Nintendo Direct Summary

Earlier today a Nintendo Direct aired revealing new information and games for both the 3DS and the Wii U. Here is a summary of all the information given during the Direct:

European and US New 3DS Release Dates and bundles:

The New Nintendo 3DS arrives on 13th February in both Europe and the US and with its arrival comes two exclusive console bundles available in the XL edition of the console.

A Majora's Mask New 3DS XL Edition will be available the same day the game launches, which is 13th February. This bundles the game with the console allowing players to experience it in an all new light, with enhanced 3D and camera controls being possible because of the new C Stick.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will launch on the same day as the console as well, and with it comes another XL bundle.

Be aware that the games will be pre-installed on the consoles meaning there will be no physical copy.

New 3DS 

A new Fire Emblem game is coming to the system and it's being developed by the same team behind Fire Emblem: Awakening. It promises to give players choices that will affect the game's world in new ways.

Super Smash Bros. will receive amiibo compatibility sometime in February. The New Nintendo 3DS has built in NFC functions, so for owners of previous models a NFC reader/writer device will launch in the future.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D launches on 2nd April, with it comes the option to view the game in 3D, use of the 3DS's dual screens and a character model and musical soundtrack viewer in game.

IronFall: Invasion is a fast paced shooter perfectly suited to the New Nintendo 3DS's C Stick. It's been created by a team of three talented indie developers and runs at a smooth 60fps. It also includes 6-player local and online multiplayer and a dedicated campaign mode. 

Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition. This puzzle game launches in May and combines RPG and strategy elements and features characters from the Super Mario Bros. series.

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. arrives on 15th May and tasks players to bring together a team of talented agents as Abraham Lincoln, to help stop an alien invasion. The game will support Fire Emblem amiibo characters who can help stop the alien threat. 

Pokemon Shuffle launches on the Nintendo eShop in February and is a puzzle game where players have to match 3 or more Pokemon to clear the screen and finish stages.

Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy + is launching in February and allows for total control of fighter jets. The New Nintendo 3DS's ZR/ZL buttons allow for a better control system and you can also choose skins for your jets bases on amiibo's of your choice.

Nintendo Anime Channel is a new video on-demand channel where users can stream various anime series. New content is to be added regularly and it will launch on 13th February.

Wii U 

Splatoon launches exclusively for Wii U in May bringing with it the new central ‘plaza’ that acts as the game's hub and connects all of the available game modes. There is also a shopping centre attached where players can customise their weapons and outfits.

Mario Party 10 launches on 20th March and brings amiibo compatibility to the game. Amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Collection and the Super Mario Collection will work with the game and players can use the selected amiibo as a figure piece unlocking a character themed game board as well.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will receive a new update on 20th March that adds Toad amiibo support which adds a new hide-and-seek game mode.

Xenoblade Chronicles X has had a new trailer revealed and is planned for launch sometime in 2015.

Project Treasure (working title) is a free to download Wii U game from Bandai Namco, it requires an online connection and has a group of four players working together to beat various stages and collect treasure. 

Lastly Wii games will be available to download for the Wii U starting today. The first game available is Super Mario Galaxy 2 with others such as Metroid Prime Trilogy, Pandora's Tower and Punch Out due out later in the year. A special price of £.8.99 will be available for Super Mario Galaxy 2, Donkey Kong Country Returns and Metroid Prime Trilogy during the first week of their releases. Afterwards the games will sell for £17.99 each.

Amiibo

A Super Mario Collection of amiibo's are to be released and these will launch on March 20. They include new models of characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi and more. The compatibility is the same as previous models so buyers can simply choose which design they like best. Other figures such as Robin, Lucina, Charizard, PAC-MAN, Wario and more will launch when amiibo function becomes available in Spring.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is a puzzle platform hybrid where players guide mini Mario toys to the exit using touch controls. Players can create their own levels and can tip creators of generated levels with stars. It will be released both digitally and in retail stores.