Nintendo Direct June 2023 Hopes; Honestly Just Really Hoping for Dragon Quest III HD-2D

Tomorrow marks yet another Nintendo Direct, with forty minutes of who knows what, well, at least Pikmin 4. Still, there are plenty of possibilities since we don’t really know too many Switch games releasing later this year.

With that being said, let’s dive into a couple of our hopes that we hope to see realized tomorrow:

Dragon Quest III HD-2D

Dragon Quest III HD-2D has been one of my most anticipated games from Square Enix since its initial announcement, but there’s been practically nothing about it ever since. In 2021, during the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary live stream, Square Enix confirmed the game is planned to release worldwide for home consoles. This is one of the series’ most beloved entries and one of the fundamental cornerstones for all JRPGs, so I hope to learn more about its revival.

I think this resurged release will be faithful to the original, potentially with options to make the experience more or less challenging. However, new gameplay content may be possible to sweeten the pot. Regardless, I think it’s about time to see more of this highly anticipated classic adventure.

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776/Genealogy of the Holy War

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 is the fan-favorite fifth entry that has never been localized. As a result, with rumors of Nintendo announcing an SNES remake tomorrow, some are hoping that Thracia is that. Alternatively is Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War, the fourth entry that has also never been localized.

Considering the Fire Emblem series’ growing prominence, especially with the successes of Three Houses and Fire Emblem Engage for both new fans and veterans, respectively, an entirely from the ground-up remake of a classic isn’t out of the question. Plus, Engage’s DLC recently concluded, so a new game announcement is certainly possible.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

I know it’s only been a few months since we’ve seen Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, but I’m just incredibly eager to see more of this still unexpected franchise return. Knowing it’s set after Unwound Future and in a fresh setting is a brilliant shakeup that I hope with all heart sticks the landing. Admittedly, I’m concerned about the puzzle quality due to Katrielle’s…questionable ones, but we have a new team here, so things may work out this time.

Metroid Prime 4/Prime 2 Remastered

Metroid Prime 4 has been memed so much it’s not even slightly funny anymore, but one has to wonder whether the title will grace the current Switch at all. On a more realistic note is Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.

After how brilliant the first game’s Switch remaster was, expecting the same from the later two entries is fair game. Personally, I only grew up with the first Prime, meaning potential remasters of 2 and 3 would be excellent ways to first experience them.

Something for the Main Man Mario

Not having a new big-time 3D Mario game since Odyssey, even following the movie’s release, has been somewhat perplexing. There have been rumors of Nintendo announcing a new 2D Mario game tomorrow, which would be pretty interesting given the existence of Mario Maker.

Still, I’m very open to the idea. While I’m more of a 3D Mario guy, having a new 2D game that hopefully isn’t just New Super Mario Bros. again would reinvigorate my interest.

We’ll be sure to keep you all updated on any significant announcements made during tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct.

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