E3 2011: Raccoon suit confirmed for Super Mario 3DS, release 'before the year is over'
Teleport blocks and Zelda stage promised for new platformer
While it didn't attract the whoops and hollers that greeted the reveal of Luigi's Mansion 2 at yesterday's press briefing, Nintendo's first footage of Super Mario 3D will likely have seen many gamers immediately put it on their wishlists.
And with Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime promising it will launch "before the year is over", it seems we're all in for a pre-Christmas treat.
The first footage can be seen below in the game's official trailer and shows that the raccoon suit - as hinted at when the logo was first revealed - will indeed feature, with Mario able to hit blocks and enemies with his tail, and kick his legs Yoshi-style to extend short jumps.
The game seems to be something of a Mario Greatest Hits selection, with musical note platforms and end-of-level flags making a comeback, blended with the shifting perspectives and 3D platforming of the Galaxy games.
Hats off
One section showing Mario without his famous cap suggests that the game will go back to the lives system of the earlier 2D games, with one hit removing his hat and another killing the plumber outright.
The blend of old and new continues, with side-scrolling segments and blocks that allow Mario to teleport.
At a round table developer session, Miyamoto also demonstrated a special Zelda-themed stage, celebrating the legendary franchise's 25th anniversary.
It's shaping up very nicely indeed, so all we need is a release date and a concrete title - Super Mario 3D is a tentative moniker, though it could stick.
In the meantime, you can take a look at the new screenshots in our gallery, or cast your eyes downwards to watch that E3 trailer one more time.