SDCC 19: Nintendo to feature Luigi’s Mansion 3 and lots more

Nintendo is planning a very big Comic Con this week, with tons to do and see. That includes playing some yet-to-be released Switch games.

Luigi’s Convention

There’s honestly a ton to like here. Not that that’s really anything new for Nintendo, who’s held some great Comic Con events over the years. This year though, there seems to be more than usual.

Not only will the ‘Nintendo Gaming Lounge’ play host to tons of games, but also a myriad of special events. Fans will be able to do everything from taking part in photo ops to checking out Sugarfina’s new line of Nintendo candies.

Encounters in the Lounge

• Southwest Airlines: Two Super Mario Maker 2 kiosks will feature a custom Southwest Airlines course. Consumers will be encouraged to participate in open gameplay sessions July 18-19. On July 20, fans who are 13+ can visit the Nintendo Gaming Lounge and play Super Mario Maker 2 to enter for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch prize pack, which includes a Nintendo Switch system, a digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2 game and a $500 Southwest Airlines gift card.*
• Costumes: Representatives from Disguise Costumes will be walking around to show off Nintendo-themed character costumes. Attendees might run into people wearing costumes of characters like Mario, Link, Zelda, Toad, Luigi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Rosalina or Yoshi.
• Sugarfina: The luxury candy boutique will debut its new collection celebrating the Nintendo Entertainment System^™ and Super Mario Bros.^™ Power up with six character-inspired Candy Cubes^®, including three new gummies: pineapple Invincible Stars, apple-flavored Green Mushrooms and cherry-flavored Red Mushrooms. The collector’s gift set features the 3-Piece Nintendo Entertainment System^™ Console Candy Bento Box^® complete with iconic game music and matching 2-piece Controller Candy Bento Box^®. The collection hits stores on July 22.
• Hot Wheels: The Nintendo Gaming Lounge is the only place to play with the new Hot Wheels Mario Kart die-cast vehicles and tracksets inspired by iconic courses from the video game. Race Mario and Yoshi as die-cast karts and overcome obstacles and challenges – just like in the game, but this time on Hot Wheels tracks!
• Photo Ops: Fans who stop by the lounge can get fun photos featuring elements from games like Super Mario Maker 2, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield and Luigi’s Mansion 3. Keep an eye open for the Luigi and Gooigi figures.
• My Nintendo Check-In: San Diego Comic-Con also happens to be the same weekend as the final Splatfest for the Splatoon 2 game. To commemorate this epic showdown, attendees can check in with their My Nintendo QR Code at the Nintendo Gaming Lounge to receive an exclusive Splatoon 2 Chaos vs. Order keychain set (while supplies last). For more information about the My Nintendo rewards program, and how to check in, visit https://my.nintendo.com/news.

And of course, there are games too

Even with all of that, the main meat and potatoes of the Lounge will be the games. That is, of course, as it should be. Nintendo will have a ton of Switch titles on hand to play, including some brand new titles, and some that have yet to see release.

Here’s what you can expect to get some hands-on time with:

• Pokémon Sword
• Pokémon Shield
• Luigi’s Mansion 3
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• Super Mario Maker 2
• MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order
• Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda

But wait, there’s more

That’s a lot already, but there’s even more to do. Nintendo says that the Mattel booth on the show floor will host a new series of Mario Kart Hot Wheels. The fresh series will include to “Metal Mario die-cast car and glider” too. So if you’re looking for Nintendo exclusives, tire’s one right there.

Along those same lines, one in ten Mario Kart Hot Wheels will include a “gold” Mario too. All of this is exclusive to the Mattel booth, and the cars will cost you $20 each.

On top of that, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will be featured in a panel from Marvel Comics focusing on their games. That’ll take place at 1:30 pm on Thursday, July 18. And of course, you’ll find it in Hall H.

As for the lounge itself, that’s off-site as usual. The Nintendo Gaming Lounge is located in the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina at 333 W. Harbor Drive. That’s right next to the convention center, well within walking distance for most.

It’s free to enter and open to anyone, with or without a Comic Con badge.