Nintendo had their big live stream event today and while it may have been lacking in talk of a new Zelda title, there was plenty of Hyrule-related news announced. And that's just the beginning, as original IPs, old favorites and a new shiny 3DS were detailed in the 45 minute presentation.
Mario vs Donkey Kong Tripping Stars Crossplay Functionality!
The New Nintendo 3DS XL will be released next month on February 13 and will feature a new eye-tracking camera that should make the 3D function - which a lot of us turn off - much, much easier. And at last, a new C-pad should make gaming a bit more bearable. The system will retail for $199.99.
Two special editions will be released on February 13, as well: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D. The remake of the beloved N64 classic will fully utilize the New Nintendo 3DS XL camera, allowing for 360 degree views and full 3D eye-tracking. And we have to admit, that system looks dead sexy with Majora's Mask etched into it. Both Majora's Mask and the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate special editions will be available exclusively at Gamestop. The Majora's Mask version will not launch with the game cost $199.99, while the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will come with the game pre-loaded at $229.99.
Marvel's Battleworld Kickoff Event
And if you pre-order Code Name: S.T.E.A.M at Gamestop, you can grab a fancy Majora's Mask pin while supplies last.
Also, Majora's Mask is coming to Hyrule Warriors on February 5. Tingle and Young Link will be playable characters, as well as three additional costumes for existing characters. Priced at $7.99.
Let's rattle off the hits, shall we?
President Satoru Iwata announced a new Fire Emblem game for the 3DS. The game is being developed by the same team who created the much-beloved Fire Emblem: Awakening.
Amiibo support is coming to Super Smash Bros for the New Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as new Super Mario Bros line of amiibos, which will launch on March 20. Still no date on the previously announced NFC adapter for current 3DS models.
Puzzle & Dragons Z and Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros, two games which launched in Japan have been confirmed for a North American release. No date has been set, but both titles will be included in one bundle for the Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo is also getting into the F2P market with Pokemon Shuffle, a new Match-3 game launching exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. It's match, it's Pokemon and it will feature in-app purchases. Buyer beware!
Mario Party 10 will be bringing the new "amiibo party mode". Select amiibo from both the Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario series will work with the game: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Bowser, Rosalina, Donkey Kong and Wario. The game will launch on March 20 and will come with a Mario amiibo figure.
In additional amiibo news, a new line is coming this Spring: Robin, Lucina, PAC-MAN, Wario, Ness and Charizard amiibo figures, which are all compatible with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS,
Big news for fans of the original Wii: there is no more need to access the Wii Mode on your Wii U system, you can download the games directly via the eShop. Three games have been announced: Super Mario Galaxy 2 (available now), Punch Out! (January 22), Metroid Prime Trilogy (January 29). All will be on sale for one week for $9.99, and $19.99 afterwards.
You can watch the full Nintendo Direct livestream below. It's going to be a very, very good year for Nintendo. We can't wait.
