Nintendos E3
Relatively few rumors surround Nintendos press conference. Motion Plus, Pikmin 3, and supplemental earnings sheet games like Takt of Magic and Cosmic Walker are expected to show up. But Retro, EAD and some third parties should have some surprises as well. One persistent rumor is Wii Fit Plus. Once again, rumors are divided up between what is likely, possible, and unlikely.
Likely (70-30)
1) Nintendo will unveil a Wii video streaming service, likely featuring esoteric infomercials or some other crazy kind of service for the western markets at E3.
2) DSi and Wii Motion Plus games will be the major focus of the showing.
3) High concept indie-Wii Ware games will be given a lot of attention in light of the success of games like Lost Winds and World of Goo. Swords & Soldiers on Wii Ware may be getting held back in the United States just so that Nintendo can show it off at E3.
4) Nintendo will unveil one final motion technology based initiative on Wii.
5) A trailer of Zelda Wii, using motion plus, will debut at the end of the conference with a release date of Spring 2010.
50-50
1) Kirby Wii will finally be shown off. Cosmic Walker, Takt of Magic, Sin & Punishment 2, and Line Attack Heroes probably will get some attention as well. Pikmin 3 and several unannounced titles from Nintendo and third parties will headline though to help Nintendo make sure it meets its 26m Wii projection even though sales look down in April and May.
2) Representatives from Nintendo and Capcom will try to pitch Monster Hunter 3 as an essential experience that western audiences core and new can enjoy playing together. Capcoms fiscal year results implied the game would be releasing in the west by March 2010.
3) Nintendo will cut the DS Lite price to clear out remaining inventory so that it can sell more of the pricier DSi units at retail in the long term.
4) Wii Fit Plus will be announced for 2010.
5) Pikmin 3 will incorporate Mii functionality. Thats right youll be able to put your face on the body of a Pikmin.
Unlikely (30-70)
1) A Wii Sports patch will be announced, allowing the title to support motion plus technology.
2) New Super Mario Brothers 2 and Nintendogs 2 will be announced for DSi.
3) Nintendo will include Motion Plus with every Wii starting in June.
4) A new Mario vs. Sonic crossover game will be announced.
5) Retros new game will be revealed to be Kid Icarus largely to end the death threats being sent to IGN-Wii.
