Mario Kart 8 and Smash Bros Spring date a 'misquotation'

Update: The Nintendo Germany exec who reportedly let slip revealing a 'Spring 2014' release date for Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. on Wii U was "misquoted", according to a follow-up statement from the firm.
In a statement to CVG, a Nintendo spokesperson said, "We would like to clarify that the speculation about a Spring 2014 launch date for Super Smash Bros. on Wii U was the result of a misquotation in an interview. The original article has since been rectified and we have no further announcements to make at this time."
The interview with Nintendo Germany GM Bernd Fakesch posted on German website Neckar-Chronik, has been edited with the exec's alleged "Spring 2014" stipulation now replaced with a forecasted release date of "next year".
http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideo...310144_460.jpgOriginal report continues:
Fakesch was asked why Nintendo's latest console wasn't able to repeat the successes of the Wii, and replied by saying it aims to drive success through big games, including Smash Bros and Mario Kart.
"At Christmas we now want to inspire with titles like Wii Party U, Wii Sports Club, Wii Fit U and all of course Super Mario 3D World," he said.
"For next spring [we have] two more big license games also announced with Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros."
Mario Kart 8 was originally announced during E3 2013 along with the spring 2014 release window, however, Nintendo has not previously suggested when Smash Bros. will be available. Fakesch's statements seemingly do not indicate when the Nintendo 3DS version of Smash Bros will be available.
Smash Bros. series creator Masahiro Sakurai is serving as producer on the game, which is a Wii U and 3DS crossover being developed in partnership with Namco Bandai.
Nintendo has revealed a number of returning and new characters for the game including Toon Link; Animal Crossing's Villager; Sonic; Captain Olimar from Pikmin and Princess Peach. It has also confirmed a a Pilotwings stage.
In July, a Mario Kart 8 release date was mentioned in a Nintendo Europe newsletter suggesting an April 2014 window for the game.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...exec-suggests/