Wii U rumour: 3D Mario releasing by October

Nintendo plans to launch a new 3D Mario game for Wii U by October, according to CVG sources. In January, the platform holder confirmed that it’s working on two new Mario games for Wii U, a 3D action title developed by the team behind the Super Mario Galaxy series and a new Mario Kart. Playable versions of both games will be present at this year’s E3 in June.

Nintendo plans to boost flagging Wii U sales by releasing a string of high profile first party games in the second half of 2013. June release Game & Wario will be the first Nintendo-developed title to launch for Wii U since last year. It will be followed by Pikmin 3 the following month in Japan and in August in North America.

While Nintendo wouldn’t comment on plans for its 3D Mario game, UK PR director Shelly Pearce told CVG: "From July onwards we will launch a succession of Wii U titles and we will promote these extensively until the end of the year. Marketing activity will include TV, print, online and PR as well as comprehensive experiential and social media campaigns. We have a strong line up planned for Wii U in the second half of 2013 including the likes of Pikmin 3, Wonderful 101, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U. We are looking forward to launching these in the UK and for the opportunity to showcase the full potential of Wii U."