Once every console generation, a new Super Smash Bros. game is released to the clamor of rabid fans. The mashup of Nintendo icons and, most recently, third-party characters has been a hallmark of the company's lineup since its inception back in the Nintendo 64 era. At the Nintendo Direct online presentation, company President Satoru Iwata revealed that the Wii U iteration of Smash would debut at E3 2013.
Mashiro Sakurai, the lead designer behind the franchise, updated fans further on Twitter. "Wii U and 3DS versions -- I would like to show you both. Other games have had visuals shown [at Nintendo Direct], but you still have to wait for Smash Bros. But we'll be able to release something better," says Sakurai.
While it remains to be seen what "something better" truly means, Sakurai will ideally show off a gameplay trailer of the fighter, and perhaps provide a playable build of the game to journalists attending the show.
Alongside Smash, Nintendo also announced a swath of hotly anticipated titles for the Wii U. Although we all expected it, Iwata pulled back the curtain on the next Zelda and 3D Mario titles. Link's next adventure will notably "rethink the conventions of Zelda," while the new Mario is helmed by the creators of the acclaimed Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D land games. A Fire Emblem X Shin Megami Tensi crossover, Yoshi's Land, and Wii U Party were also announced at the event.