The wait for Nintendo’s first batch of 2024 announcements is finally over as the publisher delivered a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase this morning. The roughly 25-minute event showed trailers for upcoming Switch titles from Nintendo’s global partners that are set to release in the first half of this year. While there were plenty of niche titles, this Partner Showcase had some noteworthy surprises. There were even a few that connect to a larger news story that’s been unfolding these last couple of weeks. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the biggest announcements from this past Partner Showcase.

Former Xbox exclusives head to the Switch

The first reveal of the showcase was a shocker – Obsidian’s cooperative survival action game Grounded is coming to Switch. After being shrunk down to the size of an ant, players will need to survive the elements, their hunger, and the massively disgusting bugs around them. Whether you’re fending for yourself or fighting alongside friends, players will be able to explore every inch of this vast and deadly backyard.

Now, this isn’t super surprising since Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said that there were some first-party Xbox titles going to other platforms. And, after all, Grounded was one of the heavily predicted games. But a lot of people had Hi-Fi Rush going to Switch before Grounded did. Also, it’ll be interesting to see how the Switch handles the game since a big part of Grounded is being connected to online coop. We’ll have to see how it performs when Grounded heads to Switch on April 16^th.

Before hopping off Xbox though, it’s worth noting that Obsidian’s highly acclaimed 2022 adventure RPG Pentiment is also coming to Switch. Admittedly, it was a little weird how this was shoved into a sizzle reel and barely highlighted – especially considering that Pentiment is releasing tomorrow (February 21^st) on Switch. Regardless, more players will be able to experience this beautifully stylized RPG very, very soon.

Rare reunites with Nintendo

Another surprising move from Xbox is that some of Rare’s classic titles are coming to Switch Online. While Rare is now a part of Xbox Game Studios, they used to have a strong relationship with Nintendo. Now, they reunite to bring classic games like Killer Instinct, Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, Snake Rattle n’ Roll, R.C. Pro-Am, and Blast Corps to Switch Online. Now, it’s worth nothing that Blast Corps only seems available for those who subscribe to the Expansion Pack membership. Still, it’s a big deal that Rare comes together with Nintendo again and Switch players will get to play these titles starting today!

Super Monkey Ball rolls out a new entry

SEGA has been very vocal about resurrecting their nostalgic yet underutilized franchises and its Super Monkey Ball’s time to return. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble lets fans tackle challenging new levels as they race their way to the finish line while collecting every banana in sight. Along with over 200 brand-new stages and fresh but optional motion controls, Banana Rumble comes with new multiplayer modes. These new 16-player modes will task you with rolling your way to first place in a chaotic race and team-up to take out huge robots. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble rolls onto Nintendo Switch as an exclusive on June 25^th.

Shin Megami Tensei V returns with Vengeance

Atlus announced that Shin Megami Tensai V is returning with an enhanced version titled Vengeance. This new version adds new locations, demons, and choices to this post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Basically, think of it in the same light as Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition – same base game but with new story scenarios, battles, and encounters thrown in. Shin Megami Tensai V: Vengeance will be available on June 21^st for Switch players – as well as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players.

Mickey’s epic adventure is getting a remake

If you somehow missed a 2010 Disney classic in Epic Mickey, you’re in for a treat because it’s getting a fresh coat of paint. As Mickey Mouse, players will embark on a journey into a dark, colorless world where they must use their magic paintbrush to stop horrifying ink monsters and save the world. This remake not only comes with enhanced graphics, but also new skills players will be able to use as Mickey. Now, the only question is: Will this Epic Mickey remake stay exclusive to the Switch like the original did? For now, it’s unclear. But what is clear is that Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is coming to Switch some time in 2024.

Another Crab’s Treasure finds a release date

Aggro Crab’s highly anticipated souls-like action game Another Crab’s Treasure finally has a release date. The game will have players assume the role of a hermit crab who searches for their prized shell. Frankly, despite some terrible voiceovers in the trailer, this game looks amazing with this stunning polluted undersea world and amazing-looking boss battles. Now, fans can hop into Another Crab’s Treasure when it launches on Switch (as well as Xbox platforms and PC) on April 25^th.

Penny’s Big Breakaway has a big shadow drop

The newest game from developer Evening Star, the makers of Sonic Mania, has a huge showing at this Partner Showcase. The game, Penny’s Big Breakaway, looks to deliver all the fun and action of a classic 3D platform in a vibrantly colored world as the titular Penny uses her trusty yoyo to escape the grasp of the evil Emperor Eddie. All in all, the traversal and combat look awesome, and players can finally jump into it today. That’s right, Penny’s Big Breakaway releases on Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC today!

Endless Ocean takes players on a new undersea adventure

The Partner Showcase ended on the announcement of a new Endless Ocean game. Endless Ocean: Luminous brings players back under the sea for a new adventure that’ll have them encounter over 500 species of ocean life – even ones that are more mythical and thought to be extinct. Now though, players can explore serene environments with up to 30 friends. Endless Ocean: Luminous arrives to the Switch on May 2^nd.