E3, E-shmee. Nintendo isn't waiting for the annual video game conference two weeks from now to brag about what it has brewing. The gaming giant on Monday released a 17-minute YouTube video to dish on its upcoming titles for the 3DS and Wii U.
"Between now and the end of the year, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owners are in for a solid stream of great games," Nintendo of America's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Scott Moffitt, said in a statement.
So what can you expect? The return of Chibi-Robo and Dr. Mario on 3DS, plus a series of free Wii U content additions throughout the summer, and much more.
For starters, your favorite little robot is coming back in Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash, a side-scrolling action game for 3DS launching this October alongside a new Chibi-Robo amiibo figure.
The new Dr. Mario puzzler, meanwhile, boasts a new and "game-changing" Miracle Cure item, which is said to activate a range of capsule- and virus-eradicating powers. The new title, Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure, is available for pre-order today and will arrive on June 11.
Also on tap for the 3DS: Bravely Second End Layer, the sequel to Square Enix's much-loved role-playing game Bravely Default, is heading our way next year, while the latest installment in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, is slated to arrive this winter. In addition, LBX: Little Battlers eXperience, which will let players build, customize, and battle robots in games of up to six players, is slated to launch Aug. 21. Finally, Puzzle & Dragons Z and Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition are getting two extra free unlockable worlds; players can already enjoy free weekly online distributions for Puzzle & Dragons Z.
On the Wii U, Splatoon is kicking off the free summer content with a new weapon and map, available now. Nintendo is also gearing up to launch a new app, dubbed Art Academy: Home Studio, which will let you take art lessons and even upload time-lapse replays of your creations to YouTube. The app is expected to arrive on June 25, but it's available for pre-order now; those who already own Art Academy: Sketchpad can get a $4 discount.
Nintendo also revealed a new trailer for Project Treasure (below), a four-player co-op action game for Wii U. The game will challenge players to "take down enemies, evade traps, and escape with spoils from the deepest of dungeons," the company said.
Finally, there's a new sports-themed title, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, headed to Wii U and 3DS.
"All of your favorite Mario and Sonic characters are ready to join the fun in Rio, host of the Olympic Games in August 2016," Nintendo said. "Take the rivalry on the road with super-charged Olympic events like Soccer and Table Tennis in the Nintendo 3DS version, or see if you've got what it takes to hang with the best in the Wii U version, with events like Soccer, Rugby and Beach Volleyball." The company promised more details about the games "in the future," so sit tight.
Besides that, gamers can get hyped up for the Nintendo World Championships, which return on June 14. The full lineup of games won't be revealed until the big event, but hopefuls can expect to compete in the original The Legend of Zelda, and other Nintendo games.
For more on the announcements, check out the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety below.