E3 is just getting better and better. For many, Nintendo ignoring the new incarnation of Smash Bros. during their press conference was bad news - where had the title gone? Would it still make launch? These questions have now been answered.

Nintendo have held an after-hours press conference where the game was shown off in trailer form. Titled Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the game will feature many playable characters, with Mario, Kirby, Pikachu and Link all confirmed as returning. Additionally, Wario (complete with fart-attack), Pit from Kid Icarus, a suit-less Samus, Metaknight from Kirby and Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid were all confirmed to be playable. That's right, Snake - complete with cardboard box to hide in (the trailer featured him actually climbing out of the box and saying "It's showtime!" Even the Nintendogs will feature, as a new weapon that will see a cute puppy jump up to obscure your opponents view of the screen!

Directed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai, the title will feature combat using a classic, GameCube style, as well as via new motion-sensitive gameplay. To confirm - you'll be able to play this with, and without motion sensitive controls.

Robust single-player, multi-player and online modes are promised, along with plenty more characters. Apparently Snake was included after Hideo Kojima himself practically "begged" the character was inlcuded in Smash Bros. Melee. Sonic was suggested as a character that could appear in the game as well, to which Shigeru Miyamoto responded that: There are probably possibilities for other third parties as well, and it maybe that even know there are corporate discussions going on about including some of these other characters."

Unfortunately, Nintendo confirmed the game has slipped to a 2007 release date, though Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will be a launch title instead! Keep it locked to R-E for the latest!