Nintendo's Japanese president Satoru Iwata has revealed that a Google Maps app tailored specifically for Wii U will launch early next year.

Naturally, the application has thus far only been confirmed for Japan. It is due to release towards the end of January, and will initially be made available for free.

Google Maps for Wii U will be familiar to anyone who has used it elsewhere, but one unique feature is the ability to access Street View on the GamePad in a way similar to Wii U's Panaorama View tech demo.

It's in Japanese, but you can get the first look at the app in this video taken straight from this morning's Japanese Nintendo Direct.

A western release for Google Maps on Wii U is just one of things to look out for in this afternoon's European Nintendo Direct. We'll have all the news as it breaks.