Recapping the latest Nintendo Direct reveals and release dates

By Michael Rougeau May 17, 2013

Sonic Lost World — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nintendo’s latest Nintendo Direct stream – a semi-regular video feature designed to bring news directly to fans – featured an assortment of revelations about both new and previously announced titles coming soon to Wii U and 3DS. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata focused primarily on Wii U games including The Wonderful 101, Sonic: Lost World, Super Luigi U, and Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The last of those was one of the new reveals in the stream. Much like Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the new game pegs itself to the popularity of the coming global event. It includes biathlons, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter-themed events. There’s no confirmed release yet, but with the real-world Winter Olympics happening in February, a late 2013/early 2014 launch seems reasonable.

The Wonderful 101, the Wii U title from Bayonetta studio Platinum Games that was originally announced for a launch window release, is now out on September 15 in North America (August 23 in Europe). In addition, Nintendo unveiled Sonic: Lost World, an action platformer starring Sonic the Hedgehog (pictured above) that is headed exclusively to Wii U and 3DS.

Super Luigi U, the Luigi-led remix expansion for New Super Mario Bros. U, arrives on June 20 as a download-only release for $19.99. A standalone retail release will follow for $29.99 on August 25 (July 26 in Europe). The enemy character Nabbit will be playable in Super Luigi U as well. He takes no damage from enemies, but he can’t use power-ups.

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Michael Rougeau

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mike Rougeau is a journalist and writer who lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and two dogs. He specializes in video…

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