Endless Ocean Luminous! And Partner Showcase Reactions

Plus ‘Side Order’ first impressions!

Nintendo has come out of the gates hot in 2024.

We’re just a few days removed from the release of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong game.

It’s been super enjoyable so far.

I’ve already ‘perfected’ the main campaign in 2-player co-op and had a blast.

And just yesterday (as of the time of writing this) Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, followed by the release of Splatoon 3: Side Order!

For me, Side Order came out last night at 8PM EST, while the Direct was earlier that morning.

It was one of the best Nintendo-filled days I’ve had in awhile (and I’m super pumped).

I haven’t got too deep into Side Order just yet.

I am currently paused in the middle of my first run (basically, I’m still in the tutorial).

I already know I am going to love it though. I really like the aesthetic. The floors I’ve ran through have been easy, but I can tell things will ramp up nicely. I know building up my strength with color chips each time up the Spire of Order is going to be addicting.

But more on Side Order next week most likely.

Switching gears to the Partner Showcase, I felt it to be hit or miss depending on if you enjoy the series that were shown.

For example, I was only interested in a few of the games.

However, these are series I REALLY like, so I was pumped.

I’ll quickly expand on my 3 big highlights below.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble

We are getting an all-new Super Monkey Ball!

A true, all-new original entry in the series!

I thought Banana Mania in 2021 was solid. A ‘return to form’ even though it didn’t capture the same magic as the original 1 & 2 or Deluxe (despite being based off those games).

Let’s see if Banana Rumble can reach similar heights.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble releases for Nintendo Switch on June 25.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

I can’t pretend I’m a very big SMT fan.

I’ve only played a few hours of SMT IV on Nintendo 3DS.

But I love turn-based RPGs and most of what I’ve played from Atlus.

I actually own the base Shin Megami Tensei V game on Nintendo Switch, but I’ve yet to play it.

Once I decide to, I’ll consider giving ‘Vengeance’ a shot instead.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance releases (just a few days before Super Monkey Ball) on June 21.

Endless Ocean Luminous

By far the biggest announcement of the day for me.

Nintendo closed out the Partner Showcase with the biggest possible news for Endless Ocean fans.

Not a remake… a new game in the series!

Who would have saw that coming?

Even a remake from this series would have been absolutely crazy.

The Endless Ocean series is a childhood favorite of mine.

I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist, and this game was a feast for me as a young teen.

I have fond memories of completing the first game, finding all species with my brother and good childhood friend, and making our own aquariums filled with Whale Sharks, Oarfish, and the like. :)

For me, it’s a sentimental series, and the original Endless Ocean was one of my favorite games on Wii.

I just about shed a tear when I saw it was coming back.

Never count out Nintendo’s ability to surprise and delight.

Endless Ocean Luminous releases on May 2!

It has been a great last few days in the world of Nintendo. And it’s about to get even better since Pokemon Day is next week!

A Pokémon Presents has already been confirmed for February 27, and I am supremely excited.

Check out my new video below detailing what we might see on Pokémon Day.

And have a great week!