game also supports the mouse feature of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, as well as optional motion controls for even deeper immersion.
How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected “zombie” population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story.
Introducing the second installment of the collection, featuring the first-ever port of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker! In addition to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version), this collection includes the series’ first handheld game and a digital soundtrack as purchase bonuses.
No turning back… Discover the secrets of Kitezh and survive the forces of Trinity on Lara’s Siberian tomb raiding expedition! Our fierce explorer is back to encounter the unknown. Embark on Lara’s most treacherous journey through Siberia to the lost city of Kitezh and unlock the mysteries of the past.
SnowRunner is now available on Nintendo Switch 2! – Free Upgrade for Digital Edition owners – Save transfer via Nintendo Account – Up to 4-player co-op – Crossplay coming soon – Enhanced visuals and performance – Modding support – Year Passes and DLCs available
Punch, dodge, and move to the groove of 30 songs! Select an in-game personal trainer, choose how you want to train, and establish a routine that fits your schedule. Plus, you can explore new modes, such as Mitt Drills and Sit Fit Boxing, to help mix up your workouts. Whether you want to challenge yourself or keep it loose is up to you!
Escape to the whimsical world of Everbloom, a cozy open-world farming and social sim. Dive into a heartwarming adventure – either solo or cooperatively with up to 4 players – to bring magic and taste back to a community of quirky townsfolk.
Join over 30 million adventurers worldwide and take part in an epic and ever-changing FINAL FANTASY. Experience an unforgettable story, exhilarating battles, and a myriad of captivating environments to explore.
Join Sora, Donald and Goofy as they travel through Disney & Pixar worlds to overcome Darkness through the power of the Keyblade. While adventuring, experience stories and create friendships with an iconic cast of characters. Experience the KINGDOM HEARTS series with this perfect entry point for new players and long-time fans alike.
Going hands-on with the game allows us to compare the remake more directly to the Nintendo 64 original, such as a look at Meteo’s differences in the screenshots below:
The demo is short but sweet — it’ll take you around half an hour to see everything, including Meteo’s alternative exit via the wormhole — and shows the remaster’s visual upgrade well. I’m also a huge fan of the haptics, and am tempted to replay to try out the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, too.
Have you played the demo, and how do you think it compares to the original? Let us know in the comments.
Look, I loveRhythm Heaven, but I understand why you’d frontload your niche little Switch 1 swansong in the biggest Nintendo Direct since September last year.
First-party-wise, that was followed up by some Pokémon Pokopia update and DLC, then another look at Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave with a September date. A limited-time Switch Online DK Challenge event gave Switch 1 owners some more love before the one, two, three, four-punch Xenoblade combo that saw Chronicles 1, 2, and 3 get Switch 2 Editions and a new entry — Xenoblade Genesis — announced. Bonza!
That segued directly into Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, whereby Koizumi-san gave us all a blessed break while he declared a thumb war for what felt like five minutes. Following a few more third-party reveals, the cursory mention of the upcoming Star Fox came with news of a demo that’s out right now, and Splatoon Raiders soon got its nod, too (although no demo for that one, yet – all eyes on that standalone Splatoon Direct), along with some new Joy-Con colours.
None more blue — Image: Nintendo
And yet somehow, even with all that, it still felt ‘one last thing’ was needed; fortunately, Nintendo didn’t disappoint. Even the leaks and rumours couldn’t really spoil the narrated reveal that tastefully retold the opening moments of Ocarina of Time. We’ve seen almost nothing, but that “2026” means there must be more — a lot more coming very soon.
And going back over all the third-party games announced — big ones, too — it’s difficult to call that direct anything but a triumph. They kept up the pace with big’un after big’un from the beginning. Lots of known quantities, sure, but that’s been the case with Switch 2 since launch and it’s unlikely to change.
And amongst the knowns, there were a couple of surprises, too, in Vanillaware’s Muramasa returning in Revenant Blades (also on Switch 1) and Final Fantasy Resonance bringing the HD-2D style to that particular series for the first time. The original Pikuniku was great, happy to have a sequel. And although we all knew Kingdom Hearts 4 existed, I’m sure a few hearts skipped a beat at that one, too.
There were a couple of moments that had me raising an eyebrow, but looking back that was a strong showing that summed up the Switch 2 experience quite well for me: an absolute cavalcade of quality — too much to any normal person with eclectic tastes to keep up with (or afford!), but not much genuinely new to sink your teeth into.
As for the closing game, I’m hoping for something radical — a Capcom-style overhaul that totally reimagines a classic from the ground up. There may be merits to giving Ocarina a Star Fox-style modern paintover while keeping 1998’s Hyrule the same underneath, but a game this special surely deserves more.
Image: Nintendo
Overall, Nintendo needed to lay out its plans for the rest of the year, and from first- and third-party perspectives, it’s job done – you can’t argue with that lineup, even if I’m still jonesing for some unknown unknowns. Roll on summer.
How would you rate the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, on a scale of 1-10? (950 votes)
With Nintendo now confirming that Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave will launch for the Switch 2 on 17th September 2026, it’s also graced us with the official box art.
Let’s start with the price. Fortune’s Weave will cost $69.99 on the North American eShop and £58.99 in the UK. Physical is likely to be a bit more expensive for both regions, but we’ll confirm this as soon as we can.
And then we have the box art.
We won’t beat around the bush with this one; we know you all want to check out the goods, so here it is!
Image: Nintendo
Looks nice, huh? Of course, a special edition will also be available if you want to go all-out, and we’ll confirm the price for that one as soon as we can.
Pretty standard price for this one. The box art looks great though. Share your thoughts on both with a comment down below.
Keen to make sure no one missed any hot Rhythm Heaven Groove content, Nintendo plonked it right at the very start of today’s Direct, and it continues to look wonderful.
Today’s new overview trailer gave us a taste of some of the 80 new rhythm minigames available in Groove, but the thing that really caught our eye was the multiplayer modes, which will be slotting straight into our game night rotations.
In these modes, you can play with friends across “over 30 co-operative and competitive games”, and they look like a right laugh. Seeing who can slice away arrows to the beat, grab a slice of cake, or survive an onslaught of giant rolling balls? Yes please.
There’s also an ace-looking single-player mode, where you’ll have to use the rhythm to cast spells and make your way through a series of dungeon-crawling battles. It vaguely reminded us of the good old StreetPass Quest days, and that’s never a bad thing!
As a reminder, Rhythm Heaven Groove arrives on Switch on 2nd July.
What do you make of the latest Rhythm Heaven Groove trailer? Type to the beat in the comments and let us know.
A little game called Minecraft, you might have heard of it, is getting a native release on Switch 2 later this year.
You’ll be able to enjoy the new(ish) ‘vibrant visuals’ display with enhanced lighting, while importing any creations you’ve already done on the Switch version. Unfortunately, there are no details as to whether current owners will be able to take advantage of any discounts, but we’ll let you know if we hear any different.
“Survive the night or create a work of art in the iconic sandbox game! Build anything you can imagine, uncover mysteries, and face foes in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough. The Nintendo Switch 2 version features the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade, which brings improved visual elements, as well as the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, where you can explore a custom Mario-themed world! The pack also features 15 tracks and 40 player skins inspired by the iconic Super Mario series.
Those who purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version can also carry over their save data from the Nintendo Switch version. Play with friends across devices or in local multiplayer3 or connect with players online2 when Minecraft launches on Nintendo Switch 2 later this year.”
Any interest in this one? What do you make of these so-called vibrant visuals? Let us know.
We heard rumours of some incoming NSO challenges yesterday, and in today’s Direct, they materialised.
The ‘DK Challenge’ event kicks off tomorrow, 10th June, at 2am BST / 3am CET / 6pm PT (9th) / 9pm ET (9th), and will be sticking around until 1st September.
These new challenges will put your skills to the test across a series of NSO titles, with digital challenge cards handed out as rewards. These tasks might be as simple as taking the Barrels all the way to the top of a level in Donkey Kong Country 2, or flying through the mine cart level of Donkey Kong Country, and they can all be accessed from the Nintendo Switch Online home page, found at the bottom of the Switch main menu.
The challenges also extend into Donkey Kong Bananza, with tasks available for beginners and harder ‘Developer Challenges’ for the pro gamers out there.
Speaking of Bananza, there’s a limited-time Mario event coming to the Emerald Rush DLC, where you can pick up exclusive DK and Pauline outfits, and find Power-Up Blocks / Mushrooms on DK Island. The first wave of this crossover event runs from 9th-30th June, with follow-ups on 14th-21st July, 4th – 11th August, and 25th August – 1st September.
Will you be trying your luck in any of these NSO or Bananza challenges? Let us know in the comments.
