Nintendo Direct NA - Pikmin 3, Luigi's Mansion, Fire Emblem dates confirmed
The North American Nintendo Direct presentation discussed Nintendo the firm's 2013′s Wii U and 3DS release slate. Get the details below.
Wii U, Google Maps, Pikmin 3
The presentation started off with Nintendo of America head Reggie Fils-Aime discussing how pleased and appreciative Nintendo is over the Wii U's reception before digging into the 2013 slate.
LEGO City Undercover was introduced by a LEGO-ized Satoru Iwata, before a gameplay video was shown featuring a demonstration of how to use the GamePad.
The game will contain over 100 vehicles and touchscreen functionality will feature prominently in the game. LEGO toys will be released in stores containing codes for the game. It's out in early 2013.
Pikmin 3 in-game visuals were shown in a video, looking as lovely as you would expect. Game's out in Q2 2013.
Game & Wario was shown as well, with gameplay features and some of its 16 mini games detailed.
For the fitness fanatic, Nintendo announced WiiFit U will feature a fit meter and it includes 77 activities with new routines in an all new dance category. It's out in Q1 2013.
Fighting fans pay special attention: Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayash popped in to announce two new characters will be introduced in the next few weeks for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge as DLC. The characters are Kasumi from Dead or Alive and Momiji from Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper.
Hayash also went into detail on how to use the Wii U controls when playing the game, and reiterated the game's online capabilities.
Coming to the eShop is Google Maps functionality where users can control the panoramic StreetView mode using the GamePad. It's part of the Wii U Panorama View channel, which allows users to scan photos in 360 degrees. StreetView can be transferred from the GamePad screen to the TV. A demo will be available before the apps launch during Q1 2013.
3DS, Luigi, new Coin Rush levels
3DS game Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon was shown, and the storyline was reiterated via an in-game demonstration. It's out in spring 2013.
Brain Age: Concentration Training 3DS helps train the brain to compensate for information overload in the Internet age. More details will be announced on the title at a later date.
Nintendo also reiterated the fact Fire Emblem Awakening releases on February 4, and went back over the game's storyline while showing gameplay footage. The demonstration also called special attention to the in-game cutscenes and text conversations.
The firm also wanted to remind folks that the New Super Mario Bros 2. DLC is still a free download and it will no longer be free after January 31, so you best hurry.
There are also two new Coin Rush packs available for the 3DS title today on the eShop. Tokyo Crash Mobs is also available today through eShop.
Nintendo also briefly mentioned that Pokemon's developers will release a new digital title called HarmoKnight "soon". The game, known as Rhythm Hunter in Japan, was released through the eShop in the country during September.
The rhythm platformer from Game Freak is expected in 2013.
You can watch videos shown during the presentation here, and re-watch the entire 30 minute presentation below.
