Nintendo confirms dates for Cube Wii-makes

New Play Control! versions of Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis hitting in February and March respectively.

Nintendo Europe has today confirmed release dates for the first two titles to be released as part of the New Play Control! range - classic GameCube titles enhanced with Wii motion controls, updated features and a new widescreen display option.

Pikim will be first out the door on February 6, promising full use of the the Wii Remote's point-and-select capabilities and an updated save mechanism, which will enable players to restart play from any day they please.

In Pikmin players take control of a spaceman called Captain Olimar who has crash-landed on an unusual planet. The planet is inhabited by Pikmin - a race of strange flower-like creatures that are half-animal, half-plant - as well as a variety of hostile creatures who will try and stop you in your mission. Captain Olimar must collect 30 sections of his crashed vessel which have been scattered across the planet to reassemble his ship and continue his galactic quest and he'll need the help of the Pikmin if he's going to succeed.

Next in line for release is Mario Power Tennis on March 6. Take control of your favourite character from the Mario world, such as Mario, Bowser or Princess Peach, and unleash Power shots on the tennis court, now with Wii Remote motion controls making the action even more intuitive.

Wii Remote motions will translate into in-game shots such as overhead smashes to backhands and the game's famous power shots. Differing levels of control will also be available, making it possible for new players to compete against established gamers.

In addition to new motion controls, Mario Power Tennis on Wii will also feature different replay camera options and a two-player split-screen mode similar to that seen in Wii Sports Tennis.

While Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis are just round the corner, Nintendo also has plans to release New Play Control! versions of Pikmin 2 and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat in 2009.