Nintendo Direct Predictions

Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018 

The previously delayed Nintendo Direct from last week will be airing tomorrow, September 13, according to Nintendo's Twitter. 

With one day to go, there are plenty of speculations on what will or what will not be given attention in the 35-minute presentation.

Looking at what Nintendo has on the way, recently announced or rumored titles and a little optimism, here are 10 predictions (in no particular order) for just what Nintendo has in store for consumers in its September 13 direct, covering both 3DS and Switch titles.

1. Nintendo Switch Online

We'e already been given confirmation of the service's release date, that being September 18. Further details are inevitably going to be given light during this direct. I believe gamers care now, more than ever, whether the Netflix-style retro catalog long rumored will stack up against Nintendo's Minis or previous virtual console markets. I see Nintendo confirming everything that's guaranteed with subscriptions, pricing, cloud save details and included games very early on. 

2. Luigi's Mansion

"Luigi's Mansion" is coming to the 3DS one month from today, promising 3DS players the chance to relive or experience for the first time the GameCube launch title. Nintendo has said this direct will cover 3DS titles in addition to that of the Switch so I see it to be a no-brainer that they will offer a trailer and a reminder that this game is coming so soon.

3. Pokemon Let's Go

"Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee" have been getting their fair share of small trailers since being officially revealed. The titles will likely get another one in the direct, showing another gym leaders or two, a couple small features and destinations and looks at mega evolutions. I think they will finally reveal new mega evolutions, based on both the trademark files recently and the fact that it's coming pretty soon and could use something more to push excitement. 

4. Final Fantasy XV

Recently announced for the Switch, "Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition" presumably meant to have appeared in the direct, will likely get shown in some way tomorrow. The game just launched last week on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and has no release date for the Switch. I think Nintendo will show a trailer for it and give a release window. My guess is Q1 2019. 

5. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

Just a couple of days ago, "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles" was announced to be getting a remaster for the PlayStation 4 and Switch next year. This title would have been a pleasant surprise for the direct but, even with its announcement coming prior to tomorrow, I think Nintendo will still have it shown as it was likely scheduled to be. 

6. Yoshi's Crafted World

Nintendo revealed a new "Yoshi" game early in the Switch's life cycle; however, it was delayed to 2019 in June of this year. Now, there is plenty of curiosity, maybe even concerns, regarding what this will be. Appearing to be a bit of a successor to "Yoshi's Woolly World," the game will likely get a trailer showing more details, a title and a release date at this upcoming Nintendo Direct. The title of "Yoshi's Crafted World" was recently leaked and I believe that is undoubtedly the title, one that, like I said, will be confirmed tomorrow. 

7. New Super Mario Bros U

"New Super Mario Bros. U" and "New Super Luigi U" were rumored heavily to be coming to the Switch not long ago. This makes perfect sense thanks to Nintendo's track record of bringing the biggest Wii U titles over to the Switch. The hybrid console hasn't gotten a 2D "Mario" title yet and the aforementioned games were well-received. I believe they will definitely get revealed for the Switch, packed together with all previously released content, a price point of $50 a January 2019 release date. 

8. Super Mario Party

November marks the release date of "Super Mario Party" for the Switch and looks quite ambitious. The title has gotten attention at events like E3 2018 but seems like it could use more. I'd say there's no way Nintendo's not showing us a new trailer of this party title at their direct. I see some more games being shown off within "Super Mario Party," as well as a few new character reveals. I also think some of those mini-games they will reveal or give attention to are going to be innovative ones that use the console's features to full effect. 

9. Mario + Luigi Bowser's Inside Story

"Mario + Luigi Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.s' Journey" is the lengthy titled remake coming to the 3DS next year. This game brings back "Mario + Luigi Bowser's Inside Story from the DS with new content as well. Nintendo may not have too many large-scale 3DS titles coming at this point but this is still a prominent release, definitely worth bringing the 3DS out for fans of the sub-series of "Mario + Luigi." I think they'll show a new trailer, remind us it's still happening and give a February release date. 

10. Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Arguably the biggest game coming from Nintendo this year, "Super Smash Bros Ultimate," released in December with an impressive roster of over 70 characters. Despite Masahiro Sakurai even saying not to expect too many new characters, we all know there will be more to come. I think Nintendo likes their "Super Smash Bros" specific directs but will still nonetheless touch on their upcoming title tomorrow. The blurred out mode, presumably one that offers heavy single player content, sounds like an announcement and reveal that will be held off for another time. I do however think they will show some more gameplay, reveal a new smaller mode such as Target Smash or content of that nature and conclude with a new character reveal. Who this character could be is of course anyone's guess; however, I firmly believe they will show us one who as been long-requested and desired. Skull Kid, Geno and/or Isaac are viable options.