Nintendo Confirms Its E3 Plans for The Legend of Zelda

I can't wait for the new Zelda! But should I watch this, or stay spoiler free?

I'm really excited for all of the Zelda coverage at E3. Really, I am. But, is this really ALL we're gonna get at E3 from Nintendo? Really?

Zelda is certainly my #1 most anticipated game right now, but if that's all there is to Nintendo's E3, that will be a massive disappointment.

Last year they had a Direct at that time. Add the fact that Zelda will be the only game played during the Treehouse livestreams and I don't think we're getting much more this. Zelda will be the only thing at E3 from the looks of it.

The actual E3 website for Nintendo is some-what interesting! It looks like it features that game's version of Ancient Hylian, and the Sheikah Eye!

I wouldn't be surprised to see them just do this at E3 and then have their own event from maybe September onwards to give the NX blowout we expected at E3.

For those of at home, it might be annoying to wait a few extra months, but they can deliver exactly the same experience as E3 whenever they want. Live streamed conference, live steamed demos etc.

@NewAdvent Yes that is my worry. All I want to see at this point is a gameplay trailer and a few of the early areas.

I don't really care about Zelda (blasphemy!). It would be kind of sad for Nintendo to really only show that game, but it wouldn't surprise me these days.

I suppose there is no Digital Event at all, just Treehouse taking its place. Not sure how I feel about that. Then again, I am looking forward to finally seeing Zelda for real. How can that be disappointing? The only thing that would be is if you'd expect more than that. To be honest, I'm glad they're upfront about it ahead of time, instead of everyone nearly bursting at the seams from hype and excitement at E3 and only getting Zelda. Imagine that crapstorm. I think the internet would melt from the anger...

Hmm, this is going to be a tough year to get through as a Nintendo fan. Not that we haven't been there in the past, but still...
Seems like there are quite a lot of changes happening behind the scenes that try to somewhat reset the company in a lot of ways.
Scary, but somewhat exciting at the same time, if it all works out that is...

I'll watch a bit of the gameplay, but not too much since I don't want too much of the game to be spoilt.

If they don't even have a E3 Digital Event this year, that will be a huge bummer. But it wouldn't surprise me...

How early do they usually announce the Digital Events?

As much hyped as I am for this game, not having a Digital Event just downright baffles me.

ZELDA, ZELDA, ZELDA...

@whodatninja They announced everything as 1 package the previous years (Digital Event followed by Treehouse Live). Not only is the length of Treehouse Live reduced (only Tuesday rather than Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) but the Digital Event slot is now Treehouse Live instead.

I think it is obvious this is all Nintendo plan to show this year at E3, not even a direct. Just one massive Zelda reveal to the point that you will know the full game inside out before it even releases.

Alright, I'm excited for Zelda. I really am. With that said...is this REALLY all we're getting!? Oh, God...

Looks like they're taking a XCX approach to this Zelda.

Nintendo get smaller every year.

Surely they must have wii u and eds stuff too? If not relying on Zelda for e3 is a really risky move...

@NintyFan E3 are the best times I've had on Nintendo Life hands down. If Zelda is really all they're showing, as good as it looks, that really sucks! I was looking forward to Nintendo's E3 all year

Umm, Canada is apart of North America

Can't wait for E3, but hoping they show more than just all Zelda.

I like Zelda, but its kinda hard to keep the interest up if this is the only thing they will show.

I hope this isn't everything they have to show at E3.... Would be extremely dissapointed.

A whole day to Zelda U? It had better be the best game ever, then.

I'm assuming that Nintendo will not let us down. . .

It sure has a lot to live up to this game. If it is to be all that they'll show,it better knock our socks off.

Zelda is my most wanted game, no doubt, but who thought this was a good idea? I guess they have no confidence in Paper Mario and....wait...that's really it after e3 besides Yooka Laylee but thats not first party....well then.

For the few non Zelda fans (which seems crazy to me) I'm sorry about this. I know if this year was only Pokemon I probably wouldn't watch either.

Any news is good news, and an update to the now not so new Zelda game is welcome. But it is a game and it may not even be a 10/10 game, look at Starfox as a good example.

It is sounding as though Nintendo are using Zelda as hype, to try and get us refocused on the game which is still over 10 months away.

Unless Zelda Wii U is the best game ever made and that whole stream is dedicated to this "masterpiece", I'm skipping E3. That is, unless they actually announce more games. Maybe they'll announce them the day after the stream? Doubtful but who knows,

@Whopper744 There's the 3DS as well...

My best guess would be that they just don't have enough games to fill an entire presentation. Which is kinda sad. I know 'they're getting ready for NX blabla', but this drought is the worst I've seen and it was also one of the major complaints of the Wii. I don't think they've learned from that either...

I'm starting to think there is two new zelda games. Like fire emblem fates but for the NX. Will be just overkill of zelda for ALL of E3. There has to be more to it than this.

I would watch but i feel like I don't want to spoil the game for myself, a trailer would've done nicely.

I want to enter that contest, but I don't have, or want, a Twitter account...

Being a Google Plus user is hard...

I hope this Skyrim-Zelda will not crashed like Triforce Heroes. I have a feeling it will be an online game All recent high profile Wii U games are online: SSB 4, Mario maker, Splatoon, etc.

Even if that Zelda presentation will be kick-ass and great to the maximum, this is still not enough. Also, how big exactly is this game, when they plan to show it all day long? My guess is they will dissect every little bit and mechanic. 12 hours of continuous gameplay of a game that is still 10 months or maybe even more away might also be hype killer.

@BensonUii I could easily see an "NX reveal event" happening later this year.

To be honest, I couldn't care less that we're not getting a lot other stuff at E3! I'm super excited to get a full day of Zelda coverage!!
There's of course the danger of there being a bucket load of spoilers in such a large coverage, but they could do it well...

So no epic trailer then? Just streams?

Well if Zelda is the only game they are showing, and it will be a complete day of coverage.... This Zelda must be something quite special. I am extremely excited.

@Mogster Of course there's gonna be a trailer or two. Don't be silly. :---)

"Open to legal residents of US and Canada"

-sigh- RIP europe.

If there's no Direct then... wow... that's insane. Give us 3DS fans SOMETHING...

Erm look at the arrow, it looks kinda steam punk. The arrow head looks like a plasma blade

So excited for this. A full day coverage sounds a bit extreme though. Really just an hour or so is enough. 1 highly polished trailer and then some gameplay examples for an hour. That's all we need.
Don't show us everything.

Why is Nintendo not showing Pokemon at E3???????????????

Definitely sounds like too much spoilage for me. I'll be at work anyway, so I'll just watch the trailer and skip the gameplay demos.

Wow, now it really does start to look like Zelda is their only game at E3. As long as it blows me away, I'm fine with that.

What's crazy is they are doing all of this for Zelda U, when they have already announced Zelda NX,which they said they have been working on in tandem. Why only show Zelda U and not Zelda NX then? That's like a company working on MGSV for both PS3 and PS4 and only showing the PS3 version. How does that make any sense? Nintnod wants to sell NX on the back of Zelda NX at launch, all their focus should be on Zelda NX.

Nobody should care abut Zelda U any more, it's an old game on an old system. It's crazy and 50 comments in nobody has even mentioned that all this hype is for an old game on an old system that will have a simultaneous launch w/ the new game on a new system that Nitneod is trying to sell.

Even if Zelda U and Zelda NX are the same game, if NX is a Wii U 2 with a portable Gamepad, so you can play Zelda NX at home on your big tv, then take the NX Gamepad with you to work, school, or bed, and keep playing the same game with the same save point, who is going to want the U version when NX gives you that freedom to play where ever and whenever you want?

I just can't get excited for a game in June that I may not want when they announce the NX version in Sept. Maybe 30fps/720p vs 60fps/1080p? Who knows. But we know Zelda NX is coming, they told us the same time they told us only the U version will be at E3. After I hear what Zelda NX offers then I'll get excited. But who knows when that will be?

Do I use that contest hashtag on Twitter or any social media?

no E3 direct. no other games at E3!

sorry but this company is a joke sometimes. Ignoring Wii U software I can understand as there isnt much left to come out but ignoring 3DS also.

one game only at E3. pathetic!!

@NewAdvent I won't watch it, this is not E3, this is Let's Play The Legend of Zelda.

@rjejr yeah, that really is the most head-scratching part of this.

I have a hope that this is going to be a huge pre-intro demo that's available post-show.

If not, I don't really want to see much of it for spoilers. Might watch a couple of hours, no more.

Also the Digital Event/Direct a no show? Seems mental to not even plug the new Pokemon. Maybe they'll stage a direct immediately before or after.

@rjejr Could be because they wanted to give the Wii U one more boost before the NX overtakes it. (Although it may already have. lol)

As much as I'm looking forward to this, but a whole presentation for one game is a bit much, but it's Zelda so.

The only thing I have to say is good thing I also have a ps4

They usually announce stuff at e3 but in this case I am starting to think that the rug was pulled from under them in some regard towards the NX.

Most disappointing E3 yet. It's gonna be even worse than last year's E3, and we all know how bad that was.

Don't get me wrong, we're finally getting Zelda Wii U/NX news! But that being the focus of E3 just kills the hype.

Surely they're going to 'show' some other games?? They just won't be playable?

I don't need to watch video of Zelda, cause I know I'm buying it. So basically, there's not much reason to pay attention to E3 this year since I can't currently afford a new PC.

Well, I'm super excited for all the new Zelda info we're going to get, but it's a good thing I'm looking forward to a bunch of other companies' presentations this year or I probably would be disappointed with Nintendo's approach.

"Nintendo just give us some Zelda! No one cares about all the other crap just show Zelda already!" "Really nintendo? No other games? Wow what a joke"

@SMW That shipped has sailed, many times.

Last March 2015 when Iwata said they were working on NX.
Last E3's NDE when Reggie said around the 10 minute mark - "Well talk more about NX next year."
Last week when they confirmed NX and Zleda NX in March 2017.

@Mr_Zurkon Any more "head-scratching" decisions by Nintnedo HQ and I'm going to end up looking like Carrie.

@rjejr I understand what you are saying, but at the same time if they keep it under wraps for a while they will generate more buzz when they finally do reveal a vastly upscaled version. I probably will end up with the Wii U version initially and possibly the NX version once I get around to upgrading and the game becomes a Nintendo Selects.

The other reason is they are trying to keep the NX specs under wraps, and if they show the NX version people will be able to better nail down those specs (or at least speculate about them). They don't need people proclaiming the NX is an underpowered toy even before it gets officially announced.

I'll skip this E3 because i don't like Treehouse's livestreams.
I only care about Directs/Digital Events.

Well my E3 hype is now effectively gone... Don't get me wrong, I love Zelda and can't wait to see more of it, but...

/sigh At least now I won't have to waste a week's worth of PTO on E3 this year.

Zelda WiiU will be the best version because it is it's Native version. Same with TP

I don't see why people think E3 isn't relevant anymore for Nintendo. E3 is one the biggest gaming expos and is a chance for Nintendo to showcase their games for people who might not be hardcore fans. The directs only reach a Nintendo fans and if Nintendo wants to avoid another failed home console they would be wise to start seriously considering how they reach potential customers. Pulling dumb crap like this isn't exactly helping their cause.

The way I see it, Zelda better be the second coming of Ocarina of Time on steroids if they seriously think it's worth being pretty much the only game available on the show floor.

Also hoping the NX ends up being a relatively powerful console with online with voice chat and other modern features and also focusing on games, not necessarily gimmicks. The NX announcement being pushed isn't exactly confidence inducing. I get that games aren't quite ready yet but they needed to show something to get people on board.

@TruenoGT "I get Nintendo can't really talk..."

Well I wish somebody would explain it to me b/c I cant seem to get it.

Had a long discussion w/ @JaxonH about holding off on NX news until, well whenever Nintedo gets around to it. I just can't understand missing E3. I understand there are arguments to be made, but they all seem grasping at straws:
E3 isn't as big as it once was. Well it isn't, but it's still E3, a huge 3 day gaming event. For people this side of the pond this is it, nobody here cares about PAX or TGS or whatever Germany has, it's E3, nuthin but E3.
Not wanting to hurt Wii U sales. What Wii U sales? Nintnod has projected only 800,000 the next 12 months. For reference the old Wii (no U) sold 110,000 the past 12 months, No games, no advertising, 3 years after Wii U, it sold over 100k.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/nintendo_financial_results_deliver_profits_but_predict_severe_drops_in_expected_wii_u_and_3ds_sales

Wii
Hardware Sales (financial year) — 110,000 units

So only 800k Wii U over 12 months, who cares? But the thing is, how many of those projected 800k over 12 months are for holiday sales when consoles sell the most? TMS#FE and Mario Olympics arent' selling a lot of Wii U this summer, and Paper Mario Color Splash is probably the big holiday Wii U game w/ Zelda U in 2017. But surely Ntinedo has to unviel NX before January 2017, no? So whether they show it at E3 in mid June or mid-Sep tit will still be before the holiday when the majority of Wii U sales would occur, not in those 2 or 3 months between E3 and one of the others. So holiday Wii U sales are lost whenever they unviel NX unless they wait until January 2017.

Or they could unviel NX at E3 and start building the hype now. And stop everybody on here, and I'm sure elsewhere, kveltching.

I just can't get it.

@rjejr You're assuming that the NX version will be any different. Twilight Princess was the same on the GameCube and the Wii. The GameCube version was arguably the better version. I don't think the NX version will be much different; so it doesn't really matter what version they show.

Remember when Nintendo said they'd keep supporting the Wii U? Now they have one game announced for it and it's not even exclusive or for this year.

@AndrewJ 12 hours of spoilers in a game that possibly has Hundreds of hours of gameplay is not even bad.

I for one am excited for E3 and I am glad Nintendo is taking the time to showcase Zelda... The one game that could get millions more people to purchase a WiiU. If we got a different event where they only spent 30 minutes covering Zelda, then people would complain that it wasn't enough... People are just never happy, never satisfied and never have understanding, the one thing that Iwata asked for. Bring it on Nintendo, my body is ready!

@Barbiegurl777

You may be disappointed barbiegurl! E3 is generally aimed at the more hardcore audience.
Maybe the Disney game will show up but I doubt the dress-up game would in this sort of context.
Have you considered looking into playing things on Steam to make up for your unhappiness with Nintendo? There're a lot of games aimed at girls on there.

This is their show time at E3 so this is all we are getting folks. Not sure it is something I am really that fussed about watching live. I obviously want to see Zelda. But I don't need all the developer interviews etc, I just want to see the game and can catch the highlights of that later. The reason for watching these things live normally is to catch all the surprise releases then and there. This obviously isn't happening. Will probably watch and then turn back to the Football when they start going on about how the art design is based on such and such.

@djtwenty9 I doubt it would get many people to buy Wii U's since it's also coming to NX.

@TheY Colour Splash? I don't remember this game... Did you mean Sticker Star 2?

@Darknyht @Darknyht "they will generate more buzz"

What for, so 2 or 3 months later we can see the NX version and all say, well why waste all of our E3 time on a game that's obsolete months before it even releases? Yes, I know people will still buy the U version, 13.5m Wii U owners need something to play. But they may do so be grudgingly if the NX version is superior. But we don't know, and we won't know. So whoever is watching E3 will spend all their time sitting their thinking - "I wonder if the NX version will be better, or different, and if so how?" That's not a captive audience, that's a distracted audience.

If they wanted E3 to be all about Zelda U, then they should have waited to announce Zelda NX at the NX unveil. This is just stupid.

"they are trying to keep the NX specs under wraps"

But why? People are already proclaiming it to be an underpowered toy. Or a super powered machine. Rumours rumours everywhere rumours. They announced it is launching next March 2017, and they have a ready made venue in E3 to show it off. So, they are keeping the specs "under wraps for what, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months?" Specs have to come out at some point, and as hard as some people have tried, I just can't see any significant benefit to skipping E3 w/ NX that outwieghs all of the negatives.

Now if they want to skip E3 entirely, that's fine, go do your own thing. But to show up only to promote an already obsolete game? Thats a lot of money spent on rented floorspace for yesterdays news. They should make the most of their investment, it's going to come out eventually, best to do it while the whole world is watching.

Also to point out, In my opinion this is not Nintendo taking the time to show Zelda to the max, this is Nintendo having nothing else to show. If they had a Metroid, Mario, Animal Crossing coming out this year I am pretty sure this broadcast would not be so Zelda focused. Also it is odd that after seeing it I imagine my first reaction will be ........Now I wonder how this will look on NX........Not....I can't wait to play this next March on my out dated dusty WII U

Hopefully be as groundbreaking as oot was in 1998!
But it is on very outdated hardware don't forget! Will be interesting to see if the can deliver an industry leading game!

What a colossal failure E3 is for Nintendo.... and E3 is a month away...

For the first time ever, i will be spending more time watching Sony and other companies than Nintendo at E3.

@whodatninja ya but most people don't know that. They didn't even know WiiU was a new system. People are tards, especially parents....

@Octane "You're assuming that the NX version will be any different. "

And you are assuming that they won't be different. Wouldn't it be better for Ntinedo to put all assumptions to rest?

And I already said they may nto be differnet, but how we play them may be differnet if NX is a handheld w/ TV out, or a home console w/ a portable controller. Same game, but 2 ways to play rather than 1. I think people would prefer the NX version if that is the case.

But expecting everybody to sit there and watch a live stream of a game, knowing full well a different version is coming out, w/o talking about the other version, is pure madness. No matter how great Zelda U is, the lead story will still be - "Is the NX version going to be the same or different?" - and that shouldn't be the lead news they want.

So Nintendo is relying on a game that isn't even the best version but rather the Wii U version to carry them this E3.

Great. That's fantastic news.

/s

@JpGamerGuy90 I disagree about the Direct only reaching Nintendo fans. Every major gaming publication that isn't solely focused on one of the other consoles will cover a Direct. Traditional news outlets also write articles about a Direct. And if the news is big enough (a new console) I would expect the coverage to be nearly as big as E3... except everyone will only be talking about Nintendo as opposed to talking about everything. Add to the fact that outside of gamers, many people don't even know what E3 is. And those gamers will get just as much info/news out of a separate NX event that they would get in an E3 presentation.

With all due respect, only hardcore fans will purchase the NX at launch. I don't even know many friends that bought a PS4 or Xbone at launch. I don't even know anyone that bought a WiiU launch. I didn't get a WiiU at launch and it was my only system I bought this generation. My point is, people still play xbox360 and ps3, I am sure there are a bunch of kids still playing their Wiis. Considering Nintendo isn't going to sell the NX for a loss, my bet it is going to be in the $500 range.. as a parent, would you spend $500 to play Zelda? or would you spend $300 with an extra game to play Zelda?

Welcome to the new Nintendo management, presented by Mr. Kimishima!

I believe this is a good thing for Nintendo, as this will help them focus their resources on other projects like Wii U and 3DS games, and even NX console. Besides, E3 is dying right now, and don't try to kid yourself there. I've been following E3 since 2007, and it's getting less hype every year. Time is a cruel thing, but we have to accept the reality.

Hell, even another Digital Event would be better. You've got Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Paper Mario: Colour Splash, the new Zelda, Pokemon Sun/Moon, possibly the detective Pikachu game and even Project Giant Robot. There's also tons of indie games still to come. I'm sure Nintendo could make an event out of that.

@djtwenty9 crazy how you always find someone who will defend Nintendo to the absolute fullest..

Having E3 for one game only is laughable.. How can anyone think that ignoring everything else on Wii U and 3DS is a good thing??

@A01 they fired two of them. That is nowhere near half. One broke their no unauthorized press policy and the other i don't even want to get into. It was the right thing to do on both accounts.

@rjejr that first post absolutely nailed it dude

@kobashi100 personally I think e3 is loosing its importance. Ea and one of the other big companies (can't remember which) have also decided not to have a press event at e3 this year.

@kobashi100 it's crazy for you to think that Nintendo is going to ignore everything else coming to WiiU and 3DS. Really bro? let them have their time with Zelda, its been in development for over 5 years, they are obviously proud of it and want to showcase it. If you worked on something for over 5 years I am sure you would want to do it justice and give it the most coverage and attention as you could.

@CTMike Keep in mind that Nintendo doesn't have control over when Pokemon is shown. That's up to The Pokemon Company, who may have wanted to do their own thing for that game.

@SanderEvers This right here. People need to quit acting like E3 is the be all and end all of gaming events. The truth is E3 has been gradually losing relevance every year. Its very telling when a lot of companies not just Nintendo are trying to distance themselves from 3 more and going for their own personal press events or cheaper live streams. EA, Activision and Disney wont even have booths this year and EA is hosting their own dedicated event as well

welp!
Xbox and Playstation's E3 it is.
call me when they HAVE something that's not zelda.

If Nintendo want to make themselves more relevant at E3, this isn't helping.

@djtwenty9 Let them have their time with Zelda? They can do that while showing other games. And don't you tell me they will show other stuff.Cause that's a lie and you know it.

Also just because its in depth doesnt mean they will spoil everything. You people are just overreacting as usual. If all the rumors are correct this may be one of the biggest games Nintendo has ever produced yet so it makes sense they would want to devote a good chunk of time to it. PM Color Splash and Metroid FF are PR poison so it doesn't surprise me they were reluctant to show those games. Also whats wrong with a sweepstakes?

Also part of me guesses one day will be devoted to zelda and the rest may show other games

Last year, everyone was complaining that there was no Zelda at E3.
Nw everyone is complain that there's JUST Zelda at E3.
Balance, Nintendo. Find it.

@rjejr lol

I'm excited can't wait but I hole it stays spoiler free tho.

I just want a trailer, a title (other than zelda wii u/nx) and hopefully, though doubtfully, info on what the nx iteration will include. Anything else is a spoiler so I wont be watching the full treehouse show.

@Grumblevolcano that what I was thinking they would do it all together. Also they might put stuff in during to treehouse.They could do a direct around the first of the month like last year for all the 3ds games.

Nintendo are resetting. Looks like 2017 will be the start of a new era for them. Zelda at E3 is better than an actual 'no show' guys. They told all of us they are transforming. They have revealed the infrastructure of the company and the hardware forms are changing. What? You think all that they talked about last year happens in a few months?

I have exams to revise for, so I probably won't be watching. I guess this makes it a good thing that they're not showing anything off this year?

@hYdeks Sometimes it seems they think NA is just USA.

you know what? Im certain that when it DOES come out the new Zelda will be a wonderful game. But after playing incredible, expansive and beautiful games like Uncharted 4, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Xenoblade Chronicles X, im just not too excited or hyped anymore for Zelda when open world games of similar or, arguably, superior ilk are already available. If Zelda is all they are showing at E3 Im sure it will do nothing but add further damage to an already damaged Nintendo. I am actually praying that Nintendo are bare faced liars and fully intend to reveal NX and other wii u games at E3, but I highly doubt that is the case. I think Nintendo just simply dont care about Wii U anymore and would rather remain silent until the NX reveal.

@TruenoGT NX in March is something I do get, hardware doens't grow on trees, and Ninteod isn't a hardware manufacturing company, they have to rely on other companies to make the hardware for them, so if they wont' have enough stock ready for a worldwide launch until March 2017 - I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on that one - then March it is. I live in the US but even I thought it was unfair that the west got the Sony PS4 in Nov but they made their home country Japan wait until Feb the following year. And Nintneod seems more Japan focused than Sony. So launch in March everywhere at once, one fell swoop, I get that.

It's not talking about NX at E3 I don't get. Besides all the AAA titles NX won't get that will be shown at E3, there are 3rd party titles Ntinedo does get, like the Lego games and toys-to-life, that probably will be announced at E3. But when they are shown at E3, well they can't be shown on NX if it isn't there. Those other companies might not even be allowed to mention NX getting them if NX isn't there. So the questions will be, will NX get those games after it launches? Squenix confirmed DQ11 on NX before changing to "considering NX". Companies usually don't confirm games on hardware that isn't unveiled yet, so I'm afraid NX may miss out on those. And my family buys all of those - Skyalnders, Lego, Disney Infinity. Will NX get those? We haven't purchased Lego Dimensions yet b/c I'm afraid Wii U won't get the next game and I may be forced to buy a new starter pack. No NX at E3 means we won't know about 3rd party games on NX that may release next year.

@Marshi You forgot Witcher 3. Which I haven't played, but the lastest screenshots and trailer for the upcoming DLC expansion pack remind me of Zelda U.

Mushroom Kingdom anyone?

@rjejr Wow, I never thought of it like that and you are spot on. Why on Earth are Nintendo showing off the Wii U version of Zelda but not the NX version? Whether they are different or the same is not the issue. The fact they have announced Zelda Wii U will be released on NX as well means there really should be information at this event as to what that actually means for the game. To me, there just isnt much point in watching this treehouse knowing that there is a potentially superior version on its way. Again, whether the games are different or not is NOT the issue. The fact only one version is being shown is.

@rjejr Wow, I never thought of it like that and you are spot on. Why on Earth are Nintendo showing off the Wii U version of Zelda but not the NX version? Whether they are different or the same is not the issue. The fact they have announced Zelda Wii U will be released on NX as well means there really should be information at this event as to what that actually means for the game. To me, there just isnt much point in watching this treehouse knowing that there is a potentially superior version on its way. Again, whether the games are different or not is NOT the issue. The fact only one version is being shown is.

@rjejr Wow, I never thought of it like that and you are spot on. Why on Earth are Nintendo showing off the Wii U version of Zelda but not the NX version? Whether they are different or the same is not the issue. The fact they have announced Zelda Wii U will be released on NX as well means there really should be information at this event as to what that actually means for the game. To me, there just isnt much point in watching this treehouse knowing that there is a potentially superior version on its way. Again, whether the games are different or not is NOT the issue. The fact only one version is being shown is.

@rjejr Wow, I never thought of it like that and you are spot on. Why on Earth are Nintendo showing off the Wii U version of Zelda but not the NX version? Whether they are different or the same is not the issue. The fact they have announced Zelda Wii U will be released on NX as well means there really should be information at this event as to what that actually means for the game. To me, there just isnt much point in watching this treehouse knowing that there is a potentially superior version on its way. Again, whether the games are different or not is NOT the issue. The fact only one version is being shown is.

@rjejr Yeah, The Witcher 3 is basically adult Zelda. Or ZeldaXGame of Thrones!

I have literally no clue why one of my comments is repeated four times...apologies!

@NewAdvent I did not realise before, but Nintendo Life will surely write around 650 articles about the E3 Zelda footage before we can play the game 9 months later. As a Zelda fan, it's going to be difficult to avoid the spoilers, but my first choice is not watching Nintendo's conference this year.

@faint but EA wont be showing 1 game only from future releases.

thats the big difference. EA will have multiple games on show @ E3

@rjejr I never said the argument made sense, but it very much sounds like Nintendo logic. I understand that Wii U development is winding down, but they should have at least put some effort into making a small group of eShop titles, ports, or even badly desire Virtual Console titles to talk about. Nor does this explain why there will be nothing but silence on the 3DS/New 3DS releases.

I personally suspect that we are not seeing the NX version because it is not anywhere near being presentable. The majority of the development of this game was targeting the Wii U and hopefully they are adding better graphical effects, AI, and features to the NX version. Plus if, as speculated, this is a true departure from the PowerPC processors to a standard x86 based one, they may be having difficulty making a port run well.

@Octane @Darknyht

OK, so I took a break for breakfast and thought about Zelda NX and have decided U could be the better version if NX is either a handheld console, it just won't have the power, like how HW Legends is watered down, or a PS4/X1 clone w/ a normal controller, so no map and item switching on a touchscreen which this game is built around.

So NX version could be a let down. Won't stop people from wondering and questioning why it isn't being shown at E3, but it could be why they arne't showing it on NX at E3, they dont' want people to be disappointed in the limited NX hardware. Though if the gimped handheld version has TV out that portability and choice might impress people more than just graphics on Wii U. And an NX home console comparable to the other 2 w/o any gimmicks might garner them some praise.

You guys are smart, does either Zelda U or Zelda NX have a release date besides 2017? Did they ever say "March 2017" for either one? I'm still wondering if NX is a home console in March then a handheld 3DS replacement for he holiday that works in tandem like the Wii U, in which case Zelda NX may work better w/ both NX consoles combined than just the home console, so maybe Zelda NX doens't release until Nov 2017 to give people a good reason to buy both pieces of hardware?

If it turns out NX is both a separtely functioning $250 home console and $200 handheld console in Nov, but both work together seamlessly as s super console forming the NX platform for games like Spa2oon, SFZ and Zelda NX, then maybe it is worth skipping E3 after all, that would be A LOT to cover and would require peoples undivided attention. That would be some unveil.

Ad this is why I hate waiting, wasting my day speculating.

@Trinexx no digital event has been scheduled!

pathetic!

@Yorumi I know what your saying. It isn't doing you or me any favours that's for sure! Nintendo though...they make these changes and manage a mass market appeal (whatever market it might be:P) then they are starting as they mean to go on...and actually does do them a favour. But you are right, defo not us lol.

Can't participate to sweeptakes because I live in the only place in Canada that is excluded.

@VanillaLake That is probably the best point of the whole thread! SMH (@ all the coverage, not you!)

@Marshi "ZeldaXGame of Thrones"

Sold!

Now how do you market Zelda in light of that?

"It's like the Witcher 3, but for kids."

Which is a joke, but fine by mean, I like having games for my kids to play. Does nothing for their "kiddy" image, but since my kids are kids I'm fine with it. And I have no problem playing "kiddy" games, and I have to wonder about anybody who does, they are games after all, not life or death. I can play both, I'm in touch w/ both my Jekyll and Hyde sides.

No worries about the 4 emails, it happens.

No Digital Event scheduled doesn't mean no Digital Event at all. Let's not jump to conclusions. They could have it the week before e3 as well.

@Octane Not sure about my personal intelligence on any given day, but I appreciate the compliment. I really don't know, as there is enough unknowns in this situation that it is anyone's guess.

About the only thing I am certain of is that their current announcements for E3 look poorly thought out as @rjejr said. As much as I want to believe they will surprise us on the other two days of E3, it would be equally in line for them to do just what they said and nothing more. I think that they sunk a ton of money into marketing Splatoon, Smash Bros, and Mario Maker at events and unfortunately got little in return. Without Iwata's passion for Directs and Treehouse Live, we may be seeing the end of it.

@GrailUK Thank you!

Nintendo could release lots of VC games on 3DS and Wii U and have something more to show at E3 than just ONE Wii U game that is going to be released next year. They could make up for extremely poor Wii U support releasing plenty of cheap VC games for the fans that have been supporting the platform since its launch.

I hope the gameplay feels like a step forward and isn't just 'Zelda with tilt control aiming'.

@rjejr Well in the past, marketing a new Zelda game was a simple case of announcing that there IS one and hype would generate. Zelda games in the past were stand out events, masterpieces of game design and inovation. But this one, and with the numerous remasters and smaller adventures on handhelds. And with Tryforce heroes (multiplayer zelda based on fashion?!...no) there is a definite decline in excitement. Especially when Zelda games are no longer the only mastercrafted third person action adventure series out there.

I hope Nintendo realizes they've alientated themselves from the fans of their works who aren't into Zelda. Like... really? There really should be much more to what they're bringing to E3 this year. I hope this is all just a hype-builder tactic because otherwise this year's E3 will just be plain boring for me.

@Darknyht "Without Iwata's passion for Directs"

I said when he passed they shouldn't have any more. But they did, and they were fine. Does feel like the enthusiasm for them is lacking though. We did get the Starfox puppet commercials, so they haven't abandoned fun, but I can't imagine Kimishima acting the same way as Iwata and his banana, he's a businessman, not a gamer.

2 1/2 years ago...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kXnTYsHOd5E

@Marshi 1998 was a long time ago. (OoT)

I do think Zelda U can and will do well, what else is there to do on Wii U?, but it's "event" days may be behind it. Though if the rumour of voice acting is true, and it really is open world, it could garner some attention.

I wish it well.

This truly is the Nintendo Difference.

Putting all your eggs in one basket is a dumb move every time, BUT when you only have one egg to show...

@rjejr Zelda is just '2017', not March 2017. It's a little weird, everyone is expecting it to be a launch title (how much longer can the delay be), but if that's the case, why not just say 'March 2017'? Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it's rather questionable. Their press site said 'March 2017' at first, but as soon as news sites started to report on the so-called confirmation of March, Nintendo decided to remove it and replaced it with just '2017'. So they're making sure that it's '2017' and not March.

I wouldn't worry too much about the version differences. NX will replace the Wii U, that much is clear from the investor's meeting. A new home console should be able to run Zelda without any problems. I don't think there will be a ''superior'' version. Maybe the NX version runs at 1080p, instead of 720p, but I think that would be only difference. Don't know about the controller, although while I prefer a map on a GamePad, I don't think it's a selling point. I've played many Zelda games without a GamePad, and I enjoyed those too. Pressing a button to open a map isn't going to bother me. Twilight Princess was pretty much the same on both systems, I cannot see them doing something radical with either version of the new Zelda.

@Barbiegurl777
Have you tried many RPGs? They're quite varied. Maybe you just haven't found the kind you'd like yet?

I think I am going to avoid any news at all if I can

This is Nintendo's Transition year towards the NX and it's painful.

The Zelda deluge shall be worth it though.

Sounds really exciting to me. Zelda U is the one and only first-party Nintendo game that I'm always extremely eager to hear more of. A full day of live coverage with developer interviews and the like sounds fantastic after this long, loooong wait.

Hopefully there'll be a lot of Aonuma talking in there. I love the guy.

Also, if they held a separate presentation for various other games that should be fun as well, but I'm nowhere near as interested.

@Jaredfrogman Better check your math bro, Dec 5th 2014 was 1 and a half years ago. But yeah, it's been a LONG time!

@rjejr Me too mate.

As great as a whole day of coverage for this game sounds, this still sounds like a bad idea. It makes it seem like Nintendo has nothing new planned for the rest of the year which i know isn't true

@Octane "Their press site said 'March 2017' at first, but as soon as news sites started to report on the so-called confirmation of March, Nintendo decided to remove it and replaced it with just '2017'. So they're making sure that it's '2017' and not March."

Thanks for that. Helps to explain my confusion a bit. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks it's mostly done on Wii U, or fairly close to it, and they are just holding it back for the NX dual release - it was supposed to be out in 2015 after all - but I'd like to think after all this time Nintendo will give it to Wii U owners ASAP and make NX owners wait at least 3 months. I'm all about fairness.

2017 for Zelda U, even Jan 1st 2017, is a blow though for a game Anouma said would be out in 2015. And Reggie confirmed 2016. And Miyamoto said 2016.

On how Nintendo showed Zelda Wii U last year even though it seemed like a Q3 game…

Fils-Aime: “No, but when we showed it last year, we believed it was a 2015 game.”

On whether he worries that not showing it sends the message to current/potential Wii U owners that it’s not a 2016 game…

Fils-Aime: “No. I don’t believe that it sends that messages. In fact, in separate interviews [Shigeru] Miyamoto has reinforced that it’s a 2016 game, and I also believe he’s reinforced that it’s a Wii U game because I know that there is that thinking floating around.”

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/18/e3-2015-why-nintendo-didnt-show-zelda-wii-u

Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.. .smh

Wow how lame!

I think MadMen Football has been moved to NX for a launch title.

That's it so far? For the second or third day this is fine, but no Direct = No E3

@rjejr I actually think it was going to release in 2016 though, with a plan to release in 2015. The NX and a new perception of customer expectations (Zelda meets Skyrim) likely prompted them to beef up the content of the game considerably.

One day, I hope to see an exposé on it. Actually with all the time to focus on just one game, we could get the whole story from Nintendo. Not likely but you have to talk about more than the content of the game or there'd be nothing left to discover.

This game better cream my pants!

@aaronsullivan Well it can't all be game play. How many interviews and videos did Anouma do for TP:HD, a 10 year old game, about 650? There will be a 6 hour travelogue of all the places in the world Anouma has visited which inspired him in making this game, like yarn Yoshi lady and Miysamtot's SFZ journey thru the Japanse garden.

Can't imagine watching more than a few minutes of any of it.

@rjejr I don't know; it's not that different from the way things went with Twilight Princess. There was massive hype for it as Gamecube game (IIRC, people literally cried at the reveal trailer). They promoted it as a Gamecube game for a very long time before eventually revealing that it would release alongside the Wii, where it was a resounding, system-selling success. I don't know what the attach rate was on Twilight Princes with Wii sales, but I bet it was massive.

I understand that the difference here is that we already know the game will release on both systems, but still, it's not like it's a massive departure from the Twilight Princess route. And of course, just because it worked with TP doesn't mean it works with this one. Just pointing out that this is not completely unprecedented.

Oh wow... i love Zelda but i hope they show other games.

This might be another bad E3 (i hope not)

@3MonthBeef I worry that the slo-mo dismount and arrow shot might get old quickly.

The fact that they haven't announced a Direct yet is concerning, surely Zelda isn't ALL they have to show? I bet we will see those unannounced 3DS games along with footage of games we already know about to fill out the presentation. I have a feeling this year could be quite disappointing but then again I am unlikely to be any more let down than I was last year, not that it is saying much.

Not feeling it for that Zelda. I think a lot of people will be disappointed.

Let's be honest here. If there was ONE game that deserved to get an entire days worth of coverage, it would be a Legend of Zelda game.

To me, Zelda is a magical game franchise that is held above all else. Everything else Nintendo could show would just be bread sticks compared to this. I'm already all in for the NX. MP:FF, Pokemon S&M, and EarthBound 2* will be plenty of new from Nintendo to tide me over until the the launch of the NX.

*with so few projects coming from Nintendo, there is no way they don't localize Mother 3. My feelings on this have nothing to do with the rumors.

E3 2015: "Wow, that sucked. I wish they at least talked about Zelda"
E3 2016: "Wow, this is going to suck, they're only talking about Zelda"

I don't really care about E3 anymore. 95% of the announcements have never really resulted in me being through the roof excited for more than a mere few days after the announcement. Seriously, To get that hyped up over something, then to have to wait MONTH or even YEARS to fulfill the excitement has never been my thing. I'm kind of glad Nintendo is giving a giant middle finger to the current generation of "me, first; I want it now" social media people. Announce it when you're ready, Nintendo. I'll still buy it. E3 never has and never will change that.

I wish I could be more excited by Zelda U, but as a Wii U owner, I can't shake this nagging feeling that's I'm getting screwed over so Nintendo can port this game to the NX.

I don't buy for a second that Zelda U would not have been ready for the Wii U by November. Rather, I think the game will be held back until after the NX version comes out. In fact, the Wii U version could very well be delayed for months to ensure the NX version gets all the attention.

They did this once before with Twilight Princess. It was announced for the Gamecube in 2004, and kept getting delayed, with the final delay being in 2005 when the announced they were working on a Wii version.

Come 2006, and the Wii version gets all the attention and fanfare. For loyal Gamecube owners like me, we got our version a month later. Forgotten and tossed out like Nintendo was giving us one final bone to chew on.

I wanted to play Zelda U this year. Now, I have to wait in line while Nintendo ports this to the NX.

We are looking at another Twilight Princess here, and I do feel somewhat bitter about that.

@earthboundlink Zelda by the numbers

Those Zelda numbers can be funny

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 8.58m
Wii: 7.26m
GC: 1.32m

So on Wii, were it sold much better, it had an attach rate of about 7.25%. On Gamecube, were it didn't sell nearly as well, it had an attach rate of about 6.6%, so close to the same.

Carry that thru to Wii U 13.5m install base and you are looking at about 700,00. So it better sell well on NX after spending 4 years and who knows how much money on it.

And one note of concern, LoZ:SS sold 3.67m on 101m Wii, so that's an attach rate of 3.7%. That would only be about 400,000 Zelda U sold on Wii U. That would be a catastrophe. But I can see it happening, game has bne delayed twice now, and not by a few motnhs by a year each time, and people may wait for the NX version. But if NX doesn't sell, well this could easily be one of the worst selling Zelda games of all time, no matter how good it may be.

Maybe I'll wait for the PS4 port? Those 5 upcoming mobile app games tells me - never say never. And several of my favorite Dreamcast games came to PS2, so you never know. OK, maybe PS5.

@rjejr
So much bad logic there man.
You've confused yourself by looking at percentages. That's really not a very reliable guide.
It was only about 7% of the Gamecube users who bought Twilight Princess specifically BECAUSE so many of them got the Wii version instead. And it wasn't higher than 7% on the Wii because so many Wii users were casuals who weren't remotely interested in Zelda.
It'll be the same with the Wii U. It'll only be as low as 7% IF most of the Wii U owners get the NX. If they don't, it won't just be 7% on the Wii U. It'll be a lot more than that.
Wind Waker HD sold to 15% of the userbase. And that's just a remaster.

@Dezzy "it won't just be 7% on the Wii U"

Well here's the entire problem, not just with logic or percentages.

The game was announced in 2014 as a 2015 release. Then in 2015 it was delayed until 2016. Then in 2016 it was delayed until 2017. Then they announced the Wii U exclusive was also releasing on NX in March 2017. But then they removed the March part so it's still only releasing in "2017" not March. (see post #169) And Wii U has basically nothing coming out the rest of 2016.

So what are Wii U owners to do? Sit around playing nothing the 2nd half of 2016, getting nothing under their tree for Christmas while they wait for NX in March - maybe in March, that's still 10 months away, could be delayed - or do they start looking at Xbox 1 and PS4, and all the games they have to offer, games like The Witcher 3 which looks similar to Zelda U. And PS4 upcoming exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn or No Man's Sky. I honestly don't follow Xboxen but it must have some games I suppose.

So, are the 13.5m Wii U owners going to take 6 months to maybe a year off from gaming waiting for Zelda U and NX and Zelda NX, or are they going to buy another console later this year and play other games? And if they buy another console for Christmas, or their parents buy it for them, will they get a NX in March? Will they rush to get Zelda U when it releases?

Nintneod's stranglehold on it's fanbase, even it's most ardent fanbois, is waning. This long mediocre gaming gap isnt' helping.
Who knows how Zelda will sell on any console?

So what is your explanation for that 3% install base for Wii exclusive Skyward Sword? I didn't see you mention it anywhere. Here's one explanation - perhaps people are sick of the same old Zelda story, no voice acting, no real revolutionary changes in the game. 3.67m is one of the lowest selling home Zelda's only slightly better than MM. And since we've seen so little of Zelda U you can't really say how it will sell. Will it be the greatest Zelda adventure ever, or will people simply say ho hum?

Its easy to play fast and loose with statistics I'll admit, but it's harder to predict the future sales of a game we know hardly anything about.

Here's what we know -
delayed for a year, not once but twice
install base of current console is only 13.5m, with only another 0.8m expected to sell over the next 12 months
next console wont launch for another 10 months
next console will get the game, but that version we won't be shown at E3 so it could be worse, better, or the same
the last home console Zelda sold poorly for a Zelda game and had the advantage of a huge hardware install base

So based on what we do know, I'd be hard pressed to expect great sales from the next home console Zelda game. Might be a great game and sell poorly, might be a poor game and sell great as Wii U owners just buy it after waiting 3 years. But based on everything we know so far, I'm not expecting a blockbuster by Zelda standards.

@rjejr I think it will sell poorly on Wii U but do alright on NX.Nintendo consoles usually sell well at launch,even the Wii U had a good start.Maybe they'll launch with a special Zelda bundle? As for Skyward Sword ,I think many were put off by the motion controls and with it coming so late in the Wii's life,it was never going to be a big seller.

@OorWullie "As for Skyward Sword ,I think many were put off by the motion controls and with it coming so late in the Wii's life,it was never going to be a big seller."

Late in the Wii's life? Zelda U is coming about a year after Wii U will be dead an buried, unless there are going to be a lot of games announcements at E3. And we don't know how Zelda NX will play. Motion controls? Gyro controls? Who knows.

Bundle would be nice though. Can you imagine all the whining on here if NX gets a Zelda NX bundle at launch after Wii U fans have ben waiting nearly 3 years for it? We pretty much already know there wont' be a Wii U bundle or Nitnod would not have predicted only 800,000 Wii U sales. It's a mess.

@TwilightOniAngel Would you look at that????? So Nintendo won best of E3, with one game... But wait, they even showed some other games... WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT!? lol

@electrolite77 So Nintendo won Best of E3... Wow, maybe people will buy more WiiU's.... Actually, I am almost certain that the WiiU will sell a lot more systems.

@TwilightOniAngel So Nintendo didn't win best of E3... Zelda did... but Nintendo made Zelda... Great logic there buddy, and ya I just wanted to rub in your stupid face because you thought I was full of poop.

_{Watch the language...-Megumi}

@TwilightOniAngel lol I like how my comment got moderated, probably because you reported it like the little weasel you are. Snitches get stitches don't forget. And Sony's conference was so much better than Microsoft, did you really just say Microsoft? No one cares about who's presentation was best, E3 is about the games and people just get so hissy because Nintendo showed one of the best if not the best of the show, people were so hissy about Nintendo mainly only showing Zelda... but when you have mobs of people stampeding to Nintendo's booth... Ya Nintendo won, playboy!! Lol sukka

@TwilightOniAngel @djtwenty9 calm down guys please.