Few games have such universal appeal as those in the Super Mario franchise.  Luckily Nintendo isn't done giving us games featuring everyone's favorite plumber.  At the Nintendo Direct event Satoru Iwata announced a new Mario game for the 3DS:  New Super Mario Bros 2.  This game marks a return to side-scrolling platforming, and features (at least from what we can tell from the screenshot)  the return of the Super Leaf.  Sly Cooper eat your heart out.

Additionally the Kirby Collection will be coming to Wii, allowing lovers of the little pink guy to experience selected original titles just in time for the franchise's 20th anniversary.  They call these "fan favorite" titles, but nothing more specific than that.  Any updated versions of old games make me happy, particularly because I started my gaming career late and missed a lot of the original games that were created for classic consoles.

"A new Mario game and a big Kirby celebration will help make 2012 an especially great year for Nintendo fans," said Scott Moffitt, VP of Nintendo North American Sales & Marketing. "Whether they're playing at home on Wii or using Nintendo 3DS to have fun on the go, players can look forward to experiencing some of our biggest franchises in exciting ways."

There will also be a firmware update for WiiWare this week on April 25th that will allow for better organization of the Home page using folders.  If you were wishing the eShop would have more recommendations for you, you'll be happy to hear those will also be added on Wednesday.

New Super Mario Bros 2 will launch for the 3DS in North America and Japan this August.  No word yet on when the unnamed Kirby Collection will be available, but no doubt we'll receive word soon.

[via Gamesindustry.biz]