Nintendo Direct announcements

Another month, another Nintendo Direct presentation. This time we've been given quite a bit of 3DS news ranging from features and software updates to game releases.

We start off with some Zelda: A Link Between Worlds news. First we're introduced to three new characters:

• Irene the Witch- She is there to provide Link with fast travel services to get around faster.
• Milk bar owner- This character has an appetite for premium milk and will feature in a side quest.
• Gramps- Controls the multiplayer portion of the game.

The multiplayer runs through Street Pass by transmitting a shadow link which then lets you fight other players, the more wins you get the higher your bounty is. The last thing we got for Zelda fans was a new trailer.

Next on the agenda were some gameplay demonstrations for Mario Party Island Tour and Bravely Default. Mario Island Party Tour will allow multiplayer through game sharing meaning you only need one cartridge for two players. Another note worthy mention is that you'll be faced with a boss fight every five levels.

During the demonstration for Bravely Default we got a good look at the combat system and some game features. It will allow you to build up different points, one given example of which was sleep points, which are earned while your 3DS is in sleep mode. The combat system will allow you to set a strategy before the fight begins and then speed up the combat if you see your strategy working out. Street Pass will be utilised by allowing friends to share game data and help build each other's home towns. The game will release on the 7th of February in-store and via Eshop. A special edition will also be available featuing 34 AR cards and the game's soundtrack. We also got a new trailer for the game.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy got a new trailer and a release date too: The 22nd of February.

That was it as far as game news and releases go, but there was still the software update to address. Firstly Nintendo is finally combining the Wii U and 3DS Eshop accounts, allowing you to have the same balance on both systems. You can now register your Wii U Nintendo ID on your 3DS, combining the two accounts, but be aware that you cannot remove it once it has been done. This new ID will be required to download demo's and free content.

If you've ever wanted to watch YouTube on a 3DS then now you can with the new software update, you'll be able to watch a video on the top screen while browsing for your next video on the bottom screen. The Wii U update will also allow you to watch on the gamepad while searching on the TV or vice versa. The new update will also bring the Miiverse to the 3DS.

You can watch the whole Nintendo Direct Presentation here: [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjttkYED414′]

Kitguru Says: Lots of news has come out from camp Nintendo today and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some more 3DS games. Hopefully the new Zelda will get me away from Pokemon and Fire Emblem for a bit. Are you guys excited about any of the news?

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