A new rumor suggests that Nintendo plans to release its new 3D Mario game on Wii U by
October.
The report comes via CVG by way of "discussions with retail chains at executive level."
The report suggests that such discussions "have helped restore retailers' faith in the
console, which has been hit by errors since launch."
Wii U sales have not been as strong as Nintendo hoped, due in large part to a lack of software.
The report says the new Mario title "will be released before October, pending development
delays" and its marketing campaign will begin as of this year's E3, "where the 3D Mario
game will also be playable on the show floor."
In addition, "a number of blockbuster Wii U games" will allegedly be released between
summer and the end of 2013.
Previously, Nintendo confirmed that a new Smash Bros., Mario, and Mario Kart will appear
at E3 but none have been confirmed for release this year.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has confirmed that the 3D Mario game is in development at
EAD Tokyo (the team that previously developed Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and
Super Mario 3D Land).
So far, confirmed first-party Wii U games for 2013 include Pikmin 3 in August and an
HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker this fall.
We've reached out to Nintendo about the rumor and will update you with any comment we receive.
Until then, stay tuned to IGN.