Nintendo Direct Roundup

Yesterday brought another of Nintendo’s Direct webcasts, with this one mainly focused around providing more information about previously announced games for both Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.

While we may not have been given much in the way of surprise announcements, there is plenty to be happy about if you own a Nintendo console, or about to in the runup to Christmas.

Here’s the gist of what went on…

The first piece of news was regarding the Nintendo Network and Miiverse. A 3DS system update in December will allow users to access Nintendo Network IDs setup on the Wii U and combine eShop balances for both systems. This same update will also finally bring the brilliant Miiverse to Nintendo 3DS, as well as a new YouTube application for the system.

A new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was shown, which has given us a look at the game’s Streetpass functionality. The game launches on 22nd November, but you can read my review of the game this evening. Here’s that trailer:

Also coming to Nintendo 3DS is JPRG Bravely Default. Launching on 6th December, there’ll also be a ShopTo-exclusive Collector’s Edition which contains a copy of the game, figurine, deluxe artbook, 34 AR Cards and a soundtrack CD. A demo is also available right now.

Mario Party: Island Tour for Nintendo 3DS was next on the agenda. This new collection of party games has a tropical theme, seven game boards and 80 new minigames. Some will use the system’s motion controls and the game features four player multiplayer with four systems able to play using one copy of the game. You’ll also be able to challenge complete strangers via StreetPass, when the game releases on January 17, 2014.

The latest instalment of Inazuma Eleven, is coming to Nintendo 3DS on February 14th, 2014. Inazuma Eleven 3: Team Ogre Attacks! will once again be able to take their football team to glory.

For those who prefer their football to be more strategic, Nintendo Pocket Football Club is coming to the 3DS eShop in 2014. Players will manage their own football teams in both single and multiplayer modes, including an online mode.

From 14th November , an update to StreetPass Relay Points will add some new features to the service, which this video explains:

Onto Wii U news, Nintendo announced a fifth character for Super Mario 3D World – Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy. In addition to this new character, this new Mario title has an unlockable Luigi version of the original Mario Bros. that is unlocked if the game detects a New Super Luigi U. save. The game will be released on November 29.

In Animal Crossing news, the Wii U Animal Crossing Plaza has been updated, allowing users to customise Miiverse posts with up to 50 different Animal Crossing stamps. In addition, Nintendo are also adding polls to the Plaza.

Pikmin 3 will be getting more downloadable content, in the form of some more Mission Mode Add-on stages, that will add new Collect Treasure and Battle Enemies stages to the game. This will be coming, along with a Pikmin 3 update on December 2.

While the 3DS is getting it’s own YouTube app, the Wii U’s existing application will be getting an update which will improve the interface and allow videos to be viewed on the GamePad.

A demo for Wii Fit U is now available on the Wii U eShop un til January 31 for those with a Wii Balance Board. You’ll be able to download and play the trial for 31 days, but can make it permanent by buying and syncing a Wii U Fit Meter to the software. A packaged version of Wii Fit U will be available on December 13 in two sets – one with the game and Fit Meter, the other with the game, Fit Meter and Balance Board.

Finally, Nintendo released a video showing some of the Wii U and 3DS games coming to eShop in the coming months.