E3 2011 is just around the corner and the gaming community is writhing with anticipation. Every year during E3, gamers around the world spend the week glued to their computer screens and TV sets a little more than usual, watching every new game trailer, every press conference, and reading all the news they can about the latest in gaming. E3 brings us gifts of new game reveals, new consoles and devices, and other surprising announcements!
From what we can see, June 6-9, 2011 is no doubt shaping up to be another HUGE showing. As always, all eyes will be on the big three: Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony as they face off with their conferences. Who will come out on top this year with the biggest news and most exciting showcase? Well, we don’t know yet, but we can give you an idea of what to look out for throughout the event. We already went over Sony, so here’s what we expect from:
Nintendo
Nintendo’s conference is scheduled for the official launch of E3, June 7th at 9AM PST (12 EST). Nintendo has been fairly quiet this year. Other than the recent release of the 3DS, which was a huge effort for the company, they have been a little tight lipped on what else is in store for the world. The likely reason for this lack of info is because of what we already know about: their biggest reveal. The next Nintendo console codenamed: Project Cafe.
No doubt the number one bit of news that Nintendo will showcase will be their brand new console. And boy is it about time! Although the Wii sold the most out of the top three consoles this generation, it was severely lacking in “modern technology.” Project Cafe will be Nintendo’s first venture into the HD gaming world. Touted as being more powerful than the 360 and rivaling if not outshining the PS3, Project Cafe may be a console to look out for. Nintendo has been losing support from a lot of developers and never had some support to begin with because of their limited technical capabilities like we see on the PS3 and 360. With a new console up to par with current standards, we may see the next Nintendo console to make a pretty large presence in the gaming scene. So look out for all of the features, some tech demos, possibly an official name (if not look for one later this year), and release time frame.
Another focus that Nintendo will likely have is their recently released handheld the 3DS. You may be hearing about a lot of buyer’s remorse when it comes to purchasing the 3DS and that is mainly due to the fact that the launch titles were less than stellar. At E3 we will no doubt see more games revealed and possible software updates for the 3DS. One likely function that we may find some information on is Project Cafe and 3DS integration. The Wii and DS did a little experimenting with cross-platform gaming. There were some games (very few) that allowed players to play online together with both the Wii and DS and the Wii was also capable of pushing downloads to the DS. More than likely we will see expanded features similar to those touched on when it comes to the 3DS and the next home console from Nintendo. In addition, listen out for any new services or updates to the handheld.
Now while we may be getting a new console in the [near] future, that doesn’t mean Nintendo is ready to abandon their Wii just yet. Even though developer and consumer support for the system has drastically decreased recently, it’s not dead yet. Nintendo will likely announce their plans for new games to make their way to the Wii and anything else they have in store. It’s hard to imagine what they can do though to make the system a must have at this point.
On the software titles side of the show, we really hope that there will be a few new IPs be it for the DS, 3DS, Wii, and/or Project Cafe. We will for sure see the return of Mario in games like Mario Kart 3DS, we will see more on Skyward Sword, and other familiar Nintendo faces that we have seen several variations of over the years. One of Nintendo’s best sellers, the Super Smash Bros. series may even make its return this E3.
One thing that is a bit sketchy, but everyone really wants from Nintendo is a real network like XBL or the PSN. With a new HD console in the works and online gaming a major factor in the industry today, creating a network for gamers to play together on and stay in touch would be advantageous. There has been quite a bit of grief over the friend code system that Nintendo has utilized and account purchase management, so having something a bit more organized and user friendly would not only help bolster sales but make the console that much more enjoyable.
Admittedly, Nintendo’s show may not be as jam packed as some others at E3 that will be focusing on a lot more items but that does not make it any less interesting. We look intently for the biggest bit of news that Nintendo will showcase, their HD console. We will no doubt hear about their “commitment to making games” but how will that change with more social and media capabilities with the new system arriving? As always games, company statistics, and so on can all be expected.
These are just a few of the things you can look forward to on the upcoming Nintendo conference this E3. I do not expect any “shocking” or surprising news other than what we have discussed. What are you looking forward to or expecting at the Nintendo E3 conference coming up in a week? Don’t forget to vote in our Poll for which E3 show you are anticipating the most! Discuss in the comments below and stay tuned to GxC as we cover E3! Check back with us in the coming days as we detail Microsoft’s show and what you can expect from that!
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