Nerd paradise

Of all the conventions, one stands staunchly above the others in nerd notoriety: Comic-Con International in San Diego, California (July 22 to July 25 at the San Diego Convention Centre). Nintendo's announced that it's to have a featured exhibit for the first time since 2006, complete with tantalizing playables and super cool dragon swag.

Attendees will get access to a special downloadable treasure map for Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies called Mortamor, available for the first time in North America. If you plan on going, make sure that you've made it to the Quester's Rest Inn in the town of Stornway, at which point you will have access to tag mode. This will be available for the duration of the event. If you're not able to make it, not to worry; this is most likely the map that you can get at a special event on July 31 at participating GameStop stores.

The Big N will also treat fans to a playable Metroid: Other M more than a month prior to its North American release date.

If you're in the area, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now and head down to the Nintendo exhibit, booth #2944.