Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 get release windows

As part of its Flame Red 3DS announcement today, Nintendo also dropped release targets for two of its most anticipated 3DS games. The company announced that Super Mario 3D Land will be hitting in November, and Mario Kart 7 will follow in December.

Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7

Both are among Nintendo's most popular franchises. Mario Kart was a consistent performer on both the DS and Wii for years after release, and Super Mario platformers tend to make a big splash at launch. Mario 3D Land will mark Nintendo's first original big-franchise entry for the system, as its other games have been remakes like Ocarina of Time 3D and Star Fox 64 3D, or more casual titles like Nintendogs+cats.

Nintendo is likely hoping that rolling out the two games this holiday season will pick up sales, after poor performance led to a hefty price drop. If you'd rather pick up the 3DS to get in on the Ambassador program, there's still time to log in to the eShop before midnight tomorrow, and some stores have dropped the price already so you can get the cut and the free games.

Check out our E3 previews of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 for more details.