Iwata GDC Keynote Reveals 3DS Information and New Super Mario Title

Netflix on 3DS, Super Mario 3DS, Game Gear and TurboGrafx on 3DS Virtual Console, and eShop in late May are the highlights.

Today, Iwata keynoted the Game Developer's Conference on the challenges of development and producing social experiences that are "Must Have." While the speech was largely intended for developers, Reggie Fils-Aime took the stage to reveal various bits of information about the 3DS.

According to Reggie, the 3DS will have access to the Netflix service this summer. In conjunction with over 10,000 AT&T Hotspots, players will have access to the service no matter their location.

In addition to Netflix videos, in late May Nintendo will be releasing a portable Nintendo Channel that will offer a variety of content all in 3D, including movie and game trailers, as well as music videos, and other content.

Reggie also hinted that the 3DS will eventually allow users to capture their own 3D video, an exciting enhancement to the included ability to take 3D pictures.

In conjunction with the launch of the portable Nintendo Channel, players will finally have access to the eShop, which will now feature both Game Gear and TurboGrafx games on the Virtual Console service. Players will also be able to transfer their Nintendo DSi games to their new 3DS, as well.

After Reggie's portion of the speech, Iwata took the stage once again to talk about the brand new Super Mario 3DS game, in development at EAD Tokyo, the studio responsible for Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2. The four screenshots shown in the keynote have a distinct Super Mario 64 look to them, with advanced platforming as seen in Super Mario Sunshine.

The placeholder logo featured a small raccoon tail at the end, similar to the Super Mario Bros. 3 logo. Iwata detailed that the tail will be explained at this year's E3.

Shortly thereafter, Iwata's keynote concluded, however, players can see the entire thing for themselves at http://gdc2011.nintendo.com/.

Press Release

Nintendo Plans New 3D Super Mario Game, Announces AT&T, Netflix Collaborations

Upcoming Nintendo 3DS System Will Expand the World of Nintendo Entertainment

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new 3D game from Nintendo’s iconic Super Mario series is in the works for the Nintendo 3DS™ portable system. Nintendo also announced two upcoming collaborations: Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to connect automatically to the Internet at more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, while Netflix members will instantly stream movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems. These features were announced today at the Game Developers Conference during Nintendo President Satoru Iwata’s keynote address, titled “Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future.”

During his speech, Iwata said Nintendo 3DS gives developers new tools to create games and experiences never before possible while enabling them to reach the public in new ways.

“There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D,” Iwata said. “Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity.”

Nintendo 3DS launches March 27 in the United States at a suggested retail price of $249.99. It lets users view 3D content without the need for special glasses. The announced 3D Super Mario game will feature traditional Mario™ game play and will fulfill the dream of Nintendo video game designer (and Mario creator) Shigeru Miyamoto to bring true depth and distance into the game’s mechanics. The game is being developed by the same Nintendo team that created the Wii™ console hits Super Mario Galaxy™ and Super Mario Galaxy 2.

At the end of May, Nintendo will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop and give users access to a number of features:

A short-form video service will let people view trailers for Hollywood movies in 3D and access video game trailers, screen shots, background information and links to publishers' websites. Content will include short video clips, such as comedy shorts or music videos, selected by Nintendo and delivered to Nintendo 3DS users who choose to receive them.
Downloadable classic games via the portable Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console™ service will include Game Boy™ and Game Boy Color games, as well as those from the Game Gear and TurboGrafx-16 systems.
"3D Classics" will introduce select classic video games remastered in 3D.
Games currently offered as Nintendo DSiWare™ and an Internet browser will be available.

The system update will also provide a solution for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

To help make the wireless features of Nintendo 3DS as smooth as possible, Nintendo has collaborated with AT&T to provide Nintendo 3DS owners with automatic and free access to more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with the May system update. Nintendo’s aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone, so people who opt in to the system’s SpotPass™ service will tell their Nintendo 3DS systems to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country.

This summer, Nintendo 3DS will incorporate Netflix functionality. Netflix members who have an unlimited plan starting at $7.99 a month can access a broadband wireless Internet connection and instantly stream movies and TV shows directly to their Nintendo 3DS systems, similar to how the service is used on the Wii console. This means people can start watching a movie via Netflix on their Wii systems at home and then pick up the same movie later from a different location using their Nintendo 3DS systems.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

#Iwata

Our Take

Nick DiMola Director

03/02/2011 at 02:15 PM

Super Mario 3DS screenshots are exciting the hell out of me right now. Looks like a true return to Super Mario 64 form. The raccoon tail teaser is also quite exciting, can't wait to see what they do with that.

There was a Skyward Sword trailer released as well, and that looked really great too. Can't wait to see more of that one when E3 rolls around.

Jason Ross Senior Editor

03/03/2011 at 10:25 AM

I like that Mario isn't in his "Super Mario" form in one of them. He needs a mushroom!

03/03/2011 at 11:19 AM

Hey, good point! I hadn't even noticed that until you pointed it out. That's very interesting and it even further excites me for this game.

Matt McLennan Staff Alumnus

03/03/2011 at 11:34 AM

I just wonder if Koizumi is directing this title, or is just producing it.

PixlBit