I think a lot of people here make the mistake by assuming that a direct will naturally target the fans, just as good as a press conference reaches the fans throughout the media.
While that may be true, Nintendo needs to reach a hell of a lot more than just the fans. Nintendo needs to reach out to every gamer out there; those who game PC, those who favour xbox, and those who like PS; they just do not hear that much nintendo news. By reaching out to them, I dont mean convert them to Nintendo, but at least let it be known to them perfectly clear with what kind of stuff they are coming. The only way to do that is with a press conference with BIG MEDIA coverage, so that Nintendo is at the front page. Ninetndo NEEDS this upcoming E3 news to reach ALL ears in the gaming business such as journalists, FANS, handheld gamers, Xbox/PS gamers, PC gamers, gamers in general etc. etc. A direct is NOT the way to go, it will only attract a secluded amount of Nintendo fans and some of GAF gaming fans but nothing more, which simply isnt enough. Its a shame nintendo has theire head upsides theire arse, because the Wiiu has some damn fine games coming up and they're all exclusives that need appropriate media coverage.