'Xenoblade' Characters In 'Smash' And 'Splatoon 3' Announcement Headline Nintendo's First Proper Direct Since 2019

Another Nintendo Direct, another shocked audience of Super Smash Brothers Ultimate fans who did not accurately guess the next DLC fighter.

Heading into yesterday's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo's first proper Direct since 2019 after a year of Mini's and game showcases, anticipation was high for the announcement of the next fighter to be added to Nintendo's ultra-popular fighting game, as speculation focused on long-wanted characters and wildcards (Heather Mason from Silent Hill 3 trended on Twitter as a big of an ironic long-shot joke). Still, few could have guessed that Nintendo would announce that the next fighter(s) were Mythra and Pyra from Xenoblade Chronicles.

The supporting characters from Nintendo's RPG series are the second and third Xenoblade Chronicles characters added to the series after Shulk. While technically taking up one spot on the roster, players will be able to switch between Pyra and Mythra during battle and employ each character's unique moveset, similar to how Melee handled Sheik and Zelda.

The announcement was celebrated by Xenoblade fans on social media.

Pyra/Mythra getting into smash is really awesome.

But you know what's even more awesome? Xenoblade 2. Go play it. pic.twitter.com/EM98P8aix9

— Enel Number 1 Mythra Player World (@XC_Enel) February 18, 2021

Pyra, Mythra, Welcome to Smash! Now get to Smushing the tiny competition pic.twitter.com/LLbvgpIsbM

— Vi (@GiganticVi) February 18, 2021

PYRA & MYTHRA JOINS SMASH
LETS GOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/YUTDwT7jHE

— MPKA (@MPKA__) February 18, 2021

Congratulations on making it into Smash, Pyra! #SmashBrosUltimate #XenobladeChronicles2 #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/Jl7AkKMKRP

— ＭＯＭＯ (@HelloKarinachuu) February 18, 2021

After Nintendo kicked off its Direct with the Smash announcement, it delved into announcing some less-anticipated but still-exciting titles coming to the Switch, like Monster Hunter Rise, No More Heroes 3, Mario Golf Super Rush and an interesting-looking RPG with the working title Project Triangle Strategy. The Direct also included trailers for remasters of games like Ninja Gaiden and Famicom Detective games.

The marquee announcements which Nintendo typically saves for the end of their presentations were a little disappointing for fans expecting news on the long-anticipated Breath of the Wild sequel or the next Metroid game. Instead, they announced that Skyward Sword, the Wii's major Zelda game, was being remastered for the Switch and that Splatoon 3 was coming in 2022.

Reactions were mixed on the Skyward Sword announcement, particularly its $60 price tag. The game has been something of a black sheep in the Zelda community, as some design issues and its mandatory motion controls on the Wii made it a less-beloved title than other entries in the Zelda franchise. The motion controls, however, will be optional on the Switch, as players can elect to swing Link's sword with the right joystick.

I never played skyward sword, so thanks to Nintendo for doing me, and only me, the solid of being able to play it on switch if I want to, which I might one day

— hbomberguy (@Hbomberguy) February 18, 2021

JESUS Christ…
I love skyward sword but they couldn’t have done… ANYTHING EXTRA?? LIKE BRUH LOOK AT WHAT WIND WAKER HD DID CAN YOU DO THAT AGAIN PLEASE? pic.twitter.com/DnsgAXHlK6

— DJ Warner 🙇‍♀️ (@CrafterArmys) February 18, 2021

HOW DARE SKYWARD SWORD GET A REMAKE

OTHER ZELDA GAMES DON'T GET ENOUGH LOV-@HMKilla said it best; it's finally Skyward Swords turn to get a decent to a different system and to hopefully enhance what was already pretty decent in that game.

Remember; give it a chance. pic.twitter.com/9uUgWpduVi

— EpochSaryn (@SarynFrame) February 18, 2021

The announcement of Splatoon 3, which seems like it will take place in a desert setting, generated a considerable amount of hype and memes.

splatoon 3 plot really gonna be this huh pic.twitter.com/nkthmpnJdp

— clem 🦇 (@calmeremerald) February 18, 2021

SPLATOON 3 pic.twitter.com/zJzertOJ2o

— Rasai Rui – Virtual Slug 🐚🌊 Vウミウシ (@RasaiSlug) February 17, 2021

Splatoon 3 pic.twitter.com/gjtsWzekn4

— Thresh @ Megaman brainrot (@OctoThresh) February 18, 2021

You can watch the full Nintendo Direct below: