Nintendo E3 2021 Direct: Highlights, First-Party Releases, and Community Reaction
Entry information
Published on: June 16, 2021
Description
The curtains have closed on the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct, and the event stands out as a milestone in the company's ongoing digital presentation strategy.
Nintendo maintained its consistent format—about 40 minutes packed with a diverse array of announcements tailored for Nintendo Switch fans and industry observers alike.
Rather than spotlighting a single game, the Direct took a balanced approach, allocating several minutes each to multiple highly anticipated titles.
This approach comes against the backdrop of a challenging year for game developers and publishers, yet Nintendo managed to put forward an impressive lineup of first-party games stretching well into the end of 2021.
Developers such as MercurySteam and WayForward received recognition for collaborating with Nintendo on marquee projects, and together, they have prepped an extensive schedule of big-name releases.
The reaction within the gaming community has been largely positive.
According to a reader poll conducted by a leading Nintendo-focused outlet shortly after the showcase, 57% of more than 5,500 respondents rated the event either an A or B, demonstrating widespread approval.
On social platforms, the numbers mirrored this sentiment, with the official Nintendo of America YouTube upload receiving over 43,000 likes compared to just 3,300 dislikes at the time of reporting.
While it is never possible to satisfy everyone, this Direct has generally been considered a success amidst reduced event frequency and increased anticipation.
Looking ahead, Nintendo Switch users can expect a robust calendar of major first-party games, with significant releases coming almost every month.
Key upcoming titles include:
- Mario Golf: Super Rush – June 25, 2021
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD – July 16, 2021
- WarioWare: Get It Together! – September 10, 2021
- Metroid Dread – October 8, 2021
- Mario Party Superstars – October 29, 2021
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – November 19, 2021
- Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp – December 3, 2021
- Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water – Later in 2021
The 2021 Direct catered to both nostalgia and innovation.
Long-requested franchises returned, such as Advance Wars, now remastered by WayForward, and WarioWare: Get It Together! saluting the beloved microgame formula with new cooperative play.
Metroid Dread was the standout announcement, described by Nintendo representatives as the long-awaited continuation of the 2D Metroid saga.
Originally conceived shortly after Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance, Metroid Dread’s development history spans over 15 years, making its revival on Nintendo Switch a historic moment.
MercurySteam, already acclaimed for Metroid: Samus Returns, once again leads development, ensuring the latest entry takes full advantage of the Switch’s more powerful hardware.
The Direct also gave fans fresh updates on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, featuring a tantalizing trailer with glimpses of new gameplay and mechanics.
While the anticipated release is currently slated for 2022, the showcased footage reassured fans that the sequel will offer innovative experiences.
When factoring in additional upcoming games such as Splatoon 3 and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Nintendo continues to build on its software momentum into the Switch’s fifth year.
Amid ongoing industry chatter about potential new hardware, Nintendo’s sustained sales and compelling lineup evidence continued dominance in both the console and software markets.
In summary, E3 2021’s Nintendo Direct not only delivered on expectations but set a concrete path for the Nintendo Switch’s future, reaffirming the company’s commitment to diverse, high-quality releases as the year unfolds.
