Nintendo Direct June 2024 Recap: Metroid Prime 4 Finally Emerges, Zelda Spinoff Surprises, and Donkey Kong Returns

After months of speculation and mounting anticipation, today’s June 2024 Nintendo Direct delivered in a big way, unveiling long-awaited updates and surprise reveals that lit the gaming world ablaze. Chief among the announcements was the re-introduction of *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, with a stunning cinematic trailer and the first look at gameplay since its initial tease in 2017.

Samus Aran is back, and it looks like her journey will take her deeper into uncharted space, facing off against what appears to be a new threat from within the Galactic Federation itself. Developed by Retro Studios, the game showcases sleek next-gen visuals and a darker narrative tone, and it’s now confirmed for release in Spring 2025 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s next-gen console set to launch later this year.

In another unexpected twist, Nintendo also announced *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths*, a full-fledged action-adventure spinoff focusing on Princess Zelda’s perspective during the events of *Tears of the Kingdom*. Developed by Grezzo, best known for their work on Zelda remakes, the game blends puzzle-solving and exploration with a magical new companion-based mechanic. Fans won’t have to wait long — *Echoes of the Depths* launches this November.

Not to be overshadowed, the Direct closed with a raucous surprise reveal: a brand-new *Donkey Kong Country: Rise of the Bananas*. The game returns to a classic side-scrolling platforming style with vivid hand-drawn animation and a jazzy soundtrack by returning composer David Wise. With cooperative multiplayer for up to four players and a new enemy faction led by radioactive mutant monkeys, it’s set to bring the chaos when it barrels onto Switch this December.

Nintendo’s June showcase proves the company is doubling down on both nostalgia and bold new directions. As the Switch era concludes and the next generation looms, the Big N seems ready to deliver a strong finale—and an explosive beginning. Fans now have plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.