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Nintendo Direct tomorrow on previously announced 3DS games [update]
It's another Direct week, with Nintendo of America hosting a broadcast on previously announced 3DS games due by early 2014. The livestream is due tomorrow, November 13, at 8AM PT/11AM ET. There's no word from The Big N's Japanese or European branches about a simultaneous broadcast as yet, but tradition suggests another 3-for-1 package. Looking at the Nintendo handheld's upcoming line-up, we might expect release dates for the likes of Mario Golf: World Tour (recently rated by the Australian Classification Board), Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (already out in Europe), and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (due in Q1 2014). We might, except we've long learned to expect the unexpected (and not expect the expected) with Nintendo's often eccentric broadcasts. Either way, you'll be able to join us to find out what's in store, because as ever we'll be hosting all available livestreams in one handy Joystiq post, directly to you. Update: Sure enough, Nintendo of Europe will have a simultaneous broadcast (4PM UK time) "with a focus on 3DS games for the next few months."
3DS StreetPass relay points upgraded, content distribution events planned
Nintendo's 3DS StreetPass relay point functionality will soon be improved, allowing players to access data at Nintendo Zone locations from more 3DS owners at once, Nintendo announced during today's Nintendo Direct presentation. "Starting in a few days," players that pass through Nintendo Zone locations with their 3DS systems in sleep mode will access data from up to six other passers-by instead of the usual one, greatly improving their chances at completing puzzles and other StreetPass games. Additionally, Nintendo noted plans for special StreetPass distribution events for game content in October and November, starting with an Animal Crossing: New Leaf fedora chair on October 1, then a sushi platter on October 15. Other 3DS games receiving bonus content via StreetPass include Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising and Super Mario 3D Land. Relay points were added to the system in an August firmware update, though numerous reports indicated that it didn't function properly in early September. Nintendo's paid StreetPass games made $4 million in one month, so the relay point update seems appropriate enough.
Zelda: A Link Between Worlds dungeons can be played in any order [update]
Update: The Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation revealed a December 26 release date for A Link Between Worlds in Japan. During the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds will arrive on 3DS on November 22 in Europe (also the release date for North America). He also revealed that the game will dramatically alter the traditional Zelda formula, allowing players to tackle dungeons in whatever order they choose. This will be possible thanks to a special shop where Link can rent and purchase items that would normally only be found in dungeons, including series staples like the hookshot, boomerang and hammer. Zelda is one of Nintendo's most entrenched series, so seeing the company make such a large departure is pretty surprising. We'll see if it pays off come November.
New Kirby game announced for 3DS
This morning's Nintendo Direct revealed that pink puffball Kirby is coming to 3DS in a new adventure, due sometime next year. The stream revealed it to be a 2D platformer, with familiar Kirby powers in attendance alongside the ability to jump between a front and back plane, but beyond that details are sparse.
Pikmin 3 getting paid DLC [Update: First pack is $1.99]
Pikmin 3 will receive paid DLC, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announced during today's Nintendo Direct presentation. After downloading an update made available after the presentation, players will be able to access additional single player missions, the first round of DLC being more "Collect Treasure" missions. Upon updating the game, players can access one free downloadable mission as well. Update: To clarify, the Collect Treasure pack consists of four stages, and will cost $1.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
Sonic spins onto new Super Smash Bros
Today's Nintendo Direct revealed the second third-party character confirmed for Super Smash Bros. is a returning one: Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega's spiky mascot, who made his debut in the previous entry, joins Capcom's Mega Man and the 15 other combatants so far announced for the new 3DS and Wii U game.
Watch today's Nintendo Direct on upcoming 2013 games right here [update: it's over!]
Update: It's over, but don't fret if you missed it: we've got the video up in full. Hey paisanos, it's the Nintendo Direct super show! Yes, it's another of Nintendo's streamed broadcasts, this time on Wii U and 3DS games that are coming later this year. That sounds like it ought not to have too much we don't already know, but if there's anything this year has taught me, it's not to predict the newsworthiness of a Direct. After all, Iwata's sleeves are always lined with plenty of secrets (and fruit). However totally exciting or totally not exciting it proves to be, you can tune in to today's Direct right here on the Joystiq channel - well, this page to be specific. As ever, we've got the Nintendo of America stream up top, while the broadcasts for Europe and Japan can be found after the break. Curtains are set to rise at 10AM ET (7AM PT, 3PM UK time), and we'll have all the news for you to peruse as it happens.
Nintendo Direct tomorrow on Wii U, 3DS games for later this year
Bananas, costumes, and adorably odd gestures: It can only be another Nintendo Direct. Nintendo of America tells us it has a stream lined up for tomorrow, October 1, at 7AM PT/10 AM ET, focusing on Wii U and 3DS games coming later this year. There's no word yet on this, but since it's typically been the case for Japan and Europe to have Directs at the same time, don't be surprised if it's another three-at-once bonanza of broadcasts. Whichever streams there are, we'll have them for you to watch here on Joystiq.
Monster Hunter 4 Direct sets off on Sunday
This weekend's Monster Hunter 4-themed Nintendo Direct could spill some intriguing news. As our friends at Engadget Japan noted, Capcom and Nintendo agreed on some kind of collaboration ahead of the 3DS game's launch on September 14, saying they'll reveal the specifics of that in a "direct" fashion. Well then! Either way, this weekend's Direct should provide another substantial look at the RPG so eagerly anticipated in Japan, where Siliconera reports pre-orders have surpassed the million mark. But will Monster Hunter 4 come to the west? Well, it seems unlikely we will hear any more on that in this Japan-focused Direct, but that doesn't mean you can't tune in and hope. Make sure you're at this link on Sunday, September 8; the broadcast starts at 8PM Japan Standard Time (4AM PT, 7AM ET, 2PM UK time).
Pokemon 3DS XLs announced for west, cloud-based Bank storage service unveiled
Nintendo announced a number of new details for Pokemon X and Y in this morning's Direct broadcast, including two 3DS XL units for North America and Europe. Unlike the red and gold units coming to Japan, the red and blue 3DS XLs will launch on September 27, two weeks prior to the game's arrival on October 12. They'll be available for $200 and won't come with the game bundled in. No word if bundles with the game included will launch later. More curious is the announcement of Pokemon Bank, a 3DS cloud-based app that lets players store their pocket monsters online. The service, which players will have to stump an annual fee for, allows trainers to store 3,000 Pokemon, including those from future Pokemon games and from multiple copies of Pokemon games. It's tied to a linked app, Poke Transporter, that can transfer Pokemon into the Bank from certain previous games, such as Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. Pokemon Bank is confirmed to arrive in North America and Europe later this year, and will come with a free trial period. Rounding up the reveals is a wee touch of nostalgia: In addition to receiving one of X and Y starter Pokemon Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie at the beginning of the game, players also get one of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, the starter critters from Game Boy entries Red and Blue. Each returning starter can Mega Evolve too, which is mega news, really. Pokemon X and Y are due worldwide on October 12. If you want to catch up on this morning's Direct, head on past the break for the video.
Pokemon Direct coming tomorrow, gotta watch it all for new details
If you wanna be the very best like no-one ever was, your real test is to watch tomorrow's special Pokemon-themed Nintendo Direct that promises new details on Pokemon X and Y. You don't have to travel across the land searching far and wide for it, silly bunny. Just click this link and tune in tomorrow, September 4 at 7AM ET (4AM PT, 12PM UK time). [Image Source: Pokemon Facebook page]
Watch today's Wii U, 3DS Nintendo Direct right here [update: it's all over!]
Update: And it's so over. Check out all the news here. It's that time again. Stretch those legs, place some fruit sustenance nearby, and make sure your body is ready for another Nintendo Direct workout. One thing you don't have to move is that cursor, because you can watch today's Direct right here on Joystiq. Mario HQ says today's Direct covers "new details on previously announced" 3DS and Wii U games due this year, all of which probably translates into a ride on the Release Date Train, since there are a fair few Wii U and 3DS games due in 2013 that are minus specific ETAs. Highlights include Super Mario 3D World, Wind Waker HD, Wii Party U, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the Wii U, and on the 3DS Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies, Mario Party, and A Link Between Worlds - so expect these games to show up today. Of course, there may not be any release date announcements. The Direct could just be Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata sailing around the Japanese coastline, struggling to explain the features of Wind Waker HD as the unruly tides thrash against his sailboat, waterlogged produce strewn in the waves around him. Not that that wouldn't be entertaining. As ever, you have a choice of three broadcasts to tune into; North America's Direct is up top, while Europe and Japan's are below the break. All three streams are scheduled to set sail at 10AM ET (7AM PT, 3PM UK time), and when's all said and done we'll have all the newsbits ready for your perusal.
Mario Party 3DS and Zelda: A Link Between Worlds coming this November
The next Mario Party and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds will arrive on 3DS in November, Nintendo confirmed in today's Nintendo Direct Mini video. Mario Party 3DS was first announced for this winter during an April Nintendo Direct, and will include seven boards and augmented reality mini-games. Nintendo revealed A Link Between Worlds during its E3 2013 livestream. %Gallery-191135%
Bayonetta rocks a new do in Bayonetta 2 gameplay trailer
There's a lot going on in this Bayonetta 2 trailer. Angels are slaughtered, giant monsters are fought and plenty of flashy torture attacks are unleashed. At one point, Bayonetta sprouts wings. She's also sporting a new hairdo. Under normal circumstances, that wouldn't mean much, but given Bayonetta's relationship with hair, it's pretty significant.
New 'Yoshi's Island' game called 'Yoshi's New Island'
We guess that's new...? Yeah, let's go with new. This footage for Yoshi's New Island, a new platformer for 3DS, is probably also new, so enjoy. The game will launch "this holiday season." %Gallery-191130%
Zelda 3DS is now The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Following this morning's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo sneakily released the above trailer for The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the official name for the new The Legend of Zelda game coming to 3DS.%Gallery-191135%
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS coming in 2014, brings Megaman along for the ride (video)
Microsoft's got the Xbox One, Sony's got the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo? Nintendo's got Megaman. In its pre-E3 broadcast, the console maker has announced that a new version of party favorite Super Smash Bros. will be arriving on the Wii U and 3DS at some point next year. The company has taken the chance to freshen up the smashing lineup, adding the Villager from Animal Crossing and adding Megaman from, er, Megaman to the roster. If you'd like to see the announcement trailer for yourself, head on past the break and scrub forward to the 34 minute mark where it's now available in its standalone glory. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.%Gallery-191051%
New Monolith Soft game 'X' coming to Wii U in 2014
X, a new game from Monolith Soft, is coming to Wii U in 2014. "The goal is to create a large-scale open world that players can explore seamlessly," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said during the E3 Nintendo Direct stream today. Monolith Soft's previous game was Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles.
Super Smash Bros. coming to 3DS, Wii U in 2014; Mega Man joins fray
During this morning's E3 Nintendo Direct, as promised, the Big N showed off the new Super Smash Bros. It's apparently just called Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS. The company announced the game will launch in 2014. New characters not seen in the series before were The Villager from Animal Crossing and Mega Man has joined the crew. Previous combatants also shown included Mario, Kirby, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus and Bowser.%Gallery-191099%
Wii Fit U delayed to December
Wii Fit U, the latest entry in Nintendo's fitness series, has stumbled on the old jogging trail. Originally slated for the first half of 2013, the game will now be released in December. The news comes courtesy of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in the company's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation. As announced at last year's E3, the game will incorporate a special pedometer called the Fit Meter.
