We stand at the dawn of a new era of Nintendo. A new President is in charge (Tatsumi Kimishima). A new gaming focus is being added (the DeNA partnership). A new pillar of business is being explored (Quality of Life). And within a year, we’ll know what to expect from Nintendo’s next console (Project NX).
So with this being the first production Nintendo has had since E3 — and technically the first Direct since May — we hope to hear about a lot of gaming news in the 45 minute run time. And there’s quite a bit they could talk about with Xenoblade Chronicles X, Bravely Second, the next Legend of Zelda game, the SMT-FE crossover, Fire Emblem Fates, and Star Fox Zero.
This page will feature points, games, and release dates that were talked about during the North American Direct. If you want to see what was announced during the European Direct, click here or the link at the bottom of the page. Enjoy.
We begin with Reggie welcoming everyone and thanking them for their kinds words after the passing of Satoru Iwata. After that, we get a look at something new… well, newly remastered.
The games begin with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. This is the latest Zelda game to be remade, with Wind Waker getting an HD version while the N64 Zeldas received 3DS ports. In addition to the new version, a Wolf Link amiibo will be made available. Twilight Princess HD will be coming early 2016.
And if it seems odd that they would talk about a different Zelda game than what you were expecting, remember that 2016 will be the 30th anniversary of the original Legend of Zelda. The anniversary year will also include the Wii U’s new Zelda game, which will allow for compatibility with the new Wolf Link amiibo.
One more piece of Zelda news, a new DLC pack is coming for Tri Force Heroes. This pack will include an area called the Den of Trials, which includes at least 30 stages with checkpoints throughout the area. Additional outfits will also be made available, including Fierce Deity Armor. This update will be coming free December 2nd.
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Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is next as the game is closing in on its November 20th release date. You’ll start as one of 20 Pokemon as you quest to figure out why Pokemon are turning into stone. The game will also feature a special Connection Orb that will link you to all the currently known Pokemon for certain tasks.
New content is coming to Splatoon. New stages like Museum d’Alfonsino and Mahi-Mahi Resort will release with as many as 40 new pieces of gear. Updates begin rolling out tonight at 5PM PST and continue through tomorrow night.
Also getting new stuff is Super Mario Maker. If you want help to find new courses, Nintendo is setting up a new site you can access from your computer or smart phone to find new levels that fit a certain style you want to experience. The site will be coming next month.
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Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival is up next. The game will launch with a bundle that will feature amiibo figures for Isabelle and Digby. amiibo Festival will release tomorrow.
More new Wii U games are featured with Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. The game will feature familiar aspects — particularly if you choose Simple Mode — as well as a new jump shot that will allow you to hit high lobs after knocking your opponent off-balance. Special matches involving Toad tossing Mega Mushrooms onto the court for you to thwart your opponent were also shown. And you can go online to play Simple, Regular, and Mega matches. The game releases on November 20th.
Xenoblade Chronicles X is next. 4 special data packs will be made available for gamers buying a physical version in order to help load times. These will not be required but are there to help. Those that buy the digital version will not need to download the packs since they will be built right into the game. The game releases December 4th.
Moving over to eShop titles, we get a look at Nintendo Badge Arcade. This is the new free-to-start game that was released earlier this week. You can practice everyday for free or purchase the option to earn new badges a dollar for every five chances. You can also earn new themes for your 3DS home menu.
Following this is Pokemon Picross, a new free-to-start game. Solving puzzles will unlock Pokemon that can help you solve hard puzzles. This will launch in early December.
Next, we get a look at the upcoming indies. Here are the three that were featured.
- SteamWorld Heist (3DS; Holiday 2015)
- FAST Racing Neo (Wii U; Early December)
- Typoman (Wii U; November 19th)
Following this was a rather unique ad for Yo-Kai Watch. The spot featured Bill Trinen being influenced by a Yo-Kai as Reggie was trying to start a meeting at the Redmond offices. The complete video will be coming soon to reveal how the story ends. I’m betting Reggie has to battle the Yo-Kai out of Bill.
New bundles and deals were announced for Black Friday. A Wii U bundle will be coming that includes Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Splatoon. Special 3DS XL deals were also teased, but not revealed. Also, a new batch of amiibo will be coming in January.
Pokken Tournament was up next. The game is a collaboration of Nintendo’s Pokemon and Bandai Namco’s Tekken, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In addition, the first production run will include a special Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card. The game will release in Spring 2016.
Star Fox Zero follows with a new look at the upcoming game. This look focuses on the vehicles of the game, such as an Arwing that can switch into a Walker, the Landmaster that can switch into the Gravmaster, and the new Gyrowing. The game has a new release date of April 22nd, 2016.
Moving back to 3DS, we can a new look at Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. The game will feature the universes of Mario & Luigi with Paper Mario as Mario’s paper-self will allow for some interesting elements to come together in one game. Paper Jam comes January 22nd, 2016.
After this, we have Final Fantasy Explorers. This is the first Final Fantasy title to release here on the 3DS. Over 20 professions can be learned with players having the ability to switch jobs. You can dress like your favorite Final Fantasy character or use a special Trance ability to temporarily become them. Up to 4 players can link up in the campaign. And furthermore, all DLC will be coming over for free. The game will release, along with a collector’s edition, on January 26th, 2016.
More RPG goodness follows with Fire Emblem Fates. A focus was put on how you can buy this new installment. Fates will be split into two versions, Conquest and Birthright, with a third story releasing later called Revelation. All three are promised to be a complete story and game on its own. However, if you want to purchase the full experience, you can get the special edition featuring all three stories. This game will release on February 19th, 2016. DLC maps will be coming similar to how they were released with Awakening, meaning that the first map will be made free while the first pack will have a special discount.
Mega Man Legacy Collection is next as Capcom looks to celebrate Mega Man’s 8-bit heritage with the 6 NES games. The game will also feature remixed areas for veteran players to have something new to play. In addition, the Mega Man and new Gold Mega Man amiibo will have additional challenges for players to try out. The Gold Mega Man amiibo will be available only in the special collector’s edition of the game. The Legacy Collection will release February 23rd, 2016.
Up next is a big announcement that original players of the series have been waiting for. Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow will be coming to the 3DS eShop on February 27th, 2016, which is the anniversary for the original Game Boy Pokemon games. And to make sure you can trade with your friends, the games will be updated to allow for wireless trading.
Following this is Hyrule Warriors Legends. New content was featured in this look. Of course, Toon Link, Tetra, and the King will appear, as will Skull Kid. But a new character will also be coming, Linkle. She is a character that pretty much looks like a female Link, but with more mobility and a special spinning kick. Hyrule Warriors Legends will release on March 25th, 2016.
As they started wrapping up, Bill Trinen quickly went over some new games coming to 3DS, specifically from Square Enix. Of course, Bravely Second: End Layer was quickly touched upon, but who cares about that. DRAGON QUEST VII AND VIII ARE COMING WEST! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Oh, and all three games are coming in 2016.
…I feel like I’m forgetting something… Oh yeah, I gotta release that vise that’s holding Tetsuya Nomura.
And in the end, we have a look at more 3rd party games coming to Wii U and 3DS. Here’s a list of what was talked about.
- Hive Jump (Wii U)
- Kerbal Space Program (Wii U)
- Mighty No. 9 (Wii U and 3DS)
- LEGO Marvel’s Avengers (Wii U and 3DS)
- Project X Zone 2 (3DS)
- Terarria (Wii U and 3DS)
And before we left, Reggie had one final reveal, a new character for Super Smash Bros. Everyone, meet the newest fighter, Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud Strife.
The fighter will include some interesting moves, such as a Limit Break and an incredible Omnislash finishing move. More Smash stuff was teased for December.
And that’s it. I think my face just melted from those last bits.
But don’t forget, this was a worldwide Nintendo Direct. Click here for the European release dates as well as games announced for the region.
