The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 13th February

Lots of games, few major surprises

The first Nintendo Direct of 2014 is down and, at this stage, it's tricky to digest and 'grade'. On the surface it was actually packed with announcements — some unique between North America and Europe — with a number of new titles shown, while footage was revealed for major titles such as Mario Kart 8, Bayonetta 2 and Monolith Soft's X; oh, there was a new challenger revealed for Super Smash Bros., too.
There were also, it must be said, issues with the streams, perhaps the worst we've seen to date. Those focused on the North American broadcast had a solid alternative with Nintendo's YouTube channel, but gamers in Europe were stuck with Ustream and what was the shoddiest performance to date — whether trying to view in the lowest resolution here on Nintendo Life or Nintendo's official page, performance was either choppy or non-existent. We missed large swathes of information and had to catch up with the YouTube video that was posted at the end, but it certainly sucked some of the enjoyment out of the experience. Whether the fault of Nintendo or Ustream, the big N will hopefully resolve the issues for next time.
But still, quite a lot actually happened, even if all-important release windows were excluded and there may have been a lack of Hyrule Warriors-style shocks. As there were actually so many details and stories have already fallen well off the front page, here's our usual summary with all of the links you need; the broadcasts are also included at the end, including the Japanese version.
Wii U
Game Boy Advance Titles due to begin on the Wii U Virtual Console from April onwards
Mario Kart 8 dated for 30th May as Koopalings join the race
Monolith Soft's X combat shown off, and it's based on the Xenoblade Chronicles system
NES Remix 2 confirmed for 25th April release in Europe and North America
Additional Child of Light footage emerges as the European release date drops back a day
3DS
Kirby: Triple Deluxe dated for the West, additional collectibles and StreetPass detailed
Mario Golf: World Tour Dated, with new Mii customisation and modes confirmed
Steel Diver: Sub Wars released with a free-to-play model and online multiplayer
3DS eShop title Rusty's Real Deal Baseball is free-to-play with a Nintendo twist
Weapon Shop de Omasse completes Guild01 collection, all preceding titles discounted on the 3DS eShop
Inazuma Eleven makes download-only début in North America, released in mainland Europe but not the UK
Yoshi's Island details include Flutter Wings and giant metallic eggs, special 3DS XL model confirmed for Europe
Pokémon Battle Trozei bringing over 700 'mon in match-three puzzle action to the 3DS eShop
Nintendo Pocket Football Club confirmed for a 17th April eShop release in Europe
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl finally arrives in Europe on 2nd May
Wii U and 3DS
Little Mac arrives as a knockout challenger in Super Smash Bros.
Miscellaneous
A collection of some Nintendo Direct trailers, because videos are nice
Peppy Hare makes a cameo in Steel Diver: Sub Wars — is it in the Star Fox universe?