In all seriousness, I think there are two possibilities here. First, we’re getting exposure to partners like we get in 2022. The last half of the year needs filling in, and some really big-name third-party titles are going to help boost the switch. However, I think the most likely thing we’ll see – at least before the end of July – is Pikmin 4 Direct. We haven’t heard from this long-awaited sequel since we were given a February 2023 Direct release date. It doesn’t have the oomph of say, Splatoon or Zelda Direct, for sure, but this is Nintendo’s next big first-party title, and they really need an information explosion in order to draw in an even bigger crowd for this one.
Oli Reynolds, Staff Writer
I’m going to be completely sanguine with my predictions and just say there is absolutely no way a Nintendo Direct will happen in June. Sorry, it is not. Nintendo has already stated that it will not be attending the now canceled E3 2023, so I don’t see a reason to release it with Nintendo Direct at the same time.
I’m not sure about this, but I’m also skeptical that we’ll see Indie World or Partner Showcase either. Here’s the thing: Nintendo just released what is arguably the biggest Switch title since the console’s launch in 2017 with Tears of the Kingdom. You will want to ride this hike for as long as possible. Zelda and Nintendo are the focal point of online discourse right now, and it’s likely to stay that way for some time.
Why would Nintendo want to divert attention from that? That’s why the Everybody 1-2-Switch was quietly revealed and why, in my opinion, we probably won’t hear from Nintendo again until they start ramping up Pikmin 4 marketing in July.
Jim Norman, staff writer
As much as I’d love to have a live show around the corner, I think it’s unlikely. Does the rest of 2023 look too quiet for the Big N? definitely. But with the continued intake of TOTK everyone In our time, why would you want to rush into the next round of advertising without letting that soup out for as long as possible?
I don’t think there will be nothing From Nintendo all month long, mind you — this is the season when game plans are released, and all that. The simplest way to tide us over until the inevitable Pikmin 4 barrage begins in July? Drop another wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC and maybe, maybea surprise release of Splatoon 3’s ‘Side Order’ as well.
The big June blowout we’ve all been so in love with barely happened, but no one actually wants to look away from Zelda for too long, right?
So, that’s what we’re all thinking, but we really want to hear from you as well. Be sure to vote in the poll below and leave a comment to let us know what you think Nintendo might have up its sleeve for June’s ‘Gaming Christmas’ party, if anything.
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