Nintendo aired a new Nintendo Direct episode today that showcased the near future for the Nintendo 3DS.
We start (after an awkward opening) with A Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America‘s President and COO, introduced us to a new trailer for the game. The launch trailer focused a bit on story, action, and even offered a glimpse of Shadow Link battles, which are possible through StreetPass. Reggie also plugged the all-new golden Zelda-themed 3DS XL. Both the game and system launch on November 22nd.
Bill Trinen is next up with more “Zelda time.” Bill plugged the introduction of mini-trailers for A Link Between Worlds that will appear on Nintendo’s Instagram page. Next, we’re showcased new characters in the franchise: Irene the witch, who helps us travel across the world, Seres, “a perfect target for a villain,” but Trinen left the concrete details up in the air for players to discover as they play the game.
“Zelda time” ended here and it became time for Mario to shine. Mario Party: Island Tour, also releasing November 22nd, was showcased. featuring 7 boards and 80 new minigames. In addition, Island Tour features Download Play and StreetPass related minigames.
Bravely Default, a JRPG that is on the radar of many 3DS owners, was showcased in all of its beautiful glory. Trinen showcased various features, such as group defense and stopping time in battle. Customization was also touted, but it’s not just about appearance; you can customize skills and spells as well. Finally, we got a release date! Bravely Default will arrive February 7th, 2014. A collector’s edition was also announced, including an art book and soundtrack. A demo will be made available today.
Next up is Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, which will complete the storyline that connects the franchise’s two trilogies. The game is a “compelling blend of story and brain teasers” and, to continue to quote Trinen, is the “ultimate Layton game.” It will be available February 28th.
The Nintendo Zone also got an update, featuring new Spotpass data and the ability to transfer data from the last six players in the area. For collectors, be sure to look out for Animal Crossing: New Leaf goodies throughout November and December.
Continuing with system upkeeping, expect a new system update to hit the 3DS in the near future. The update will allow 3DS owners to register their Nintendo Network ID, allowing them to combine the balances between both systems; you’ll be able to purchase software on either device with a combined balance. Nintendo is also vowing to move forward with Nintendo Network IDs, as they hope to encourage others to register for the service. One example of this is the long-awaited debut of Miiverse on the 3DS, enabled when the system update launches. Good times for one and all! YouTube will also become available on the Nintendo 3DS. Let’s hope the app works better than it does on the Wii U.
Speaking of the Wii U‘s YouTube app, it’s receiving a much needed upgrade later this month. About time.
Bill continues, leading into talk about Pikmin 3; hey wait, that’s not a 3DS game! You sly foxes, Nintendo! New Pikmin 3 DLC is being released, featuring a new mission mode round. The new levels are completely new stages, unlike the others from previous mission modes. Captain Olimar will also be available as a playable character, as will Louie, but you’ll have to find him and bring him back to base. Silly Louie. The Pikmin 3 DLC, which includes a total of 8 stages (4 collect treasure, 4 battle enemy) will be available December 2nd. The DLC also releases alongside a software update, which includes two free mission mode stages.
Animal Crossing Plaza, the Miiverse software that creates an Animal Crossing community, is talked about next. The software will receive an update as well, allowing Wii U owners to post stamps on the Miiverse. I don’t know about you, dear readers, but I eagerly look forward to the crazy posts to come. The second new addition for the Animal Crossing Plaza update is a ranking feature, which allows players to vote on various polls. In the future, resident registration, the ability to move and delete multiple pictures, and the ability to save pictures from Miiverse to post in your albums will be implemented. The update will be available later this evening.
That’s all from Bill; we’re back onto Reggie. He’s here to tout the upcoming indie games coming to the Nintendo eShop. Featured in the trailer are both 3DS and Wii U games: Q.U.B.E Director’s Cut, Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, Armillo, Grinsia, 1,001 Spikes, Tengami, Jet Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai, Pier Solar HD, Putty Squad, Teslagrad, Tresurenauts, Wooden Sen’Sey, Retro City Rampage, eKnytt Underground, Unepic, Siesta Fiesta, and Shovel Knight.
Reggie then teased the big day of releases on November 22nd. It’s not just about the Xbox One; A Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Mario Party: Island Tour, and Super Mario 3D World also come out that day. We were then given a list of ten new things in the game, but Reggie gave us a small spoiler alert. I quickly covered my eyes and ears; my apologies… you can watch them yourself below.
That’s it and that’s all for today. Don’t forget about Nintendo this holiday season!
