The first Nintendo Direct of February 2022 kicked off amidst immense anticipation and fanfare. After maintaining radio silence about their upcoming releases for some time, Nintendo finally came forth with information regarding new and existing games for the fans. In essence, the eShop is about to get a lot busier. And fans should prepare themselves to lengthen their wishlists.

Amongst other titles, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Fire Emblem Warriors stood out as significant announcements. But the star of the show has to be Mario. The Italian plumber had not one but two reveals surrounding him. And fans finally got a Mario Kart announcement, but not the one they were probably expecting.

Nintendo announces Mario Strikers: Battle League

The legacy franchise is making a comeback with Mario Strikers: Battle League. It’s a 5v5 soccer game where you play with your favorite characters, like Bowser or DK in a no-holds-barred version of soccer. Significantly, up to 8 players could play on one Switch, with the option of online play also available via Online Clubs.

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The gameplay is “way heavy on offense” as players use dribbling and passing to score goals. But in addition, they can use tackles, items, and even special moves to thin out the opposition on their way to the goal-post. The trailer put emphasis on the gear you equip and Hyper Strikes as essential parts of the gameplay.

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The sequel to the GameCube original releases on June 10 for the Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders open.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to receive new DLC

Fans have had their eyes peeled for a Mario Kart 9 announcement for ages now. But leaving those fans wanting, Nintendo instead announced a new DLC for Mario Kart 8. The game would get a whopping 48 fresh courses through 2023. Players would need to buy the Booster Course Pass for $24.99 to gain access to these tracks.

However, players with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack would get free access to these tracks over 2022 and 2023. The DLC features remastered tracks from previous entries in the franchise, such as Coconut Mall from Mario Kart: Wii and even some from the mobile title Mario Kart: Tour.

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8 tracks at a time would be released in 6 waves by the end of 2023. First wave launches on March 18, 2022.

Which announcement excited you the most? Tell us in the comments below.