Nintendo’s annual Media Summit began in San Francisco today; an event in which the firm plans to show off some of the gaming delights it has to offer us all for the year ahead. Their first conference has just taken place, with information on their plans for Wii and DS in general and, first of all, Mario Super Sluggers (originally known as Super Mario Stadium Baseball).

The first title that Nintendo discussed was the upcoming Super Mario Stadium Baseball, which has been re-named to Mario Super Sluggers. Nintendo explained that it hoped the title would take “take these three wonderful areas of Mario, baseball and the unique capabilities of the Wii remote and bring them together in an exciting experience.”

As expected, players use the Wii Remote to gesture a throwing motion to pitch, while adding spin to throws involves simply twisting your wrist while making the action. Fielding is just as uncomplicated - waggling the Wii Remote has your players scuttling towards the ball, while another throwing motion has it automatically chucked to the most appropriate base.

Batting, meanwhile, includes two options to suit both those who really want to immerse themselves, and those who are a little more ‘lazy’ with their motion controls. Gamers can either fully gesture a swing of the bat or just give the Remote a quick, sharp fling:

“Very simple and very approachable. It’s based entirely off motion control. It’s going to take the Wii Sports crowd and bring them into something that’s more of a robust experience,” explained Nintendo of America’s Bill Trinen.

Amongst the cast of Nintendo characters we already knew were to make appearances in the title (Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Bowser Jr, Daisy, Peach, Dry Bones, Koopa Paratroopa, Magikoopa, Pianta, Shy Guy, Wario and Yoshi)., IGN managed to spot the following additions: Hammer Bros., Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Waluigi, Toad, Toadette, and Boo.

“Mario is truly a one-of-a-king character; clearly fans can’t get enough of him and his friends,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re giving Wii users brilliant new ways to enjoy him while expanding our series of active-play games.”

Mario Super Sluggers will launch in Japan in June and has been confirmed for release in North America.