Nintendo confirms key 2011 releases

Nintendo has announced that its two new Mario 3DS games will be released before the end of the year.

This includes a 3D version of Mario Kart as well as the new Mario 3D platformer. The news comes as Nintendo confirms a string of release dates for upcoming games.

On Wii, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will arrive this year, while Xenoblade Chronicles, We Dance and Champion Jockey will hit shelves on September 2nd. Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident will be released on September 9th, followed by Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension on September 16th.

We Sing UK Hits is out on September 30th, while Jungle Kartz and X-Men Destiny have been confirmed for a September release, too.

3DS owners will be able to buy Sega’s Shinobi and Crush3D in September, as well as Konami’s Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater before the end of the year. The publisher’s Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights will be released on 3DS this summer. DualPenSports and Angler’s Club: Ultimate Bass Fishing 3D will hit shelves on September 2nd.

On the 3DS eShop, digital downloads for Xevious, Dragon’s Lair and Mario’s Picross will go on sale next month, while Let’s Golf 3D and Jagged Alliance will be available soon afterwards.

New DS game Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call will also hit shelves this year, as will a new Wii Kirby title.

Nintendo previously confirmed Star Fox 64 3D will be released on September 9th for 3DS.