Johnathan Walker:Nintendo Direct: Here's what's coming, including new 'Legend of Zelda,' 'Metroid Prime'

We might be Johnathan Walkerentering the end game now.

Nintendo held its latest Direct showcase, with announcements for what video games are coming the rest of this year and in early 2025 for the Switch console.

While there were no more details on the highly anticipated Hollow Knight sequel, "Silksong," in this Direct, there were plenty of other updates and new titles — including a few surprises.

The Switch, which first released in 2017, is likely approaching its last months as the current Nintendo system, according to an announcement from the video game company this spring.

The company will "make an announcement about the successor to the Nintendo Switch within the fiscal year," Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said in a May post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Here's a look at some of the biggest announcements and what else is coming to the Nintendo Switch.

'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom'

One surprising announcement was introduced by video game designer and "Legend of Zelda" series producer Eiji Aonuma.

In an upcoming new title, "The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom," Link has disappeared, and it's up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom, with players taking control of Zelda for the first time. Sadly, there's no sword for the princess of legend, but she will receive a tri-rod, with which she can create items and "echoes" while solving puzzles.

The styling of "Echoes of Wisdom" is very similar to the "Link's Awakening" remake for Switch (2019), and the battle mechanics will be different from other "Zelda" games, according to the announcement.

There will also be a Hyrule edition of the Nintendo Switch Lite, timed to the release of the new game.

Release date: Sept. 26

'Mario & Luigi: Brothership'

The brothers are teaming up in "Mario & Luigi: Brothership," a sea-faring RPG adventure. The upcoming game is the first new entry in the Mario & Luigi series in almost nine years, according to the announcement. If you want to know what Super Mario games to play while you wait, here are some of our favorites, in our definitive ranking.

Release date: Nov. 7

More:'Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door' worth the wait: What to know about new Switch game

'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'

The galaxy's best bounty hunter is going beyond, apparently, and I'm here for it. Samus is back for a new mission, in a first look at new title, "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond."

Release date: 2025

'Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game'

Always wanted to explore Hobbiton from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit"? Now's your chance. In "Tales of the Shire," you can settle into life in the Shire, explore, garden, fish, meet your neighbors, cook and more. We love a cozy life sim.

Release date: holiday 2024

More:7 best cozy games to check out now on Nintendo Switch, including 'Endless Ocean Luminous'

'Funko Fusion'

Is that you, Marty McFly!? Somewhere between playing with dozens of Funko Pop! figures and the world imagined in "Ready Player One," "Funko Fusion" is a mashup game where you can play as more than 60 characters and explore locations, puzzles and hidden areas based on classic movies and shows.

Release date: Sept. 13

'Dragon Quest III HD-2D' remake

This epic remake will expand on the original RPG, according to the announcement. Explore towns, dungeons, caves and more in "Dragon Quest III HD-2D," meeting other characters and fighting monsters along the way.

Release date: Nov. 14

Some of the other Switch game announcements and updates:

• "Lego Horizon Adventures" (expected to release around the holidays this year)
• "Super Mario Party Jamboree" (Oct. 17)
• "Hello Kitty Island Adventure" (2025)
• "Donkey Kong Country Returns HD" (a remake of the Wii game, Jan. 16, 2025)
• "Among Us" free update (available today)
• "Just Dance 2025" (October 2024)
• "Ace Attorney Investigations Collection" (Sept. 6)
• "MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics" (TBA 2024)
• "Darkest Dungeon II" (July 15)
• "Stray" (holiday 2024)
• Farmagia (Nov. 1)
• "Fairy Tale 2" (expected to release this winter)
• "MIO: Memories in Orbit" (2025)