Nintendo Direct Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Hollow Knight Silksong’s difficulty spikes aren’t bad design, you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time

Team Cherry has released Hollow Knight Silksong, a sequel that surpasses the expectations set by its predecessor. The game features an expansive world that emphasizes vertical exploration, with a focus on navigating challenges related to gravity. The level design is cohesive and surpasses the original Hallownest, combining beauty and decay in its environments. Navigation can be challenging due to limited fast travel points, and combat encounters are intricately tied to the world design, encouraging strategic adaptation. Animation and movement have received meticulous attention, enhancing player immersion. The narrative is more accessible than the original, intertwining character lives with the world, while balancing whimsy and intrigue. Silksong incorporates unexpected elements and builds upon the legacy of Hollow Knight, redefining expectations for future titles in the Metroidvania genre.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

New Pokémon Game Inspired by Minecraft Revealed

This year, Pokémon enthusiasts are excited about the upcoming releases of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Champions, and Pokemon Friends. A new spinoff game titled Pokemon Pokopia has been announced, featuring the protagonist Ditto transformed into a human. In this farming simulation-style game, players will craft their own universe in a vibrant landscape, cultivate plants, customize terrain, and build homes for Pokémon. The game will include a crafting bench and various wild Pokémon to befriend. Pokemon Pokopia is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, although specific release dates and pricing details have not yet been revealed.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

Pokémon Pokopia Looks Like An Adorable Mix Of Minecraft And Animal Crossing

Pokémon Pokopia is a new life simulation game announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation, set for release in 2026. Players will control a Ditto that can transform into a human and will engage in activities such as farming, gathering resources, constructing furniture, and forming friendships with various Pokémon. The game is developed by Koei Tecmo and will have digital pre-orders available on the Nintendo eShop starting November 12th.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

Nintendo Direct reveals Minecraft and Animal Crossing style Pokemon Pokopia game

Pokémon Pokopia is a new spin-off game announced during the latest Nintendo Direct, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. It features the Transform Pokémon, Ditto, and focuses on creativity and exploration rather than the traditional catch-‘em-all gameplay. The game incorporates blocky terrain and resource-gathering mechanics inspired by Minecraft, along with community-centric elements reminiscent of Animal Crossing. Further details about its building mechanics and customization options are still pending.

AppWizard

September 13, 2025

The next Pokémon game is Minecraft meets body horror

Nintendo has concluded its largest Nintendo Direct presentation, announcing various new projects, including a new Pokémon game titled Pokémon Pokopia. In this game, players control a Ditto that transforms into a human-like being due to a cosmic event and explores a cube-based world, forming friendships with other Pokémon and acquiring their abilities. The gameplay features elements reminiscent of Minecraft and Animal Crossing, with significant influence from the Dragon Quest Builders series. Pokémon Pokopia is co-developed by Koei Tecmo and Game Freak and is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, though no specific release date has been provided.

AppWizard

September 13, 2025

Ever wanted to play a Pokémon Animal Crossing meets Minecraft? Pokémon Pokopia might be just that game

Nintendo announced a new spin-off game titled Pokopia during the Nintendo Direct event on September 12, set to launch on the Switch 2 in 2026. Developed by Koei Tecmo Games, players will assume the role of Ditto in a vibrant world where they cultivate a personal Pokémon paradise, befriend various Pokémon, and learn their unique moves. Gameplay includes collecting materials, constructing furniture, growing vegetables, and building homes for Pokémon. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle linked to real-world time, changing weather patterns, and distinct locations. Game Freak is also involved in the development to maintain the essence of the Pokémon franchise.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

Pokémon Pokopia looks like Minecraft meets Animal Crossing… with Pokémon

Game Freak and The Pokémon Company announced a new title, Pokémon Pokopia, which will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. The game is a cozy life simulation where players control a Ditto that can morph into a human. Players explore a blocky environment filled with familiar Pokémon like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, each providing unique abilities. Players can also craft furniture and buildings to develop their own Pokémon village. The trailer suggested potential multiplayer features. Additionally, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced, featuring Mega Evolutions for Generation 6 starters and a paid DLC expansion titled Mega Dimensions, set to release on October 16.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Once Upon a Katamari will have you rolling up the annals of history, and it’s coming to PC

Bandai Namco has announced a new game titled Once Upon a Katamari, the first mainline entry in the Katamari franchise since 2011, set to launch on October 24, 2025, for PC and Nintendo Switch. Players will take on the role of the King of All Cosmos and explore various historical eras, including feudal Japan and ancient Greece. The game will feature customizable avatars, an original soundtrack, and a new power-up system that includes magnets, rocket boosters, and time manipulation.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Zombies are on the lawn again: Plants vs. Zombies is coming back with a ‘Replanted’ remaster featuring the original campaign plus new game modes, co-op and PvP support, and more

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a remaster of the original Plants vs. Zombies game, announced during a Nintendo Direct showcase after a 16-year hiatus. It will be available for PC and Nintendo platforms, featuring new levels, enhanced HD graphics, and various new modes, including local co-op play, PvP battles, a permadeath mode called "Rest in Peace," a "Cloudy Day" mode, and updated mini-games. The game is set to launch on October 23 and is currently accessible on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, where the original game has over 130,000 user reviews with an "overwhelmingly positive" rating.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

Nintendo should have cribbed from Valve on how to make a good handheld tech demo

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct introduced a feature called Welcome Tour, which is priced at 990 yen (approximately £5), though there are speculations it may cost more. The feature has been described as a "glorified tech demo" or a "digital manual." In contrast, Valve's Aperture Desk Job is a free tech demo for the Steam Deck that effectively showcases its functionalities while incorporating humor and narrative elements from the Portal universe. It takes about half an hour to complete and has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and clever references. Many players find it both entertaining and educational. In comparison, the Welcome Tour has been criticized for its generic presentation and lack of creativity, highlighting a disparity between Nintendo's past successes and its current offerings.