"Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition" now has a Nintendo Switch release date

"Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition" now has a Nintendo Switch release date.Nintendo/Koei Tecmo

The hack-and-slash action-adventure video game "Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition" is coming out on Nintendo Switch, according to the Nintendo Direct released on March 8. While players in Japan will be able to get their hands on the game this month, players in the U.S. and other territories will have to wait a few weeks longer.

"Hyrule Warriors" is a game set in the "Legend of Zelda" universe, featuring "Legend of Zelda" characters, although it occurs outside of the latter game's storyline.

The game can be played on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS exclusively, but not for long. The latest Nintendo Direct presentation included an announcement that "Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition" will be available for Nintendo Switch on May 18. The Japan release date, however, is on March 22.

The Nintendo Direct actually did not say much about "Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition" other than its release date. Then again, it did have a lot to cover, with news about numerous other games on both the 3DS and Switch. Players have numerous games to look forward to this year, not just the new "Hyrule Warriors." The 3DS version of "Luigi's Castle" is also coming out this year, and there was also a hint that "Undertale" will come to Switch at an unconfirmed date.

If "Hyrule Warriors" is originally only for Wii U and the 3DS, how will the Switch-friendly "Definitive Edition" differ? According to Nintendo, this edition "will include every map and mission, plus all 29 playable characters from both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions of the game, along with all of the previous paid downloadable content." Thus, players have the option of playing as various "Legend of Zelda" characters in a more expansive universe.

Koei Tecmo, the Japanese publisher of "Hyrule Warriors," also came out with a long trailer as part of the publicity for the "Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition." However, the trailer is mostly in Japanese, although it does feature gameplay footage.