Nintendo Direct: How to watch, start times and what to expect – CNET [CNET]

February 17, 2021 Thomas Giboney technology

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The last six months have been usually quiet for Nintendo. Its big holiday releases were Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a collection of three remastered games, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a Zelda spin-off. Will the next six months be different? We’ll find out on Wednesday.

That’s when Nintendo will host its next Nintendo Direct, a presentation in which the Japanese gaming giant will announce what games you’ll be playing on your Switch “in the first half of 2021.”

What to expect

Nintendo says we’ll be seeing news on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, plus we’re likely to get a good look at New Pokemon Snap, which is slated for an April 30 release. But it’s a 50 minute presentation, longer than last July’s Nintendo Direct Mini, so we’re expecting at least one juicy reveal.

It’s possible that we’ll get more DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield, as the second of the two previously announced expansion packs was released last October. And with the past few Mario releases being remasters — 3D All-Stars and, earlier this month, the WiiU’s 3D World — our favorite plumber is due for a new adventure. Plus of course, there’s always the possibility that we’ll see more Breath of the Wild 2.

There’s a chance that the “one more thing” announcement may not be a game at all. The rumor mill has for many months circulated whispers of a new, 4K-capable Nintendo Switch. Not Switch Lite, but Switch Heavy. (It will absolutely not be called that.)

Start Times

Nintendo Direct starts at 2 p.m. PT and 5 p.m ET on Wednesday, Feb. 17. If you’re in the UK, you’ll have to wait up until 10 p.m. GMT Wednesday. For Australians, Nintendo Direct takes place on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 9 a.m. AEST.