Nintendo news: Super Mario Maker's epic DLC, Splatoon 3DS update, NX gaming leap

Super Mario Maker has some epic new DLC heading to the Wii U

 

NINTENDO news this week includes Super Mario Maker's epic DLC, A splatoon 3DS update and another NX report.

Super Mario Maker has a new free DLC coming to the Wii U which will allow fans experiment with a range of new items.

The fresh content arrives next week and will includes a Fire Koopa Clown Car, allowing users to drive around levels smashing blocks with fireballs.

New leaderboard functionality will also be part of the new update, displaying the fastest clear time for any given level which will be shown under a World Records menu tab.

"A free December 21 update will deliver a new set of never-before-seen items for players to use as they create courses in the Wii U game," A Nintendo statement confirmed.

"On the same day, Nintendo launches a Web portal called Super Mario Maker Bookmark that lets players search for courses to play by using their computer, tablet or smartphone.

Fire Koopa Clown Car: This volcanic vessel is capable of shooting fireballs as well as a powerful charged shot that can even destroy Blocks. It's perfect for creating shoot-'em-up-style courses."

• P Warp Doors: Unlike regular Warp Doors, these are only visible while a P Switch is active — perfect for creating truly devious Ghost House courses.
• Bumper: This bouncy donut-shaped object sends Mario bounding away when touched.
• World Records: Now pages will display the World Record for each course uploaded, displaying the fastest clear time.
• Super Mario Maker Bookmark: Levels that players have bookmarked to play later using the Web portal will be accessible from the Course World tab.

New Mario Maker DLC launches next week

Nintendo have given an update on whether Splatoon will ever make it across to the 3DS device, with co-director Yusuke Amano revealing that there could hardware limitation to deal with.

"With the splattering of ink, which is definitely key to the game, this is something we spent a lot of time on getting the feel and the look of exactly like we wanted," Amano told Game informer.

"I think that's something that would be quite difficult to realize on the 3DS considering its limitations."

Amano also revealed that the game's current map rotation system will not be changed in the immediate future, although it is not something that Nintendo has completely ruled out.

It appears that the Japanese games giant are aiming to completely move away from the Wii with the upcoming Nintendo NX gaming platform.

A new patent filing shows a gamepad featuring a touchscreen panel which is sure to make Nintendo’s latest offering stand apart from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Additional buttons could also see the controller tilted and used in a number of positions, with a card-slot and built-in speaker indicating on-the-go gaming.