Nintendo Direct 11/12/15 recap: New 'Legend of Zelda' titles, new content, and 'Super Smash Bros.' news revealed by Nintendo

It’s been a while since Nintendo has held once of its video update series called Nintendo Direct. The last time it was held was during Nintendo’s time on stage during E3 2015, and since the passing of its host and former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, Nintendo Direct has been off-air for months.

Announced earlier this week, Nintendo confirmed that a new Nintendo Direct will be coming on Nov. 12. The video update recently concluded and there are ample news for the 3DS and Wii U. The Nintendo NX was in no way mentioned at the event, but with the slated titles, Nintendo fans will be busy for months to come.

Wii U’s last stint before the NX takes over

The Nintendo NX will be the company’s new home console soon. Although not much is known about the console, it is expected to go head-to-head with new gen consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Although its release does not fully signify the end of the Wii U, it could still affect the state of Nintendo’s current console.

Despite the expected E3 reveal of the NX, Nintendo still looks to support the Wii U. The Wii U has been gaining popularity these past couple of months with the help of ‘Splatoon’ and ‘Mario Kart 8.’ The Nintendo Direct revealed that there will be a slew of content coming to the console including the revival of some classics.

First off, Nintendo revealed another “Legend of Zelda” remake. “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD” will come to the Wii U on March 4, 2016. This will be the third reiteration of the title and aside from better graphics; it will now also support Amiibo functionality. The game will be released alongside a Wolf Link Amiibo that can be used in other “Legend of Zelda” titles as well.

However, the biggest “Legend of Zelda” news comes in during the announcement of a release frame from the highly anticipated “Zelda Wii U” title. Apparently, the game will launch sometime next year. The open-world “Zelda Wii U” appears to be a very different game from the rest, so fans are more than eager to get their hands on it.

Other new game releases include the release of “Star Fox Zero” in April and the release of “Mother 3” in Japan. “Mother 3” is a sequel to “Earthbound,” which is a very popular classic RPG, despite never being released outside Japan. No release date for “Mother 3” has been stated yet but fans outside of Japan are probably envious of the upcoming title.

Nintendo also packed some news for its current hit-titles. During the Nintendo Direct, the company announced that there will be new items in store for “Splatoon.” As of today, an update will roll out which will give players access to new stages, items and more. Meanwhile, “Super Mario Maker” will also be updated soon with a new browser in-game that makes searching for levels easier.

Nintendo is also gifting fans with some Wii U bundles available for purchase during Black Friday. The new Wii U bundle will come with two games; “Splatoon” and “Super Smash Bros.” which will cost US$250 (AU$350.95). The bundle should come in handy along with several new Amiibos being released in January including two versions of Megaman and several “Animal Crossing” figurines.

More titles for the 3DS handheld

The Wii U is not the only Nintendo device getting “Legend of Zelda” content. First off, the multiplayer “Legend of Zelda: Tri-Force” heroes is scheduled to receive new DLC this December. An update which rolls out in Dec. 2 gives players access to a new massive dungeon as well as new uniforms for the characters.

Aside from that, the upcoming “Hyrule Warriors” is also getting a new character never seen in the franchise before. The name of the character is Linkle, and is a female equivalent of the silent protagonist, Link. The game which launches on March 25, 2016, will be having more characters than the Wii U version.

“Pokemon” fans are also sure to rejoice upon watching the Nintendo Direct as the three classic games that started the video game franchise is scheduled to come to the 3DS. Unlike the “Pokemon Alpha Sapphire” and “Pokemon Omega Ruby” remakes, the Red, Yellow and Blue version of “Pokemon” will be ported to the 3DS with no significant changes. However, it will be made capable of wireless functions such as online accessibility. It will launch on Feb 27 next year. While waiting for the three classics, players could satisfy their “Pokemon” cravings with the new free-to-start “Pokemon Picross” coming this December.

The 3DS will also be getting a couple of hit RPGs soon. Two of which is the much-wanted Western release of both the 3DS remakes of “Dragon Quest VII” and “Dragon Quest VIII.” No release frame was specified but the company confirms that it will come in 2016.

Aside from the “Dragon Quest” games, Nintendo also announced special editions for the upcoming “Fire Emblem Fates.” There will be two versions of “Fire Emblems Fate;” Conquest and Birthright tagged at $40 (AU $56.15) separately. Buying one retail version entitles the player to a $20 (AU $28.07) digital version of the other. Apparently, a third title titled Revelation will be launched after the Feb. 19 release of the game. To save money, players could save up for the $80 (AU $112) special edition which includes three versions of the game.

Smashing good time

It’s no surprise that Nintendo has news for its hit fighting game “Super Smash Bros” at the Nintendo Direct. Right of the bat, Nintendo revealed a new character joining the roster. The character is a third-party fighter from “Final Fantasy VII,” Cloud Strife. Along with him is a new stage based on Midgar. It’s worth noting that Cloud is not the winner of the recently concluded fighter ballot which could be revealed at an upcoming Nintendo Direct geared specifically for “Super Smash Bros.” coming this December.

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