OK, after the release of Paper Mario I believe thats it for big name titles this year. Now, as far as 2013, I have only heard of a few titles coming...

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (annouced over 2 yrs ago)

Fire Emblem:  Awakening

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

I may be uninformed but why haven't we heard about any other titles coming? If there are more, why be so secretive? Shouldn't new or even would be owners need some games to look forward to if they are not interested in any of the titles above??

I personally thought this year was a bust with titles I was interested in. I only bought RE: Revalations, Kid Icarus and NSMB2.

Where is all the third-party support??

I though Luigi's Mansion 2 was first revealed at E3 2011...
I have to agree though concerning the future...
I don't think Paper Mario has been the big title they thought it would be...
I was under the impression that Luigi's Mansion was delayed so that it would not have to compete with Paper Mario this holiday season...
There really doesn't seem to be much in the way of buzz surrounding any 3DS title now...
Having said that...
I'm still pumped to play all the games you listed...

That list in the OP is pretty impressive, if you ask me. Add to that Brain Age, the new Shantae game, Etrian Odyssey IV (in N. America) and that's a damn good year.

2013 first term.

Your answer.

Okay long post here incoming:

Firstly, I am very disappointed with Nintendo of America. I have bought 3 games for the 3DS and have yet to own the system (Kingdom Hearts, Mario Kart and Super Mario 3D). I am anxiously awaiting for a white 3DS XL and not the 'kiddie' colors they have released here. Furthermore, Nintendo of Europe is getting the Pikachu 3DS XL and a white Mario 3DS XL bundle while here in North America we get.....wait for it, nothing. Furthermore, NOE is having a promotion that gives any buyer of 3DS XL a free game.

Seriously, Iwata may be disappointed with the 3DS numbers in NOA but c'mon, show some support and give us the incentives that Japan and Europe gets and people will buy the console.

Now on to your question,

I am baffled on how many games were pushed to 2013 as I would think Nintendo would like to capitalize those Christmas shopping sales for 2012.

- Smash Bros will most likely be out by late 2013
- Pokemon remake of Ruby and Sapphire for 3DS (most likely) by year end Japan
- Bravely Default NA release

Out of the 5 titles you listed I am getting Animal Crossing, Monster Hunter and Fire Emblem. 2013 for 3DS is going to be a beast.

Don't worry.

I don't know everything about the 3DS but I do know a lot about the Vita. That system also only has a few big games announced for next year yet we can put clues together and know there are a lot more coming. The same is true for the 3DS. All these games will come out fairly early in the year and by that time many more will be announced. If you don't believe me, just look at this year. Last December we knew of only a handful of games and yet 2012 had a bunch of great releases.

To be honest, I don't think we know that much about what's coming out for any platform in the second half of 2013. (The first third of the year is loaded, but afterwards seems to be a bit of a mystery for everything).

Also wasn't Ace Attorney 5 confirmed for 2013? Or was that just wishful thinking?

There's a quote somewhere with Scott Moffit where he's saying that Nintendo is focused on 3DS for this holiday.
??????????????

I don't see this focus guys, do you?

Pokemon mystery dungeon magnagate and infinite labyrinth are pretty big releases as well.

It's definitely not as big as last year, that's for sure. But Q4 in N. America is not half bad.

Rayman Origins
Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Harvest Moon: A New Beginning
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Style Savvy: Trendsetters (don't laugh! the original sold over 2 million!)

Plus eShop games.