While E3 2015 is happening in a few weeks' time, Nintendo decided to start early with new announcements through a Direct Micro video posted on its website and on YouTube.
The 17-minute video is packed with many new announcements, along with additional details on games that have been previously announced for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
"This Nintendo Direct provides a nice preview of things to come - for Nintendo 3DS in particular - ahead of our Digital Event and other activities for E3," said Nintendo of America executive VP of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt, adding that owners of the 3DS and the Wii U should expect a solid line-up of titles.
New announcements for the 3DS are as follows:
Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash - Chibi-Robo returns in a side-scrolling title wherein gamers will control the little robot as he uses his plug to defeat enemies, reach platforms in the distance and solve puzzles. Gamers can upgrade the robot's plug to make it longer, allowing them to reach farther and discover new areas. The title will be released as a 3DS exclusive in October.
Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure - The classic Dr. Mario returns, but with the added twist of the Miracle Cure, which is able to activate several different powers. Pre-purchase for the title has already started, with the game to be made available on the Nintendo eShop by June 11.
Bravely Second End Layer - The sequel to Bravely Default by Square Enix, the RPG is coming to the West when the title launches for the 3DS next year.
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - This is the latest installment in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series, wherein gamers take on the role of Pokemon as they explore random dungeons. Players can choose to become one of 20 Pokemon in this title which will be launched in the winter season.
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition - This edition of the title combines the two games and adds two extra unlockable worlds for free. Players will also be able to receive free online distributions weekly for the game.
In addition to the new 3DS titles, Nintendo revealed that an amiibo for Chibi-Robo will launch exclusively in a bundle with the Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash game. The amiibo will transform Chibi-Robo into Super Chibi-Robo in some stages.
New announcements for the Wii U are as follows:
Splatoon - The ink shooting game will receive a new map and weapon, namely the Port Mackerel map and the N-Zap '85 rapid-fire shooter. In addition, characters at level 10 and higher will now be able to access the Ranked Battle mode.
Art Academy: Home Studio - This new application provides artists from all levels of skill and ages a tool for their creations, with the application even able to create time-lapse replays of art as the user creates it. The title will be available only through the Nintendo eShop on June 25.
Project Treasure - The video also includes a new trailer that highlight the gameplay of the four-player cooperative title by Bandai Namco, as players aim to enter dungeons and leave alive with treasure.
The video also revealed a title that will be released for both the 3DS and the Wii U, which is Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with different events available for either the 3DS or Wii U.
