Nintendo just finished airing a series of Nintendo Direct presentations across Japan, Europe, and the United States. Each presentation, while containing its own nuances, relayed basically the same bits of news. Here’s a rundown of the North American Nintendo Direct:
1) The Nintendo 3DS XL is coming. It has a bigger screen, but that’s really the only key difference between this new model and the one that launched a little over a year ago. It is to be priced at $199.99 and launched alongside New Super Mario Bros 2 on August 19th.
2) Nintendo is really pushing their new approach to digital downloads. There was talk of paid DLC New Super Mario Bros 2, as well as robust DLC for “the new Fire Emblem game”. That’s right, footage of Fire Emblem: Awakening was shown during the North American conference, but:
3) Fire Emblem is coming next year. I believe Europe has confirmed this as well, despite earlier signs pointing towards a 2012 release. At least it’s most definitely been confirmed at this point!
4) There are a ton of Virtual Console games coming throughout the month of July. And you can view a trailer of those below!
5) A Kingdom Hearts 3D Demo is available NOW!
But this wasn’t the only game shared during Nintendo’s little 3DS sizzle reel. In addition to titles we already knew about such as Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion and Scribblenauts Unlimited, there was a trailer for the new Professor Layton game! You can view it below.
6) The new Smash Brothers game for 3DS is being developed by both Sakurai and Bandai Namco. We’re set to publish an article with more details on this; definitely some of our favorite news of the night! Oh yeah, speaking of HAL—that new Kirby Anniversary Collection was also detailed.
Most of the 22 minute long Nintendo Direct presentation included footage of games we’ve seen before at E3. There was also news of an Art Academy game for the 3DS, and they really wanted to use it to sell the new 3DS XL. So, mostly stuff we knew, and some minor things we didn’t.
In addition to all that, here’s a new English trailer for you to enjoy of Pokemon Black & White 2, still set to release “this fall”.
I suppose that about sums up this evening’s Nintendo Direct. How does everyone feel about this new 3DS? Is anyone concerned about Nintendo after viewing tonight’s show(s)? Does anyone really wish that Japanese Nintendo Direct, which included footage of Project X Zone, Bravely Default, and other games, was meant for Europe and North America as well?
Here’s the entire thing, courtesy of Nintendo of America, in case you missed it.
