Nintendo hit us with a fresh Nintendo Direct on 17th May, with the usual 24-hour notice period to leave Nintendo gamers scrambling to check their diaries. With a focus on Wii U releases in Spring and Summer, we should have known that, ultimately, this would be a little lower key than recent bombastic efforts, though the odd release date was thankfully revealed. That said, some surprises were thrown in, which should please SEGA fans, in particular.
We already know that Nintendo will deliver more Nintendo Direct goodness around the time of E3, with games like Smash Bros., 3D Mario and Mario Kart set to take centre stage. Still, if you did miss yesterday's appetizer, then this is your handy one stop shop to check out the big stories and full videos of both presentations.
New Releases
New Sonic title, Lost World, to be exclusive to Wii U and 3DS as part of SEGA deal — Satoru Iwata confirmed a worldwide agreement with SEGA that will include exclusivity of Sonic the Hedgehog's latest adventure, Lost World. The title had been rumoured, but Wii U and 3DS exclusivity was a surprise. We'll hopefully get more details soon, but the concept image (above) shows Sonic standing on Tail's plane, which is sure to tickle some nostalgia bones.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games confirmed for Wii U — We've become used to seeing Mario and Sonic teaming up for some licensed Olympics shenanigans, so this came as no surprise. No release date was given, but we saw a fair bit of footage with some new events, while a mix of Wii MotionPlus and GamePad controls will be used.
Yakuza 1 & 2 HD coming to Wii U in Japan — The emphasis on SEGA went one step further in Japan's broadcast, with a "SEGA Direct" segment that announced Yakuza 1 & 2 HD for Wii U. This HD bundled re-release of the PlayStation 2 originals originally hit PS3 in Japan last November, and will come to Wii U in the region this summer, with some GamePad control additions. Unfortunately, the odds of a Western release seem slim.
Game Details and Release Dates
New Super Luigi U detailed and dated — It seems that New Super Luigi U will arrive sooner than we may have guessed, and Nintendo also announced the surprise decision to release both as DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U and as a limited release standalone boxed game. The boxed game will still be a lower-than-standard $29.99 in the U.S., while the DLC will be cheaper at $19.99 — European prices weren't given. The download option arrives in both regions on 20th June, while the boxed version hits Europe on 26th July and North America on 25th August. In terms of gameplay, multiplayer will see Luigi team up with two toads and Nabbit, who can't be hurt by enemies.
The Wonderful 101 is finally given release dates — This title has been on some Nintendo Life staff wishlists since it was shown off last year, but its release has somewhat dragged on. With no real fanfare, or even footage of any kind, Satoru Iwata confirmed that this'll hit North America on 15th September and Europe a little earlier, on 23rd August.
Plenty of Game Gear titles 'gearing up' for the 3DS Virtual Console — The early 3DS VC lineup intrigued with a few Game Gear titles, but the platform then dropped off the radar. Nintendo's growing partnership with SEGA has stretched to some retro goodies, with a lengthy list of games confirmed to be coming to the West in the "near future".
Zelda Oracle 3DS Virtual Console releases set for launch discount in North America — Arriving on 30th May, these Game Boy Color Zelda titles will be welcome additions to the 3DS Virtual Console. Owning both will allow for linked content, such as an alternative end boss, and Nintendo of America will run a promotion from launch until 20th June where each title is $4.99, rather than $5.99 — get both for under $10, in other words.
Pikmin 3 single player details revealed — With Pikmin 3 now finally getting closer, Satoru Iwata dedicated a good amount of time to outlining details on the single player part of the game. Three new characters were introduced, while it was explained that each could pursue tasks on different areas of the map at the same time, while any mistakes could be fixed by replaying a day whenever the need arises. The GamePad's uses were outlined in more detail, such as a new-look map and interface, while various control schemes will be supported, with Iwata suggesting that the optimal arrangement is the Wii Remote and Nunchuk on the TV with the GamePad handy for extra information. The E3 broadcast will outline the Challenge Mode and multiplayer features of the title.
And one more thing...
Best Buy to offer E3 demos during the week of the conference — Over 100 Best Buy locations throughout the U.S. and Canada will have demo units of major Nintendo E3 games during the conference, essentially bringing the booth to the masses. Considering that titles such as the new Mario Kart and 3D Mario are expected to be playable, that could be an exciting opportunity for Wii U gamers and, possibly, others on the fence about picking up the new console.
So there you have it, the biggest stories from yesterday's Nintendo Direct broadcasts; you can watch all three of the presentations again, in full, below. We don't have long to wait until the E3 extravaganza, which promises more in the way of new titles and 'wow' moments.
Comments 31
Nice to see Nintendo giving people a chance to get 'hands on' with what should be some system moving games.
E3 can't come sooner! Best Buy here I come!
they need to bring the Yakuza 1 & 2 HD over to NA, that game would sell well here I bet.
@1 Agreed. I also love the ability to play as Nabbit in New Super Luigi U. Hopefully the new Sonic game will be good. Overall, I actually think it was better than last Nintendo Direct, which left me hanging a little bit.
I didn't get NSMBU but I may get the boxed version of NSLU... can't resist the green box! Plus, Nabbit will be a good character for my brother to play as...
Does anyone expect to see him in Mario Kart U? If he's a main character in this it could happen.
I think he could be in future NSMB games; it would be cool to have an easier option for younger gamers...
To be honest I kind of wished that the extra character would have been Polterpup, but no matter, I really like Nabbit and our little ghost dog might appear somewhere else in the game. The direct satisfied me as I was worried that some of these titles might take up a bit of E3, now we basically have a clean slate to get new information on the new games and a couple of others like Yoshi's yarn. I think Ninty may have a few surprises up their sleeve...
Glad they got all this stuff out of the way. Now we can get info on the 3DS games announced at E3.
I think it was a good Nintendo Direct. It was a appetizer that will keep sustain us till E3 which is the big entree of course.
It might be wise to rephrase the last part to "Over 100 Best Buy locations throughout the U.S. +[and Canada]".
I can't wait until they bombard us with E3 news. Hopefully Metroid fans won't bemoan the (possible) lack of a new announcement. Seriously! It's only been 2 years! I'd rather see a new Starfox or F-Zero, they've been absent for 7 and 10 years respectively. *Starfox 64 3D doesn't count as new. Retro?! Whatchu hiding!?
Am I the only one who thinks Pikmin 3 looks absolutely gorgeous
@Stark_Nebula Okey dokey!
This confirms a holiday release for mario 3d, surely. I mean NINTENDO would hardly display a playable demo of it in the run to the holiday season at a major American retailer just for it not to come out at Christmas or would they?
Your right about that PINK SPIDER Pikmin 3 looks amazing especially the folliage it looks stunning.
@Stark_Nebula
Other M doesn't count as a Metroid game. =I
This was a little ND, which makes sense considering they're going to have a huge one in less than a month. It's good to see some things finally dated, such as NSLU (and I was surprised to hear that it would be getting a boxed release too). Also, playable E3 demos for the general public? Uh, yes please! Hopefully my local Best Buy is one of the ones they choose, 'cause I don't wanna miss the chance to play MKU!
Hopefully we get some good info on Zelda 3DS, WWHD, and maybe some concept art (or even a trailer, if we're lucky!) of Zelda U! I'm also really looking forward to Retro's secret project. Would love for it to be Prime 4, but I'd also be down with them doing Star Fox! I've never much liked F-Zero, but perhaps they can change my opinion of that too.
This E3 oughta be good!
"Unfortunately, the odds of a Western release seem slim."
This has already been translated for western markets so there's not that much stopping them All we need to do is go onto the Japanese Miiverse and spam demands for Yakuza in EU/US.
@gavn64 - they've had playable demos for Pikmin and W101 for what seems like years now (and not put them on eshop) so I would not count my Mario 3D chickens yet.
This Nintendo direct was a bit of a disappointment. Most of what they showed off. We already knew about. But like the article said if you're a SEGA fan. The new sonic and game-gear titles will make you happy. I'm just glad I'll be able to download both seasons & ages for $10 dollars.
@evanescent_hero XD Sorry to imply that it was, but regardless of it's quality (or rather lack thereof), it "technically" is a Metroid game. However, it still sits at 6 years since Prime 3, and thusly 3rd in line in that sense, though it would be nice to get something to compensate Other M sometime soon.
I gotta say, the Japanese ND was entertaining, and many people flipped out when Nintendo Direct transformed into a SEGA Direct.
Shoulda called it Sega Direct.
@Stark_Nebula
Agreed, I'd rather see a new Star Fox before a new Metroid, but if Retro's making it, I don't care much either way. =D
I don't mind some nostalgia when it comes to Sonic, but I hope that more characters will appear in Lost World (specifically, more playable characters).
The ND was in-line with my expectations, knowing there will be a much better ND in a few weeks.
My only real disappointment was picking my kids up at the bus stop, and when they asked me about it I kind of drew a blank as nothing jumped out at me. My youngest was happy about the new Sonic game, but that 1 photo can only generate so much enthusiasm.
My favorite part was still that fly-over of Delfino Island - I'm still not sure if it was or wasn't actually Delfino but it was close enough that it made me happy. I still don't like the idea of Olympic games b/c they make me think that everything is just hit A+B as fast as you can to run, but the extras looked good. My kid just beat Starcup in Mario Sports Mix a couple of hours ago and who would have expected a boss battle w/ Behemoth King in a sports game? I think Nintendo can make for some fun multiplayer in that game to keep us busy until the next Sports Resort comes out.
Bring on Zelda Oracle 3DS!
I'm definitely gonna get the boxed NSLU. Its a collector's dream! It will look nice next to my NSMBU. I am also excited for Lost World, and for the new Mario & Sonic game.
I'm definitely gonna get the boxed NSLU. Its a collector's dream! It will look nice next to my NSMBU. I am also excited for Lost World, and for the new Mario & Sonic game.
Lost World looks neat. And yay for Wonderful 101!
Might get that Luigi retail release too...
Please stop disregarding Other M as a non-Metroid game.
The gameplay (i.e. combat, movement and such) was decent if not above average. The story would sound alright if you were given a brief summary.
The problem with the game was the execution of narrative. It was downright horrible, and you know what I'm talking about if you played the game. Go watch the Extra Creditz episode if you want to know more about what I'm talking about.
I think this actually proves what Warren Spector has been saying; putting focus on the quality of the narrative can matter greatly. If it was simply all about the gameplay and narrative doesn't matter, people wouldn't complain about the game in the first place.
Of course, many of you may reply to me about to cry the name of Mario to prove me wrong. Mario doesn't focus on a story, and some even argue it doesn't count as a story. Metroid: Other M tried to have a deep story, but they didn't put enough focus for quality in telling that story.
/reaaaally/ don't get the hate for Other M. Beautiful visuals, really cool gameplay gimmick (2.5D Metroid platforming with 1st person aiming? Too cool!), and a FANTASTIC narrative; writing was too good. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I bet that Best Buy will have a Wii U sale to accompany the E3 demos.
Aaah! The footage makes Lego City look so good! Should I pick it up??
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