The first appearance by Mario on a new Nintendo system is always cause for celebration. This fall, Nintendo is giving fans two big reasons to celebrate. On Nov. 13, Nintendo will release the Super Mario 3D Land game for Nintendo 3DS. In this first-ever true 3D Mario platforming adventure, players can scout levels and find secrets before they play using the built-in gyro sensor feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. The game will feature propeller blocks and will have StreetPass functionality. Mario Kart 7 will be available Dec. 4 and will include a new optional first-person driving mode that is controlled using the gyro sensor. The game also introduces new playable characters like Lakitu and Metal Mario, and a tricks system like the one in Mario Kart Wii. Both games are essential to the game libraries of Mario fans, and more details about them will be announced in the future.
This Christmas...
Nintendo is pulling out all the stops in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches Nov. 20 and represents one of the deepest and richest experiences ever produced by Nintendo. More than 100 staff members have been working for five years to produce the epic story, which includes a new approach to game play and more than 100 minutes of cinematic cut scenes. The game also will feature a boss challenge mode and, for players who need assistance, optional hint movies to help them along.
In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between Sept. 28, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare version of the game using their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game's replay value.
Fans of Nintendo's downloadable games will be getting a special Zelda treat as well. Between Oct. 3, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012, select retailers will carry limited-edition cards highlighting the series' 25th anniversary. The Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card, which is used in the Nintendo eShop of the Nintendo 3DS system, features an image of Link battling Ganon. The Nintendo Points Card, which can be used in the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop, shows Link flying high in a scene from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
In other game news, families can look forward to making fun holiday memories with new games like Fortune Street (Dec. 5) for the Wii console and Fossil Fighters: Champions (Nov. 14) for the Nintendo DS family of systems. Third-party publishers are also adding to the roster of great games headed for Nintendo systems between now and the end of the year, including Just Dance 3 (Oct. 7) for the Wii console from Ubisoft, Go Vacation (Oct. 11) for the Wii console from NAMCO BANDAI. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure (Oct. 16) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems from Activision Publishing, Zumba Fitness 2 (Nov. 15) for the Wii console from Majesco Entertainment and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nov. 15) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems published by SEGA.
Looking Ahead to 2012
Beyond the Christmas season, Nintendo is already making plans for 2012. Nintendo is revealing a previously unannounced 3D Mario tennis game for the Nintendo 3DS system. Mario Tennis (name not final) will launch in 2012 and more details will be announced later.
Also in 2012, Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to enjoy a new 3D installment in the Animal Crossing franchise. This version will include a number of options not available in previous versions. These include the ability to become the head of the village and boost its development, a way to install certain items in the village to make its characteristics more personalized for each player, and the ability to view homes of other players who are tagged through StreetPass connections.
In 2012, Nintendo 3DS fans will also see the arrival of new games in the Luigi's Mansion and Paper Mario franchises.
In one final bit of news, the development team for Kid Icarus: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS has determined that more time is needed to complete the game. As a result, the game will now launch in 2012. Nintendo is also in the process of developing 3D Kid Icarus animations with critically acclaimed Japanese anime production houses. These animations will be made available free of charge via the Nintendo Video service to Nintendo 3DS owners worldwide.
Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.
