Nintendo have announced that there will be a Nintendo Direct Mini today, focusing on the companies development and publishing partners.
In a tweet in the early-hours this morning, Nintendo announced the following:
On 7/20 we’ll debut the first #NintendoDirect Mini: Partner Showcase, a series focused on titles from our development & publishing partners. We’ll share a few updates on a small group of previously-announced #NintendoSwitch games. Check out the full video release at 7am PT.
After E3 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous companies took to making their own “Direct” style livestream press conferences. Nintendo however- the company that arguably kickstarted the trend- has yet to make a singular grand show for their major releases.
Instead, major announcements have come via press releases and trailers. Nintendo have used smaller Directs focused on individual series. In late April it was rumored that Nintendo had cancelled an unannounced Nintendo Direct scheduled for June, due to complications caused by the coronavirus pandmemic.
We previously reported on the rumors that to celebrate the Super Mario franchise’ 35th anniversary, there would be many new games and “high-definition remasters.” This would likely have been something Nintendo would have announced during a major Nintendo Direct.
These included remasters of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. The rumor also claimed there would be a “deluxe” version of Super Mario 3D World, and a new Paper Mario. “Most of Mario’s back catalogue will be remastered for Switch,” sources claimed, along with “several other Mario titles in 2020.”
Later, we heard claims that Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy would be part of a “collection.” In addition, there were claims that the alleged new Paper Mario “represents a return to that franchise’s roots.”
A listing for Super Mario 3D World on Nintendo Switch appeared on Best Buy’s website, and Paper Mario: The Origami King was announced. While the game has turn-based RPG elements (unlike Super Paper Mario), there are other elements such as a puzzle-based battle system, and a focus on consumable special attacks and coins over experience points.
With even a Twitter account to allegedly celebrate the 35th anniversary, it seems Nintendo have been leaking information about what could have been their heaviest hitters quite badly. This would further discourage a major Direct. Should the rumors be true, it is likely we’ll see a Super Mario Direct in the future.
