Nintendo reveals Mario Kart 8 launch date of 30th May on Wii U

13/02/2014

13th February 2014 – A whole host of launch dates and new game details for upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS titles were revealed today as part of the first Nintendo Direct broadcast in 2014.

This Nintendo Direct put a spotlight on a selection of upcoming titles for Wii U owners. From 30th May, start your engines when Mario Kart 8 brings the family-favourite franchise to Wii U – this time with Bowser’s minions on board as drivers! Today’s broadcast also delivered new footage of anticipated Wii U titles such as Bayonetta 2 by PlatinumGames, as well as the new game in development by MONOLITH SOFTWARE INC. Additional surprises on show were the announcement of NES™ Remix 2, bringing new retro challenges and a Luigi-themed spin on a cherished classic to Nintendo eShop, plus the reveal of Little Mac from the Punch-Out!! series as a playable character in both Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as well as its handheld sibling.

In addition to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems will continue to bolster its broad software line-up into 2014 with titles for all tastes and ages. Both Mario Golf: World Tour and Kirby: Triple Deluxe are set to tee off in May, while Yoshi is getting his own Nintendo 3DS XL Yoshi Special Edition* console to accompany the launch of Yoshi’s New Island on 14th March. Over on Nintendo eShop, underwater warfare has arrived in the shape of Steel Diver: Sub Wars, now available as a free download, while a different type of battle will take place in Pokémon Link: Battle!, available as a downloadable title from 13th March.

With more details on Game Boy Advance titles launching from April on Wii U Virtual Console, as well as star appearances by Donkey Kong, Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright all part of today’s broadcast, the year 2014 is set to offer a host of memorable gameplay experiences for owners of Nintendo systems.

Today’s Nintendo Direct can be viewed in its entirety at: http://nintendo.co.uk/nintendodirect.

^{*Please note that the Yoshi’s New Island software is not included.}