As the main players of the gaming industry prepare to take the stage at E3 in L.A next week, Nintendo has chosen to make a digital impact this year and will be announcing new products and the upcoming game releases of the next twelve months through live online webcast on Tuesday at 5pm (UK) with subsequent events featuring hardware and software demos throughout the week. Despite a more low-key approach there’s plenty of news expected from the Ninty camp as they prepare for another year’s survival.
Here’s a few of the Gadget Helpline’s picks (and potential spoilers) from the Nintendo rumour mill ahead of E3 –
Mario Maker 3DS
Mario Maker is a fascinating and fun idea that’s set to debut at E3 as Nintendo’s rumoured ‘unannounced 3DS game’. A promotional banner for the Mario Maker has been spotted on the E3 floor and the new game is set to offer players the chance to create and play their very own classic style Super Mario Bros. levels (officially) for the first time ever using the 3DS handheld’s touchscreen and stylus. If rumours are to be believed, Nintendo will be giving a 90 minute preview into the game during the E3 week and we’re looking forward to seeing it in action.
NFP – Nintendo Figurine Platform
The Nintendo Figurine Platform was announced recently following the company’s annual financial review and will add a new hardware and software lines to both Wii U and 3DS. NFP will feature highly collectable, physical toys based on Nintendo’s huge cast of characters which will communicate wirelessly by the console’s inbuilt NFC (Near Field Communications). Buying the figurines will enhance gameplay and add new content on titles such as Super Smash Bros. which has already been announced as one of many compatible titles in the pipeline.
Super Smash Bros. Invitational Tournament
Speaking of Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo will be hosting an Invitational Tournament during E3 which will see 16 selected players battle it out in an event broadcast via the Nintendo channel on video site Twitch on June 10th from 12am (UK). The new Super Smash Bros. is due for release later in the year on both Wii U and 3DS platforms and the highly anticipated new addition to the long-standing fight franchise is set to be one of Nintendo’s highlights of this year’s E3.
Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter
Nintendo recently dropped the ultimate tease into its promo clip for Super Smash Bros. announcing the existence of a Wii U Controller Adapter which would enable use of vintage GameCube pads on the current gen console. Tears welled up in the eyes of nostalgic Nintendo supporters at sight of the controller set-up which belonged to one of the most beloved home systems, and a platform which helped Super Smash Bros. Brawl become a multiplayer favourite in 2001. The controller adapter will boast four ports for a wired controller (yes, wired) to recreate epic battle of from our carefree younger days, and we’d hope a price and availability will be addressed during Nintendo’s visit to E3.
Lots of Legend of Zelda!
A new Legend of Zelda game for Wii U has been hinted since the very first appearance of the console at the E3 expo 2 years ago. HD visuals were used to demonstrate a brand new adventure for green-clad hero Link but as of yet the game has yet to become a reality. This year is the time, and Nintendo will be revealing more details and hopefully some near complete footage from the project titled only as Legend of Zelda Wii U.
Hyrule Warriors is due for an initial release in Japan this August and is an interesting addition to the Zelda mythos, as it’s not actually published by Nintendo. Referred to as a ‘hack and slash’ game it combines adventuring elements of Tecmo Koei’s Dynasty Legacy and Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda including, as the title would suggest, the familiar setting of the Hyrule Kingdom as well as a never before seen interpretation of main character Link who will appear as a soldier. Whether Hyrule Warriors is acknowledged as part of the existing Zelda canon and will be accepted into the already confusing timeline is a question that still lingers.
After the success of the 3DS re-release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 2011 Nintendo will soon be giving the same treatment to the much-loved Majora’s Mask and the game is set to be part of the company’s showcase at E3. Like the preceding remake, Majora’s Mask should feature the same classic gameplay and mask mayhem enhanced with three-dimensional visuals and a few new treats benefitting from the handheld’s visual graphical gimmick and control functionality.
New Console?
We think it’s highly unlikely that Nintendo will make a significant hardware launch without an E3 main stage appearance supporting it but it’s worth mentioning that they’ve recently hinted at the potential of two new hardware products. Firstly Nintendo discussed a cheaper, more simplistic console aimed at younger and inexperienced gamers – or those simply looking for some low cost, no frills fun. We imagine the console would run the retro type of games Nintendo offers through its Virtual Console platform for Wii U as well as new software lines designed specifically for the new home system.
Nintendo has also suggested that another major home console is already in the works and that they had plans in place since before the launch of the Wii U. We don’t think it’ll come next week, especially during a period where Nintendo still desperately waiting to go to the bank with existing hardware but the direction of E3 may hint at the evolution of the Wii brand.
No Iwata at E3
Unfortunately due to poor-health Nintendo Worldwide CEO Satoru Iwata will be unable to physically attend this year’s E3 to see in the future of his company. According to a report from Polygon quoted via official sources Iwata has been advised by physicians not to make the trip to Los Angeles. In trademark no-quit Iwata style, the CEO will be continuing business as usual from the Japan HQ and will have plenty of remote involvement in Nintendo’s week-long E3 activities. We wish him well and look forward to hearing what he has to say.
Games Confirmed for E3:
Nintendo Wii U:
Legend of Zelda Wii U (TBD)
Yarn Yoshi (2014)
Hyrule Warriors (2014)
Super Smash Bros Wii U (Winter 2014)
Monolith’s X (2014)
Nintendo 3DS:
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (Winter 2014)
Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright (2014)
Super Smash Bros 3DS (Summer 2014)
Monster Hunter Ultimate 4 (Spring 2015)
Harvest Moon Story of Seasons (2014)