Nintendo Direct 2019: Unbeatable E3 Showcase That Defined the Switch Era

On March 27th, there was a sense of wrapping up an epoch. That’s when a Nintendo Direct presentation took place, dedicated solely to Nintendo Switch games. With the anticipated launch of Nintendo Switch 2 this year, it could well be the final time that Nintendo exclusively highlights its initial version of the hybrid console. In the future, we can probably anticipate Nintendo dividing its attention, featuring games for both the original Switch and its forthcoming successor. As this chapter winds down, it’s intriguing to reminisce about how Nintendo Direct presentations have evolved over time and which ones resonated most with audiences.

As a gamer looking back, when the Switch era kicked off, things weren’t exactly rosy for Nintendo. The Wii U hadn’t been a financial success, and the passing of former president Satoru Iwata in 2015 left many wondering if the company could still deliver the unique, fun experiences it was renowned for. But as we all know now, the Switch era wasn’t just about change – it was about reinvention. Gone were the zany Nintendo Direct moments featuring Muppet-style executives and stop motion reminiscent of Robot Chicken. Yet, despite these shifts, Nintendo managed to keep its audience engaged and entertained over the past eight years in numerous creative ways.

Picking a favorite Nintendo Direct can be challenging, but it’s hard not to consider the E3 2019 presentation as a front-runner. At that time, the Switch console was barely two years old, yet it had amassed an impressive collection of games. However, at this event, Nintendo didn’t just showcase more games; they fueled excitement for major first-party games and significant third-party titles. E3 2019 served as a platform for Nintendo to demonstrate the dramatic shift from the Wii U era to something more substantial and innovative. The days of sparse release schedules were clearly behind us, replaced by an exciting new chapter.

2019 proved to be an exceptional year for Nintendo Switch owners, boasting a robust lineup of highly anticipated releases. The Nintendo Direct during E3 2019 showcased several games that were launched later in the year, such as Luigi’s Mansion 3, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Pokemon Sword and Shield, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. In addition, third-party games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition, and No More Heroes III were also featured. Regrettably, the much-awaited game Animal Crossing: New Horizons experienced a delay and was postponed to 2020. Despite this setback, the decision to launch in March of the following year seemed to benefit the game significantly, as it ultimately sold over 47 million copies.

During E3 2019’s Nintendo Direct presentation, there were numerous impressive announcements, but one that truly stood out was the unveiling of Banjo-Kazooie as a new character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Fans have long been clamoring for this bird and bear duo to appear in the fighting series, and Nintendo certainly didn’t disappoint with their reveal—it was both enjoyable and memorable, reminiscent of the Star Fox puppets but even more exhilarating. The announcement paid homage to Banjo-Kazooie’s origins at Rare, as a trailer featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy, and King K. Rool also appeared, with the trio seen napping in DK’s treehouse. They are roused by a bouncing Jiggy, and peek out the window to see a familiar shadow—which turns out to be none other than Duck Hunt Dog posing in a way meant to represent the Microsoft-owned characters. However, the genuine Banjo and Kazooie soon crashed the scene with an explosive entrance.

Instead of wrapping up the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct with Banjo-Kazooie, Nintendo saved one more surprise – a sneak peek into the sequel of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which we didn’t know by name at that time. It wouldn’t be until years later that Tears of the Kingdom would release on the Nintendo Switch. But that final glimpse during the Direct was an exciting way to end the showcase and build anticipation for what was yet to come.

2019 marked the last time E3 took place. Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the event was cancelled and subsequent efforts to revive it annually were unsuccessful. The cancellation of E3 was a sad reality for many fans, but Nintendo enthusiasts were fortunate enough to witness a robust final show filled with exciting announcements. While E3 may no longer exist, Nintendo Directs continue to thrive, ensuring that Nintendo maintains its success in the format.

With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 era, we’re eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Nintendo Direct broadcasts. Nintendo has undeniably struck a rich vein with this format, which explains why so many other companies are attempting to replicate it in their own video events. Yet, none have quite captured the same level of excitement and buzz that envelopes Nintendo’s presentations. In the years to come, we can expect announcements comparable to Banjo-Kazooie joining Super Smash Bros., or the unveiling of Tears of the Kingdom. The future may be uncertain, but for Nintendo enthusiasts, it’s an incredibly thrilling time to be part of the community.

2025-04-01 17:40

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