Nintendo Announces New 'Super Smash Bros' Character, Shows 'Wind Waker HD' Gameplay Footage, 'Pokemon,' 'Zelda,' 'Mario' News, More [PHOTOS]

Nintendo exec Satoru Iwata made some intriguing announcements during the company's latest Nintendo Direct event today. Here are some of the highlights.

'Sonic Lost World'

Let's start off with some Sonic the Hedgehog news. Wii U players of "Sonic Lost World" will be able to get some help from their 3DS "Sonic Lost World" counterparts. Using the 3DS version of "Sonic Lost World," players can employ Tails, Sonic's sidekick, to make gadgets in his laboratory. 3DS players can then use these gadgets to assist Wii U "Sonic Lost World" players in real time. "Sonic Lost World" will be released for Wii U and 3DS on October 22.

'Rayman Legends'

"Rayman Legends" will allow for five-player co-op and will include 40 levels from "Rayman Origins" as well, all of which will be remastered. Wii U "Rayman Legends" players will also be able to wear Mario and Luigi-themed outfits. "Rayman Legends" will be released Sept. 3 for Wii U.

'Mario & Luigi: Dream Team'

In "Mario & Luigi: Dream Team," you'll be able to combine badges to earn bonuses including health restores, enemy damage and much more. Equipment will play a big factor in determining how far you'll get in "Mario & Luigi: Dream Team," which you can get by completing "Expert Challenges." "Mario and Luigi: Dream Team" will be released on Sunday.

'Pokemon Rumble U'

Now for some Pokemon news. "Pokemon Rumble U" will support four-player co-op and will be accompanied by the release of 18 exclusive Pokemon figureines that will be sold by GameStop. These figureines not only can be collected and played with like any other figureine, but you can use the Nintendo hardware to literally scan each figureine. Doing so will grant you a different in-game bonus within "Pokemon Rumble U." The bonuses differ depending on what figureine you scan with the Wii U. "Pokemon Rumble U" will be released on Aug. 29 for Wii U.

Nintendo eShop Downloadable Games

Nintendo also announced the availability of retro games like "Tecmo Bowl," "Wario Land 3," "Summer Carnival '92: RECCA" and "Donkey Kong" from the Nintendo eShop. "Super Mario Bros 3" will also be downloadable "later this year."

'Professor Layton' And 'Phoenix Wright'

A crossover game featuring "Professor Layton" and "Phoenix Wright" will be released some time next year. The game will be entitled "Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney."

'The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds'

This Zelda bit is particularly intriguing. During the event, Iwata noted that the logo for "The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds" actually features not one, but two Triforces -- a regular gold-colored one and a black one. The Triforce, an item that grants immense power to anyone who possesses it, is the center of the Zelda universe and has been since "The Legend of Zelda," the very first game of the series. Check out the photo below to see what we mean.

'Wind Waker HD'

Nintendo also showed off "Wind Waker HD" footage. Check out the photos below. "Wind Waker HD" will be released October.

'Super Smash Bros'

Nintendo announced that Luigi will be a playable character in "Super Smash Bros U" for Wii U and 3DS.

'Animal Crossing'

Nintendo is releasing "Animal Crossing Plaza" as a free download for Wii U today and will be available as a service through 2014. "Animal Crossing Plaza" is essentially an in-game forum that will allow you to interact with fellow "Animal Crossing" players. You'll also be able to import screen shots from "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" game play.

'The Wonderful 101'

Nintendo concluded today's Nintendo Direct event by announcing a Direct event for "The Wonderful 101," a superhero action game, that will be held Friday at 10 a.m. EDT.

What did you think of the announcements that Nintendo made during its Nintendo Direct event today? Which announcement was your favorite and why? Which announcements were you hoping to hear from Nintendo today? What sort of announcements do you think Nintendo will make during their next Nintendo Direct event? Sound off in the comments below.