Skip to main content

Nintendo developing new 3D Mario, adding Netflix to 3DS

satoru-iwata-gdc-2011-keynote
Image used with permission by copyright holder

During Satoru Iwata’s Game Developer Conferenct keynote today, titled “Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future,” Nintendo’s president managed to sprinkle in a few new announcements. Chief among them is that Nintendo is working with AT&T on Wi-Fi spots, Netflix will soon be available on the Nintendo 3DS, Game Gear games will be coming to the 3DS virtual console, and a new 3D Mario game is in the works.

“There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D.” said Iwata. “Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity.”

Recommended Videos

New Nintendo announcements

3D Super Mario: Iwata revealed that a new Super Mario game was in development. The new game will feature traditional Mario gameplay, but will “fulfill the dream” of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto to “add depth and distance to the game’s mechanics.” It is being developed by Nintendo’s Tokyo team, which developed the two Super Mario Galaxy games.

Netflix on 3DS: When you’re tired of playing Mario, you may want to watch the Super Mario Super Show on Netflix. At the end of May, a Netflix app will launch for Nintendo’s 3DS system. The system will let you resume movies you started on your big screen on the small. Anyone with a $7.99+ Netflix subscription can access Instant streaming videos on Nintendo’s handheld.

Game Gear comes to Virtual Console: Will feature games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, TurboGrafx-16, and Game Gear as well as 3D remasterings of classic video games. DSiWare original 3D and 2D games will also be available.

3D movie trailers: In addition to Netflix, Nintendo will work with Hollywood studios to push out new movie trailers in 3D.

AT&T Wi-Fi Spot Pass: Similarly to its Nintendo DS Wi-Fi connection service that partnered with McDonalds some years back, Nintendo is partnering with AT&T to enable gamers to access Wi-Fi from 10,000 AT&T Hot Spot locations. In addition, a new service called “Spot Pass” will actually notify Nintendo 3DS systems in range that a Wi-Fi connection is available. This feature will be installed in many airports, restaurants, book shops, and coffee shops across the country.

First Nintendo 3DS update: In late May, the Nintendo 3DS will get its first software update, which will add a Web browser and eShop as well as the ability for players to transfer DSiWare games to their 3DS.

New Zelda footage: Finally, Nintendo showed off new video of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

satoru-iwata-gdc-2011-keynote-zelda
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Jeffrey Van Camp
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 gets a visual upgrade but stays wonderfully familiar
THPS 3 + 4

The year was 2001, and I was flat on my back in the middle of the street after bailing hard from a failed ollie.

Once I dusted myself off, I decided to try again, but in a safer, more digital aspect. Two decades ago, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 devoured my free time, and now the remake is back and doing the exact same thing. An excellent remake, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 brings two classic titles to a modern audience but adds little to the original experience in a way that leaves the game feeling curiously anachronistic.

Read more
The best PlayStation launch games, ranked
best ps1 games sony ps1

The most important time in a console's life is its launch. This is when a new piece of hardware needs to prove that it is worth investing in, which always comes down to games. Launch titles are rarely the best games on the system, although some of Nintendo's launch games buck that trend, but at least need to show off what the system can do. PlayStation always had a secondary selling point with its consoles, such as doubling as a CD player or DVD player, so it is interesting to speculate how successful those early consoles would've been judged solely on their games. We now have launch titles from the PS1 all the way up to the PS5 (and soon to be PS6) to look back on with fresh eyes to see just how good those first games were.

Air Combat - PlayStation 1

Read more
The Switch 2 is the perfect example of why console launches don’t feel special anymore
The Switch 2 being unboxed.

I will never forget the unbearable excitement I felt on that early morning on my 7th birthday. It was 1998, and Pokémon was the biggest thing in the world, especially for an elementary school kid like me. Except that I didn't have a single card or game to my name. In fact, I didn't even have a Game Boy. That, plus Pokémon, was the only thing I asked for that birthday, and I knew I would get it.

I can still remember lying awake half the night, unable to sleep while my imagination ran wild with unrealistic machinations of what the game would be like. I woke up just as early to the sounds of my parents and sister setting up decorations downstairs and bided my time before I could go down. It was a school day, but they could sense my excitement well in advance and agreed to let me open one thing before school.

Read more