Nintendo Direct June 2024: Metroid Prime 4, Zelda Spin-Off, and Donkey Kong Return Highlight Dazzling Showcase

Nintendo brought the heat in its highly anticipated June 2024 Nintendo Direct, serving up a slew of major announcements that left fans ecstatic and social media buzzing. Headlining the presentation was the long-awaited re-reveal of *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, offering the first substantial look at the game since its teaser in 2017, along with a release window confirming a Q1 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch.

The trailer showcases Samus Aran navigating a mysterious, war-torn alien world, with gameplay that blends first-person shooting with exploration and cinematic storytelling. Developed by Retro Studios, *Prime 4: Beyond* appears to build on the series’ tense, atmospheric style while modernizing visuals for the current generation.

Another standout announcement was *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths*, a brand-new spin-off focused on Princess Zelda herself. Set shortly after the events of *Tears of the Kingdom*, this top-down action RPG has players wielding ancient Sheikah magic and solving puzzles across an all-new region of Hyrule. Nintendo confirmed Echoes of the Depths launches this holiday season, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise.

Rounding out the trio of major reveals was *Donkey Kong: Return to Kong Island*, a new 2.5D platformer featuring the return of fan-favorite characters like Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky. Developed by the team behind *Tropical Freeze*, the game introduces co-op play and a host of inventive mechanics involving jungle traversal and rhythm-based challenges. It’s set for an early 2025 release.

Additional announcements included updates for *Splatoon 3*, new tracks for *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*, and the surprise shadow-drop of *Fire Emblem: Chronicles of Fate*, a strategy spinoff with roguelike elements now available on the eShop.

Nintendo’s June showcase delivered a well-paced, surprise-filled Direct that both satisfied long-waiting fans and teased an exciting lineup through 2025. With the Switch entering its twilight years, this Direct confirms the platform is going out swinging.