Momentum for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Keeps Going Through Summer, Autumn and Beyond

New Nintendo Direct broadcast reveals new Kirby and Paper Mario games, announces the latest Monster Hunter™ game will come to Australia and New Zealand this winter and much more

4th March, 2016 – In a new Nintendo Direct video, Nintendo revealed new games on the way for its Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems, as well as additional details about previously announced titles. From new games in the Kirby and Paper Mario series to a companion game for Star Fox Zero, this is one video that can’t be missed. To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendodirect for the compete video, and additional new trailers will soon be available on the Nintendo Australia YouTube Channel.

Highlights revealed in the video include:

Wii U

• Star Fox Zero: Fox McCloud returns in an action-packed new adventure. Multiple paths branch out to give players plenty of places to explore, and each route gives them a completely different experience with unique challenges. Players will notice their skills get better and better over time, as they become top-notch pilots. In two-player mode, one player can fly the Arwing while the other player aims and shoots. The game launches on April 23, with a limited First Print edition including Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard on separate Game Discs, and an exclusive SteelBook® case. This package is the only way to get a physical copy of Star Fox Guard, so collectors won’t want to miss out.

• Star Fox Guard: Players set up 12 cameras to find and defeat enemies who are attacking the mining site of Slippy Toad’s uncle, Grippy Toad. The game includes about 100 missions, but players can also create their own challenges by editing the placement of enemies and uploading them online. The game will be available in Australia and New Zealand from Nintendo eShop, from April 23.

• Paper Mario: Color Splash: Paper Mario returns to a Nintendo console! Prism Island is being drained of its colour in this action-adventure. Paper Mario’s paint hammer splashes paint on anything it hits, so he uses it to bring the colour back to the island. The game will be released in 2016.

• Super Mario Maker: Fans who want a real challenge will soon be able to try the 100 Mario Challenge’s new Super Expert difficulty, coming as part of a free software update on March 9. The mode is unlocked after players clear Expert mode, and dishes out six extremely tough courses. The update also adds 12 new Mystery Mushroom costumes to unlock in 100 Mario Challenge, and provides level creators with even more tools:

o Shake a P Switch to turn it into a key, and shake a Door twice to turn it into a Key Door. Creators can make enemies hold keys – perfect for creating boss battles.
o Shake a Coin to turn it into a Pink Coin: when players collect them all, a key appears.
o Shake a Thwomp to turn it into a massive Spike Pillar from Super Mario World.
o Additionally, the Super Mario Maker Bookmark site will be updated with ranking categories for world records and the number of first clears on courses.

• Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE: Slay monsters – and slay like a pop star – all at the same time, in this brand new RPG from acclaimed developer Atlus. A sinister force from another dimension has invaded modern-day Tokyo, resulting in a fantastical barrage of style, fashion, music, and, of course, danger. So play to your strengths in high-energy turn-based battles, then fuse items to craft powerful weapons and crush your foes. Around every corner you’ll find fan-service – including Fire Emblem references – original songs by Japanese entertainment giant Avex, dungeons themed after the entertainment industry, and eye-catching music performances. The one-of-a-kind game launches on June 25.

• Splatoon: The hit multiplayer game is getting more updates, starting on 9th March with an update that balances some gear abilities to improve some of the lesser-used ones and make them more appealing. Additional tweaks to matchmaking, Ranked Battles and Splatfests also aim to improve the overall user experience. In addition, two further updates will adjust some existing weapons and add new weapons set recommendations called “Sheldon’s Picks”. The first round of Sheldon’s Picks will arrive in April.

• Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games: The Wii U version of the game launches on June 25 and includes two events new to the series: Rugby Sevens and Rhythmic Gymnastics (Clubs).

• LOST REAVERS: BANDAI NAMCO’s latest free-to-play* online co-op action game asks players to team up with other adventurers online to fight zombies and solve puzzles as they search for valuable treasure. As players complete missions, characters will level up, unlock additional skills and increase their in-game funds to acquire new weapons. An open beta version is coming on April 15, and the full game arrives on April 29.

Nintendo 3DS

• Kirby: Planet Robobot: Invaders have mechanised Dream Land! To restore his home to its original form, Kirby must use the invaders’ technology against them with the new Robobot Armour, which can even destroy a variety of obstacles in his way. The Team Kirby Clash mode lets up to four players select one of four roles, and participate in a co-op quest to defeat foes while supporting their team. Completing a quest grants players experience points to level-up and grow more powerful. The game is compatible with all amiibo figures, some of which give Kirby character-specific abilities. A new series of Kirby amiibo figures that includes Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight and Waddle Dee gives Kirby a copy ability specific to each character. Tapping the Kirby figure is the only way to get the UFO ability. The game and these four amiibo launch on June 11.

• Fire Emblem Fates: Having just had the best-ever launch for the series in the United States, Fire Emblem Fates arrives in Australia and New Zealand on May 21. Three distinct campaigns await players: fight for Hoshido in Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, side with Nohr in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, or refuse to choose a side in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, launching as add-on content in Nintendo eShop on June 10. Ardent strategy RPG enthusiasts can pick up all three campaigns at once on May 21 in the Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition, which contains all three games on one Game Card, an art book, an exclusive SteelBook® cover and a double-sided poster. The New Nintendo 3DS XL Fire Emblem Fates edition system** also launches on the same day, available exclusively from EB Games stores in Australia and New Zealand.

• Metroid Prime: Federation Force: This next chapter in the Metroid Prime series is a first-person adventure fused with puzzle solving, focused on shooting and co-op gameplay. Players take on missions that tell the story of the battle between the Galactic Federation’s elite Federation Force unit and the Space Pirates. Each player must select and carry specific sub-weapons based on their preferred roles. The game launches this winter.

• Rhythm Paradise Megamix: The game offers more than 100 rhythm games, with 30 brand new rhythm games on top of 70 selected from previous games in the series, including the original Game Boy Advance title, which was never released in Australia and New Zealand. Rhythm Paradise Megamix launches later this year.

• Monster Hunter Generations™: The newest instalment in the popular action RPG series from Capcom is making its way to the west this winter. The new Style system and Hunter Arts create the most customisable Monster Hunter experience yet, while players will now have the option to play as a Felyne for the first time ever. The game will feature a special collaboration armour set based on Marth from the Fire Emblem series, while anyone who plays Monster Hunter Generations on a Nintendo 3DS system with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate™ save data will unlock bonus content in the new game.

• Disney Art Academy: Capture the magical visuals of over 80 Disney and Pixar characters. With advice and lessons inspired by Disney art and Pixar animations, learn to use a bundle of different drawing tools to create Elsa and Olaf from Disney Frozen, characters from Disney Inside Out, Mickey Mouse, and more. Even share your creations with your friends. Disney Art Academy launches on July 16.

• Hyrule Warriors: Legends: Players can leap into battle with a demo available to download from Nintendo eShop shortly after the presentation. When the full game launches on March 24, players can buy a season pass to get access to four upcoming DLC packs and an exclusive bonus costume for Ganondorf. These packs will also be available for purchase individually during the next few months. In addition, Medli from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be available as a free download for both Hyrule Warriors: Legends on Nintendo 3DS and Hyrule Warriors on Wii U at the same time as the first DLC pack.

• DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past: Travel to the past to save the present in this classic DRAGON QUEST adventure that has been completely remade from the ground up for Nintendo 3DS. The world has been rebuilt, the characters have new 3D models and the story has been completely re-localised. The game launches later this year.

• Virtual Console update: Super NES games are coming to Nintendo eShop on New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems, starting with Super Mario World and EarthBound, available shortly after the presentation. Each week in March will see two more titles hit Nintendo eShop, available as a buy one, get the other half price offer during their first week on sale. All games will be the full-speed 60Hz North American versions and can be played in original resolution mode for a more authentic visual experience. Titles announced as on the way are:

o Week A – March 4: Super Mario World and EarthBound
o Week B – March 11: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Metroid
o Week X – March 18: F-Zero and Super Mario Kart
o Week Y – March 25: Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

• Azure Striker GUNVOLT 2: Gunvolt’s rival Copen joins the fray as a playable character in this new title from Inti Creates, coming exclusively to Nintendo eShop this winter. Players can dash into enemies to lock on to them, then unleash a devastating homing shot. Copen can also copy the abilities of all seven new boss characters and use them as his own. In the meantime, action fans can get 33% off the original Azure Striker GUNVOLT in Nintendo eShop until April 1.

Additional updates

• My Nintendo: Users can still preregister for Nintendo’s first smart device app, Miitomo, and sign up for a Nintendo Account. When the service begins in March, users will then be able to become a My Nintendo member and start earning My Nintendo points. Anyone who signs up to My Nintendo during the launch period will be able to download Flipnote Studio 3D to their Nintendo 3DS for free. More details will be provided in the future.

• amiibo: Series 4 of the Animal Crossing amiibo cards will come to Australia and New Zealand on June 18, alongside the accompanying collectors’ album. amiibo fans also have plenty to look forward to when the following amiibo launch on March 19:

o Super Smash Bros. collection: R.O.B. (Famicom Colours), Roy, Ryu.
o Animal Crossing collection: Isabelle (Summer Outfit), Rover, Timmy & Tommy, Kapp’n.
o Animal Crossing amiibo cards series 3 and accompanying collectors’ album.

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