[Dreamwriter]

That, but what I found worse was that the Wii U was announced with no games. The entire conference was a farce, they were buying time. For instance, they promise a new Super Smash Bros... that wouldn't even start development for another year, and they had nothing to show for it. They show off a 'reel' of experiences and games, like the Mii tech demos, NSMB Mii, and Zelda, and then they make it clear that these are not games. They call the CEO of EA on stage, who does... what? Nothing, he just gives vague statements of how EA games on a Nintendo console with great power and an online network COULD be, but commits to nothing. It was almost worse than the Vita's TGS.

They were even worse with the Nintendo Revolution, they first announced it without showing any games *or* experiences. Then later they announced the controllers, and then they showed an experience video, and still no tech demos. So Nintendo has improved quite a bit from last generation to this one, especially as they showed a number of real third-party games in development for the system.

[Fantastical]

So I was watching the E3 2011 unveil of the Wii U last night... Man, Nintendo really dropped the ball there. It felt throughout like the console was entirely a work in progress, and not ready for a public unveiling, but pressure (from investors? Slowing Wii sales? Poor 3DS launch? The growing leaks?) forced their hand. I really hope this year's Wii U reveal is as exciting as the 2010 3DS reveal was.

I think this whole conference has a good potential of being better than 2010, but that's of course if they do everything right. They at least have NSMB2, Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, and Paper Mario to show off on the 3DS. Throw in a couple of 3rd party games and a few surprises (Zelda 3DS perhaps?) and that would be a great way to start off the show. Lead into the very small amount of Wii software that will be there, and then start with Wii U stuff.

There is a lot of potential, but of course I said the same thing last year. Still, I think Nintendo is in a much better position to have an amazing conference this year, especially if they can reveal things like Retro's project and get a really quick Super Smash Bros teaser out there.

[IdeaMan]

We can be nearly sure to see a Just Dance Wii U, with as features:

- Attempts to make innovative use of the Wii U specifics for party, social and motion gaming
- A strong playlist as Ubi is boosting its licensing specialists (for the tracks rights, etc.)
- A focus on social aspects, with community features & applications, to allow players to continue their experience on other medias (web, mobile devices, etc.). A cross-media experience if you like, where your scores, performances, even maybe footage of you dancing ? would be shared with the community, etc.
- A use of the camera. A job announcement ask to be accustomed and have ideas about gamedesign possibilities thanks to a camera. Now are we talking about just seeing people face reactions/chatting after dance sessions ? Or witnessing players dancing, then you'll have to put down the DRC on a stand.
- As motion gaming is involved and it would be inconvenient to dance with a tablet between your hands, maybe we can expect either body movement recognition (like Kinect version of Just Dance 3) or a cross-control scheme with the camera recording you dancing with wii-motes. But the latter scenario would require at least one wii-mote packed-in with the Wii U.

It comes from data gathered here & there and their latests job offers.

[Agent Unknown]

They don't want to reveal the fact that the game is 100% laser-holograms using that black square on the back of the controller yet...

Protip when playing holo-Pikmin 3: Let the Wookie win.

[pramath]

They were even worse with the Nintendo Revolution, they first announced it without showing any games *or* experiences. Then later they announced the controllers, and then they showed an experience video, and still no tech demos. So Nintendo has improved quite a bit from last generation to this one, especially as they showed a number of real third-party games in development for the system.

Frankly, just announcing a code name with no actual console, games, or even previews does a lot more for the hype than the botched showing of 2011 did. Remember, Nintendo was being so mysterious about the Wii that everyone's imagination ran wild. Everyone was excited about what it was. The Wii got so much coverage BECAUSE no one knew what it was.
The Wii U on the other hand, Nintendo showed their hand before they were ready, and the first impression for many will be that of an underwhelming, unremarkable, unneeded console, even if the final product does end up being completely contrary to that (and I am sure it will be).

I think this whole conference has a good potential of being better than 2010, but that's of course if they do everything right. They at least have NSMB2, Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, and Paper Mario to show off on the 3DS. Throw in a couple of 3rd party games and a few surprises (Zelda 3DS perhaps?) and that would be a great way to start off the show. Lead into the very small amount of Wii software that will be there, and then start with Wii U stuff. There is a lot of potential, but of course I said the same thing last year. Still, I think Nintendo is in a much better position to have an amazing conference this year, especially if they can reveal things like Retro's project and get a really quick Super Smash Bros teaser out there.

Yes. This, basically.
The 2010 conference was so good because they focused on GAMES. One after the other, they showed off games. Even the 3DS unveil was not about the hardware as much as it was about the software it was getting. It got everybody excited.
2011? They spend 20 minutes with the Zelda orchestra, spend ten minutes with Iwata coming in and talking about the Wii U, only to say that he will talk about it later in the conference, spend 20 minutes on 3DS games, then spend the remaining conference talking about the Wii U sans games.
The complete lack of games is what killed Nintendo's E3 2011.

[Rösti]

I think this whole conference has a good potential of being better than 2010, but that's of course if they do everything right. They at least have NSMB2, Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, and Paper Mario to show off on the 3DS. Throw in a couple of 3rd party games and a few surprises (Zelda 3DS perhaps?) and that would be a great way to start off the show. Lead into the very small amount of Wii software that will be there, and then start with Wii U stuff. There is a lot of potential, but of course I said the same thing last year. Still, I think Nintendo is in a much better position to have an amazing conference this year, especially if they can reveal things like Retro's project and get a really quick Super Smash Bros teaser out there.

Nintendo's media briefing at E3 2005 was quite similar to what they had last year, though with some notable differences. The concept of Nintendo Revolution was discussed, and key features such as the size of the console, storage and backwards compatibility (both with Gamecube software and the Virtual Console) were announced. No games were shown if you exclude the Metroid Prime 3 sequence (though this was described more as a tech demo), though Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles was mentioned. The press conference at E3 2006 was awesome and really showed a great improvement over its predecessor. As what Nintendo showed at E3 2011 was way more than that of E3 2005, I don't know if we are looking at a blowout of the same proportions as we saw when Wii was "fully" revealed, but nevertheless I think we are in for a real treat come June.

[Agent Ironside]

Has this been posted?

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-market-second

Iwata: Wii U/3DS will cater to core gamers first, mass market second

Nintendo's strategy with the 3DS's early years and its forthcoming Wii U launch is to put core-orientated games ahead of efforts to attract the mass market, according to CEO Satoru Iwata. Speaking in an investor Q&A following its financial report last week, Iwata explained that the platform holder has learned from mistakes made with the Wii. While that console succeeded in attracting new customers with more casual titles such as Wii Sports, he admitted Nintendo had then struggled to convince core gamers to take the platform seriously, which negatively impacted the system's long term success. "The Wii was able to reach a large number of new consumers who had never played games before by bringing hands-on experiences with its Wii Sports and Wii Fit," he explained. "However, we could not adequately create the situation that such new consumers played games frequently or for long, consistent periods. As a result, we could not sustain a good level of profit. "Moreover, regrettably, what we prioritised in order to reach out to the new audience was a bit too far from what we prioritised for those who play games as their hobby. Consequently, we presume some people felt that the Wii was not a game system for them or they were not willing to play with the Wii even though some compelling games had been released." Accordingly, Iwata explained, it decided not to flood the 3DS's early release slate with casual games, instead prioritising core titles such as Super Mario 3D Land, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario Kart 7. It intends to take a similar approach with the Wii U when it launches later this year. "Once consumers have a notion that 'this system is not for us', we have learned that it is extremely difficult to change their perceptions later," said Iwata. "Therefore, in promoting the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U, we have announced that we would like 'width' and 'depth' to coexist. "With the Nintendo DS and the Wii, the approach of 'width' was well accepted by many people; however, what we did in terms of 'depth' was not satisfactory for some consumers. This time, we would like consumers to be satisfied in both aspects. "In order to do so, we started to work on the 'depth' aspect first, and the current and existing software you can see for the Nintendo 3DS is based on that idea. In the future, the approach will evolve," he continued. "Our approach for the Wii U is basically the same. By doing so continuously, we are expecting that the number of game users per household will increase and as the gaming population increases, we believe we can create a sustainable video game market."

[AceBandage]

Has this been posted? http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-market-second Iwata: Wii U/3DS will cater to core gamers first, mass market second

That's basically what Iwata and Reggie said at E3. And with the 3DS originally.

[BlackJace]

The controller can open up a lot of doors when it comes to party games. Just think of the next Mario Party or Fortune Street sequel or, as IdeaMan said, Just Dance

[TunaLover]

Do you think that Nintendo will fall in these anti-used games measures that Sony/MS are bound to implement for next gen?

I think in Japan used games is big flow of revenew for retailers (I'm not sure), and they want to conserve good relationship with retailers, so I don't think they will implement this policy.

[HylianTom]

Yup. The proof will be in the pudding. If they open the conference with Wii Orchestra, they just don't get it. If they open the conference with a new Retro masterpiece or something of this calibre, I'll take it as a sign that they are indeed gunning after the core.

In a way, the very opening minutes of E3 are going to be a moment of truth for the direction Nintendo will be taking with the next few years.

Do you think that Nintendo will fall in these anti-used games measures that Sony/MS are bound to implement for next gen? I think in Japan used games is big flow of revenew for retailers (I'm not sure), and they want to conserve good relationship with retailers, so I don't think they will implement this policy.

I'm skeptical that Nintendo would do something like this. Seems a bit far-fetched, and they seem determined to come up with their own clever, Nintendo-flavored approach to the issue.

[BGBW]

So I was watching the E3 2011 unveil of the Wii U last night... Man, Nintendo really dropped the ball there. It felt throughout like the console was entirely a work in progress, and not ready for a public unveiling, but pressure (from investors? Slowing Wii sales? Poor 3DS launch? The growing leaks?) forced their hand. I really hope this year's Wii U reveal is as exciting as the 2010 3DS reveal was.

I still find it funny that some people, who for all intents and purposes claim to be knowledgable of games, thought it was a Wii peripheral at first. This is despite the fact they said it was the new system and also the fact we knew the new system was going to have a tablet controller before hand. Sure they cocked up the showing, but it didn't help that even members of the media seem to be brain dead half the time.

[pramath]

Yup. The proof will be in the pudding. If they open the conference with Wii Orchestra, they just don't get it. If they open the conference with a new Retro masterpiece or something of this calibre, I'll take it as a sign that they are indeed gunning after the core. In a way, the very opening minutes of E3 are going to be a moment of truth for the direction Nintendo will be taking with the next few years.

They've already backed that statement up: just look at the 3DS.
Where the DS's lineup was defined by games like Brain Age, Electroplankton, and Nintendogs, the 3DS's is defined by Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Resident Evil: Revelations.
I'm sure they can apply this same strategy to the Wii U too, although less effectively, given Nintendo's relative incompetence in handling home consoles relative to their handhelds.

[Conor 419]

I still find it funny that some people, who for all intents and purposes claim to be knowledgable of games, thought it was a Wii peripheral at first. This is despite the fact they said it was the new system and also the fact we knew the new system was going to have a tablet controller before hand. Sure they cocked up the showing, but it didn't help that even members of the media seem to be brain dead half the time.

Oh god, this annoyed me so much.

[NateDrake]

In case anyone cares:

Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
9am

[HylianTom]

I still find it funny that some people, who for all intents and purposes claim to be knowledgable of games, thought it was a Wii peripheral at first. This is despite the fact they said it was the new system and also the fact we knew the new system was going to have a tablet controller before hand. Sure they cocked up the showing, but it didn't help that even members of the media seem to be brain dead half the time.

For those who were watching, I'm really suspicious of them when they say that the reveal was "confusing." Were they not paying attention or something? I still find this take on last year's conference incredible, and my bewilderment is double for members of the media, who were supposed to be, y'know, umm.. paying attention. Reggie and Iwata didn't suddenly begin speaking Greek on stage. They did not stutter. They did not have a heavy drawl. They were perfectly understandable.

[Rösti]

In case anyone cares: Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012 Tuesday, June 5, 2012 9am

Confirmed or just an educated guess? I haven't seen any PR message, which Nintendo usually issues about this.

[NateDrake]

Confirmed or just an educated guess? I haven't seen any PR message, which Nintendo usually issues about this.

Confirmed. Also runs 9am-10am.

[pramath]

In case anyone cares: Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012 Tuesday, June 5, 2012 9am

This would make it the last conference, correct?

[IdeaMan]

Let the maddening wait with an official date (if it's confirmed) begins !

[HylianTom]

Excellent!

Ladies and gents, go to your places of employment ASAP and turn-in those time off slips! :D

[Sadist]

Confirmed. Also runs 9am-10am.

Guys, it's nearing

That means 18:00 mainland EU time right?

[Penguin]

In case anyone cares: Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012 Tuesday, June 5, 2012 9am

Oh those Nintendo cats always so unpredictable with their e3 presser.. leaves you guessing!

[brochiller]

This would make it the last conference, correct?

Of the big three, yes.

[BY2K]

In case anyone cares: Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012 Tuesday, June 5, 2012 9am

Source?

[BGBW]

Excellent! Ladies and gents, go to your places of employment ASAP and turn-in those time off slips! :D

Or move to Britain and get a free day off work thanks to the Queen.

[Nibel]

In case anyone cares: Nintendo Presentation @ E3 2012 Tuesday, June 5, 2012 9am

It begins

Majorasmaskmoon.jpeg

[BlackJace]

Of the big three, yes.

The best for last ;)

[Ichor]

Now that we have a time it feels like it's forever away. T_T

[Rösti]

Guys, it's nearing That means 18:00 mainland EU time right?

Corresponds to:

Amsterdam (Netherlands), Tuesday, 5 June 2012, 18:00:00, CEST, UTC+2 hours offset

[HylianTom]

Or move to Britain and get a free day off work thanks to the Queen.

That's true! - she is a big Nintendo fan! Loves her DS!
Is she making the day a holiday? :)
(I kid!)

[brochiller]

Now that we have a time it feels like it's forever away. T_T

I actually can't believe it's only a little over a month away. Seems like it wasn't long ago that it was last E3 and I was already looking forward to this one.

[BD1]

We can be nearly sure to see a Just Dance Wii U, with as features: . - A use of the camera. A job announcement ask to be accustomed and have ideas about gamedesign possibilities thanks to a camera. Now are we talking about just seeing people face reactions/chatting after dance sessions ? Or witnessing players dancing, then you'll have to put down the DRC on a stand. - As motion gaming is involved and it would be inconvenient to dance with a tablet between your hands, maybe we can expect either body movement recognition (like Kinect version of Just Dance 3) or a cross-control scheme with the camera recording you dancing with wii-motes. But the latter scenario would require at least one wii-mote packed-in with the Wii U. It comes from data gathered here & there and their latests job offers.

Just Dance is actually the IP that makes me think there will be an outward facing camera in the Wii U sensor bar. It is a massively mass market game with a huge Wii consumer base.

[Smiles and Cries]

just 1 hour? meh

[BGBW]

That's true! - she is a big Nintendo fan! Loves her DS! Is she making the day a holiday? :)

It's the Queen's Jubilee and if I'm still at my current place of work that means a five day weekend!

[tassletine]

For those who were watching, I'm really suspicious of them when they say that the reveal was "confusing." Were they not paying attention or something? I still find this take on last year's conference incredible, and my bewilderment is double for members of the media, who were supposed to be, y'know, umm.. paying attention. Reggie and Iwata didn't suddenly begin speaking Greek on stage. They did not stutter. They did not have a heavy drawl. They were perfectly understandable.

I think this has more to do with modern societies need to be spoonfed, and the subsequent crying that ensues when it isn't.

[HylianTom]

It's the Queen's Jubilee and if I'm still at my current place of work that means a five day weekend!

I know.. I was being comically intentionally dense. :P

I think this has more to do with modern societies need to be spoonfed, and the subsequent crying that ensues when it isn't.

Absolutely. I do not get the sense of confusion. The script was very, very clear.

[Sadist]

Corresponds to:

Ah with my belly full of food and a cold glass of beer at my side...

Nintendo is coming.

[pramath]

For those who were watching, I'm really suspicious of them when they say that the reveal was "confusing." Were they not paying attention or something? I still find this take on last year's conference incredible, and my bewilderment is double for members of the media, who were supposed to be, y'know, umm.. paying attention. Reggie and Iwata didn't suddenly begin speaking Greek on stage. They did not stutter. They did not have a heavy drawl. They were perfectly understandable.

Just to be clear, I never once said the reveal was confusing. I said it was underwhelming.

[IdeaMan]

just 1 hour? meh

You'll smiles and cries during this mehish 1 hour

I actually can't believe it's only a little over a month away. Seems like it wasn't long ago that it was last E3 and I was already looking forward to this one.

time flies like a croissant in my mouth

[Glass Joe]

Frankly, just announcing a code name with no actual console, games, or even previews does a lot more for the hype than the botched showing of 2011 did. Remember, Nintendo was being so mysterious about the Wii that everyone's imagination ran wild. Everyone was excited about what it was. The Wii got so much coverage BECAUSE no one knew what it was. The Wii U on the other hand, Nintendo showed their hand before they were ready, and the first impression for many will be that of an underwhelming, unremarkable, unneeded console, even if the final product does end up being completely contrary to that (and I am sure it will be).

I agree with you. I think Nintendo was internally in panic mode, watching Wii sales drop off the map and 3DS struggle to find its rhythm. So, they tipped their hand showed off the console's key feature, giving the competition ample time to investigate the technology to decide if they want to incorporate it too.

They should have just been all "New console coming 2012. Called Wii U. New controller, we can't show you yet. Check out this Zelda trailer. HD mo-fos!" Knowing less fuels speculation, despite me wanting every bit of info as soon as I can get it.

[HylianTom]

Just to be clear, I never once said the reveal was confusing. I said it was underwhelming.

Ahh.. no worries, as that wasn't really for your comments. I've seen folks characterize the reveal as confusing, and don't see it.. :)

Underwhelming? That I can see.

[BY2K]

It begins Majorasmaskmoon.jpeg

[Terrell]

They've already backed that statement up: just look at the 3DS. Where the DS's lineup was defined by games like Brain Age, Electroplankton, and Nintendogs, the 3DS's is defined by Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Resident Evil: Revelations. I'm sure they can apply this same strategy to the Wii U too, although less effectively, given Nintendo's relative incompetence in handling home consoles relative to their handhelds.

Yeah, it's easy to see where they're going. The gaming enthusiasts need to be DAZZLED, but the casual market just needs an article in the New York Times. They're very low-maintenance, marketing-wise. ;)

It needs to be closer now. ;)

[Aaron Strife]

Confirmed. Also runs 9am-10am.

Seems short for an E3 conference, no?

[Fantastical]

Seems short for an E3 conference, no?

That's how it is every year.

[shadyspace]

What if the world ends before June 5th.

[pramath]

I agree with you. I think Nintendo was internally in panic mode, watching Wii sales drop off the map and 3DS struggle to find its rhythm. So, they tipped their hand showed off the console's key feature, giving the competition ample time to investigate the technology to decide if they want to incorporate it too. They should have just been all "New console coming 2012. Called Wii U. New controller, we can't show you yet. Check out this Zelda trailer. HD mo-fos!" Knowing less fuels speculation, despite me wanting every bit of info as soon as I can get it.

Exactly!

Ahh.. no worries, as that wasn't really for your comments. I've seen folks characterize the reveal as confusing, and don't see it.. :) Underwhelming? That I can see.

Ahaha, okay, I was just clarifying :P

[Nibel]

Fucking perfect :lol
<3

Also: 1 hour only? This seems too short if you think about sales stuff + 3DS stuff + Wii U re-reveal

[DrWong]

You'll smiles and cries during this mehish 1 hour time flies like a croissant camembert in my mouth

Sorry.