[caption id=“attachment_3804” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Image Courtesy of Kotaku.com”][/caption]

Yesterday, the Electronic Entertainment Expo was kicked off with the Microsoft Press Conference, which saw them reveal a new version of the XBox 360 and strike a direct hit against Nintendo with their new motion-control system, the Kinect.

Today, Nintendo started the morning with their press conference, amongst rumors flying about a 3D successor to the wildly popular Nintendo DS and a new Zelda game for the Wii. As the most successful of the 3 consoles currently, Nintendo had nothing to gain, but EVERYTHING to lose this year.  What innovations would they show? How do they plan to fight back against the Kinect and Sony’s Move controller?

Here’s a quick rundown of how Nintendo addressed those questions and so many more.

• The new Wii Zelda title was unveiled first, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, featuring a realistic looking Link, in a cel-shaded, almost painted style. It uses WiiMotion Plus for greater sword control, and the nunchuck is used as your shield. Due out in 2011.
• Mario Sports Mix, a game featuring Volleyball, Hockey, Dodgeball and Basketball for the Wii was also announced for 2011.
• Wii Party, a Mario Party-esq game letting you play as your Miis was announced next. It's due to come out for Christmas time, and like New Mario Bros Wii and Mario Kart, is designed as a "bridge title" for casual and hardcore gamers.
• Just Dance 2, an 8 player sequel to the (apparently?) popular Wii game Just Dance was showcased for release this year.
• Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, a top-down RPG for the DS was up next. It features stylus based puzzles and full-3D battles. Due this Christmas.
• RUMOR CONFIRMED - The remake of Goldeneye for the Wii (starring Daniel Craig as James Bond) was announced with an anticipated release in November.
• The Wii exclusive Epic Mickey was next on the docket, with a live presentation by Warren Spector (Deus Ex). It showcases a really unique artstyle, pushing the limits of the Wii. More games should be this visually interesting. Also intriguing was the decision making engine - you can choose easier or harder workarounds for different obstacles, and your choices effect gameplay.
• Kirby's Epic Yarn, from the creator of Kirby & Super Smash Brothers was revealed. It's a strange looking sidescroller where everything appears to be made of felt or yarn. Due this Fall.
• The very popular Japanese RPG for the DS Dragon Quest 9 was showcased in time for it's July 11th release.
• Metroid: Other M gameplay was shown, with both 2D and 3D sections. Due out on August 31st.
• Brand new Donkey Kong game announced, a 2D platformer featuring the Donkey Kong Country cast. Again - THIS HOLIDAY.
• Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo 3DS. This dual displayed portable console  (a 3.5" widescreen on top, smaller touchscreen on the bottom) features analog control (in addition to the D-pad), a 3D- depth control, two cameras (for 3D pictures), gyroscopic sensors and it's fully compatible with the DSi. They also announced the ability to watch 3D movies on it from Disney, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks. It also features an interesting WiFi system which automatically connects to available networks, downloading new content for your games, and connecting to nearby systems for cross-network gameplay.
• First Nintendo 3DS title announced: Kid Icarus: Uprising, a 3D sequel to the classic Nintendo game with Wii level graphics.
• Also for the 3DS - Nintendogs 3D, which will also feature cats! Their emphasis, not mine.
• Additional titles mentioned for the 3DS (not shown, just mentioned): DJ Hero 3D, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Professor Layton 3D, Resident Evil Revelations, Assassin's Creed and Metal Gear Solid (!!!).

With amazing looking new games from existing properties (Zelda, Goldeneye, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Metroid), innovative new titles like Epic Mickey, and the possible game changer in the 3DS,  unless Sony has some MAJOR surprises on deck, I’d say Nintendo has won E3. My only regret? No release date for the 3DS. You lured me in, but you didn’t go for the kill - why?