Topic: E3 2013: The Wii U Show

[NWR_Neal]

A neglected handheld does not make a happy Neal, but this Wii U thing could work.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/34317

"To view a new installment of Nintendo Direct, which will provide updates about future Wii U games, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct on June 11 at 7 a.m. PT."

With that announcement, Nintendo confirmed to me that E3 2013 will be the Wii U show (part deux). We'll get our token 3DS mention, likely in the form of the recently announced Pokémon X/Y presentation, but for the purposes of what will physically be on the show floor, I expect Wii U, Wii U, and more Wii U.

That's not terrible, in the grand scheme of things. 3DS essentially had its "E3" last month, when Nintendo adopted the same format they will at E3 with a Nintendo Direct followed by a software showcase with a focus on 3DS titles such as Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and more.

Nintendo's booth size is, according to the E3 floor plan, essentially the same it was last year, when their booth was made up of Wii Us with a few Mario and Luigi-hatted women with some 3DS systems attached to them. Don't get me wrong; I'm excited to see the blowout for the new 3D Mario, Mario Kart Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. It should be pretty wild and potentially a lot more impressive than last year's lineup. Of course, that blowout could be surrounded by games that were at last year's E3, such as Pikmin 3 and The Wonderful 101, which would be a little less exciting.

Even with the excitement of these new Wii U titles, I am personally bummed out about the seeming lack of 3DS focus at E3 2013, especially after last year's lack of 3DS focus. I love that system. However, it is important for Nintendo to show us why we should love the Wii U.

Nintendo's move to cancel their press conference was seen by many as a sign of weakness; a white flag waved towards the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. As we get closer and plans are being fully revealed, I don't think that's the case. I see Nintendo using this plan to go for the jugular the only way they know how: by doing it in a special, sort-of weird way.

Nintendo Directs and other presentations will be numerous, even if it might not reach the same numbers it did on G4 and Spike TV. Nintendo is going to cut the losses on what was an underwhelming and borderline disastrous presentation last year. The plan seems to be to double down on the Wii U by presenting a variety of (hopefully good) games in the manner that has been successful for the company and their fans.

Will it reach the wider audience? Who knows. Maybe a reinvention of Wii Sports and Wii Fit will be the play towards that audience. That's all important, but I'd rather see Nintendo make me (as a Nintendo gamer) happy before the focus is on making everyone else happy.

[Enner]

While I'm a bit sad that the 3DS won't be making a big splash at E3 this year, it is the right move given the lesser interest towards handhelds in the western markets.


I'm excited and anxious for the next Nintendo Direct. I hope Nintendo has a good show for us.

[ThePerm]

how much does it cost to rent that concert hall, and how many things can go wrong during a presentation, and how can they special effects up the presentation...Nintendo Directs are going to be better in the long run. Sure some journalist get to act as a crowd, but of the 14 years iv been wanting to go I still haven't.

[Leo13]

They don't need to do more with the 3DS there's already more awesome games then I'll ever be able to play on that system so I'm happy that they are going to focus on my Wii U where I've been going back and playing wii games I miss (currently playing Xenoblade)

[Leo13]

You want 3DS news. Go pre-order Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D from Best Buy and receive a free download of Super Mario Lost Levels!
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Donkey+Kong+Country+Returns+3D+-+Nintendo+3DS/8628074.p?id=1218879425978&AID=10597222&PID=7105480&SID=skim33330X911644X98205a2454c55208191977d452ee64f2&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2FDonkey%2BKong%2BCountry%2BReturns%2B3D%2B-%2BNintendo%2B3DS%2F8628074.p%3Fid%3D1218879425978&ref=39&CJPID=7105480&loc=01#mib-overview

[Evan_B]

Wait. So everyone was pissed about Nintendo not saying a damn thing about the Wii U over the past few Directs, and now they're annoyed that 3DS isn't going to get any coverage?

This is ridiculous.

[Ailingforale]

I think this is fair.  As much as I'd like some 3DS love, the Wii U needs a lot of attention right now from developers in the form of a larger library of games.  It's kind of lacking and this could be pretty sick.  Now if only they would have a hands on demo of Deus Ex and Watchdogs...

[Razorkid]

With all, and I mean ALL the great game announcements and releases for the 3DS this year, how could ANYONE not be entirely satiated with the 3DS' status? Like, WHAT ELSE do you want announced for the 3DS that will make you even MORE excited about the year it's having?


I just think you're being greedy Neal.

[NWR_Neal]

I think I want to see those games be playable. I'm not stymied by the lack of exciting announcements. I'm bummed that I likely won't be able to play the exciting assortment of upcoming releases.

I didn't say anything about demanding more 3DS game announcements. I just want the system to have loads of playable games, because it's not like third parties will be repping it in droves...

[MASB]

I'm sure you'll be able to play them. They may be shoved into a corner somewhere in the booth, but they'll be there.

[NWR_insanolord]

I'm guessing he's basing this on last year where there were no more than three playable 3DS units in Nintendo's booth, and they weren't even set up as stations, but tethered to models wandering around the booth. I remember playing Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon standing next to a woman wearing a Luigi hat.

[MASB]

I'm guessing he's basing this on last year where there were no more than three playable 3DS units in Nintendo's booth, and they weren't even set up as stations, but tethered to models wandering around the booth. I remember playing Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon standing next to a woman wearing a Luigi hat.

Wow. That's not even being shoved into a corner like I said. I can see the concern now.

[Evan_B]

Ah, thanks for clarification. I suppose I'd like to see those titles playable too, but to be honest- how many of the 3DS games coming soon on the horizon are demo-friendly? Pokemon seems like a tough one to demo, as well as many of the RPG titles that are hitting the 3DS. I know it's possible, but not probable.

[ShyGuy]

I'm guessing he's basing this on last year where there were no more than three playable 3DS units in Nintendo's booth, and they weren't even set up as stations, but tethered to models wandering around the booth. I remember playing Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon standing next to a woman wearing a Luigi hat.

You poor soul! You could have gotten the cooties!