Nintendo Directs have gotten a bit of a reputation of suddenly releasing games mentioned during the presentation, and the June 18 Nintendo Direct was no different. Though some of the “Available Now” announcements weren’t quite as exciting as in Directs’ past, there’s still some games and updates out now that are worth checking out.
For those subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, a handful of classic games are coming to the service. For Game Boy Advance, the GBA port of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords combo pack is now playable, along with Metroid: Zero Mission, a GBA remake of the original Metroid. On the N64, players can check out Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and the original Perfect Dark, though those interested will need to download a separate N64 Nintendo Switch Online app specifically for Mature-rated games like the two mentioned.
The only other game to be shadow dropped following the Direct was Metal Slug Attack Reloaded, a tower-defense spin-off of the classic sidescrolling shooter franchise that was previously available on mobile devices. It’s available now for $10.
On the update front, Among Us received a new update that adds three new roles to the multiplayer social deduction game, including the new Phantom role for the Imposter that allows them to turn invisible for a brief period of time. Disney Illusion Island, a co-op 2D platformer released last year starring Mickey and friends, also received a new free update. The Mystery in Monoth update sees players tracking down clues to help Dash Dolphin solve a new mystery and crack the case.
Nintendo’s June Direct, which came a week after other major video-game presentations like the Xbox Showcase and Summer Game Fest, didn’t disappoint. The publisher revealed a first look at Metroid Prime 4 gameplay, as well as a new top-down Legend of Zelda game starring none other than Zelda herself and a new Mario and Luigi RPG.
