The Year of Luigi continues in the latest Nintendo Direct

Just when I think it can’t be done, Nintendo goes and finds new and exciting ways to put a smile on this jaded gamer’s heart. In a Nintendo Direct that aired this morning, company president Satoru Iwata outlined a few new details coming from the House of Mario — including a few games waiting right around the corner.

There were smaller announcements, such as the addition of Super Mario Galaxy heroine Rosalina to both Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS. Sonic Lost World gets free Yoshi-themed DLC, available now. Golf is now available on Wii Sports Club for Wii U, and includes courses from Golf US Course, a game Iwata himself worked on over 25 years ago. Other details about Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Yoshi’s New Island were also revealed, though nothing too concrete for release dates on these titles were announced.

No, the bigger announcements came as a surprise to everyone. First up is NES Remix — a WarioWare-esque collection of old Nintendo games, chopped up and turned into bite-sized challenge rooms. Run left in Super Mario Bros., or climb Donkey Kong stages in near-complete darkness, NES Remix looks like it will test the mettle of seasoned Nintendo fans and newcomers alike. It’s available right now — yes, today — for $14.99 on the Wii U.

Coming on December 31st is Dr. Luigi, a new entry into the Dr. Mario franchise, that combines the classic pill-popping, virus-busting gameplay with online multiplayer and a new mode that features larger L-shaped pills. Dr. Luigi will also launch on Wii U for $14.99.

If that weren’t enough, we’re also getting a new Chibi-Robo game after a long, painful hiatus. Dubbed Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder, players will guide the diminutive robot through a museum, while taking pictures of real-world objects with their 3DS cameras to use in the game. Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder will launch on January 9th for 3DS for $9.99, with a demo coming soon as well

Lastly, a new Warriors game from Tecmo-Koei is coming — but this one isn’t set during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Instead, we’re getting a button-mashing romp through Hyrule, featuring Link, the star of the Legend of Zelda series. Tentatively titled Hyrule Warriors (natch), looks like it’ll be more than just another solid entry into the Dynasty Warriors series.

While we still wait for word on upcoming main-line Zelda, Metroid, or Star Fox entries, today’s Nintendo Direct did plenty to assure Nintendo fans that there is plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Take a look at the full video below, and keep it tuned here as we find out more about these upcoming titles.

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