Did Zelda emerge on top?

The most recent episode of the Nintendo Life podcast revealed the winners of the Reader's Best of E3 Awards, and in case you've not caught the show yet here they are:

Reader's Awards

Best Wii GameDonkey Kong Country Returns.
Best Handheld GameKid Icarus: Uprising.
Best Overall GameLegend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Now the staff of Nintendo Life have ruminated long into the night, and are finally ready to hand out some virtual trophies.

Nintendo Life Best of E3 Awards

Best Wii Game

With returns of fan-favourite characters Kirby, Link, Donkey Kong and James Bond, the Wii category was tightly contested. Corbie's First Impressions of Kirby's Epic Yarn and Zelda: Skyward Sword were both hugely positive, so much so that staff couldn't choose between them, awarding the Best Wii Game to both.

The pink one returns!

Winners: Kirby's Epic Yarn and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Best Handheld Game

The impressive line-up on display for the new 3DS may have diverted a lot of attention from the DS's schedule, but both machines are set to receive fantastic games over the next twelve months. The DS still holds a lot of weight with all the votes swinging to the incumbent handheld: from Golden Sun: Dark Dawn to Ghost Trick and Super Scribblenauts, the machine had a great show but one title stood out in the minds of Nintendo Life staff.

With its impeccable development pedigree, storybook visuals and co-operative multiplayer, Square Enix's upcoming RPG Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light won out as the outstanding handheld game of the show. Read Corbie's First Impressions for more information on why this title should definitely be on your watch list.

Winner: Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

Best Overall Game

Despite a certain staffer's protestations that Animal Crossing's 3DS debut deserved this award, this was a hot topic of discussion for days between Nintendo Life staff. Kid Icarus: Uprising showed the 3DS's heightened graphical power off brilliantly; Yuji Naka's Ivy the Kiwi? proved the gaming maestro still has what it takes, and the unveiling of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for 3DS was the perfect finale.

Out of the gaming maelstrom only one could emerge victorious: what was the Nintendo game that most impressed the Nintendo Life writers at E3 this year?

Winner: Kirby's Epic Yarn

We loved the pink puffball's return so much we felt it only right to honour it with the Best Overall Game of E3 2010 Award. From its inventive art style, brand new game mechanics and the inclusion of a woolly UFO, Kirby found his way back into our hearts.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to contribute.