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When and where to watch the Nintendo Direct for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

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It’s been a long time since the last proper Nintendo Direct, but the drought is almost over. Nintendo revealed the date of its next video presentation, which centers around Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Here are all the details on the upcoming Direct.

When is the Nintendo Direct?

The Direct goes live at 6 a.m. PT on February 20. It is roughly 25-minutes long, which is a little shorter than usual for Nintendo’s presentations.

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How can you watch the Direct?

As is the case with most Directs, the presentation should be available to livestream through Nintendo’s YouTube channel. The videos typically broadcast live and can be rewatched immediately afterward.

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What is the Direct about?

Nintendo billed this presentation as an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct specifically, so it’s not clear if any other games will get a mention. The short run time is a little more in line with Nintendo’s game-specific Directs, which it tends to do before one of its flagship games launches.

Details about the game have been slowly trickling out for months, but there hasn’t been a big dump of information on the game since E3 2019 in June. Nintendo promises an in-depth look at the game, which launches March 20, one month after the Direct airs. The video package will hopefully shed some more light on the game’s lack of cloud save data, which left fans scratching their heads over the past few weeks.

It’ll be interesting to see if Nintendo mentions the new special-edition Animal Crossing Switch, which recently saw a delay in Japan due to the coronavirus outbreak. Fans are clamoring for the console’s pastel Joy-Cons and custom dock to get individual releases without the need to buy a whole console. The Direct would be a good time to see if Nintendo fulfills those wishes.

When was the last Nintendo Direct?

Nintendo’s last full-blown Direct was on September 4, 2019. The presentation covered a wide range of games, including Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Pokemon Sword and Shield. Since then, Nintendo has remained relatively quiet about its upcoming games. Fans are used to new Directs every few months, so the gap in presentations is noticeable.

The Animal Crossing-centric nature of the Direct might still be disappointing for fans hoping to get an update on Nintendo’s 2020 calendar, which currently looks sparse beyond New Horizons.

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Giovanni Colantonio
Giovanni Colantonio
Section Editor, Gaming
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…
Nintendo’s mobile games are more influential than you might think
Alear and Marth open a door in Fire Emblem Engage.

Nintendo’s mobile games don’t get enough credit. While Nintendo had some undeniable hits like Pokémon Go and Fire Emblem Heroes, many consider the rest of its mobile efforts fairly underwhelming and even somewhat disappointing for a video game company of Nintendo’s stature. While nothing ever quite reached the high bar Pokémon Go set in 2016, Nintendo’s mobile games are a bit more influential than they get credit for.
Over the past few years, games like Pokémon: Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have built upon their mobile counterparts. Then, during the September 13 Nintendo Direct, Fire Emblem Engage’s announcement and main gimmick cemented that Nintendo isn’t just viewing mobile games as a mostly failed side experiment. While they might not be the most successful games out there, their DNA is creeping into the Nintendo Switch’s bestselling titles.
Mediocre mobile returns
Nintendo’s mobile gaming efforts kicked off in the mid-2010s. Niantic created the AR game Pokemon Go, which quickly became a smashing success in 2016. In the six years since, the game has generated around 678 million installs and $6 billion in player spending, according to data from Sensor Tower.
While working with Niantic proved fruitful for The Pokemon Company, Nintendo partnered with DeNA for most of its initial mobile games. Unfortunately, none of these quite reached the heights analysts and Nintendo expected. Super Mario Run was a smash hit at launch but failed to sustain much interest and consistent revenue, so it’s considered a disappointment by Nintendo.
Meanwhile, other games like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Mario Kart Tour, Dr. Mario World, and Dragalia Lost launched, and while they’ve still made lots of money for Nintendo, most haven't matched the success of the most popular mobile titles. The biggest exception to this is Fire Emblem Heroes, a gacha game where players can summon classic Fire Emblem characters. It’s had over $1 billion in player spending alone as of June 2022 and is Nintendo’s “flagship title on the [mobile} platform,” according to Sensor Tower.
More recently, Nintendo tried to recapture the success of Pokemon Go with Niantic’s Pikmin Bloom, although that game has reportedly disappointed as well. Overall, it’s understandable why some people are surprised to see only a couple of surefire mobile hits from a company with the pedigree of Nintendo and consider it a side venture that never realized its full potential. If you look closely at the console games in these series that Nintendo put out since, though, it isn’t ignoring everything learned while making mobile games.
Mobile's monumental impact
Nintendo has the masterful ability to find the strongest elements of an idea, draw those out, and then expand upon them to create something uniquely memorable. We’ve seen it do this time and time again with subsequent entries of its flagship series, but it’s a mindset it has applied to its mobile games upon closer inspection.
As far back as 2018, Pokemon: Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee recognized the charm of not needing to battle a Pokemon to capture it, and incorporated that into a traditional RPG experience. More recently, items and mechanics like gardening and cooking from Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp made their way into Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was able to revive its live service offerings by repurposing the best tracks and assets from Mario Kart Tour.
Fire Emblem Engage – Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch
The legacy of Nintendo’s mobile games could also be felt in the September 13 Nintendo Direct. The showcase’s first announcement was Fire Emblem Engage, which is turn-based strategy game where the main gimmick is being able to summon classic Fire Emblem characters with a ring. While it doesn’t look like Fire Emblem Engage goes full gacha, it’s clear that Nintendo recognized how people liked collecting and using classic Fire Emblem characters in a new adventure, so the developers drew and expanded upon that idea for Fire Emblem Engage.
Before the announcement of Pikmin 4, Shigeru Miyamoto also took a lot of time to highlight Pikmin Bloom. While we don’t know much about Pikmin 4’s gameplay, Nintendo could find some aspects of that game’s exploratory experience, weekly challenges, or something I’m not even thinking of to freshen up the next mainline game. The same could even happen with Super Mario Run the next time Nintendo decides to make a 2D Mario game.
While watching Fire Emblem Engage’s reveal during the latest Nintendo Direct, it became clear that Nintendo’s mobile games have quietly become influential forces in the company's console games. Nintendo has slowly plucked the best ideas out of them and brought them into Switch games without extra monetization. While the future is cloudy for Nintendo's seemingly stalled mobile push, I hope the company can still find a place for its games on mobile, using the platform as a space to experiment with its beloved series.

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5 exciting Nintendo Direct announcements you might have missed
A girl stares off into the distance in Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.

The September 2022 Nintendo Direct contained lots of big announcements, including the reveal that Breath of the Wild's sequel is titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and will be released on May 12, 2023. Although that, and some of the other big first-party announcements, are what people will remember most about the show, quite a few cool announcements at the show may have gone under the radar.
While you can check out Digital Trends' show recap for a full list of everything announced, we also want to highlight some announcements you might have missed while watching live. From surprising rereleases to cool DLC and Switc- exclusive features, don't ignore these five September 13 Nintendo Direct announcements.
GoldenEye 007's Online Mode is Nintendo Switch exclusive 
GoldenEye 007 – Xbox Game Pass Reveal Trailer
You probably noticed the announcement that Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007 is coming to Nintendo Switch Online. But did you know that it's also coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X via Xbox Game Pass and Rare Replay? That alone is surprising, although it's understandable when one considers that GoldenEye 007 developer Rare is owned by Microsoft. But more importantly, it's shocking that the Xbox version of the game won't feature online multiplayer. 
"Xbox is excited to bring GoldenEye 007 to Xbox Game Pass for the very first time - a faithful recreation of a much-loved and iconic title. While there are no plans to include online multiplayer as part of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox is focused on bringing this title to players in the way they fondly remember, including local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill," an Xbox representative told Digital Trends. 
Despite the fact that Xbox is typically more multiplayer-minded than Nintendo and owns the developer of the game, the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game will only have local multiplayer. So, whenever Goldeneye 007 comes to Nintendo Switch Online, give its online multiplayer a shot because that's somethingonly players on Nintendo Switch can do. 
Goldeneye 007 is "coming soon" to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. 
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse finally comes west
FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse - Announcement Trailer
While the eyes of people who don't like horror games might have glossed over when Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse popped up as the show's third announcement, it's actually very notable that this game is finally getting released in North America and Europe. Late in the first decade of this century, Nintendo saved the Fatal Frame series like it did with Bayonetta and published Mask of the Lunar Eclipse as a Wii exclusive. While the game came out in Japan, it never saw a release in North America or Europe.
While a fan translation emerged in the years following its release, this remaster is the first time the game will officially be available in North America and Europe. The horror game follows three girls who were kidnapped on Rōgetsu Isle when they were younger, but return to the island when they're older after two girls who were also kidnapped die. Ultimately, the girls end up having to use an object called the Camera Obscura to seal away vengeful ghosts. This remaster polishes up graphical textures, lighting, and character models, but players can also expect new costumes and a photo mode.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse will be released for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in early 2023. 
Mario Party 1, 2, and 3 are getting rereleased
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 – Nintendo Switch
In addition to Goldeneye 007, Nintendo Switch Online's Nintendo 64 lineup also impressed when it was revealed that the first three Mario Party games would all come to the service. The first two games will come to the service before the end of the year, while Mario Party 3 will be added in 2023. While Mario Party Superstars was enjoyable, the addition of these three games is cathartic for the fans who have been clamoring for the series to go back to its roots. 
The announcement becomes even more exciting when you notice that Mario Party and Mario Party 3 have actually never been re-eleased by Nintendo; they have only had content repurposed for games like Mario Party: The Top 100 and Mario Party Superstars. Clearly, Nintendo isn't worried about players injuring their hands on certain minigames anymore or cleared up other issues preventing a re-elease. Now, we just have to cross our fingers and hope they have online play too. 
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line will get a lot of great Square Enix DLC
THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - Announce Trailer
Square Enix celebrated Final Fantasy's 35th anniversary by announcing Theatrhythm Final Bar Line during the Direct. This announcement alone is a bit underrated, especially when one considers that the two 3DS games in this series were fantastic and that the base game alone will feature tons of iconic music from the Final Fantasy franchise. While the base game will have 385 sonsg, Square Enix also quickly highlighted some of the DLC it will get post-launch during its segment of the Nintendo Direct.
During that rush, Square Enix highlighted that 90 additional songs are coming to Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, and they'll all be pulled from other Square Enix franchises like SaGa, Nier, Octopath Traveler, The World Ends with You, Chrono, Mana, Xenogears, and Live A Live. Considering that all of those games have fantastic music, fans of rhythm games are in for a treat once all of this DLC is out. If that somehow isn't enough music for you, Digital Deluxe Editions featuring even more Final Fantasy music are also up for pre-order. 
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line will be released for Nintendo Switch and PS4 on February 16, 2023.
Don't miss the full trailer for Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3 - Ways of the Witch - Nintendo Switch
Bayonetta 3 got a brief shout-out during the Nintendo Direct as characters like Bayonetta, Luka, Jeanne, and Viola were given the spotlight. At the end of its segment, Nintendo said a gameplay trailer would be released on YouTube soon thereafter and wouldn't be a part of the Nintendo Direct. While you might have logged off and not given this trailer a second thought after the end of the presentation, I recommend that you go back and check the video out.
It's a lengthy gameplay overview trailer that's nearly eight minutes long and gives much-needed details on several features. We learn more about how Bayonetta can summon Infernal Demons to get a powerful edge in battle and even traverse the environments in unique ways. We also see how the new playable character Viola activates Witch Time by blocking and can also summon a giant Cheshire cat for help in a fight. We also see how players can equip an item to make combos simpler. If you weren't already excited for Bayonetta 3, this video will probably whet your appetite. 
Bayonetta 3 will be released exclusively for Nintendo Switch on October 28. 

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Everything announced at the September 2022 Nintendo Direct
Link overlooks Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom key art.

While digital video game showcases are more frequent than ever, no one does it quite as well as Nintendo. As such, this September 2022 Nintendo Direct really excited Nintendo Switch fans. So far, 2022 has been a great year for Nintendo thanks tp games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and Splatoon 3. During this show, we received a clear idea of how Nintendo plans to close this year out and kick off 2023.
We hoped to see a mix of announced games, DLC, remasters, and Nintendo's early 2023 lineup. While not every leak was true, we were pleasantly surprised by the likes of Fire Emblem Engage and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (yes, Breath of the Wild's sequel finally has a name). If you weren't able to watch it live or just want a recap of what was shown, this is everything Nintendo announced during the September 2022 Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022
Breath of the Wild 2 is officially titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Coming May 12th, 2023 – Nintendo Switch
After more than three years of secrecy, Nintendo confirmed that the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This trailer also served as our first good look at gameplay for the game, as we see Link skydive off a sky island, launch himself into the air, climb, and even fly around.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be released on May 12, 2023.
Fire Emblem Engage lets you fight with classic Fire Emblem characters
Fire Emblem Engage – Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch
To kick off the show, Nintendo announced a brand new traditional Fire Emblem game called Fire Emblem Engage. We saw both cinematics and tactics gameplay, and while it plays like the strategy game fans would expect, players can also equip rings to get help from classic Fire Emblem characters.
Fire Emblem Engage will be released on January 20, 2023. It will also get a Divine Edition with collectible items.
Pikmin 4 is finally launching in 2023
Pikmin 4 – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch
Shigeru Miyamoto showed up for the Nintendo Direct. After giving updates on the Mario movie, Nintendo's theme park at Universal, and Pikmin Bloom, he announced Pikmin 4 with a trailer showing off its gorgeous-looking environments. It scheduled to launch sometime in 2023.
We didn't see gameplay, but he confirmed that you can view the game from the Pikmin's perspective on the ground. Pikmin 4 is a long time coming, considering that Miyamoto first teased the game in 2015. 
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe announced
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe – Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 – Nintendo Switch
To continue the Kirby 30th anniversary celebration this year, Nintendo announced that the Wii game Kirby's Return to Dream Land is coming to Nintendo Switch. Titled Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, it adds a Mecha copy ability, a new subgame, and the ability for everyone to play as Kirby.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe launches on February 24, 2023.
Octopath Traveler II is coming to Nintendo Switch
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch
Although it leaked just beforehand, this Nintendo Direct couldn't go without an HD-2D game as Square Enix announced Octopath Traveler II. Like the original, this is a turn-based RPG stylized like the SNES classics where players follow the journey of eight different characters in a fantasy world.
Octopath Traveller II will be released on February 24, 2023. It's also coming to PC, PS4, and PS5.
Everything else

It Takes Two is coming to Nintendo Switch on November 4.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse gets a remaster in early 2023.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion pass adds a new character called Ino, Challenge Battles on October 13.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake gameplay was shown off.
Fitness Boxing First of the North Star comes to Nintendo Switch in March 2023.
Ubisoft announced Oddballers, launching in early 2023.
Tunic is coming to Nintendo Switch on September 27.
Front Missions 1st: Remake launches in November, Front Mission 2: Remake launches in 2023, and Front Mission 3 is getting a remake. 
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life is getting a remake in Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life in summer 2023.
Splatoon 3's first Splatfest is "What would you bring to a deserted island?" The choices are Gear, Grub, and Fun.
Fae Farm was announced by the developers of Dauntless. 
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line launches on February 16, 2023, and it will get DLC based on other Square Enix franchises.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope gameplay highlighted progression and Sparks.
Rune Factory 3 Special was announced with a 2023 release window, while a new game in the series was confirmed to be in development.
Pilotwings 64, Mario Party, Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3, Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Stadium 2, 1080 Snowboarding, Excitebike 64, and Goldeneye 007 are all coming to Nintendo Switch Online. 
Apple Arcade game Various Daylife is coming to Nintendo Switch today. 
Factorio is coming to Nintendo Switch.
Indie game Ib was announced for Nintendo Switch. 
Mario Strikers: Battle League's second update adds Pauline and Diddy Kong alongside more gear and a new stadium later this month. 
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key launches on February 24, 2023. 
Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and DS Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS are coming to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass Wave 3 this holiday
Nintendo Switch Sports is getting a golf mode with 21 courses and eight-player online support this holiday. 
Just Dance 2023 Edition got a new trailer. 
Harvestella is getting a demo today ahead of its November 4 launch.
Bayonetta 3's eclectic cast was highlighted during the Direct, with a new trailer being released on Nintendo's YouTube channel afterward. 
The creators of Danganronpa announced Master Detective Archive: Rain Code. 
Capcom is bringing Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3 to Nintendo Switch, but they will be cloud versions of the games. 
Sifu comes to Nintendo Switch on November 8.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion launches on December 13.
Radiant Silvergun launches for Nintendo Switch today.
Endless Dungeon is coming to Nintendo Switch.
Tales of Symphonia Remastered was announced for Nintendo Switch and launches in early 2023. 
Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection, Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered, Lego Bricktales, Disney Speedstorm, and Fall Guys were featured in a sizzle reel.

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