@Sanqet: You have a solid point about games selling consoles. But, without a doubt, the Wiimote was the catalyst for the Wii to catch fire. Everyone looked at it and said, "I can use that thing!". Which was at odds with the controllers (honest barriers) of recent generations.

Moreover, it allowed and even encouraged the unusual breadth of inputs; so games like Wii Sports, Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart Wii, MP3: Corruption, NSMBWii, and DKC Returns could not only all coexist, but sell at franchise benchmarks on the same system.

Not outright refuting your point, just that the relation between hardware and software and marketplace is much more nuanced than to easily comprehend, if at all.

@MAN1AC: Because they know what has traditionally worked for them. It's easy for us to say the times are changing, but Nintendo has a business model that has kept them prosperous for this long. Do they react to the potential shifts of fate? Or reflect upon their historical truths?

The Japanese market is in a tough place, with few powerhouse publishers thriving on any level. Who would have thought Square Enix would be where they are? They own some of the most dominant franchises of the past decade and have adapted to mobile platforms, ported more of their games to various systems, and even themselves bought a trove western developers. The answers are never simple.

Nintendo has made hay for several generations by wringing greatness out of limited hardware. Their games have always had a boundless verve, which both compensates for those limits and differentiates from other software.

Given the vastly increased potential of the Wii U, I think Nintendo is a little at odds. They now have the ability to accomplish much more ambitious concepts, yet their designers and developers are no longer empowered by the clarity those limits provide. Likewise, the unique craft they've developed and honed can't be relied upon as much as in those generations past; instead those skills and techniques need to be adapted to an extent not seen since the N64 days (when they were the pioneers).

I think we're seeing a company working to bridge that divide with game designs they know work in any generation, while finding the appropriate ways to incorporate advanced technology. We're seeing a focus on locked-in frame rates, enhanced scope, advanced physics, and clear, polished visuals. These are safe investments that are sure to improve any game design, yet don't fundamentally alter the concepts.

Somewhere deep in the development process, are teams exploring the next frontier and determining the prospects for Nintendo's settlements. Meanwhile, other teams need to walk a careful line of innovation, iteration, and intensification. All while acting as the steady providers for the colonizers to push further inland.

Uh, it's simple. They created the gamepad because they wanted a console that would own local multiplayer. While Sony and Microsoft vie for online supremacy, Nintendo (as usual) wants to dominate their own domain.

Not to harp on any unpaid gaming "journalists." However, I do see aspects of these impressions that offend my journalistic sensibilities: in other words, they are reaching too far to extrapolate ethos from short show-floor demos.

Impressions really need to be focused on the specific content on display, with minor inferences and relevant, restrained inquisitiveness. I'm not here to challenge opinions, but demo impressions offer little to base concrete assertions. The risk is the further you reach the more you restrict the utility of your insight, as well as the clarity of your prose. And, of course, the audience is the primary concern.

Which dungeons were re-purposed from the original Wind Waker plans? That is an interesting question. Phantom Hourglass or Spirit Tracks are the obvious candidates. I suppose we can't rule out Skyward Sword, either...

Majora's Mask is really Aonuma's game, so it's no surprise that he wants to fully respect it's ambition. Makes me yearn for the day...

As for DLC, Nintendo's approach hasn't bothered me so far. I doubt they will ever ship anything less than a complete experience, considering their heritage. Though the pressures of the marketplace to release products faster and faster is undeniable.

Anyway you look at it, if you think about them adding DLC for Wind Waker, for instance, that allowed for expansive exploration under the ocean, well that sort of DLC is pretty enticing.

Sure, most of us dislike DLC in many cases.

But put this into context and ask yourself: would you want DLC in Wind Waker to allow you to explore SPOILER Hyrule SPOILER beyond what's included in the original?

Would be cool, but I'm bothered that everyone is ignoring that he wants to work with Nintendo to make original games. Considering the reaction to E3 you would think that's what we all wanted to hear. Instead, it appears given the opportunity we do want more core Nintendo franchises as much as anything.

@Objection: You forget how many systems are bought for kids/families. All it will take is playing it at a friend's house, in a store, etc... And the first thing they'll do is go home and tell their parents. Given the option of a Nintendo system with Super Mario 3D World or the grim aisles of of shooters and action games devoted to other consoles and other won't be much of a decision for those parents to make.

@Klunk23: Oops, my post lacked clarity. I'm aware that each version will have different stages, which makes a lot of sense to me because some will be more appropriate for the smaller screen size. I was referring to the unlikelihood that the two versions will have different characters or move sets. My bad.

Speaking of handheld titles, who do they choose from Uprising? There are several good choices...

Also would Chrom/Lucina (hopefully the latter) be in the 3DS version only? I have a little trouble believing they will differentiate the characters among version. Cool idea, but that's a lot more work than creating unique stages (some of which will simply be more appropriate for the handheld format). Not to mention the inevitable disappointment when one of your faves doesn't cross over to the other version...

Altered move sets would be cool too, but it's a lot to ask in terms of balancing and design.

@Raylax: I know it's a joke, but Kirby'll probably don the villager's wicked 'do and possibly his snazzy shirt. Mega Man Kirby is like a dream come true. But Wii Fit Trainer Kirby... That'll be something to behold.

It's pretty incredible that Miyamoto has been able to maintain such a playful, joyous demeanor after years in such a soul-crushing, spirit-sapping industry. Then again he does spend his days ordering pikmin around and crushing them with tables when they don't make his tea right...

This game gives you free control over the camera if you choose. It was confirmed and even exhibited in the developer direct. It may only be available in singleplayer but it's inclusion should not be a concern. Be careful not to rush to judgement with a lack of info.

Hard to pick one.

Mario Kart is always exciting, to me. Super Mario 3D World looks to be the streamlined, multiplayer 3D Mario game I've been waiting for; 3D Land was the perfect culmination of 3D Mario design and retro 2D Mario gameplay. Can't wait to speed run that one. Wonderful 101 is coming along better than I ever expected. A true sleeper. X is too awesome for words. The same could be said of Bayonetta 2. Pikmin 3 is going to be the ultimate realization of the Pikmin vision. Super Smash Bros. is Smash, bro. (The Villager, Mega Man, and Wii Fit trainer are all destined for heavy play in my household.). DKC:TF is as guaranteed to offer a good time as anything else. Where do I stop?

Reading the comments, I want to point out that
MonolithSoft is a second-party, partially owned by Nintendo. Also, that X trailer did not appear CG in any way. Everything appeared rendered and the HUD betrayed it's origins. That was mostly gameplay, folks.

Speaking of X, anybody else notice the striking similarity between that 'mech' hangar and the gear hangars from Xenegears?

We'll see. You have to wonder about the Microsoft (regarding them paying third-parties to hold off announcing their ports on others platforms).

One thing is for sure though. Look at what Nintendo is focusing on (core franchise for all ages) and it's hard to ignore they've left a gaping void that happens to coincide with the type of content third-parties seem obsessed with this year. I doubt that third-party executives are so ignorant that a few of them won't recognize the opportunity and attempt to capitalize in the event Nintendo's franchises catch holiday fire like they tend to.

DKC 2 was a classic. The pinnacle of the original trilogy. I expect no less here.

And given the option, I'd prefer DKC:TF this year with more time to flesh out and polish whatever else they're working on than either a less-polished epic this fall or somewhere down the road with nothing from Retro this year. Hypothetical, sure... But also potentially quite relevant.

Shows the sad state of gaming where such an enjoyable local multiplayer experience can be overlooked...

Then again, I still long for the day when three friends and I would plunk $5 each into TMNT arcade just to best Shredder once again. Or when the living room would be packed with sweaty teenagers and smelly kids huddled around two controllers and a bowl of cheese puffs.

I could go on and on, but sometimes I think back to the joy gaming brought to my childhood and wonder what this hobby is becoming.

Especially when I take my young kids to the park and run into a violent pack of six-year-olds aggressively acting out Assassin's Creed. ("I'm bleeding out!", "Chop off their leader's head!", or my favorite, "On you knees!" as one of the goofier-looking first graders slashes his 'friend' across the back with a nasty looking stick.). Meanwhile, my kids are doing their best Pokemon impressions and pretending to have Kirby powers. Ah, the innocence of childhood...

Interesting. I have full faith in Sakurai. Notice in the Nintendo direct where he talks of wanting to smash during all his lunch breaks. What Smash Bros. fan doesn't know and envy the feeling?

As for tripping, the outrage was so overblown... It was merely there to balance the game against hardcore players to make it slightly less beneficial to constantly dash. Also, the gist of Smash Bros. is akin to a sport where the goal is to adapt to unpredictable circumstances to create success out of chaos. Tripping was a very minute component to contribute a level of unpredictability. Maybe it was too clever (in that it mimicked occasionally fumbling athletic performance), but it was hardly much of a nuisance.

To be clear, any VC or WiiWare games you have purchased that have since been taken off the service can be re-downloaded any time. I have done so myself several times (with the likes of R-Type, DKC 2 , and The Magic Obelisk, among others).

@GiftedGimp: From my experience all that info is correct here in the US as well.

@3Daniel: I believe permanent loss when sending for repairs stems from faulty labeling or something that would otherwise cause the system to become lost in transit to Nintendo where they wouldn't be able to verify whether it was sent.

I rarely trade in used games and the few Nintendo ones I have (in my adolescent years) I regret to this day.

These impressions are way overcooked.

Anyway, this game is going to score huge with the core Mario market: families. 3D Land was the most playable 3D Mario yet. Taking that formula, adding multiplayer, and increasing the size of the levels is a stroke of genius. You guys may not be pleased, but there won't be a Wii U owning family that won't appreciate 3D World's utility.

As for Galaxy 3... I would like Nintendo to really push the creative boundaries. Galaxy 2 was mediocre and, from many casual gamers I've talked to, soured the Galaxy franchise. Let them take their time to do something amazing like the original. This will be the perfect (multiplayer) salve until then.

EA has bet on PS4 and Xbox One because they offer the most welcoming habitat for such a behemoth to thrash about recklessly without risk of being overrun by the minions. DRM, more expensive development cycles, interchangeable cross-platform development, and, most importantly, no competition from Nintendo are the built in securities offered by Microsoft's and, to a lesser extent, Sony's visions of the next console generation.

What those platforms represent is obviously tantalizing to EA's monopolistic ambitions and Nintendo has been little but a prime rival in every past generation. Problem is, they have relied upon those past platforms to reach a unique, lucrative audience. Now that they smell blood, it comes as no surprise they are the first to sharpen their spears.

Nintendo needs to focus on what they do best and that is re-purposing and innovating their core titles for a new generation. Failing in that will make any branching out a moot point. However, I'd love for Nintendo to support and publish more games from Japanese developers to expand their variety of experiences and hopefully boost the market. They are in a unique position to revive the marketplace, but that's not how they've done business.

It's also worth noting that Nintendo is the only reliable game developer of entertaining, low investment experiences for all ages. Nintendo is synonymous with fun in the way Disney has been associated with entertainment. Much like Disney they need to constantly reassert their respective dominance first and foremost. Too much ambition and distraction can be more threatening than anything.

@bluesun: Ha! I sincerely hope you are pulling that JP translation out of your booty. Just for comedy's sake. Seriously, you'd have my respect.

"Touch someone else's, please.". How many times have we all heard that rejection...?

For some strange reason, I hear "boingy bits" and Code of Princess comes to mind...

Although I'm offended by the capitalization error, more than anything. Inexcusable.

@Humpries: Nah, the melodramatic story is pretty bad. The humorous dialogue is the main sellling point of the plot. I generally roll my eyes at the serious stuff and chortle 'til my wife is rolling her eyes right out of their sockets at the goofy dialogue. It's the primary reason to bother reading and following the story...

@TheRavingTimes: And therein lies the problem. Microsoft climbed to the top with vastly inferior hardware durability. That's the power of Xbox Live and the digital platform; because all those red ringers bought more systems over the years (if no other reason than to access their account, or use their subscription), the hardware sales were greatly boosted. Then those refurbished systems still likely found their way back to market, encouraging more subscribers.

What does that tell a company like Nintendo, who built a pretty spotless record over decades of hardware production?

@C-Olimar: Yeah, it is sad. I thought NOA excellent service until the Wii-U launch debacle and then the screen problems. These are pristine 3DSs kept in immaculate care (one never even left home). When told it had cracks that appeared from being closed, they claim it must have had previously unnoticed hairline cracks, which is frankly absurd. The screen is too big and, like the 3DS with it's scratch lines, there is a defect in the clamshell design considering the size and heft of the top screen. Compare the way the DSi XL closes (my kids, 2 and 4, have been manhandling one for years) and the problems are readily apparent.

@Selene: EB and GameStop apparently sell their "re-furbished" handhelds as is these days... Or maybe they send some to Nintendo...

Ugh. I just want Nintendo to cover screen damage under their warranty. My 3DS got cracks from the infamous scratch lines and they refused until I called 4 times while diligently researching the design defect. I've also seen 2 separate 3DS XLs get cracks within a few months of purchase (both appeared from no extraordinary trauma-closing the system was all it seemingly took). Instead of offering to replace or repair they ask you to pay $120 if you send under warranty or waive your warranty claim completely to save $30 on the repair (and any game save data cannot be exchanged or recovered if lost).

I'm extremely offended by this shady tactic. After 20 years of decent experiences, I couldn't be more disappointed with NOA's customer service of late. I don't even want to talk about my Wii U launch experience (which includes 2 bunk systems out of the box, after waiting out before work when I didn't have to)...

I don't mind the prices. As others have said, I vividly remember paying over 60 for some SNES carts (although, at that price some, like Earthbound, still feel like a good investment). I feel privileged to have easy access for a reasonable price. I've gone through so many controllers and vintage hardware, I'd prefer not to fire up my old systems unless necessary (otherwise unavailable games like The Guardian Legend, which I was playing last night).

I want every game like most people, but an overabundance leads to an under appreciation that I find unsavory. These prices work like fast food detractors... VC game or value meal? Easy call. And like that other unhealthy craving, the price works in my favor. Cheap enough to sate my hunger, but not so cheap as I could let myself engourge everyday.

Also, the prices have the benefit of giving us heavy Wii VC supporters piece of mind. I don't see why Nintendo should devalue their back catalog now, just a few years later. The real concern is that if we pay a significant price on a VC collection, we absolutely deserve security and a system to share accounts among console. This is where Nintendo is in the wrong.

Oh yes to this. Hell yes to The Guardian Legend (the first schmup I ever played to death as a kid.). Love naxat. Worship COMPILE.

@Captain_Gonru: Interestingly, my wife works as essentially the head of our local Target's electronics. Being a massive 3DS fan herself, she made a stink to Target corporate that they only have 3 3DSs combined (2 red, 1 purple XL). Their response was that no more are coming anytime soon.

Either Nintendo has something up it's sleeve (I worry about the XL screen durability and Nintendo's customer service policies), or they are seriously cutting stock. This is the most profitable Target in the district with a high traffic electronics department.

Although I much prefer physical copies with all the content on the card/disc... I'm not offended. My vast experiences with expensive, hard-to-find/out-of-print games gives me an appreciation for the persistent availability of downloadable titles.

DLC is OK, as well, when done properly... But it will take me awhile to get over the precedent set by the Limit Breaker skill for Fire Emblem: Awakening... I understand it's utility (TSON), but it really diminishes some of the inherent strategy and balance within the game design. It's probably the only skill in the game that enhances any unit over any other available option, regardless of it's cohesion within a skill set. Even worse, it's encouraged for tackling the most difficult (currently unavailable) DLC, which simply shouldn't be necessary.

Sequels to Radiant Historia, Infinite Space, and Solatorobo, please. Soma Breaker in some form (remake?) as well. And I would kill for another Retro Game Challenge (2 or otherwise) and Bangai-O on the shop. Yeah, won't happen... But.... sniffle Oh, why don't any publishers care about appeasing me and my gaming needs?

@gojiguy: That would do as well.

@JSuede: I tried and nothing happened. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to put it on deviled eggs?

...Sorry.

@Shiryu: Yeah, forgot about Redline. Didn't love it, but it was pretty intense. Got my blood pumping so much it gave me the sudden urge to get up and play a game rather than sit through a movie... In fact, that was probably my problem with a it. A game adaptation would be extremely welcome. Good call.

Not the biggest fan of modern, computer-drawn anime, but Madhouse does solid work

Outside of their more widely known work, Summer Wars was pretty good as well. (Saw it relatively recently.) It starts wonderfully, but it's ultimately good when it really should have been great. Poor character development is the primary culprit. Some excellent animation sequences, though.

Great stuff. I'll be anxiously awaiting the results.

Good, NOA had been an embarrassment in recent years. Iwata clearly cares about great games. Reggie cares about marketing fluff. This is a promising turn of events, for sure.

@CanisWolfred: I'm pretty much in line with @Captain_Balko here....

SMW is an easy game and it was easy when I was 10 years old (and, no, even at that age it's not a game that should require instructions; my point was they were an intrinsic part of the era). I never lose at Mario Kart unless I'm playing with an absolute expert and I play MK Wii and/or 7 almost every day with average to above average players in local multi.

Finally, he's completely right, your list lacks diversity... There's nothing wrong with that, but excuse me if I'm a bit skeptical of your insight regarding the undisputed classics and your apparent contempt for the people who adore them. (And, if it matters, my opinions are not shallow and haphazard because I haven't efforted to express poorly formed ideas that revolve around disdain for other gamers and their favorite games. Not to mention, I haven't questioned the integrity of two of the most popular and influential games from the golden era of videogames.)

Way late, bit that won't stop me from chiming in:
1. Contra, 2. SMB3, 3. Zanac, 4. Punchout!!, 5. Castlevania 3, 6. Mega Man 2, 7. Crystalis, 8. DuckTales, 9. The Guardian Legend, 10. Little Nemo, 11. Kid Icarus, 12. TMNT 2 13. Strider

@CanisWolfred: Heh... If you remember me 5 years from now, I'll be flattered. So I'll be sure to own up and choke them down in the face of your peerless wisdom. For what it's worth, I enjoy ketchup and way too much pepper.

@CanisWolfred: I'm tired of putting faith in game developers who claim to be fans offering fan service. Of course I'm a Homeworld fan, so I want to see something special done with the franchise. The chances seem dubious, however. I'll give them 5 years.

Hey, my words are little and insignificant. I'm not above changing my mind and I hold no ill will towards Gearbox. Above all, I love great games, so I'll be more than happy to break out the salt and pepper if that day arrives. We'll see.

Lets see, Gearbox has made HL: Opposing Force, Brother in Arms, and Borderlands... Those are decent, if overrated products, I'll give them some credit for those. (Their debut, Opposing Force being the high point as far as I'm concerned, but I have a massive soft spot for the original Halflife and it's incredible mods... Team Fortress Classic and Counterstrike being two of my all time most played and favorite multiplayer games. In fact I love TFC so much I could almost cry about what they've done with the disgraceful, regressive TF2.)

They mangled HL: Blue Shift, Samba De Amigo, DNF, and Aliens: Colonial Marines. Those are terrible iterations in franchises of some repute.

Nothing in their catalog suggests they are capable of doing justice to a groundbreaking, cinematic space RTS such as Homeworld. Instead they have a very mediocre track record with established IPs and have never shown an ability for the kind of grandiose, operatic storytelling the Homeworld franchise demands.

To me, they make decent, unoriginal, and unappealing action games largely devoid of strategic game design. Am I supposed to be impressed that they seem devoted to reanimating the corpses of forgotten franchises without injecting soul?

@CanisWolfred: Yeah, in 5+ years maybe we'll have the privilege of witnessing Gearbox drive the final nail in franchise's coffin. Pardon my enthusiasm.

@Deathgaze: Just out of curiosity... Any chance you outbid someone for the rights to that sublime collector's item?

Ugh, I had high hopes someone would swoop in and revive Homeworld, but... not... like... this... sobs

@CanisWolfred: Let's give credit where it's due. Mario Kart is as solid a racing series as any. I'm talking the racing. If you master any MK you'll discover some of the most balanced, polished, and well-designed racing anywhere. The strategic opportunities are immense for the racing genre and the physics incredibly sound. Don't get me started on the glitchy, wonky Sega MK-wannabes of late...

If you doubt the racing chops and level design of the series, I challenge you to set a world-class time trial run and then come back here with your criticism. I've played every other worthy kart racer I know of and they all falter in the time trial department (the true test of racing physics and level design), usually revealing frustrating, inconsistent physics and design. In my opinion, every other kart racer rather shamelessly apes the MK foundation while paling in comparison.

As for the items, there are generally ways to deal with such instances where luck is involved. Like real racing, most of the time the best racing line will win out, but there are always going to be circumstances and variable out of your control. Adapting to those possibilities is the key to winning consistently. And if that is unacceptable, change the item settings. Maybe it's because I primarily play multiplayer games with my wife and other female friends involved, but I cherish the balance provided by the various items. Chicks love racing games but the only ones any of these women want to play are Mario Kart, Excite Truck, and Burnout (Takedown/Revenge mostly because they loves crashing cars...).

The truth is, Mario Kart keeps them motivated, compelled, and competive. The items allow adaptive strategies and suitable inspiration to deal with far superior racers such as myself. Look, I personally adore F-Zero GX as much as any racing game ever made, but no one wants to play it with me... And for that reason Mario Kart Wii or 7 (games that everyone wants to play) will always be superior in my eyes. (As for SMK, it was a groundbreaking game in so many ways--racing design, splitscreen multiplayer, strategic depth, battle mode, drifting mechanics, etc.--and stands as one of the best racing games of it's era. Not only that, but it's still as fun as ever if you can adapt to the technical aspects that seem antiquated nowadays.)

Also, those criticisms of Super Mario World are ridiculous. The joy of the series in that era (in particular SMB3 and SMW) was the discovery of techniques and strategies to navigate the challenging gauntlet of platforms and enemies. What captivayed most of us for endless hours in those days was utilizing Mario's abilities to explore the nooks and crannies of each world. Also, remember that everyone who seriously played games in those days fawned over instruction booklets when their parents told the to stop playing Nintendo.

Understand there's a difference between nostalgia and a lack of perseverance and perspective due to an overstimulated, instant gratification modern society. Honestly, your criticisms reek of shallow, quick-fire dismissals based upon haphazardly formed opinions. We are all entitled to such opinions, of course, but in disregarding such a diverse list and criticizing the inclusion of all time classics... I at least hope you would attempt to establish some perspective and appreciation of the interests of the greater gaming public, as well as the relevance of the games in question.