Zelda spearheads Wii launch push in Japan

The launch of the Nintendo Wii in Japan will be bolstered by the release of hotly anticipated title The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

As one of Nintendo's much-loved franchises, Zelda will take the place of Mario as a day-one launch mascot.

As well as Nintendo's own first-party software, a strong collection of third-party publishers will also support the launch, including titles from SEGA, Ubisoft, Konami, Namco Bandai and Tecmo.

Ubisoft's Wii-exclusive Red Steel will make the December 2nd launch, as will a new Monkey Ball title from Sega, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves from Nintendo and a new Gundam game from Namco Bandai.

The full list of launch titles for the region follows:

Elebits (Konami)

Hajimete no Wii (Nintendo)

Kororinpa (Hudson)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo)

Necro-Nesia (Spike)

Red Steel (Ubisoft)

SD Gundam Revolution (Namco Bandai)

Super Monkey Ball: Uki Uki Party Daishuugou (Sega)

Swing Golf Panya (Tecmo)

Tamagotchi no Pika Pika Daitouryou! (Namco Bandai)

Tatsujin Festival (Namco Bandai)

Trauma Center: Second Opinion (Atlus)

Wario Ware: Smooth Moves (Nintendo)

Wii Sports (Nintendo)

Wing Island (Hudson)