Today, Nintendo hosted the first full-length Direct of the year. They divulged plenty of information about games we already knew were on the pipeline for 2016, but there were also some pleasant surprise announcements like Paper Mario: Color Splash to round-out the stream. I would say this Direct was definitely a strong one, even if it was lacking a certain Zelda Wii U game. So, if you missed out on the stream, or simply want all the specifics regarding what was discussed today, sit back and enjoy our recap of the event.

Paper Mario Color Splash

Paper Mario: Color Splash is the next installment in the Paper franchise, and it’s coming to the Wii U some time in 2016. This time around, Mario’s objective will be to bring color back to the newly revealed Prism Island. It appears the series’ combat is once again being tinkered with here, as the mustachioed plumber will be using his new Paint Hammer to splash colors on everything it comes in contact with. No other information was shared, but there is a short trailer (which you can peep above).

Let me just say, I really do hope the turn-based combat isn’t messed with too much. I’m up for new gameplay mechanics, but let’s not forget how boring the combat was in Paper Mario: Sticker Star.

Star Fox Zero is launching April 22, will include Star Fox Guard

You were starting to worry this game was never going to launch, weren’t you? Well, we now know that Fox and his crew will be invading the Wii U on April 22, 2016. Though Shigeru Miyamoto discussed that some aspects of the game are definitely inspired by the 64 version, it also incorporates brand new gameplay mechanics that make it fresh and exciting for long-time fans. You’ll be able to explore branching paths that’ll reveal several bosses. There’s also a new two-player mode that will have the first player using the gamepad pilot while the second player controls the turret. Those who own a Star Fox amiibo will also unlock the SNES Arwing.

More importantly, another new Star Fox game was announced, which will be purchasable alongside Zero: Star Fox Guard. Slippy’s uncle, Grippy, comes under attack at his mining outpost and you’ll have to protect him. Guard will include over 100 missions, which definitely makes it seem like it’s a full game. A physical bundle including both titles will be available on April 22.

SNES games coming to the New Nintendo 3DS

It’s finally happening. Starting today, Nintendo is dropping Super Nintendo games into the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. As of right now, you can download Super Mario World, Pilot Wings, and F-Zero. Here’s the other games the Big N plans to release soon:

• March 24
  • Donkey Kong Country
  • Super Mario Kart
  • Earthbound
• April 14
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Super Metroid
  • Donkey Kong Country 2

Don’t get me wrong, it’s exciting to get these gems on the handheld, but what took Nintendo so long? And it’s strange that they’re only going to be playable on the New 3DS and not on the older models. We know the newest iteration of the 3DS has more juice in it, but really? I guess consumers need more incentives to upgrade their handhelds. Still, I’m stoked to have Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and TLoZ: A Link to the Past on the go. All we need now is cross-buy so I don’t have to buy the same game on the Wii U and 3DS.

The games are currently priced at $7.99 on the eShop.

Monster Hunter Generations coming this summer

Seeing as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is extremely popular here in the states, it’s not surprising that Monster Hunter Generations (original release named Monster Hunter X) will be making an appearance on the 3DS this summer outside of Japan. Those with a MH4U save file on their 3DS will unlock extra bonus content. If you haven’t played the last installment, it’ll be on sale on the eShop for $19.99 for the next 48 hours.

Again, this wasn’t much of a surprise, but it’s nice to get confirmation that we’ll be hunting down more beasts this summer. You can expect more details in the future.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force launching late spring

Metroid fans haven’t been shy about their displeasure concerning Metroid Prime: Federation Force. It’s honestly understandable. We’ve been waiting so long to get a proper Metroid game, so it’s frustrating that a spin-off was announced instead. Series producer Kensuke Tanabe isn’t blind to all this criticism. So, he came out and shared a story explaining that the battles between the pirates and federation are a part of the lore the team has been wanting to explore for a while now, in an attempt to excite the fanbase. I have to say it was effective. He even went as far as to tell the audience that the team promises this will be a worthy addition to the series.

Tenabe also detailed how players will be able to take different roles in teams like a medic, allowing for flexible gameplay. This installment looks interesting. I think people are so down on this title because they’re dying to get their hands on a Samus-led adventure. But hey, at least the bounty hunter will make a cameo in the game.

A new Kirby game approaches

The last surprise of the evening was the announcement of Kirby: Planet Robobot for the 3DS. The game appears to play a whole lot like Kirby: Triple Deluxe, in which you bounce in between the background and foreground, but there’s a new twist to Planet Robobot. The pink ball will be able to use the enemies’ robotic suits. These mechs will make Kirby even more powerful.

A new set of Kirby amiibos will also be launching alongside the game. These new figures will unlock in-game costumes.

This is already turning out to be a strong year for Nintendo. We haven’t even hit E3 yet—you know, the time when many are guessing the company will be unveiling the long-rumored NX.

All that said, not getting an update on The Legend of Zelda Wii U was incredibly disappointing. I don’t want to speculate too much, but I’ve been saying it’ll be an NX launch title, and Nintendo’s silence on the game makes it seem like my speculation may indeed be correct.

What do you guys think about all these announcements? Is there anything in particular you’re excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

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Image Credit: Nintendo