Nintendo will host a “software showcase” just prior to E3’s official opening, featuring hands-on time with upcoming Wii U titles.
Nintendo shocked the gaming world earlier this month by announcing that it would go against a decades-old tradition and not deliver an E3 press conference. It stated instead that it would host several smaller events that catered to specific audiences. At least one of those events has now been detailed, with Nintendo extending an invitation to various members of the gaming press to attend a “Wii U Software Showcase” prior to E3’s official opening.
The showcase will be kick off on June 11th at 10:30 AM. Opening remarks will be provided by NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime and Shigeru Miyamoto, with a gameplay and Q&A session to follow at 11. Nintendo promises the event will give journalists “the chance to get closer to the games through a unique hands-on experience”. E3 officially opens its doors later that day at 12 PM.
Nintendo are expected to announce a new 3D Mario game for the Wii U, and has previously stated that the next game in the Mario Kart series would be playable at E3. More details on the next game in the Smash Bros. series are also expected to be revealed during E3, and this event may also see the debut of reported smartphone app ports for the console.
The company will reportedly shift its focus from the 3DS to the Wii U in the second half of the year, amid poor sales that are partly due to people not realizing the Wii U is a different system from the Wii.
“We are continuing to consider exciting new ways to bring the news of our games and information directly to the players at home during the E3 timeframe, and will have more to say about that at a later date,” said Nintendo of America senior director of corporate communications Charlie Scibetta after the announcement.
Source: Siliconera
