When it comes to Nintendo, this month can generally be labeled as an event to whet the appetite for what's to come for the first half of the new year, as many fans expect a Direct showcase announcement. This early February presented a line-up of surprises and some key exclusive trailers to show that Nintendo is not yet done with the Switch as a platform just yet. Here's some of the key highlights.

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Demo Trailer (Square Enix)

The original Octopath Traveler, a timed exclusive for the Switch, was a success, selling over 2 million copies, physical and digital, as of 2020, and exceeding that number since. One of the heavier criticisms of the first game was the lack of intertwining stories among the eight playable characters, which Octopath II promises to address. The demo is currently available at the Nintendo eShop.

BAYONETTA ORIGINS: CEREZA AND THE LOST DEMON (PlatinumGames Inc)

Experience Bayonetta's origins as a young witch named Cereza as she partners up with the demon Cheshire. You'll strategically control both characters, utilizing offensive and defensive skills at once as you explore a dangerous forest. The release date is planned for March 17, 2023. And it's Helena Taylor free!

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE NEW WORLD OF STEAM (Level-5)

Professor Layton is back to face new puzzles in PROFESSOR LAYTON and The New World of Steam! As the studio Level-5 begins their return to international expansion, this marks the return of Professor Layton for the first time since 2013's Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy for the Nintendo 3DS.

SPLATOON 3 EXPANSION PASS ANNOUNCEMENT

The first wave of Splatoon 3 content begins with a recreation of the city of Inkopolis from the first Splatoon, for fans of the OG's aesthetic and style. It'll include all of the original characters, even the Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie, will perform during Splatfest festivals. 

And for Wave 2, get ready for Side Order, an all-new single player campaign! Purchase the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass later today, & Wave 1 arrives this Spring. After purchasing this DLC, players will receive access to bonus in-game currency, plus food and drink tickets.

NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE - Game Boy And Game Boy Advance 

Game Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online and Game Boy Advance games are being added for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members!

Line-up of Game Boy titles:

• Tetris,
• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins,
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
• Gargoyle's Quest
• Game & Watch Gallery 3
• Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
• Metroid II: Return of Samus
• Wario Land 3
• Kirby's Dream Land

Line-up of Game Boy Advance titles:

• Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
• WarioWare Inc.: Mega MicroGames
• Kuru Kuru Kuruin
• Mario Kart: Super Circuit
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

More titles have been teased, and are expected to be added at later dates.

METROID PRIME: REMASTERED

Step into the suit of Samus Aran and relive the iconic adventure. Upgrade your gear, swap your visors, and rediscover the uncharted planet of Tallon IV. With revamped controls for modern standards, Metroid Prime: Remastered is currently available form the Nintendo eShop.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM 2nd OFFICIAL TRAILER

In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom? 

What were your thoughts on this first Nintendo Direct of 2023?