Zelda, Mario, Skyrim and FIFA headline Switch games line-up

Nintendo has announced the full launch line-up for its brand-new console, the Nintendo Switch. Over 80 games in development, and it looks to be one of Nintendo’s most varied launch line-ups yet.

Headlining the release schedule is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In the months after release, players will also see games such as Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 make an appearance on Switch, as well as FIFA, Skyrim, Minecraft, a new Shin Megami Tensei game, Fire Emblem Warriors and Dragon Quest Warriors I and II. Here’s a selection of what’s to come:

1-2 Switch (March 3rd)

This is a multiplayer party game designed to show off the flexibility of the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. Rather than looking at the screen to play, players will stare each other in the eye to gauge their reaction while standing-up.

Mini-games include shoot-outs and sword battles among others. It can be played indoors or outdoors. The game will be launching on March 3rd 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7p47TOmicQ

ARMS (Spring)

This fighting sports game uses extended arms to battle other players. It looks to be a kind of punching/shooting hybrid. Players aim from long distances and hold the Joy-Con in a thumbs-up pose.

Players will also be able to twist their fist to curve their punches. Characters can be moved by tilting the Joy-Con, and dash and jump abilities will also play a vital role in dodging your opponents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7s3UB_8dFM

Splatoon 2 (Summer)

A sequel to the Wii U’s Splatoon, Splatoon 2 will feature all-new duel-handed weapons to take advantage of the new Joy-Con controllers. The special weapons will also be brand-new, and there will be plenty of new stages to try.

As with the original Splatoon, Nintendo will support this game with new stage and weapon updates post-launch as well as a whole host of ongoing in-game events.

Super Mario Odyssey (Holiday 2017)

The next 3D Mario will be coming in Hoiday 2017. Entitled Super Mario Odyssey, this huge title looks to be the successor to Super Mario Galaxy.

Its theme will be journeying to an unknown world – including a few of our own. While most environments will be new fantasy environments, it also looks like Mario will be visiting real-world locations such as New York.

Also confirmed:

• Xenoblade Chronicles 2
• Fire Emblem Warriors
• New Shin Megami Tensei
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Fall 2017)
• Dragon Quest Warriors I and II
• No More Heroes (working title)
• FIFA
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28th)
• I am Setsuna (March)
• Project Octopath Traveller
• Minecraft
• Sonic Mania (Spring)
• Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
• Steep
• Just Dance 2017 (March)
• Rime
• Skylanders Imaginators
• LEGO City Undercover (Spring)

The release dates in the list above where taken from Nintendo of America’s full list of Switch launch games and therefore may be subject to change in the UK. We’ll update this list with more information as soon as we have it.