E3 2012 Media | Iwata Talks to Mario Bros Wii U Producer

Mario is coming and he's going to launch the Wii U. Classic gameplay infused with new mechanics and GamePad specific features.

Get the lowdown on New Super Mario Bros. U with Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata as he chats with the man behind the new game and past "New" Super Mario Bros. games - Takashi Tezuka. The pair ponder why Nintendo is continuing to develop 2D games and the inclusion of newer characters like the adorable "Flying Squirrel Mario".

Those hankering for a fully 3D Mario adventure can rest easy. Though expected, Tezuka did once again confirm that the teams at the secretive home of Mario are working and collaborating with the 2D team to create a new 3D platformer with the Wii U hardware in mind.

He also elaborates on the new "Boost Mode" - where the GamePad player can tap out helpful, or hindering, blocks on screen for the normal Wii Remote players to access - lending a helping hand or creating more difficult challenges.

In an interview with IGN Tezuka also confirms that the overworld shown in the Nintendo Direct presentation is similar to Super Mario World - where players can explore a more open and seamless map in comparison to the more linear approach in recent New Super Mario Bros games.

What do you think of Mario's first steps into High Definition?