Nintendo’s latest direct was all about the 3DS. Featuring numerous updates on games, some announcements, and few surprises, the direct delivered a little something for everyone. Here are the biggest takeaways from the presentation.
- Super Mario Maker is coming to the 3DS on December 2. Unlike the Wii U version, you won’t be able to share courses you create online, but you will be able to share them locally with friends, who can even help you work on them. The 3DS version of the game will take full advantage of the handheld’s touchscreen by including all of the tools already packed into the Wii U version, along with 100 courses designed by Nintendo.
- Mario Party Star Rush releases November 4. The game will feature seven modes, including one named Toad Scramble, where everyone plays as Toad to take down mini-bosses alongside other characters. Seven new amiibo will release alongside the game, including glow-in-the-dark Boo.
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf gets a new update this fall. A new update for the 2013 release will add support for the Animal Crossing amiibo and cards. 50 new cards will also be released on December 2, as well as a new version of the game that includes an amiibo card. You can use the card and amiibo to bring villagers to your town.
- Streetpass Update. A new update to streetpass is designed to “streamline” the user experience, allowing you to hold up to 100 players’ Miis rather than just 10. Five new games are also joining streetpass, named Slot Car Rivals, Market Crashers, Feed Mii, Mii Trek and Ninja Launcher. All are $2.99 and are available now. You can grab all of them in a bundle for just $8.99
- Tank Troopers is announced. Announced as a new game, Tank Troopers allows for deep customization of tanks, and features different types of attacks, such as a freeze attack or an electric shock. It’s coming later this winter.
- Nindies arrive in September. Nintendo will release an indie title each week during September on Wii U or 3DS at a sale price. Axiom Verge is the first title and is available on Wii U now.
- The Legend of Zelda gets new amiibo. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo is releasing four new Zelda amiibo: an 8-bit Link, an Ocarina of Time Link, and a two-pack Toon Link and Toon Zelda. All will be available on December 2 and will have functionality when Breath of the Wild releases next year. Additionally, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is available now on the Wii U Virtual Console for just $19.99.
- A new Pikmin game announced for 3DS. Pikmin is making its first foray onto a Nintendo handheld in this unnamed title. Coming in 2017, this side-scrolling adventure will see the Pikmin follow Olimar on the screen and wants you to tap the screen to instruct him where to throw them. More information is on the way soon.
- Yoshi’s Woolly World comes to 3DS next year. Another Wii U title will make its way to the handheld next February in the form of Yoshi’s Woolly World. This version of the game will contain all of the features from the console version as well as new stages focusing on Poochy. A yarn amiibo of Poochy is also launching alongside the game and it is adorable. Nintendo is also producing 30 animated shorts of Yoshi and Poochy with Dwarf animation studios.
