Despite a hiccup demoing the new Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Wii game, Nintendo earned back some "nerd cred" by resurrecting old school titles and officially announcing its next portable, the Nintendo 3DS at E3. Here's what Nintendo revealed:
- Nintendo 3DS features a 3.5-inch top screen that can display 3D graphics without the need for glasses. A slider lets you adjust how much depth you see or turn off the 3D completely. It also has motion and gyro sensors, plus two cameras for taking 3D photos. No release date or price yet. There's an analog Slide Pad in addition to a traditional D-Pad, and it's compatible with DSi games. It's also capable of showing 3D movies, though no formal studio partnerships were announced. Kid Icarus Uprising will be a 3DS launch title, and Nintendo promised strong third-party support with 3DS versions of Assassin’s Creed, DJ Hero, Kingdom Hearts, Madden NFL, Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil.
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, due in 2011, uses Wii MotionPlus for sword and shield. You can also charge up sun beam attacks, throw bombs and use a slingshot. Nintendo assured fans that the responsiveness is better than the E3 demo (which suffered from wireless interference).
- GoldenEye 007 reboot, due holiday 2010, is a Wii exclusive from Activision. It features Daniel Craig as Bond.
- Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii is due holiday 2010. It's a classic platformer reboot from the folks who brought you Metroid Prime (but not the forthcoming Metroid: Other M, which launches Aug 31).
- Mario Sports Mix for Wii (hockey, volleyball, basketball and dodgeball) is due in 2011.
- Wii Party, due for holiday 2010, is online-enabled with 13 party modes including board games and boat balancing.
- Kirby Epic Yarn for Wii, due this fall, looks like it's made with real yarn.
- Epic Mickey for Wii, due this year, is a Disney platformer that lets you add color with a paint brush and remove it with paint thinner. (But, will it teach kids the importance of proper ventilation and protective gear when using caustic chemicals?! At least Mickey wears gloves...)
- Just Dance 2, available fall 2010, includes more than 40 songs and a "just sweat" mode for workout fans.
- Dragon Quest 9 launches July 11 for Nintendo DS with 10-person multiplayer, 120 miniquests, 300+ monsters, 900+ items and infinite treasure maps.
Did somebody say Kingdom Hearts? And on a system I have/will buy? Fascinating...
When I first heard about the 3DS I thought: "How stupid will it look to wear 3D-glasses on the train?" But the I read that it's supposed to be 3D withoud the need for glasses and now I'm really excited about the 3DS!