Today's Nintendo Direct conference in Japan has brought news that Namco Bandai is developing the next Smash Bros. game and a redesigned Nintendo 3DS, known as the Nintendo 3DS LL/XL, is out next month in Japan.

We also got some new information about the upcoming Nintendo 3DS title New Super Mario Bros. 2, which is also due out in Japan next month.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 will be the first Nintendo 3DS game that users can purchase in stores and also download.

In addition to this players will be able to download extra levels, presumably from the eShop, to further their gaming experience.

The team behind New Super Mario Bros. 2 will also create these additional Coin Rush mode levels once development of the main game has finished.

At present there is no pricing information available but in the mean time check out the official Japanese site for new gameplay videos.

We'll be posting our hands-on impressions of New Super Mario Bros. 2 over the weekend so be sure to stick around!