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Tonight’s European Nintendo Direct broadcast, which was again presented by the lovable Satoru Shibata, revealed details and dates for a huge number of Wii U and 3DS games.

Highlights included more details on Star Fox Zero, the reveal of Monster Hunter Generations, and a new amiibo-compatible Kirby game.

One of Miyamoto’s E3 2014 Wii U demos also resurfaced in the shape of Star Fox Guard. The game will be available as Wii U digital download or in a limited edition retail bundle with Star Fox Zero, which now has a confirmed release date of 22nd April, 2016.

There was also a much better showing for Metroid Prime: Federation Force, the game that sent many fans into meltdown upon its E3 2015 announcement. With more modes detailed and character classes adding a smidge of depth, it looks like being a lightweight but enjoyable collection of Metroid-themed multiplayer games.

The long-awaited arrival of SNES games on the 3DS Virtual Console was also finally announced. There are a few catches, however. Games will only be available on New Nintendo 3DS systems and here was no word of any cross-buy style functionality for titles already purchased on Wii U. The range will begin with Earthbound and Super Mario World.

And – at long last – we’ll see a Paper Mario game in HD, with Paper Mario Color Splash announced for a 2016 release.

Due to yet another leak many of the items featured in tonight’s broadcast were already known. It’s a real shame to see Nintendo Directs spoiled in advance and we hope that they can plug the leaks in future.

The full list of today’s announcements:

  • Smash Bros Fox Amiibo unlocks SNES Arwing skin in Star Fox Zero
  • Star Fox Guard coming to Wii U eShop on 22nd April
  • Star Fox Zero released on April 22 (Limited edition pack-in includes Star Fox Guard)
  • Splatoon software update on the way
  • Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games released in April
  • Super Mario Maker update features spike pillars, pink coins,keys and Super Expert Mode – coming 9th March
  • Tokyo Mirage Session #FE coming from Atlus Games on 24th June
  • Paper Mario Color Splash coming to Wii U in 2016
  • My Nintendo and Nintendo Account registration detailed
  • New Animal Crossing amiibo cards released in March and June
  • Hyrule Warriors Legends released for 3DS on 24th March (plus demo)
  • Hyrule Warriors Legends to get a four-part season pass
  • Yo-Kai Watch released on 29th April
  • Yo-Kai Watch demo out now!
  • Disney Art Academy released for Wii U on July 15
  • Metroid Prime Federation Force modes revealed, coming Summer 2016.
  • Lost Reavers Free to Play action game coming to Wii U, beta on the way
  • Virtual Console SNES games coming to New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL
  • Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 coming to 3DS this summer
  • Fire Emblem Fates (including retail Special Edition) released on 20th May
  • Dragon Quest VII coming in 2016
  • Monster Hunter Generations coming in Summer 2016
  • Rhythm Paradise MegaMix announced
  • Kirby Planet Robobot coming on June 10th
  • New Kirby series amiibo announced

All in all it was a welcome selection of announcements that should keep the Nintendo train chugging along until E3.

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