Upcoming First-Party 3DS Games

Nintendo isn’t fooling around: in addition to giving details on their newest handheld, the 3DS (learn more about it here), the company also unveiled a stellar line-up of first-party titles — many of which are directly aimed at pleasing long-time followers, specifically those with a taste for some of Nintendo 64′s greatest games. Check out the games that are both playable and were merely demoed at E3 after the cut below.

Animal Crossing
Kid Icarus: Uprising
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Mario Kart
Nintendogs + Cats
Paper Mario
PilotWings Resort
Star Fox 64 3D
Steel Diver

Nintendogs + Cats

Ah, Nintendogs. Where would DS be without you? The updated graphics of the 3DS mean those puppies (and kitties) are even cuter than ever, and the 3D technology means it’s almost like having your little pet right there in front of you. The new title will use the built-in camera coupled with facial-recognition technology to enable your pet to react to your real-life movements; they can even jump up to lick you as you lean into the screen. The game will bring all that and more to all that fans already love about the series, along with adding cats for the first time.

Steel Diver

A new IP on the list, Steel Driver puts you in the driver’s seat (so-to-speak) of a submarine. The action-simulation game uses the touch screen to guide the sub through 3D underwater enivornments, viewed as if looking through an aquarium. Players will manipulate switches and levers on the touch screen to control their sub’s speed, depth, pitch and torpedoes. The game promises exciting gameplay with branching paths and split-second decisions, as you must not only navigate your sub but deal with enemy attacks.

PilotWings Resort

Return to Wuhu Island, the tropical setting for both Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus, this time taking to the air in a hang glider, jet pack or airplane, each with its own unique controls, its own distinct feel of flight and its own new game play in 3D. The gameplay promises to be aimed at both the leisurely, casual player while still offering a competitive mode for those up to more of a challenge. The 3D effect promises to offer true depth of field, greatly enhancing the gameplay. Definitely something for flying fans to look forward to.

Star Fox 64 3D

Star Fox aficionados finally have something to smile about: Nintendo is remaking the classic N-64 game in full 3-D for the 3DS handheld. The enhanced graphics and 3D effect make the game even more enjoyable than ever, while the improved depth of field makes it even more accessible to new fans. The newly remastered title will make full use of both screens, with the top obviously reserved for 3D gameplay, while the bottom will be used for menus and other information.

Animal Crossing

What’s a Nintendo platform without Animal Crossing? Although merely demoed at E3 and not yet playable, the 3DS title promises all that fans of the series love: a new city to explore, characters to interact with, and plenty of stuff to find and collect. Although no details were given, I wouldn’t be surprised if this version of Animal Crossing takes advantage of the new system’s ability to download while in sleep mode, perhaps allowing you to exchange with friends even when your DS isn’t open.

Mario Kart

Mario Kart DS is considered by many to be one of the best iterations of the series, and even years after release, still sells well. Nintendo seeks to improve this record with the 3D version, with improved graphics and gameplay. In addition, the title will take advantage of the 3DS connectivity options. For example, players can trade ghost data (so you can race against another’s ghost, even if they aren’t there to play with you in real time). Online and local play will also be available, of course, as part of what makes Mario Kart so much fun is enjoying it with others.

Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario for Wii is one of my all-time favorite games, ever, so this announcement has me particularly excited, even though almost no information was given as of now. It isn’t entirely clear if this is a remake of the original Paper Mario for Nintento 64, or a new installment in the franchise. However, considering that several of these games are N64 remakes, I’d be willing to bet that this game is a 3D remake, not like that makes it any less exciting.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

We all knew it was only a matter of time before Nintendo re-released what many consider to be one of the best video games ever made. At first, it was believed the game shown was just a tech demo for Nintendo’s new technology; however, apparently the game is being released, even though details weren’t given. The menu system does seem to have been improved, meaning that (hopefully) that water temple will be a little easier this time around.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Ah, Pit, how we’ve missed you. At last, Nintendo has answered their fans’ calls to see the return of this winged hero (the first game was released way back in 1987). Kid Icarus is back in a new game designed specifically for the Nintendo 3DS system by Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai and his development team at Project Sora. The game will feature both on-ground and aerial shooting-based combat, with a system designed to challenge veterans as well as be inviting enough for newcomers. The hero, Pit, teams up with Palutena, the goddess of light, who bestows on him the miracle of flight for limited stretches. With this gift, Pit soars through skies, shooting down swarms of enemies along the way, before finally setting down and engaging in frantic ground-based battles against Medusa’s underworld army.