E3 2011: Mario, StarFox and Kid Icarus in tow as Nintendo brings out the big guns for 3DS

Something old, and something new.

That's how Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime billed 3DS, unveiling a total of five stellar Nintendo franchises heading to the system in the coming months.

Cynics might well question why some, if not all, weren't ready for launch, given sales failed to live up to expectations, but it would appear Nintendo is looking to bill this Christmas as 3DS's first big splash.

Franchise fest

As such, on the way is a new Mario Kart, StarFox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and Luigi's Mansion 2, all launching from September onwards - in the US at least.

Nintendo also showcased a plethora of third-party releases incoming, including additions to the Resident Evil franchise, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Ace Combat 3D and Mario & Sonic at London 2012 Olympic Games.

In fact, Fils-Aime went on to claim the level of third-party support for 3DS is now "unprecedented", with the combination of the newly launched eShop aiding discovery with downloadable trailers and demos in the coming months.