Mario, Yoshi, and Olimar make their way to the 3DS

By Jay (GrimlockTheDino9)

I was not excited when I heard a new Nintendo Direct was coming and that it would be exclusively focusing on the Nintendo 3DS. I want NX news! I still tuned in and was presently surprised with some big games coming to the 3DS. Check out the full Nintendo Direct below.

ZELDA!!!

We are getting some much needed love for The Legend of Zelda! New Amiibos and updates in Hyrule Warriors but that's not all...Skyward Sword is out now, on the Wii U virtual console!

To celebrate Zelda's 30th anniversary, Nintendo is releasing 4 new Amiibos. The series includes an 8-bit Link, a Link from my favorite, Ocarina of Time, and both Link and Zelda from Wind Waker. These will all work just like previous Amiibos for current games but will also have special functionality with Breath of the Wild. Nintendo will release these on December 2nd.

The surprise announcement of the Nintendo Direct was Skyward Sword's release on the Wii U virtual console. This is the original game, not a port or remake, so the controls are still using the Wiimote+. The graphics have gotten a nice face lift by running on the Wii U and this is available now on the virtual console for $19.99.

Lastly, Toon Zelda will be joining the cast in Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors Legends. Toon Link will be receiving some new weapons inspired from Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. This DLC is available now for download.

Mario is ready to build on the 3DS

Super Mario Maker on the Wii U is a fantastic game and now you will be able to take it with you on the 3DS, starting December 2nd.

This is great news as the game will include 100 levels developed by Nintendo and will support levels originally created on the Wii U. Nintendo did warn us that not all levels will be compatible due to some features still being Wii U exclusive, like the Mystery Mushroom. Mario creations can be shared via local wireless but players won't be able to upload them to the Internet for others to download.

Yoshi returns to the 3DS with Poochy

A trend during this Nintendo Direct was to bring great Wii U games to the 3DS; it was thus a no brainer to have Yoshi's Wooly World come to the 3DS.

Its new name is Poochy & Yoshi's Wooly World and it will include all levels from the Wii U, as well as new 3DS exclusive levels. Poochy will have playable levels and Yoshi can now team up with Poochy Pups, who will help you find hidden items in the game. Poochy is also getting more love with a yarn Amiibo being release in a bundle with the game. Poochy & Yoshi's Wolly World comes out February 3, 2017.

Olimar is going 2D

Another big announcement with some tiny friends: Olimar gets his first game on the 3DS.

It does not have an official name yet but Pikmin is coming to the 3DS in its first ever 2D platformer. Using the touch screen Olimar directs the red, blue, and yellow Pikmin to help him recover items, fight enemies, and unlock pathways. Pikmin will be arriving to the 3DS in 2017.

Mario and his Friends take the field next spring

In spring 2017 we will see Mario and his friends on the 3DS to compete on the field, court, pitch, course, and track.

Mario Sports Superstars will feature five different sports: baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, and horse racing. The best part of this announcement is that these are full-scale sports. The example Nintendo showed us was an 11v11 soccer game. Nintendo also said each sport has single player tournaments and can be played both locally and through online multiplayer.

Snorlax becomes even stronger

Pokemon Sun and Moon players can grab a special Munchlax when the game comes out this November. Nintendo announced you will be able to download this Pokemon from launch day until Jan 11, 2017.

Munchlax comes with a Snorlium Z crystal so when you evolve him into Snorlax using the crystal and Z-Ring accessory you will awaken Snorlax's inner strength, gaining a new attack called "Pulverizing Pancake".

More from Nintendo Direct

A few other announcements from the Nintendo Direct include:

Tank Troopers is coming out later this year and will bring tank multiplayer battles to the 3DS.
Picross 3D Round 2 released during the Nintendo Direct in the eShop. This is the long awaited sequel to Picross 3D from 2009.
Dragon Quest 8 is delayed until 2017 with no official release date yet. Dragon Quest 7 comes out Sept. 16 and if you pre-order you will receive an exclusive 3DS theme inspired by the game.
Ever Oasis, an action RPG, launches in 2017, announced at 2016's E3. Developed by studio Grezzo, it's the first 3DS game from the studio since The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes.
3DS owners can now StreetPass more than 10 people at once. The new limit is 100, a nice increase from 10. StreetPass Mii Plaza is getting a overhaul and 4 new mini games have been added. Anyone who downloads the update can download one of the new games for free.
Yo-Kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls come out Sept. 30th in North America.

Nintendo brings the best of Wii U to the 3DS