Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct video conference on Aug. 29, announcing multiple new Nintendo 3DS titles as the handheld gaming system continues to build for a busy year. CEO and President Satoru Iwata also said on Aug. 29 via Twitter that the upcoming September conference will not reveal a release date for Wii U in Japan (translated). Iwata revealed that a release date announcement "is planned in a way not involving the conference."

A new Professor Layton game was announced, although it is confirmed to be the last title, for Layton at least; spin-offs could take place in the franchise, though no specific news has addressed the possibility.

Pokemon developer Game Freak is releasing Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight. The game features rhythm-based jumping and shooting and releases later in 2012 on the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo's digital download service.

After teasing fans with the possibility of a game between the three companies, Namco Bandai, Sega, and Capcom co-revealed Project X Zone. Gamasutra reported that the game uses turn-based "tactical gameplay" with characters from the publishers. It will be released on Oct. 11 in Japan.

Games including EX Troopers, a spin-off from Lost Planet 3, Lost Heroes, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy were also shown during Nintendo Direct. A new Nintendo 3DS Tamagotchi title will also be released in Japan.

Nintendo did not announce titles for North American and/or Europe because this Nintendo Direct was focused on Japan. This is why Nintendo revealed the Japanese subtitles for games like Rhythm Hunter. Nintendo is holding a Sept. 13 conference in New York City, widely expected to reveal the price and release date for the console in North America and Europe, if history is an indicator.

Nintendo previously said that the console will be released by the end of 2012, specifically the holiday season. Reports from an accessory company partnered with Nintendo claimed that Nov. 18 is the date the for console's release, just before Black Friday in the United States.