The most recent edition of Nintendo Direct is all about the games. Their were plenty of big announcements in the online presentation, and most, if not all of them, revolved around software for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. From the known quantities of Super Luigi U, The Wonderful 101, and Pikmin 3, to the announcement of an unexpected “exclusive partnership” with SEGA to bring a new Sonic game to the Wii U, there’s plenty for Nintendo fans to look forward to on the Wii U.
Super Luigi U – Super Luigi U will arrive as both downloadable content and as a disc-based release this summer. The digital download will be available in North America and Europe on June 20th, with the standalone package arrive later. The DLC will cost $19.99, but if you don’t own New Super Mario Bros. U, the standalone version will only set you back $29.99 and you don’t need to own the original.
The Wonderful 101 – The Wonderful 101 will arrive on the Wii U on September 15th in North America, with a European release on August 23rd. While fans were expecting The Wonderful 101 as a launch title for the Wii U, a delay had pushed the game back through the summer. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like its going to be worth the wait.
Pikmin 3 – Nintendo set aside plenty of time for Pikmin 3 in their Nintendo Direct conference, explaining the new ways that fans will interact with the game. They’ve also put a concrete release date on the game, giving it a July 26th launch for Europe.
Nintendo and SEGA join forces – Once bitter rivals, Nintendo and SEGA will partner to bring a Wii U exclusive Sonic title to the console. The next Sonic game dubbed “Lost World” will be a Wii U and 3DS exclusive, with details likely coming out of E3 2013.
Speaking of E3, it’s happening at Best Buy for Nintendo – Nintendo is breaking with tradition this E3. Already cancelling their press conference efforts, the company is trying a new strategy, which had been announced to include special events ahead of E3 to showcase software for gaming press and other industry insiders.
Well it looks like those aren’t the only people who will be playing the Wii U’s upcoming lineup during E3. Nintendo announced that they will be bringing E3 to the fans at Best Buy during the week of the expo, giving shoppers the ability to test out games at the retailer. No details were given about which games would be available to try, but it’s certainly an interesting new approach to E3 marketing.
