Xenoblade Chronicles X Direct - 4/24/15

Nintendo has more information on the sequel to the hit Xenoblade Chronicles. Here's what they had to say.

Planet Earth was destroyed in a battle between two alien species. Humanity has survived to reach planet Mira, but the threat of alien attacks still exists. There is a new safe haven called New Los Angeles, a vibrant city. You'll design a character and join a team called B.L.A.D.E. to take on missions to improve life, gather resources, and save other survivors.

There are a few continents on Mira. You can visit all of them from the start, if you can survive their terrains. Primordia has rolling plains, large bodies of water, and tall mountains. Noctilum has many waterways and glowing plants. Oblivia is a massive desert with a large oasis in the center. Sylvalum is an icy tundra. Cauldros is a lava pit with a large volcano.

Lifeholds are parts of the White Whale, the ship humanity used to flee earth's destruction. They broke off when the ship was destroyed. Find them and save the survivors inside them.

The map uses the GamePad. Probes can be deployed around Mira. They provide a spawn point and information, such as treasure and creatures. They can also tap into Miranium veins, used as a fuel. They can also be used for fast-travel.

There are many creatures on Mira. Some will ignore you and others will attack. Some should not be engaged until you're more experienced. The Nopon make a return. The Monon are an advanced race that build technology. The Prone are an alien race bent on humanity's destruction.

Nav Balls will guide you to your quest objectives, but they move quickly. You can deploy as many as you like. Skells are flying mechs that you can command to travel quickly all over Mira. They will use fuel when fighting and flying. Refill them by exiting the Skell or using Miranium, the Skell's fuel. They can also travel on land and be used in combat. Hopper Cams are cameras that allow you to see the entire environment from an overhead view.

In combat, you'll have special attacks called Artes. You'll get a variety of weapons that will be used during your special attacks, which will switch automatically when you change which artes you're using. Some special attacks will have a cool-down time. If you wait to use an arte, it can double in power. Artes with green rings around them are the ones your teammates are calling you to use. Special attacks can be used in combos to deal more damage. Some will cost Tension Points, but they will be more powerful or have special abilities, like reviving teammates. You can also auto-attack. If there's a line between you and the enemy, they are focused on you.

Enemies have icons that will let you know what will attract their attention and draw them into attack you. Some enemies will attack you if they see you, or hear you, or a combination of things. Some enemies will not attack you, and have an icon to indicate that. However, some will attack if you're in a Skell. Some enemies have target points you can attack so they can no longer use the weapons attached to those points.

There is a day cycle and weather patterns in the game. Some enemies and people will only be out at certain times. Rest stops allow you to manipulate time.

Each teammate has a class and inner class. Class determines your attack style and weapons. Inner class is your level. Skell attacks are based on what you equip on them. Teammates can attack when you're battling in a Skell and get a defense boost. You can catch enemies when they're toppled so you hold them while your teammates do extra battles. Skells can be destroyed. Jump out in time and everything will be fine. If you jump out a little late, you'll get a mark on your insurance. Get too many marks and you'll lose your Skell and have to buy a new one. As you can imagine, they're expensive. You'll also collect more Skells and keep them in your garage. Extra Skells can be assigned to teammates.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-14. Episode 3 Prologue

Captain Toad finds himself alone in the Episode 3 Prologue. Grab some coins and climb the ladder. Walk along the edge of the rock. A footlight will illuminate, allowing you to cross to the other side without walking around. There's a hidden Gold Mushroom in the middle. Climb the next ladder to the Star. Wingo appears, still holding onto Toadette.

Special Challenge: Find the hidden Gold Mushroom.

The last level is particularly challenging. I will post about it when I have cleared it.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-13. Episode 2 Prologue

Captain Toad finds himself at the start of Episode 2. Follow Toadette towards the Star. When you're on the same level as the Star, drop down to a mossy, broken pillar. There's a hidden Gold Mushroom there. Grab the Star and Wingo appears. He takes Captain Toad away.

Special Challenge: Find the hidden Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-12. Episode 1 Prologue

Captain Toad finds himself in the prologue of Episode 1, where he meets Toadette and gets the first Star. Follow Toadette to the Star. Under the rock, in the small alcove, is a hidden Gold Mushroom. Get the Star and Wingo appears and carries off Toadette.

Special Challenge: Find the hidden Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-11. Mummy-Me and Pyropuff Peak

You'll need 185 gems to unlock this level.

Toadette finds herself Draggadon's cave. There are invisible coins along the wall near where you start. Once again, you'll want to grab as many coins as you can while dodging Draggadon's flames and Mummy-Me. This means you'll have to keep moving behind anything you can use as a shield. If the area behind the shield is narrow, hug the walls as much as possible so you don't run into Mummy-Me. There are many coins in front of the moving ladder. Keep climbing up and down the ladder to avoid taking damage. If you do, pull the nearby plant a couple of times, then run away, then come back for the Mushroom. Mummy-Me will disappear when you start climbing the ladder to the Star. It will reappear when you land on Draggadon's nose, so don't dawdle in getting the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 170 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-10. Mummy-Me on Drop-Road Dash

You need 175 gems to unlock this level.

Toadette finds herself on Drop-Road Dash. When you're ready, drop down to the donut lifts. Mummy-Me will start following you. Dodge the Biddybuds and grab as many coins as you can. If you need a short break to walk on solid ground, be sure to keep moving. Towards the end is a tall stack of coins. Walk in a circle or figure eight to grab the coins while dodging Mummy-Me. Near the end is a boost pad and a narrow path to the Star. Near the Star, you'll find some coins.

Special Challenge: Collect 190 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-9. Mummy-Me on Flip Panel Footpath

You need 165 gems to unlock this level.

Toadette finds herself on Flip Panel Footpath. Grab the invisible coins next to the railing and step on the switch. When you start walking on the path, a trail of smoke will follow you until it transforms into a mummified Toad who follows your every move, much like the Cosmic Clones in Super Mario Galaxy 2. The panel will take you to the lower portion of the tower with the Star. There are many coins here, so double back to get all of them. Be careful not to double back into Mummy-Me. Step on the switch when you have all of the coins. Grab the coins on the donut lifts as you follow the path. The path ends on a magic carpet with many invisible coins. Walk in a circle to get them all. Near the nearby tower are two switches. Activate the switch on the left and follow it to the ladder on the tower. Climb the ladder and grab the pickax. Turn around to attack Mummy-Me with pickax to make it disappear for a while. Pick all of the plants with the pickax to collect the coins. Drop back down to the switches. Activate the left one again and follow it to the other side of the tower for a ladder to some coins in the tower. When both switches can be pressed again, press the right switch, wait a short while, then press the left one. Follow the path on the right to some coins on some donut lifts, then transfer to the other path. Run and cut as many corners as you can, as the path will disappear quickly. Mummy-Me will be right behind you. The path will take you to the Star. If you need more coins, there are some invisible ones on the tower's outer ledge.

Special Challenge: Collect 160 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-8. Toad Brigade to Magikoopa Keep!

You'll need 190 gems to unlock this level.

The Toad Brigade is scattered all over Magikoopa Keep. In this case, it is best to ignore the Toad Brigade and reach the top of the tower without them, as they are a huge liability with Magikoopas attacking you. Grab as many coins as you can, especially around the tower's grounds. Use the green pipe to reach the first floor. Blue Toad is towards the front side of the tower, by the wall. Take the green pipe around the corner to the second floor, pick the plants to the right for coins, then go left. Pick the plant for the key, then toss it on the fan. Go through the yellow pipe and move the fan up so you can grab the key. Also use the fan to reach more coins. The key unlocks the door Green Toad is behind. Go through the red pipe to the fourth floor, drop down to the P-Switch, then go through the tunnel, collecting the many coins inside. Go back to the fourth floor, then through the blue pipe. Walk behind the green pipe to find an invisible Gold Mushroom. Take the green pipe to the top of the tower. Use the plant with unlimited turnips to defeat the Magikoopas. This will make the center part of the tower rise up, revealing Yellow Toad. Now that the Magikoopas have been defeated, get the Toad Brigade, then drop down to the clouds below. This will let you inside the tower for a lot of coins. When you're ready, go to the top of the tower and take the elevator for four to the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 240 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-7. Toad Brigade to Bullet Bill Base!

You need 180 gems to unlock this level.

The Toad Brigade is scattered all over Bullet Bill Base. You'll want to grab as many coins as you can. Walk around and spin the gear. One of the staircases has a pile of coins in it. Walk up the stairs, dodge the Bullet Bills, then aim the Bill Blasters at the nearby bricks. Let them fire once to break them, then spin them so they're aimed at the bricks on the staircase. While they break those bricks, grab Blue Toad. Spin the gear again so the Bullet Bills are aimed at the Flaptors flying near that same staircase. Once you defeat the Flaptors, aim the Bullet Bills away from the base. Walk down the stairs and spin the gear so you can walk up the other set of stairs. Drop down and you'll find Green Toad. Touch the item blocks to get the coins and Mushroom. Walk down the stairs and carefully pass the Bill Blaster to reach the gear. Spin it to aim it at the bricks on the platform moving in the lava. Once the bricks have been destroyed, cross the lava using the platform to reach Yellow Toad. Return to the gear and spin it so you can go through the archway in the staircase. Go through the staircase to another gear. Spin it to find a Gold Mushroom and the Star. Grab all of the coins on your way to get the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 100 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-6. Toad Brigade to Trick-Track Hall!

You'll need 170 gems to unlock this level.

It's time to reunite with the Toad Brigade again. Collect as many coins as you can. As before, move the arrow platforms so the Spike destroys the barriers in front of you and below you. Drop down and go around the corner, heading away from the Spike. You'll find Blue Toad over here. Go around the corner and defeat the Piranha Sprouts. Underneath the platform the Spike is standing on, there is a plant with a key. Stand on the touchstone and lower it to reach the locked door. Green Toad is behind the door. Return using the touchstone and have the nearby Spike destroy the barrier. Quickly and carefully cross the spikes and move in a slight circle to make sure all Toad Brigade members are on the touchstone. Raise the touchstone and move the arrow platforms so you can reach Yellow Toad near the Spike. Drop down carefully to the spiked platform, then drop down to safety. There's a hidden Gold Mushroom nearby. Grab the coins in the area before taking the elevator for four up to the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 150 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-5. Toad Brigade to Mushroom Mesa!

You need 160 gems to unlock this level.

Captain Toad and the rest of the Toad Brigade are here, but they were separated. As Captain Toad, you must round up the Toad Brigade, then get the Star. Captain Toad can take damage, but you'll lose a life if any of the Toad Brigade members take damage. Next to you is a hidden Gold Mushroom. Blue Toad is just ahead, at the corner. Both Toads will wave to each other and Blue Toad will start following you. Grab as many coins as you can, which includes defeating enemies. Go into the tunnels in the rock, using the left arch. Follow the path down into the corner to find Yellow Toad. Stand in the touchstone after circling around so all Toads fit, then raise it. Go past the Shy Guys and drop under the rock near the touchstones. Manipulate the touchstones so you can go underground to find Green Toad. Carefully go over to the rock where the Flaptors are and quickly grab as many coins as you can from the plant. Go up to the top of the touchstones, then use the elevator for four to reach the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 90 coins.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-4. Clear Pipe Cruise

You'll need 90 gems to unlock this level.

Captain Toad finds himself in an area with many clear pipes, Piranha Plants, and Fire Piranhas. Go through the first few sets of clear pipes until you reach an area with a nearby cloud. Stand in front of the pipe near the cloud to lure the Fire Piranhas into breathing fire into the pipe. This will destroy the spike balls inside. Go through the pipe for a Gold Mushroom. Up ahead is a large pipe with a pickax, some spike balls, and a warp box at one end. If you like, grab the pickax so you can destroy the spike balls and get more coins. Warp to the next area and hit the POW Block by touching the GamePad. You'll get a Mushroom from the item block above. There's a ramp leading up. Drop from it to get rid of the Piranha Plant in front of a pipe so you can get more coins and reach the top without dealing with more Piranha Plants. At the top is a chain of Fuzzies moving through the clear pipes. Use the clear pipes to carefully cross the gap so you can reach the clear pipe cannon.

The cannon will take you to an area with a few more Fuzzies and some clouds. Use the pipes to reach the moving clouds above, then go through the warp box. This will warp you higher up. There's a Fire Piranha in front of a clear pipe. Lure it into breathing fire into the pipe to clear out the spike balls, then go through the pipe for a 1-up. Slide down the hill with the many Piranha Plants down to a complex clear pipe network with Fuzzies. There's a Key Coin at the base. Pick it up, then go through the pipe with good timing. The other four Key Coins are at the top parts of the pipe network. With careful timing, move through the loops, going in the same direction the Fuzzies are. Once you grab all of the Key Coins, the Warp Box at the top will be unlocked and you can warp to the Green Star.

Special Challenge: Collect the Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-3. Shadow-Play Alley

You need 65 gems to unlock this level.

Captain Toad finds himself in an area full of shadows. Pick up a Potted Piranha Plant. Follow the shadows towards the screen for a 1-up. Up ahead are Fire Piranhas. Have the Potted Piranha Plant defeat them for you. Go through the door to enter the shadows. Here, you'll find Fuzzies and a giant Piranha Plant. Go through the door to exit the shadows. Pick up another Potted Piranha Plant and use it to defeat the pink enemies that fit into the wall. On the other side is a Gold Mushroom. Keep going and walk behind a wall to find the Green Star near Bowser's shadow.

Special Challenge: Collect the Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-2. Conkdor Canyon

You'll need 35 gems to unlock this level. If you've cleared all three other episodes completely, you should have 192.

As in Super Mario 3D World, there are several Conkdors here. The first one you see is surrounded by coins. Ahead are platforms moving in and out of the wall. There's a ladder here which allows you to reach the top of the wall. There's a clear pipe that will drop you down to the wall behind the first Conkdor, which has many coins. Move forward and you'll find a clear pipe that will take you to the next area. Use the pipe to get around the Conkdor surrounded by quicksand, then run past the four Conkdors lining the path. Ahead is the oasis, with some coins in the pool. Cross the shifting path, then cross the narrow path with the Conkdors. On the other side is a Conkdor surrounded by bricks. Lure the Conkdor into breaking the brick in front of the pipe. Go through the pipe for a Gold Mushroom. Drop down and go to the other side of the ramp for a Conkdor and the Green Star.

Special Challenge: Collect the Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode Bonus-1. Super Bell Hill

Captain Toad finds himself in the Sprixie Kingdom, where there are no gems. As he can't jump, there are some places that are out of reach. You can touch the blocks on the GamePad to break them or get items from them. There are some invisible coins here. Go up the hill and past the Goombas to reach the clear pipe cannon to the next area. Go to where the Cat Goombas are and break the crates. One of them has a 1-up. On the bridge, towards the back is a ladder to the area below the bridge. Here you'll find a Gold Mushroom. Use the Warp Box to return. Take the clear pipe up to the next area. Get the Green Star at the end to clear the level.

Special Challenge: Collect the Gold Mushroom.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode 3-28. Wingo's Whackdown

Wingo once again has Toadette. He'll flap his wings to create gusts of wind to blow Captain Toad away. Climb the ladder and you'll find some invisible coins in the corner. Walk up the ramp. When Wingo moves the crates with the ladder, go down the ramp to the two piles of coins. There's an invisible Gold Mushroom there, but you may need to wait until Wingo moves to get it. Climb up the ladder and you'll find some spikes and Piranha Sprouts. Keep climbing to the top. Let Wingo move the large set of crates over the spikes so you can get the first gem through the gap in the crates. Run over the crates, get the coins, and launch from the clear pipe cannon.

You'll land near the Toad Brigade. Blue Toad has a Mushroom for you. Go up the ladder, where Wingo's waiting for you. There are a couple of turnips near the wall. There's a tall stack of crates with a ladder. Also in the area are three Piranha Sprouts and lots of coins. When Wingo's not flapping his wings, climb to the top of the ladder, then drop down to where the Piranha Sprouts are to get the coins and get rid of the them. Climb back up the ladder and run over to the gear. Spin it to rotate part of the central tower. Be sure to grab the large pile of coins as well as go to the empty ledge opposite the gear. There's an invisible Gold Mushroom here. Let Wingo move the crates with the ladder so you can get the second gem, then spin the gear so that no air can reach the crates with the ladder. Climb the tall ladder. Get rid of the Piranha Sprout on the ground, then climb the nearby ladder. Carefully cross to the crate, then let Wingo move it. Get rid of the Piranha Sprout up here. Use the crates to reach the Mushroom, then cross the larger set of crates to the other side of the wall. Use the crates to cross the gap to the third gem. Drop down and run for the clear pipe cannon.

The cannon launches you to Wingo's pile of treasure. This time, Wingo summons lightning, which destroys the barriers around the tower. Wingo's attacks are the same as before. After two hits with the turnips, Toadette will throw a Mushroom or a 1-up to you. After the third hit with the turnip, Wingo eats it and falls. Toadette and the Star fly up and land in the treasure. Pull her out of the treasure and grab the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 220 coins.

After Toadette and Captain Toad get the Star, they hop in the mine cart while the credits roll. At the end, Captain Toad spies a Green Star shooting across the sky and he takes off after it, leaving Toadette behind. This leads to the start of Super Mario 3D World, where Captain Toad follows after Mario and company into the Sprixie Kingdom. This also unlocks the Bonus Episode, if you haven't already unlocked it, and a new page in it.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode 3-27. Scalding Scaffold Sinkhole

You need 155 gems to unlock this level. I have 186.

Toadette finds herself on a metal scaffold. Approach the ladder and the structure will start sinking. There are many Piranha Sprouts on the scaffold, as well as coins. Collect as many as you can. The first gem is on a ledge with rails. Pick the turnips and Piranha Sprouts to grab the stacks of coins without having to run for them. Pass the next ladder and go around it for a pile of coins. There's another pile of coins on a ledge similar to the one where you found the first gem. Drop down past the spikes to find more coins. Go past the next set of spikes and drop down the ladder for a large amount of coins. Go through the gap in the pillars in front of the ladder to find a ramp towards the top of the structure. Drop down and you'll find the second gem. Climb up the ladder next to the spikes for two plants with lots of coins. Just up ahead on a ledge, guarded by some Piranha Sprouts, is a plant with the third gem. Climb the tall ladder. At the top, are two plants with many coins and the Star.

After Toadette gets the Star, Wingo carries her off.

Special Challenge: Collect 200 coins.

Nintendo Direct 4/1/15

Happy April Fools Day! Let's see what Nintendo has to say.

Super Smash Bros.- Mewtwo will soon be available as a download starting April 28. You can purchase it for one version for $3.99 or for both versions for $4.99 if you didn't register both version of the game. If you did, it will be available April 15. It can Mega Evolve. It will also be available with an update which includes downloadable content, adjusted character balance, and the ability to share Mii Fighters, replays, custom stages, and photos on the Wii U version. Mii Fighters will get costumes, some of which are inspired by certain games, including Legend of Zelda and Mega Man. Lucas will also be a playable character via downloadable content, likely in June. At smashbros.com, a Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot, you can put in your vote for a new character to be added to the roster or future rosters. As for Amiibo, here are the next waves: May 29- Charizard, Pac-Man, Wario, Jigglypuff, Ness, Greninja, Lucina, and Robin. In July, Dark Pit and Palutena. In September, Bowser Jr., Dr. Mario, Captain Olimar, Zero-Suit Samus, and Ganondorf. Amiibo for Mewtwo and Lucas will be released in the future.

Amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits- This is a free downloadable title that allows you to tap Amiibo to the GamePad to view highlights from certain games. The highlights are 3 minutes long. Tap the same Amiibo again to switch scenes in the game. The title associated with a particular Amiibo is randomly generated the first time you tap that Amiibo. There are many classic games to sample. -Spring 2015 Wii U eShop

Mario Maker- This game allows you to design Mario levels by dragging characters and features onto the screen. You can switch between four modes: the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Super Mario Bros. 3, and New Super Mario Bros. You can upload your creations for the rest of the world to see. 2015 marks Mario's 30th anniversary. - September Wii U

Yoshi's Wooly World- This action game takes place in a wool world. There are two modes: Classic Mode and Mellow Mode. Classic Mode plays more like traditional Yoshi games, while Mellow Mode makes things easier with you controlling Winged Yoshi. You can switch between modes at any time. This game will have its own Amiibo that are made of wool. They come in three colors- green, pink, and blue. Tapping them will allow you to play with two Yoshis. Turn your new ally into a yarn ball to throw at enemies, which you can also do in multiplayer. -Wii U Fall 2015

Splatoon- Two more modes have been announced. Ranked Battle is an online mode, like Turf Wars, but with rankings and different rules. In Splat Zones, you'll fight over a designated part of the map. In the Battle Dojo, you and another player will battle against each other: one on the GamePad and the other on the TV. The goal is to pop more balloons than your opponent. Inkling Amiibo will be available at launch. The Amiibo will unlock special missions specific to the Amiibo. Completing challenges will unlock exclusive gear. They will come in a triple pack of an Inkling Boy, Girl, and Squid or the Inkling Boy and Girl can be purchased separately. -Wii U May 29

Wii U Virtual Console- Nintendo is adding N64 and Nintendo DS games to the Virtual Console. For the DS games, you'll have many options to choose from in terms of screen layouts. For the N64, you can choose your control scheme. The GamePad will rumble with games that are Rumble Pak compatible. N64 games will typically cost $9.99-11.99, unless you transferred the game from the Wii, which will cost $2 each. Nintendo DS games will typically cost $6.99-$9.99. Yoshi's Island DS and Super Mario 64 are available now for $9.99 each. On April 9, Yoshi Touch & Go and Wario Ware: Touched! will be available for $9.99 each. Also for $9.99 each, you can get Donkey Kong 64 on April 16, Mario Kart DS on April 23, and Paper Mario on April 30.

Adventures of Pip- This game features Pip, a single pixel that can absorb the pixels of enemies he defeats to transform into three forms. Save villagers to open new shops and defeat the Skeleton Queen. -Wii U eShop May 2015

Octodad: Dadliest Catch- Octodad is an octopus trying to remain disguised as a human. He must remain undercover, which is difficult as your tentacles are unwieldly. There's a four-player co-op mode where each player controls a tentacle. -Wii U eShop Summer 2015

Mutant Mudds: Super Challenge- There are over 40 new levels, which have you switching between the foreground and the background. Buy it for one console and you can download it on the other for free. There's a loyalty discount for those with the original Mutant Mudds game. -Wii U and 3DS eShop June 2015

Don't Starve: Giant Edition- Survive in a wilderness of danger, science, and magic by farming, hunting, and crafting. The worlds are randomly generated and permadeath is a feature. Buy one copy and get a free download code to share with a friend. -Wii U May 2015

Other indie titles coming to the eShop include:
Wii U: forma.8, Affordable Space Adventures, STARWHAL, Never Alone, Ninja Pizza Girl, Antipole DX, Life of Pixel, BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition, Slain!, Runbow, Back to Bed, Space Hulk, Race the Sun, Dot Arcade, Swords & Soldiers II, Toto Temple Deluxe, The Bridge, Shutshimi, Nova-111, Windup Knight 2
3DS: Dementium: Remastered, Antipole DX, DOOORS, Lionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails, Shutshimi

Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem- The characters have an everyday life mixed with a secret life o f fantasy.

Fatal Frame- This game features three playable characters, each with their own story line. It takes place at a tourist attraction called Mt. Hikami. Use the GamePad as your camera to investigate areas and fend off enemies in bursts of action. -Wii U 2015

Box Boy!- There are over 150 levels of puzzles to solve as Box Boy, who can duplicate his blocky body to move around and hang onto ledges. You can unlock costumes as you go. -3DS eShop April 2

Pokémon Rumble World- This free downloadable title features Pokémon from Red, Blue, and Yellow through Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Some of them can Mega Evolve. Attack using the (A) button. Defeat other toy Pokémon to add them to your collection. You'll travel via hot-air balloon. The type of balloon determines where you can go. Use Poke Diamonds to reach more distant lands. Get Poke Diamonds by clearing stages, StreetPass, or eShop funds. -3DS eShop April 8

Puzzle & Dragons Z and Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Edition- Both games come in a single package. In the Super Mario Edition, Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach. Mario and Luigi must save her by creating the ideal team of Bowser's own minions. Match 3+ elemental orbs to launch attacks on your enemies. Team leaders have passive skills that are used automatically, while teammates have their own skills. You can select them after a certain number of turns. Teammates can also transform, which increases their power. In Puzzle & Dragon Z, you'll join the Rangers, a group that researches dragons. There are over 250 monsters that can become your team leader. Collect chips from defeated monsters to make your monster evolve. -3DS May 22

Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains- Play as an elite member of the Scout Regiment to bring down a Titan alone or with friends using local or online co-op. The multiplayer modes have rankings and leaderboards. Use the C-Stick on the New Nintendo 3DS for smoother camera control. On the eShop, you'll find the first two episodes of the Attack on Titan anime. -3DS eShop May 2015

Codename S.T.E.A.M.- More Marth Amiibo will be available so you can add Marth as a playable character. There is also an update that allows you to press a button to fast-forward through enemy turns. April 1-5, there will a Hijinks tournament, named in honor of Tom Sawyer. Compete in head-to-head matches to get the best ranking. More tournaments will be available in the future. Top players will get titles added to their names, which will be visible online.

StreetPass Mii Plaza- There will be two new games added to the lineup. In Ultimate Angler, receive bait from Mii characters and catch various fish on different islands. Choose the perfect bait for the fish you want to catch, then reel it in. There are over 150 fish and several legendary monsters. In Battleground Z, you'll get items related to the hobbies of the Miis you StreetPass. Use them to beat zombies in Hobbiville. Save the citizens of Hobbiville with many different makeshift weapons. StreetPass Mii Plaza Premium is a paid service that adds new features, such as birthdays, so you can fill in your calendar. You can also store up to 100 Miis in the new VIP room. The update will be available April 16. These features can be purchased individually for $4.99 each or both games for $7.99.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D- The same great game from the Wii will now be on the New Nintendo 3DS. In Collections Mode, you can view 3D character models and listen to the entire soundtrack, even with the system closed if you plug in headphones. -April 10

Fire Emblem- The character you create is the main character. Two kingdoms are on the verge of war, Hoshido and Nohr. A royal Hosido child is raised by the royal family of Nohr. You choose which side you'll fight for, but can only choose one. This decides your character's fate. The Hoshido side plays more traditionally, but the Nohr side will have you revolutionizing the kingdom from the inside out. -3DS 2016

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designers- Decorate and design homes for other animals, without doing chores. The Animal Crossing cards act as Amiibo. Scan in the card to design a house for that character. Scan other cards to invite other animals into the house, have a party, and take pictures. A reader/writer accessory launching the same day will allow you to scan Amiibo cards to 3DS and 2DS consoles. -3DS Fall 2015

Mario Kart 8- The new Downloadable Content Pak 2 will feature an Animal Crossing course featuring the Villager, Isabelle, and Dry Bowser. The seasons will change each time you race. It will be available April 28, instead of May. More Mii character suits will become available via the following Amiibo: Mega Man, Pac-Man, Sonic, Toad, Wario, Villager, Rosalina, Bowser, and Captain Olimar. There will be a new engine class: 200 cc. With more speed, more skill is required and better braking skill is needed. This will be a free update on April 23.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Episode 3-26. Magma Road Marathon

Captain Toad finds himself on a rocky path in lava. There are Blaargs and boost pads here. Try to collect as many coins as you can. Move the fans to create a path across the lava, then step on the first boost pad. There are several coins ahead, but all you have to do is run straight down the middle to get all of them. Turn left and go up the ramp for the first gem. Drop down for some more coins, then continue on. The path splits again so you can get more coins. The turns are tight, so pay attention. Ahead, move the fans for a direct path over the lava to the second gem. Loop back around for the other coins. The path splits again to a clear pipe cannon. Launch and pick the plant for a 1-up. Move the fans to create a path to the third gem and another clear pipe. This will launch you back to the main path. There are more Blaargs here as well as boost pads. At one point, the path forms a circle. You do not need to collect all of the coins around the circle. The path ahead is a straight shot to the Star.

Special Challenge: Collect 150 coins.