The Guessing Game: Nintendo's E3 Showing
In the second of our three part guessing game series, we take the current darling of the retail space, Nintendo, to the rumor mill and see what the buzz is regarding their E3 presentation. The Internet is spinning with everything from the probable to the wet dreams of fanboys, but like Microsoft, the crystal ball has never been fuzzier. And while Nintendo has seen nothing but gains in these past few months, they could very well be walking into E3 with the most to lose. With publishers still wary of the hype train and a delicate bubble surrounding the success of the Wii, it's becoming more and more vital for Nintendo to prove they're more than just a fad. At the very least, Nintendo should be laying out their holiday season -- one that currently has more question marks than Matthew Lesko's closet.
We've changed up the format this time around in order to bring the focus more on existing rumors than the hopes and dreams of our circle, but it's the same, great tasting hype you've come to love from pre-E3 shenanigans. Dig in after the cut.

"Not gonna happen" says gaming sex symbol, Kyle Orland. "Especially when a 4GB SD card can hold every game released on the Virtual Console." The Wii, like other recent consoles, has an entire library of games to download, yet is the only one without a hard drive to store them. It seems like a no brainer, but Wii Fanboy's JC Fletcher thinks it would "wreck the simple aesthetic of the Wii and intimidate Grandma." Still, local funny man Ludwig Kietzmann points out that Nintendo head honcho, Satoru Iwata did once say that "practically any storage method can be used," and those spare USB ports are looking mighty lonely.
Likelihood: Someday, but not today.

PSP Fanboy's Andrew Yoon shows that he hasn't been to an arcade in a while, asking "Couldn't they port over the arcade-only Mario Kart GP?" Well Andrew, we were already subjected to a sequel of that rubbish, so the rest of us are crossing our fingers that a port isn't in the cards. Joystiq leader and lover of FMV games, Chris Grant, has a more educated outlook saying that a new Mario Kart for the Wii is "inevitable" and "the Excite Truck-oriented controller style would work great for the series, but I don't think they're going to pull this one out of their hat just yet."
Likelihood: If you're gambling off-shore on E3 news, this is safer than most.

The juggernaut of the next generation war, Nintendo DS answers to no one. So with rumors of a freshly re-visioned DS, complete with larger screens popping up, Andrew responded amidst a game of Hannah Montana. "Unlikely" he said between a string of directed obscenities. "Maybe once Nintendo DS isn't the best-selling system everywhere. Y'know... in 2017?" Alisha Karabinus of Wii Fanboy, however, wouldn't put it past the ol' money factory as "everyone already owns at least four DS models."
Likelihood: You'll own four more by the time they're done, but you won't hear about them this year.

"Wait a minute, colored Wii remotes are a RUMOR?" screamed Kevin Kelly over his cell phone, weaving through traffic like a drunkard. "But we've seen promo pictures of the freakin' things for months now! Aiiieeee!" he cried, coming to an abrupt end. Having a hard time finding any Wii remotes, Alisha said "I don't care if they release controllers that send a powerful electric shock into your brain the moment you touch them. A rainbow of shocks would just be a nice bonus!" Her intervention could not possibly come soon enough.
Likelihood: Try not to look shocked, unless the controller is actually doing that to you. In that case, you heard it here first and be sure to digg this story.

"We'll see it around 2009." Gee, thanks Nostradamus. Ludwig, on the other hand, offered a bit of insight saying "It probably won't be very far along in development, but I definitely expect we'll catch a glimpse of it." Really? We're that sure? Chris Grant is on the same page as well, saying that a glimpse of a new Zelda would "remind the hardcore gamers why they've got that Wii on their shelf." Kyle Orland merely cackled loudly, his eyes as cold as the night as he bellowed, "A sequel to the CD-i games, complete with animated cut scenes!" He then started mumbling something about using moon sapphires to unlock the gates of Kerash.
Likelihood: What else are they going to announce? Pokemon Snap 2? In our dreams.

"Yes. Z.O.WII confirmed?" cracked Ludwig, jabbing us in the ribs with his elbow. We then downgraded his flight to E3 from "economy" to "small box with duct tape." Fresh from conquering the Moon in the name of Orland, Kyle opened one of his six mouths to hiss "A version of Metal Gear Solid where you can replace the head of Snake and all the characters with Mii's." Thinking we would never get a decent answer, JC stepped up to note that "Kojima and Suda both have other unreleased games to promote. Of all the rumors, this is the one I'd most emphatically love to be wrong about."
Likelihood: Kojima has too many other games to worry about. Waggle will have to wait.

The realist of the bunch, JC returned to note "Metroid already has a release date, so all I expect is a delay." His fellow fanboy in crime, Jason Wishnov spoke of heresy within the cult as he told us "Nintendo's claims that all three will be released this calendar year is almost ludicrous; they stand to suffer a title gap of Gamecube proportions in 2008" Andrew Yoon stood up to defend Jason against the angry mob, asking "when have those proven to be relevant? This is Nintendo, king of delays."
Likelihood: If Nintendo ever wants to get out of the first of their second last generation, they should probably get these out the door sooner than later. Count on it.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Phranctoast @ Jun 21st 2007 3:08PM
A bunch of wiimote tech demos is my guess.
JodyAnthony @ Jun 21st 2007 3:08PM
hahaha, best post on joystiq in a LONG time
Stevo @ Jun 21st 2007 3:09PM
My bets are we see a lot of Smash, Metroid, and Galaxy footage, an announcement concerning Mario Kart and the next Zelda being in the works, and lots of gawking about the success of their vision of gaming (bleh).
Joystiq says it best-- Nintendo has the most to lose at E3 and very little to gain. I'm most interested to see Sony's E3 presentation.
Aex @ Jun 21st 2007 3:11PM
My bet is on a ton of casual aimed items.
Jared @ Jun 21st 2007 3:13PM
#3 - Word. The way I see it, Nintendo has the most to lose by being so secretive at this point, but should they have some really crazy stuff then they'll blow the doors off. Sony has the most to gain by, uh, well, they only way from here is up, right?
Microsoft has their year pretty locked up and talking too much about say, their 2008 line-up, would undermine their first banner year. So they get to coast E3.
Karmakin @ Jun 21st 2007 3:13PM
The big three will be out this year. MP3 in September, Galaxy in October and Brawl in December.
Announced with release dates:Mario Kart Wii, WiiMusic, WiiHealth (Both as well out this year), Animal Crossing Wii, and a puzzle compilation disc (PPL, Dr. Mario, Tetris, Sudoku, etc. with online play and voice chat through a Wiimote attachment.)
Nintendo Ultimate Stars:A game using the Jump Ulimate Stars engine with video game characters. Will feature tons of characters from tons of games.
My out of the blue/holy shit/wtf? prediction that will NEVER happen. A Ouendan/Elite Beat Agents for the Wii, with both western and eastern songs on the same disk.
deaftly @ Jun 21st 2007 3:14PM
the usual nintendo crapola, metroid, smash bros, mario, mario kart, mario basketball, mario golf, mario strikers 2, mario baseball, and hopefully some nice 3rd party games
Stevo @ Jun 21st 2007 3:15PM
Yup-- we're in agreement, Jared.
Also, I'm expecting a bunch of fluff from Sony, like we always get...lots of CG 'gameplay' vids and gimmicks like Home.
Hopefully Microsoft will bring something interesting to the table, but I think you're right about them too.
BPM @ Jun 21st 2007 3:16PM
This has been an amusing read (not for the predictions, but how it was written).
And I'd love for a Pokémon Snap 2. That, and the Pokémon-themed-with-3D-mode Tetris Attack sequel, were great spinoff games.
deaftly @ Jun 21st 2007 3:17PM
http://digg.com/gaming_news/The_Guessing_Game_Nintendo_s_E3_Showing
Zertoss @ Jun 21st 2007 3:18PM
I wouldn't be surprised if we hear something about a new Mario Kart. I certainly wouldn't expect much though. Maybe some preliminary screenshots and/or a teaser trailer. Probably nothing gameplay-wise.
Seems a little soon to be hearing about a new Zelda for the Wii, but TP was really for the Gamecube, so maybe.
If we're lucky, we'll be learning that Virtual Console games will soon be able to run from SD cards at the very least.
Hirsbrunner @ Jun 21st 2007 3:22PM
"...it's becoming more and more vital for Nintendo to prove they're more than just a fad. "
So, being in business for more than one hundred years isn't proof enough for you?
Jared @ Jun 21st 2007 3:23PM
#10 - Hah! Thanks, Deaftly. I swapped out the digg mention with yours :)
Jake @ Jun 21st 2007 3:25PM
First a bunch of bragging about how awesome they are and about Reggie's new ivory back scratcher and Giant Panda fur underware he's wearing.
Second, Some Smash, Metroid, and Galaxy shtuff. One of them moved to next year :( Smash looks good, but you need a classic controller. Metroid still looks sweet. Galaxy looks sweet, but easy. They sacrifice what could have been a challenging and rewarding Mario to make a casual/hardcore bridge. How sweet.
Next, a bunch of quirky casual stuff. They show WiiSports II. Make a Zelda hint, but don't show anything. Just a little tease.
Next, an explicit AO showing of Manhunt2 genetalia removal gameplay. Reggie is leaping around the stage flashing the WWE "Suck It" gesture while Rob Zombie is blaring and strobe lights are buzzing. He's swinging the wiimote like an axe to mutilate an already dead teenager during more Manhunt Gameplay, which turns out to be an awkward scene for everyone.
Reggie composes himself. Laughs that he splurged his pants and makes a corny "Wii" joke while pointing a Wiimote at his expended Johnson.
Some Virtual Store tidbits drop. Then finally, some MarioKart action. People are somewhat excited at the solid looking gameplay, but just lose it when they announce you can be some old obscure game characters. Omfg I can be Tails and Oddjob now, f'ing sick!
minE3 closes. Seats left wet.
Stevo @ Jun 21st 2007 3:25PM
Hirsbrunner-- I think he's referring to the Wii...at least I hope so.
Mark Korsak @ Jun 21st 2007 3:26PM
I think we'l get a teaser trailer for the next Zelda, but it won't have a name. I think we'l pretty much just get to see the art style and setting, which always seems to be a mystery nowadays for Zelda games. as for the big 3, theres no way they can be delayed, if Nintendo plays the cards right, they can have them all this year and be drought free next year. show off mario kart wii and have it be next year, show off animal crossing and have it be next year, somehow an elite beat agents wii? there has to be a way, and it would work great next year. theres 3 games already, and im sure we could think of more.
theyr gonna unveil a new channel.... they have to.
perhaps announce that goldeneye will come to the virtual console? that might save us from july drought between PBR and Big Brain in June and Metroid in August.
Mark Korsak @ Jun 21st 2007 3:27PM
o yea, and i expect them to show that metroid is wifi enabled
Phranctoast @ Jun 21st 2007 3:27PM
I was not aware that nintendo was around since 1907.
hvnlysoldr @ Jun 21st 2007 3:31PM
Funny posts contributed by the Joystiq and fanboy sites.
Zertoss @ Jun 21st 2007 3:31PM
I bet they show a new Smash Bros. trailer that reveals another character at the end. Since the first one ended with Snake, an "OMGWTF I never saw that coming!" character, and the second showed Fox, a "Well, DUH!" character, I expect to see a character that isn't expected but also isn't surprising revealed.
Maybe something like Master Hand being revealed as playable (without a Gameshark or its ilk).
Zertoss @ Jun 21st 2007 3:32PM
"I was not aware that nintendo was around since 1907."
Nintendo has actually been in business since the late 1800s. They originally produced playing cards.
whosmav @ Jun 21st 2007 3:35PM
Zing!
TheNuclearMan @ Jun 21st 2007 3:38PM
I foresee a definite delay, at least with metroid. Not one of the metroid primes has come out on the first release date, and i expect this one to be no different.
Oh, and hirsbrunner? He WAS referring to the Wii, not the original nintendo card company thing.
BPM @ Jun 21st 2007 3:37PM
Zertoss, I'd just love for the Virtual Console to be playable online. Just about every homebrew PC emulator can do it, no reason a big company like Nintendo can't do it with their emulators.
Phranctoast, Nintendo formed in 1889. So, they've been around for almost 118 years (was built September 23rd).
Shagittarius @ Jun 21st 2007 3:39PM
Nice post Jake, I enjoyed it.
x876543 @ Jun 21st 2007 3:40PM
Koi-Koi on the DS in Clubhouse games is a variant of one of those old playing card sets they made. It's really an interesting game, but I whoop the computer all the time.
Phranctoast @ Jun 21st 2007 3:41PM
I would have never guessed. Almost as old has milton bradley. note to self when on game shows.
Triforceowner @ Jun 21st 2007 3:42PM
This E3 is going to be Brawl, Prime, and Galaxy. No Mario Kart or Zelda, because that's how Nintendo rolls. They don't look too far into the future, they just show you what is coming out in the next few months, and that's Brawl, Prime, and Galaxy.
On the hand held front is a bigger mystery. Pokemon came, saw, and conquered, so what's next? Zelda is a definite, there will be a playable demo of that. I can't think of much after that...
Triforceowner @ Jun 21st 2007 3:46PM
TheNuclearMan, Metroid was scheduled to launch with the Wii. That was the delay.
OhJustSomeRandomGuy @ Jun 21st 2007 3:50PM
Shouldn't the shirt read:
"Gamers Don't Know 'Bout My 'Nouncements!"
Mr Khan @ Jun 21st 2007 3:51PM
Has everyone gone to the stupid zone, or is everyone speculating about the Metroid Prime 3 release date non-North-American?
Metroid Prime 3: August 20, 2007
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/nintendo-dates-metroid-prime-3-mario-strikers-charged-others/
you guys reported it yourselves. I would say that date is inevitable for Galaxy at least, and Brawl is likely (think about how much of the game we can now see, also Hideo Kojima's words on how complete the title felt)
As for anything more speculative; i think that colors are almost definite, while the harddrive issue is getting more likely, as speculation arises about Saturn and Sega CD VC titles, as well as a new channel for original content
I could see how Nintendo has a lot to lose, considering how ecstatic last years performance was, but expectations should be lower this year considering that their next new hardware is years away (console or handheld)
Zertoss @ Jun 21st 2007 3:53PM
"I'd just love for the Virtual Console to be playable online. Just about every homebrew PC emulator can do it, no reason a big company like Nintendo can't do it with their emulators."
That would be pretty great. Perhaps they are working on a way to do it, but keep it simple so that the average user (you know, the people that point their mice at their computer screens like a TV remote) can easily start/join an online multiplayer game.
Then maybe (and probably sadly) Smash Bros. 64 will be the first Smash Bros. to go online. :P
jamEs @ Jun 21st 2007 4:42PM
TheNuclearMan: Metroid has already had a huge bump back, as it was supposed to be a launch title. So hopefully they don't bump it again, as that was one of the big reasons I wanted a Wii during it's launch window was to play some online Metroid.
jamEs @ Jun 21st 2007 4:42PM
How about it we're speculating here, why not some coherent online strategy? I jumped on the Wii bandwagon with dreams on free online play and a decent infrastructure for their network. Now we're 8 months in and we still don't have a clear picture of how that is going to shape up.
Lil Lube @ Jun 21st 2007 4:01PM
OCARINA OF TIME ON THE DS!!! :)
NintendoFanbot @ Jun 21st 2007 4:03PM
Nintendo is going to PWN E3 like they did last year.
I predict that not only will Sonic be in Smash Bros. but also RYU.
And maybe a new StarFox.
Cyber Fox @ Jun 21st 2007 4:08PM
sone of those i highly doubt especially the possibility of a new DS
I want to see some DS/Wii game announcements, something amoung the lines of the US releases of Tingle RPG and Suujin Taisen
Vexorg @ Jun 21st 2007 4:20PM
What I'd like to see:
-The ability to add new parts to Miis (perhaps as unlockable items in games)
-More full-featured versions of some of the WiiSports games (tennis and golf in particular)
-VC gsmes playable on the DS (probably not going to happen anytime soon)
-a new 2D Metroid
-The next Castlevania game for the DS (hopefully this will be the one to fill in the hole in Julius Belmont's story)
Not that I think any of those are particularly likely, but it would be nice...
flameofdoom666 @ Jun 21st 2007 4:40PM
As far as E3 and drought goes..... I think that Mario Strikers Charged on July 30th is enough to hold off until Metroid Prime 3 Corruption hits on Augest 20th. Then Battalion wars 2 is for September, we will see videos on all three of these games. In addition, we may see a new Super Mario Galaxy video, and a new Super Smash Bros Brawl video. What would be idea is dates for those two games. Also I think we may learn that some games are in development for the wii, such as: Starfox, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Pikmin 3, Geist 2, Luigi's mansion 2, DK bongo blast and even Chibi Robo. As far as the DS goes, we will learn about DK King of Swing 2, Zelda Phantom Hourglass, and Chibi Robo Park Patrol. Hopefully we will learn about the POPULARITY channel that Shiggy is working on as well. It was supposed to launch in late April. I think Nintendo is going to BLOW us all away. Thats all.
flameofdoom666 @ Jun 21st 2007 4:44PM
This is the same post WITHOUT typo's, sorry!
As far as E3 and drought goes..... I think that Mario Strikers Charged on July 30th is enough to hold off until Metroid Prime 3 Corruption hits on Augest 20th. Then Battalion wars 2 is for September, we will see videos on all three of these games. In addition, we may see a new Super Mario Galaxy video, and a new Super Smash Bros Brawl video. Hopefully we will also learn the dates for Galaxy and Brawl. Also I think we may learn that some games are in development for the wii, such as: Starfox, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Zelda, Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn, Pikmin 3, Geist 2, Luigi's mansion 2, DK bongo blast and even Chibi Robo. As far as DS games go goes, we will learn about DK King of Swing 2, Zelda Phantom Hourglass, and Chibi Robo Park Patrol. Hopefully we will learn about the POPULARITY channel that Shiggy is working on as well. It was supposed to launch in late April. There will be no new DS, there lite is doing better than the GBA or any handheld they ever made. It is not needed until sales drop. I think Nintendo is going to BLOW us all away. Thats all.
(and Fire Emblem is already out in Japan, so you can bet we will hear about it!)
Wii is FTW! :-)
X3ME PLAYA @ Jun 21st 2007 4:46PM
Wii=WEAK!!!
they got NOTHING to show, except some kiddie crap.
Once the PS3 shows his "MANY" weapons for this E3. not even HALO 3 will matter, nothing else will matter. no one is safe from the best
cc123 @ Jun 21st 2007 4:49PM
What I'd like:
One new IP that makes creative use of the Wiimote. It must be a full length game preferably with stylized graphics. I would also like this game to have an interesting and involved storyline that is geared toward adults although the latter is not a requirement.
This game cannot have any of the normal clowns in it ie. Mario, Link, Donky Kong...etc If there is even a character named Mario in the game I will puke.
Make it happen Nintendo.
Mr Khan @ Jun 21st 2007 4:53PM
@ above
Its called Disaster: Day of Crisis
God knows more information on that would be welcome, aside from the single screenshot that Jeux France managed to dredge up
IslandLife @ Jun 21st 2007 4:58PM
@Jake
Ohhh man that has to be the funniest post eva!
samfish @ Jun 21st 2007 4:59PM
If they announce Sonic isn't in Brawl, the ensuing riots will make the LA riots look like world peace!
I think a new Mario Kart is at least a sure bet. Nintendo has to show off SOME big guns for 2008. They've currently got a line up consisting of a whole lotta nothin'.
Aside from that, beats me. What I'd like to see, though:
• A HDD would be nice.
• Ditto Saturn/SegaCD games
• AND an Original Games channel.
• Kid Icarus Wii would not only be the best news from E3, but also give us he pleasure of watching the internets explode.
• Sonic, Mega Man and Simon Belmont in Brawl.
"I'd just love for the Virtual Console to be playable online. Just about every homebrew PC emulator can do it, no reason a big company like Nintendo can't do it with their emulators."
As much as I'd love it, I doubt the VC is ever going online.
Why would Nintendo want to risk sales of Mario Kart Wii if you can play Mario Kart 64 online for less?
I think I remember reading, though, that other VC companies, like Sega, could potentially make their VC games online compatible once the Wi-fi network goes up.
So maybe there is hope...just not for Nintendo themselves.
Dale @ Jun 21st 2007 5:03PM
The main thing I am hoping for at E3 is the announcement that they're actually going to start shipping units to the US so I can finally buy one that isn't part of a stupid, over-priced bundle.
Russell Carroll @ Jun 21st 2007 5:10PM
- Wii Health/Wii Fitness will be announced as the Christmast title that will outsell all others (if it really does outsell Halo, we'll know the gaming world has forever changed)
- Speaking of Mario, expect first screens from his Olympic adventures.
- Kid Icarus making a comeback? Not likely, it would please the fanboys, but will it bring the masses? Ditto for Little Mac.
- Expect either Ice Climbers or ROB the Robot to making a strange appearance.
- Wii Music, which was teased last year, will be announced and will come out just in time to compete with Guitar Hero.
- Metroid will not be delayed, Nintendo is expecting that one month lead on Halo to make people wonder if they should get a Wii or a 360 fill their sci-fi shooting need.
- Finally, expect a lot of 3rd party games to get show in the Nintendo press conference as they explain how everyone is "on-board."
hoagie @ Jun 21st 2007 5:11PM
-quote-
they got NOTHING to show, except some kiddie crap.
Once the PS3 shows his "MANY" weapons for this E3.. not even HALO 3 will matter, nothing else will matter. no one is safe from the best
-quote-
None of it matters without a big price cut. So yeah, MGS4, Lair, Tekken 6, Heavenly Vagina, and Stranglehold aren't going to make people temporarily crazy to casually drop $600 on the counter. EL OH EL.
David @ Jun 21st 2007 5:18PM
Mario Kart GP is a lot better than the GameCube Mario Kart. They should port it over AND make a new MK.
Animal Crossing I think will be shown too.
BasicUAE @ Jun 21st 2007 5:31PM
SSBB NEW COMER:
MASTER CHIEF
FTW