Under Satoru Iwata’s management, Nintendo of America has opted for a smaller E3 presence this year.
But that doesn’t mean the publisher won’t be making any big announcements.
To the contrary, Nintendo has just begun to show its hand via the publicly available Nintendo E3 website and Nintendo Direct E3 Broadcast.
A slew of new announcements, release dates, and game news has already been broadcast and there is little doubt that more is on the way. Here are some of the highlights so far.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Perhaps one of the most anticipated 3DS releases of the year is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. This new game will be a direct sequel to the Super Nintendo classic, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
A Link Between Worlds will adopt some of the game mechanics which made its 16-bit predecessor so successful. The game will feature some of the same characters, a similar aesthetic, and the ability to travel between the Light and Dark Worlds.
However, Nintendo does promise gamers a plot twist or two in the new title.
A Link Between Worlds is slated for a November 2013 release on the 3DS.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Although there has been no official announcement of an original Zelda title for the Wii U, we do know one is in development. In the meantime, Nintendo is offering fans the opportunity to relive a controversial GameCube classic with The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker HD.
Originally panned for its artistic direction, Windwaker has become one of the most appreciated Zelda titles. This time around fans can experience the game reimaged in 1080p on the Wii U.
Nintendo has announced that the re-release will allow players to use the Wii U game pad to shuffle their inventory or play using Off-TV mode.
Nintendo has also integrated Miiverse functionality into the title. By using the Tingle Bottle item, gamers can effectively send a message in a bottle to another gamer’s shores. Players can also post photos taken with their PictoBox on the Miiverse.
The Big N also added that Link will be able to sail 50% faster in the re-release – much to the relief of Windwaker fans.
Windwaker HD is due for an October release on the Wii U.
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World will be coming to the Wii U later this year. The new action platformer will include both single and multiplayer gameplay.
Mario Kart 8
The first HD offering of the Mario Kart series will be coming to the Wii U Spring 2014. The new party racer feature standard karts, motorbikes, anti-gravity karts, hang-gliders, and underwater races.
Super Smash Brothers
The game where Mario, Link, Zelda, and just about any other Nintendo staple can settle their differences has finally been announced. While information on the new Smash Brothers is still limited, we do know that a villager from Animal Crossing and Mega Man will be joining the bill.
Nintendo has created the official Super Smash Brothers website (which at time of publishing is currently down along with much of Nintendo’s E3 site).
The new Super Smash Brothers will be coming to the Wii U and 3DS in 2014.
What do you think about Nintendo’s big announcement? Who do you want to see in the new Smash Brothers? Do you think Nintendo will announce a new Zelda for the Wii U? What do you think of Mario 3D World?
Share your thoughts below!
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
