Kenta’s Top-picks from the 3rd Party Direct

On June 28th, Nintendo aired a pre-recorded Nintendo Direct featuring third party titles releasing in the coming months. Here are the highlights we’re excited about!

1) Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

We already had this dated, so it made since to have this kick off the direct. It gets it out of the way and a serves as a nice reminder. We got a lot of details on the additons and a free DLC release schedule up through 2023. Nice.

2). NieR: Automata - The End of YoRHa Edition

I’ve been intrigued by the NieR series but have yet to give it a try. Releasing on Switch makes it far more likely that I’ll give it a go at last. I’m interested to see the Digital Foundry breakdown for this come October.

3). Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

This is a must-have, day one. I’m avoiding everything to do with it, including the Ubisoft showcase on the game. I absolutely loved the first game and 100%’d it, including the DLC. I was so excited when this sequel was announced and the short gameplay overview we got in the direct was enough for me. Total blackout now and I’ll be ready to go in October

4). Persona

Ok, it’s about time. I found it puzzling that Sega/Atlus wouldn’t release these games on the Switch. Once P4G was released on Steam in 2020 and did well, the decision became even more puzzling. I did low-key expect Persona 5 base game to release on Switch once Joker was revealed for Smash Ultimate a few years ago; but I didn’t expect it to take this long at all. In retrospect, seeing these games release on XBox Series with no Switch announcement should have tipped everyone off that it was indeed coming - and there were some leaks, but it’s nice to have it confirmed at last!