While the Nintendo Switch release schedule has been primarily dominated by Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020, a Nintendo Direct Mini held in March revealed a number of other games coming to the system. One of the most prominent was Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, which received a new trailer today showcasing all 51 games that allow players to "Turn your Nintendo Switch system into a game board."
The Clubhouse Games series began on the Nintendo DS in 2006 from Japanese studio Agenda, but this new entry appears to have been developed in-house by Nintendo. As the title suggests it will feature 51 game from around the world which can be played alone, with local co-op, local wireless, and via Nintendo Switch Online. These games fit into five major categories: Board (and paper) games, card games, sports games, variety games, and single-player games.
This trailer showcased all 51 games in more detail and revealed there will be instructional videos, step-by-step play examples, in-game tips and trivia, and more packaged in. Information was also provided for the local services players can expect from Clubhouse Games, such as four-player matches that hide everyone's cards or tiles on their devices, as well as the ability to make giant boards for Slot Cars by interlocking multiple devices similarly to Super Mario Party.
Another major detail highlighted in Nintendo's trailer is the varying control schemes for each game. While bowling and darts will use motion controls like Wii Sports, some will allow players to place objects by tapping on the screen, and others will use a Joy-Con cursor for selection.
Beyond the literal hours of gameplay that anyone can get by stuffing 51 infinitely-repayable experiences onto a single device, one of the biggest draws of Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics appears to be the "worldwide" part of its name. Today's trailer highlighted examples of trivia, such as Nine Men's Morris being from the Roman Empire, that players can expect to find if they want to learn more about cultures from around the world when expanding their knowledge beyond mainstream board games like Chess or Checkers.
At the same time, players can ignore board games entirely and take part in a fishing minigame or a Battle Tanks match if they so desire. With this sheer amount of variety and features like online play, Clubhouse Games looks like it will be well worth its $40 price tag for those looking to entertain themselves while stuck at home.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics will be available June 5, 2020 for the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo