Star men
Nintendo's line-up may be a bit light on games, but there's certainly no lack of charm. We got a first glimpse of Star Fox Zero, a firm release date for Super Mario Maker, the announcement of a Paper Mario/Mario & Luigi crossover and not much else, to be honest. Nintendo confirmed a few release dates for previously announced games and mentioned a few, smaller projects, but it's clear that there was a large Legend of Zelda-sized gap in this presentation.
If you missed Nintendo's E3 2015 presentation (or you just don't feel like watching a 40 minute video), worry not, because we've got you covered. We've summarized all the important bits, with new games, release dates, and more in the following slides. Read on, and Let's Super Mario.
Nintendo muppets?
OK, this doesn't have to do anything with video games, but Nintendo opened with Muppet versions of execs Satoru Iwata, Reggie Fils-Aime, and Shigeru Miyamoto. And they turned into Star Fox characters. This is the best.
First gameplay of Star Fox Zero shown, coming Holiday 2015
We got to see the first video of the upcoming Wii U entry of the Star Fox franchise. It's not just an HD upgrade - the Fox starfighter transforms into several different craft, like a chicken walker, tank, hovercraft, and more, allowing you to explore and look for secrets. It seems like there are typical on-rails levels as well as more open segments, like Star Fox 64. The Wii U Gamepad shows a cockpit view, and you can use the built-in gyroscope to fine-tune your aiming, while the TV screen shows the more conventional behind-the-ship view. It's called Star Fox Zero because it's not quite a sequel, and not quite a remake either.
NX will be shown in 2016
Nothing here about Nintendo's new system, but Reggie confirmed they'll reveal more on it next year.
Nintendo characters coming to Skylanders Superchargers
Of course Nintendo's going to mention the importance of amiibo, but we didn't expect this. Nintendo characters like Donkey Kong and Bowser are coming to Skylanders Superchargers, but they're coming in a very special way. When you buy one of the figures, like the Turbo-Charged Donkey Kong, you're getting a Skylanders figure and an amiibo in one toy - twist the base, and you can switch between the two instantly.
The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes brings multiplayer Zelda gameplay to 3DS
Remember the Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure on GameCube? No? Well, multiplayer Zelda puzzle-solving and action is coming to the 3DS, though it looks like Triforce Heroes only supports three players. Team up with friends to take on myriad challenges and compete for high scores. The big twist in Triforce Heroes? You can carry your friends to reach higher places and hit objects that are out of reach. Four players was apparently too tall, so they reduced the player count to three to compensate. It'll support local and online multiplayer, and it's coming Fall 2015.
Hyrule Warriors Legends on 3DS confirmed, coming Q1 2016
The Dynasty Warriors/Legend of Zelda hybrid Hyrule Warriors is getting re-imagined on 3DS, making use of the unique control scheme, and adding all previously released DLC and characters from Wind Waker like Tetra and The King of Red Lions. It's coming within the first quarter of 2016.
Metroid returns with Metroid Prime: Federation Force
The 3DS gets a multiplayer Metroid game called Metroid Prime: Federation Force, which will allow for four-player co-op. It also includes Metroid Prime: Blast Ball. It's coming in 2016.
New Fire Emblem is now called Fire Emblem Fates in the US
As cool a name as Fire Emblem If was, Fire Emblem Fates makes a bit more sense for the US. It's coming in 2016.
Shin Megami X Fire Emblem still weird, still very Japanese
I don't know what's going on, but there are a lot of transformations, a bubbly J-Pop song, anime sequences, and dastardly monsters. So about what you'd expect. And yep, it's another 2016 release.
Xenoblade Chronicles X gets explosive new trailer, coming in December
It's been out in Japan for a bit now, but the West is still waiting for a chance to suit up in our mechs. A new trailer confirms that it's coming December 4th of this year.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Maker coming in September
Decorate houses and help out your fellow townspeople. Oh, and there are going to be Animal Crossing amiibo cards. Lovely. It's coming in September to 3DS.
Animal Crossing amiibo Festival brings the party (and more amiibo) to your town this Holiday
Animal Crossing amiibo Festival is a party game that uses special amiibo to activate new powers and abilities in the game. It looks a lot like Mario Party, but it looks like there's a lot more to it, with spinners, cards to collect, and more. There are also going to be special Animal Crossing amiibo, like Isabelle and K.K. Slider. It'll hit Wii U this holiday.
Nintendo reminds you that Yoshi's Wooly World is still a thing, coming in October
Yep, it's more Yoshi. It's coming to the US on October 16th.
First English footage of Yo-kai Watch shown
The game that's swept Japan by storm is finally coming to the West, and Nintendo gave us a first glimpse of it in action. Find and collect ghosts and use them to battle. It's coming Holiday 2015.
Two Mario RPG worlds collide in Mario & Luigi Paper Jam
Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi RPG worlds finally come together with Mario & Luigi Paper Jam, coming Spring 2016. It'll feature the timing-based combat and humor you've come to expect, and you'll even get to pilot a massive Papercraft Mario.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash coming in 2016
It's Mario Tennis on Wii U. It's coming next year.
Super Mario Maker lets you go wild with your level designs on September 11th
We got a glimpse of this at the World Championships, but Super Mario Maker gives you a massive suite of tools to make your own diabolical Mario levels - like the ability to stack enemies on top of each other. Super Mario Maker is also getting amiibo support (of course), letting Mario turn into various amiibo characters, and the special 8-Bit Mario amiibo will make Mario bigger. Unleash your designs on September 11th.