Wrapping up the large scale press conferences from each of the console makers, Nintendo took center stage this morning in Los Angeles to make their play at the annual E3 video game expo.

Their goal was simple - unveil the Wii U, showcase that they have what it takes to kick start the next generation of systems, and try to bring themselves back to the top of the gaming world, having started at #1 this gen but tapered off as this console generation has moved forward.

Here’s a summary of what was shown, and my thoughts on it.

-Ready Or Not, Here’s The Wii U…

Nintendo promised to showcase the Wii U, and showcase it they did, with a mix of classics returning (New Super Mario Bros U, Pikmin 3), upgraded versions of current generation favorites (Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, the multiplayer Scribblenauts Unlimited) and new 3rd party titles that really take advantage of the new system’s capabilities (ZombieU, LEGO City: Undercover). They even announced a new WiiSports like game to get gamers accustomed to the new WiiU Game Pad called NintendoLand, featuring a dozen Nintendo themed mini games which showcase different elements of the new tablet-styled controller.

-But are gamers ready for it?

As great as the games looked, and really, they look quite fun - I’m not 100% sure the audience Nintendo is aiming for here. Sony clearly is grabbing the gamers who want something new and different. Microsoft grabbing those who want more of the popular franchises. Nintendo…uh…wants the people who have abandoned the Wii for their iOS devices? I really don’t think that another expensive system, with sure to be expensive controllers, are what the casual gamer wants. And the hardcore gamer is being pretty well met by MS and/or Sony. And it really doesn’t help that we didn’t get a release date or cost for this device, even if they fixed a lot of the issues (2 GamePads now work for the Wii U, the Online looks great, etc.).  Oh, and if the specs are true, if/when the Xbox 720 or PlayStation 4 drop, Nintendo will be left in the technical dust. Again.

-It All Comes Down To Games

While I can argue the business strategy above, and say that everything looked great, what’s really going to matter is how the Wii U plays. Much like the Wii before it, there are many concepts involved that aren’t like anything console gamers are accustomed to.  Sure, Nintendo came out with a LOT of games, but if they control like crap, none of them will be worth it.  I trust that Nintendo will deliver, and if they do, I feel like I’m really going to like the Wii U…but I can’t say I’m 100% sold on it until that big ol' gamepad is in my hands.

It was a weird press conference to watch - full of content, but it felt slightly detached.  I really want these games to be great (and that’s true of any of the 3 companies right now), but Nintendo more than anyone else has a LOT to prove, and just TELLING me how great things are going to be isn’t going to sell me entirely.

So ends my recap of the big press conferences. I’ll be keeping an eye on the sites, and if any other trailers or other content grab me, I’ll be sure to write it up.

Source: The Verge