New Nintendo Direct Leads us Into the Summer

Another Nintendo Direct has come and gone, and while there wasn’t too much information relating to new games, we did get details on some of the big titles gamers have been waiting angrily patiently for.

Below are the highlights of the conference. Make sure to check back for more detailed information throughout the day.

–Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games coming to the Wii U and 3DS. Featuring many new events, most notably races that combine events into one arcade style Dream Event.

–Sonic Lost World coming exclusively to Wii U and 3DS.

-A large amount of Game Gear titles coming soon to the 3DS eShop. Knuckles Chaotix was not spotted…

-Nintendo Japan announced Yakuza 1-2 HD for the Wii U. No word on a Western release.

–Oracle of Seasons and Ages will be discounted to $4.99 each until June 20th. Release date is May 30th.

–Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D details new world 9. Each level inspired by one of each previous stage.

–Animal Crossing Mii Plaza puzzle and Swapnote available now. Videos discussing the game will be on Nintendo’s YouTube page leading to its June 9th release.

–Game and Wario features a variety of mini games for both single and multiplayer. Releasing on June 23rd for $39.99.

–Resident Evil: Revelations will have Game Pad, Pro Control and off TV support. New infernal difficulty, online features and characters, Hunk and Rachel, added to Raid Mode. Coming May 21st.

–New Super Luigi 2 seems to give each character unique abilities like Luigi’s flutter jump from Mario 2. Mario replaced by Nabbit, who can’t power up but can’t get hurt. Releasing on June 20th as DLC for $19.99 or as a stand alone retail game or $29.99 on August 25th.

–The Wonderful 101 is (FINALLY!) coming to Wii U on September 25th.

–Pikmin 3 stars three new characters, Alph, Charlie and Brittany, who are collecting fruit for their starving planet. The game will use a variety of GamePad functions to help scout stages and re-watch playthroughs. Uses Wii Remote Plus, Pro Controller and off TV play both with the pad and with the Wii Remote using the pad as a monitor. Still scheduled for August 4th.

-Last and most importantly, Best Buy will exclusively house playable E3 demos for the Wii U in the U.S. and Canada, letting consumers experience the new games for themselves.

So that’s about it. While I wish there was more info on new games, I guess that’s what E3 is for. And at least we finally know when Wonderful 101 is coming out! Now onwards to E3.