Reggie Fils-Aime: Third-party 3DS launch lineup "probably the best we've ever had"

Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, Nintendo's Fils-Aime has cited the strength of third-party development for the 3DS as responsible for "probably the best" launch line up Nintendo's ever had for new hardware.

"The thirty titles plus titles that we'll have at launch we think are a fantastic launch library, and certainly from a third party perspective, probably the best we've ever had for the launch of a new system," Fils-Aime said.

Addressing the new handheld's lack of really big-hitter first party franchises at launch, the Nintendo of America head confirmed that "Mario, Zelda, all of those titles are coming."

"From our perspective, we like to launch titles when they're ready," he continued. "And so they'll be ready, they'll be ready soon. Just not in that initial time period of late March to early June."

In the meantime, "In terms of what the hardcore gamer has to look forward to right at launch, I would say 'Super Street Fighter 4,' I would say 'Dead or Alive,' I would say 'Madden' and I would say, yes, the three first-party launch games that we have, as well."

Fils-Aime offered up the strength of the Nintendogs and Pilotwings franchises, as well as new IP Steel Diver, as other examples of attractive launch titles.

Thanks, GoNintendo.