Super Mario Maker for 3DS and new Pikmin platformer were among the games revealed in today’s Nintendo Direct.
The European broadcast – which was fronted by the ever-charming Nintendo of Europe President, Satoru Shibata – covered a huge range of new Nintendo 3DS games.
More details were revealed about the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon, including information on regional twists to some classic Pokémon. A slightly pared back version of Super Mario Maker was also announced, which loses online level sharing but does let players collaborate and create levels together for the first time.
There were also plenty of Amiibo related updates. A new range of 30th Anniversary Legend of Zelda figures will be released this year – which will be compatible with Breath of the Wild – and a release date was confirmed for the upcoming amiibo-focussed update for Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
In our opinion the best announcement was saved for last with a – currently untitled – sidescrolling Pikmin adventure revealed for release in 2017. And mighty fun it looks too.
Full list of Nintendo Direct announcements
Pokémon Sun and Moon
- Z-moves and new Pokémon variants detailed, one of which is a new Rattata. Sob.
- Pre-order bonus revealed – a Munchlax with the Pulverizing Pancake item
- New limited edition 2DS pre-installed Sun or Moon released on 23rd November
Super Mario Maker for 3DS
- Includes 100 in-built courses
- Limited connection with Wii U created courses and no online sharing but levels can be shared by Street Pass and local connection
- Local WiFi collaborative course creation
- Released 2nd December
Mario Party: Star Rush
- New modes and mini-game previewed
- Compatible with Super Mario amiibo range
- Released on 7th October
The Legend of Zelda Classic amiibo range
- Released in November and features a very cute 8-bit Link
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword now available on the Wii U eShop
Nintendo NES Classic Mini
- Released on 11th November
Hyrule Warriors Legends
- Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks DLC packs detailed and available now
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- New Amiibo functionality coming in free update available from 25th November
- A new packaged edition of the game – called Animal Crossing New Leaf: Welcome amiibo – to be released in November
- New batch Animal Crossing amiibo cards released on 11th November
Rhythm Paradise Megamix
- Released on 21st October, with a demo available now via the Nintendo eShop
Dragon Quest VII
- New ‘travellers tablets’ gameplay feature detailed
- Released on 16th September
Dragon Quest VIII
- Released in early 2017
Picross 3D Round 2
- Puzzle sequel coming to the 3DS eShop on 2nd December featuring Amiibo-activated puzzles
- Original DS version of Picross 3D is now available in Wii U eShop
StreetPass Mii Plaza Update
- Swift play update coming to Mii Plaza to improve user experience along with further addtions to the Mii Plaza Premium experience
- Five new StreetPass games now available: Slot Racer, Trader, Chef, Explorers and Ninja
Tank Troopers
- Basically, it’s World of Tanks for kids. Coming in 2017.
Nintendo Nindies
- Axiom Verge, Noitu Love: Devolution, Severed and get a moment to shine a new Nindies trailer
Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World
- A updated version of the Wii U platformer with additional, new Poochy-based stages
- The game also includes a range of stop-motion animated shorts
- New woolly Poochy Amiibo
- Released on 3rd February, 2017
Ever Oasis
- New Grezzo developed RPG confirmed for 2017 release
Mario Sports Superstars
- Compilation featuring football, baseball, tennis, golf and horse racing games
- Features online and local multiplayer modes.
- Released in Spring 2017
Pikmin
- A beautiful 2D sidescrolling twist on the classic Pikmin gameplay
- Coming in 2017
All in all it was a solid Nintendo Direct with some old faves and couple of pleasant surprises. Let us know what you thought in the comments below.
