Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Kick off 2013 with New One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Every video game offers a different experience. But only on Nintendo systems do these experiences transform into moments of shared joy and fun. It’s the parent who pulls a game off the TV to play on the Wii U GamePad controller so the kids can watch cartoons. It’s the group of friends passing the GamePad around the room and then sharing their experiences on Miiverse. It’s the “you gotta see this” moment when people first experience glasses-free 3D and augmented reality on a Nintendo 3DS system.

The holiday season added many new Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owners who have already begun to discover these joyful moments together. Nintendo now builds on their enthusiasm with a fun lineup of games for early 2013.

“During the holidays we saw new players respond positively to new game-play experiences using the Wii U GamePad controller and the true 3D of Nintendo 3DS,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “With such a diverse lineup of games on the horizon, people will experience a variety of ways to play, whether they’re using the GamePad to scan for criminals or seeing ghosts in 3D on the Nintendo 3DS screen.”

New on Wii U

The Wii U home console launched to great acclaim on Nov. 18 with the largest lineup of games in Nintendo history. The fun continues into 2013 with the upcoming release ofLEGO City: Undercover on March 18. In this original LEGO game, exclusive to Wii U, players assume the role of Chase McCain, a tough-as-nails police officer who is a master of disguise. The massive, open world of LEGO City lets players explore the city using numerous vehicles from the real-life play sets to pursue criminal mastermind Rex Fury. On March 19, the fan-favorite Monster Hunter series descends on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS with Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. The action RPG’s expansive, gorgeous world features more to do than ever before. Players can hunt monsters, upgrade equipment and improve skills while they take part in more than 200 challenging quests.

Game & Wario, The Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3 and Wii Fit U will arrive in the first half of the year. Additional information about launch timing for these games will be announced at a later date.

To ensure that Wii U users get the most out of their GamePad controller, Nintendo will be offering a Wii U GamePad Accessory Set to help owners protect their screens. The set will be available at stores on Feb. 4 for a suggested retail price of $12.99 and includes a Wii U GamePad screen protector that fits over the screen to protect it from scratches and dirt, an extra-large stylus for comfortable touch-screen game play and a cleaning cloth.

New on Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS hand-held system continues its momentum going into 2013. Launching on Feb. 4 is Fire Emblem Awakening, a fantasy turn-based strategy game for Nintendo 3DS. On the same day, Nintendo will release a special bundle of the Nintendo 3DS system that has Fire Emblem Awakening pre-installed on the hardware. The blue hardware features Fire Emblem artwork and a 4GB SD memory card, and will be available at a suggested retail price of $199.99. A demo of Fire Emblem Awakening will be available today in the Nintendo eShop.

Brain Age: Concentration Training for Nintendo 3DS arrives on Feb. 10 to build on the mainstream appeal of the celebrated Brain Age series with new challenges to help players concentrate as they block out distractions. A demo will also be available in the Nintendo eShop on Jan. 24. On March 24, fans of the original Luigi’s Mansion have reason to celebrate with the release of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. In this game, a timid Luigi travels through more mansions and captures more ghosts using his upgraded Poltergust 5000. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity also hits the Nintendo 3DS system on March 24. In addition to playing as a Pokémon, players explore ever-changing Mystery Dungeons as they build Pokémon Paradise and recruit more Pokémon to their team. There is also a deep and compelling story full of unexpected twists.Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity makes the most of the features of the Nintendo 3DS system, such as the ability to use the system’s camera to open Magnagates – portals to new Mystery Dungeons in the real world. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate comes to Nintendo 3DS on March 5. This sequel takes place 25 years after Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and follows the famous Belmont clan as they set out to find and destroy the ruthless Dracula. The action-filled game features multiple playable characters and combines both 2D classic side-scrolling game play with full 3D areas. On April 21, another entry in the LEGO City: Undercover series arrives on Nintendo 3DS. LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins is a prequel to the Wii U game, and follows the exploits of Chase McCain as a rookie cop.

Below is a partial list of upcoming launch dates in the United States and Canada. Note that game titles and launch dates are subject to change.