During a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata outlined a clear, forward‑looking plan for the Wii U. He framed the lineup as one that both seasoned players and newcomers could enjoy, stressing the console’s ability to fuse traditional play with the GamePad’s second screen. The aim is to create experiences where the TV remains central, but the pad offers supplementary information, strategy hints, or alternate viewpoints that enrich the core action. The selected titles were chosen for their potential to demonstrate shared play across rooms, asynchronous challenges, and a sense of discovery that comes from having two displays involved in a single adventure. In short, the broadcast highlighted a strategy of integration and expansion, designed to showcase the Wii U as a platform capable of multi‑layered, social gaming moments.
Two new Mario adventures were announced as cornerstones of the year ahead. One project is a bold new 3D Mario action game that promises expansive, puzzle‑rich levels, physics‑driven traversal, and the familiar charm of Mario’s world viewed from a fresh perspective. The other is a new entry in the Mario Kart series that aims to push racing into more dynamic, fast‑paced territory, with new tracks, modes, and vehicle options. Nintendo confirmed that this Mario Kart installment would be playable at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo, generating early enthusiasm among fans who crave both high‑octane races and comfortingly familiar tracks. The cross‑pollination of platforming and racing in these games underscores Nintendo’s intent to leverage the Wii U’s unique hardware to deliver both spectacle and depth in well‑loved franchises.
The team behind Kirby’s Epic Yarn is applying its distinctive tactile aesthetic to a new project centered on Yoshi. Yarn Yoshi will present a world crafted from yarn, fabric, and textile textures, with visuals designed to feel like stepping into a soft, interwoven stage. The game is expected to blend platforming with crafting‑inspired mechanics, inviting players to explore environments that look stitched together from garlands, tassels, and thread. This project marks the first time since Yoshi’s Story, released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, that Yoshi leads a main Nintendo adventure, and it is positioned to be a playful, accessible experience that can be enjoyed by younger players and seasoned gamers alike. The shift toward a craft‑based universe also opens avenues for creative puzzle design and inventive level layouts that honor the character’s history while pushing new creative boundaries.
Eiji Aonuma, the longtime producer of The Legend of Zelda series, announced two new Zelda experiences for the Wii U. One project promises to push the series further into new design territories, while the second is an HD remake of Wind Waker, originally released in 2002 for the GameCube. Wind Waker HD is described as a modern reimagining that preserves the wind‑swept ocean exploration, clever dungeon design, and memorable characters that fans cherish, while updating visuals, controls, and interface elements to suit contemporary play sessions. The revelation of a new Zelda title alongside a high‑definition update signals Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to reinvigorating its flagship franchise and offering both nostalgia and fresh discovery for players across generations.
Beyond the major artists, a broader slate of projects was revealed. Pikmin 3 promises to deliver the strategic, resource‑management excitement that fans associate with the series, now upgraded with Wii U features that enhance control and environmental interaction. The Wonderful 101 is presented as a stylish, action‑packed title that embraces a bold, comic‑book aesthetic and cooperative possibilities that suit the console’s social features. A new game from Monolith Soft is in development, suggesting another expansive, world‑building experience that could blend sprawling narratives with inventive gameplay. In addition, a refreshed Wii Party line aims to inject more micro‑games and online or local party options, while more features are set to expand Wii Fit U, broadening the fitness and wellness experience on the platform. Collectively, these announcements indicate Nintendo’s aim to diversify genre coverage while leveraging the Wii U’s unique inputs to broaden appeal.
Spring brings a significant system update that adds Virtual Console to the Wii U eShop, letting players download and play classic Nintendo titles from consoles such as the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy Advance. The move strengthens the connection between Nintendo’s vintage library and modern hardware, enabling fans to revisit cherished games on a single device. To celebrate the NES’s 30th anniversary, Nintendo is offering one classic title for just 30 cents for a limited window through July, providing an accessible way for fans to sample a game they may have missed or to rekindle nostalgia. The addition of the Virtual Console catalog to the eShop expands the console’s value and gives new generations a chance to experience historic Nintendo games in newly optimized forms.
Two major system updates are planned, with one set for spring and another for the summer. Nintendo also intends to bring Miiverse to mobile devices, letting players browse, post, and interact from their smartphones. This cross‑device approach aims to create a more connected community that can engage with friends and fans beyond the television, sharing tips, screenshots, and messages in real time. By extending social features to mobile platforms, Nintendo seeks to keep the Wii U ecosystem vibrant and accessible even when players are away from home. Taken together, these announcements point to a substantial year ahead for Wii U owners and fans who follow Nintendo’s evolving lineup across hardware, software, and online services.