It wasn't all eShop games in today's Nintendo Direct - Satoru Shibata also had release dates for a solid range of retail 3DS games to announce.

The headline news is that Animal Crossing remains as elusive as ever. Despite having recently released in Japan, the game is now down to launch in Europe some time in the second quarter of 2013.

This news was somewhat offset by a solid confirmation that Fire Emblem: Awakening will release in Europe, barring any late delays, in April 2013.

There are quite a number of big names to tide you over in Q1, though. Here's the full list:

Scribblenauts: Unlimited - February 8th
Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training: Can You Stay Focused? - March 8th
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - March
Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate - March
Luigi's Mansion 2 - March
Fire Emblem: Awakening - April
Animal Crossing - Q2

Are you satisfied with the 3DS schedule for early next year? Sound off below.