Earlier today, Nintendo hosted its first Nintendo Direct since the passing of President Satoru Iwata last June. Prior to the event, the company informed fans that the presentation would contain no information regarding the top secret NX console nor Nintendo's in-development smartphone games.
Despite the absence of these two hot topics, there was still plenty of big news to share. Here are some of the highlights.
Super Smash Bros. played a prominent part of the Wii U announcements. Nintendo revealed that Cloud Strife, the iconic protagonist of the beloved role-playing game Final Fantasy VII, will be the next fighter coming to the brawler. The presentation showed off Cloud's signature move-set, limit breaks, and alternate appearances. A new stage based on FF VII's city of Midgard is also coming to the game.
As Expected, Zelda Wii U was also present at the show. Nintendo confirmed that Link's latest adventure is coming in 2016, but failed to give a specific date. The company also revealed that an HD remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is hitting the console on March 4, 2016.
Following Twilight Princess, Wii U owners can look forward to Star Fox Zero - which Nintendo confirmed is releasing on April 22, 2016 in North America.
On the 3DS side of things, the big announcement concerned Fire Emblem: Fates. The next installment in the acclaimed turned-based strategy series is releasing two separate $40 editions: Birthright and Conquest - each with its own unique story and cast of characters. Buying one version entitles you to a $20 digital version of the other. A separate edition called Revelations is coming after launch.
In Pokemon news, Nintendo revealed that the classic trio of Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow is coming to the 3DS with full wireless support.
