Announced by Nintendo in an official statement earlier today, the gaming company has plans to release two high profile first party titles as well as a new hardware accessory for the 3DS handheld gaming system. On the 3DS, Nintendo scheduled the launch of Kid Icarus: Uprising for March 23 as well as the Circle Pad Pro, an accessory that provides a second control pad for the right side of the device as well as shoulder buttons similar to a PlayStation 3 controller. Nintendo mentioned that third party companies Capcom and Konami are planning to release Resident Evil Revelations on February 7 and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on an undetermined date during the first quarter of 2012. Other third party titles coming out during early 2012 include TEKKEN 3D Prime Edition, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Rayman® Origins and Pro Evolution Soccer 2012

Nintendo is also planning on rolling out several titles for download on the 3DS through the Nintendo eShop. These games include Dillon’s Rolling Western, VVVVVV, Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword, Mighty Switch Force, NightSky and Mutant Mudds. Over on the Nintendo Wii, the company plans to launch the title in the popular Mario Party series on March 11 which is going to include vehicular travel and boss battles within various stages of the game. Other first party Wii titles launch during early 2012 include Rhythm Heaven Fever, a package that contains over 50 rhythm mini-games, and PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond, a game where the player takes control of Pickachu to explore the PokePark. 

Nintendo is also continuing to prep the Wii U for launch and will likely be showing off the new gaming platform at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo during June 2012. Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata recently mentioned that the Wii U would not be launching during the 2012 fiscal year which means the console wouldn’t launch prior to April 2012.