Key Highlights:
- Nintendo confirms February 21 Direct focused on third-party games
- Set to feature 25 minutes of Switch titles launching first half of 2024
- Delayed from initial February window following recent Xbox news
- Showcase format means first-party titles like Mario won’t appear
After plenty of fan anticipation, Nintendo has officially announced details for its next Direct broadcast coming later this week. The February Nintendo Direct will air on February 21st and focus exclusively on third-party Nintendo Switch titles slated for the first half of 2024.
Delayed Slightly Due to Recent Xbox Announcements
Nintendo only confirmed the Direct a couple days in advance after keeping fans waiting throughout most of February. Speculation suggested the company delayed its planned February broadcast slightly due to Microsoft revealing major Xbox news earlier this month.
Regardless of the reasons behind it, the Direct will air February 21st at 9AM Eastern/14:00 (UK time) and lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Spotlight on Upcoming Third-Party Games
As a “Partner Showcase” edition of Direct, the emphasis will be completely on Switch games in development by external studios rather than Nintendo’s own franchises. This means first-party titles the company recently highlighted like Metroid Prime 4 and the next Mario won’t make an appearance.
However, the presentation aims to build excitement for third-party projects on the horizon for early 2024. It will likely include a mix of brand new reveals and updates on previously announced games.
Recently Rumoured 3D Platformer May Debut
One title rumoured to premiere at the Showcase is the 3D platformer Penny’s Big Breakaway from Private Division. The studio is known for the popular Kerbal Space Program games, so fans keeping an eye out for their new Switch project makes sense.
With a deep portfolio of games slated for 2024 and beyond like Metroid Prime 4, this Direct enables Nintendo’s partners to showcase their contributions to the Switch catalogue in the near future.
More First-Party Titles Still to Come
While heavy hitters like the Mario and Zelda franchises won’t feature this time, Nintendo fans still have those major internal projects to look forward to later. Titles like the Mario+Rabbids sequel Sparks of Hope, the Princess Peach platformer, and Metroid Prime 4 all remain in the pipeline.
For now, the upcoming Partner Showcase offers the first look at various third-party studios’ offerings arriving on Switch systems over the next six months or so. The Japanese gaming giants can then follow up with Directs highlighting its own first-party projects afterwards.
The key details to note are the February 21 date, 25 minute runtime, and focus purely on externally developed Switch games hitting in the first half of 2024. Tune in across Nintendo’s social channels that morning for reveals.
About The Author
Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.