The firstNintendo Directsince 2019 has come and gone, where games likeSplatoon 3andMario Golf: Super Rushtook the stage.Super Smash Bros. Ultimategot its next DLC character, and a ton of little things also appeared. However, it would seem a few highly-anticipated games weren’t there.
Some of this may come at a later date this year, while some may further out yet. For the first bigNintendo Direct of 2021, it wasn’t packed with its biggest hitters.
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Anything Pokemon-Related
Recent rumors have suggested everything from newPokemon SwordandShieldDLC andDiamondandPearlRemakestoLet’s Go Johtoand more. However, nothingPokemon-related appeared at the show, not evenNew Pokemon Snapwhich is just a few months away.
This may be for good reason though. June 27, 2025, is the 2th anniversary ofPokemon, and while celebrations like theMcDonald’s Promoare already starting, there’s a good chance video game-focused announcements are coming at their own event via Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. It wouldn’t be the first time that a “smaller” Nintendo Direct followed a main one, so it’ll be interesting to see.
Legend of Zelda Wind Waker and Twilight Princess Remasters/Ports
Many may be upset thatZelda: Breath of the Wild 2technically wasn’t there, but that fan desire was addressed. Instead ofBreath of the Wild, fans did get a announcement forSkyward Sword HDon the Switch, but with the 35th anniversary of the franchise being this Sunday (February 21), it may find itself in its own book.
Assuming celebration theoretically happen any time this year, moreBotW2news is expected in 2021 and even moreZeldagames. After the Direct, it was said thatWind WakerandTwilight Princessare coming to the Switch, and while that should be taken with a grain of salt, it seems likely that more is in the pipeline.
Metroid Prime 4
In short,Metroid Prime 4is effectively Nintendo’sElden Ring.Metroid Primeis something that’s going to be clamored for every time an event happens, but it’s one that’s not likely to appear even soon. Announced 4 years ago,Metroid Prime 4dominated the conversation until its development restarted, which has kept it on everyone’s radar but has limited any news for it. This is especially true given COVID-19, but fans shouldn’t expect it any time this year.
Shin Megami Tensei
IfMetroid Prime 4was the biggest missing game that wouldn’t reasonably be there,Shin Megami Tenseiis the one that would have likely been there, but was not. Nintendo discussed games all the way out until 2022, butShin Megami Tensei 3is set for Spring 2021 for PS4 and Switch. That window and an announcement for it is quickly closing; at the same time,Shin Megami Tensei 5is set for a similar time period, “early this year.” At this rate, this may not seem likely, though it’s not ruled out quite yet.
Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 2released back in 2014, and 7 years later,Bayonetta 3is still somewhat MIA. It was announced at The Game Awards 2017, but a recentinterview suggestedBayonetta 3fansshould “forget” about it until later this year. Still, saying it was coming later this year and then appearing here would’ve been a “surprise” as teased, but ultimately, that’s not the case. Based on the aforementioned interview, it would seem information is coming this year, but there’s still plenty of time left to see it.
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