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What to expect from Nintendo at E3 2017
From Super Mario Odyssey to Pokémon Stars, here’s what we expect to see at Nintendo’s E3 showing.
Nintendo’s taken a step back in recent years from the huge E3 press conferences that Microsoft and Sony still usually put on, opting for a more low-key, pre-recorded digital show. Dubbed Nintendo Direct, it gives us plenty of new information along with some ridiculous skits and unique ways to present games not generally possible on stage. And it’s one way to avoid embarrassment.
At this year’s E3, Nintendo has already pledged that they’ll be streaming multiple events. On June 13, they’ll be showcasing upcoming games that are coming out for the Switch in 2017, including Super Mario Odyssey. You’ll also be able to stream a Nintendo Treehouse Live event, which will show off more Switch and 3DS games. There’ll also be a show floor presence that will give attendees a first playable look at Mario’s upcoming sandbox title, while the Japanese gaming giant has also promised to put on tournaments for both Splatoon 2 and ARMS, letting gamers get hands-on with these upcoming titles.
We bet that’s not all Nintendo have to show, though. Ahead of next month’s huge E3 expo, we’ve put together a list of what we expect Nintendo will show off. Read on for all the details.
Super Mario Odyssey
Expect more from Super Mario Odyssey
© Nintendo
Nintendo’s already promised a presence for the latest Mario adventure, and we’re sure to learn more about the plucky plumber’s upcoming odyssey. It’s a welcome return to the 3D free-roaming adventures of the past, last seen in Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel. But aside from a few hints into what the game’s actually about, Nintendo’s been keeping quiet about what we’re going to be playing.
So far, we’ve seen a few traditional Mario-style stages to explore. But there’s also New Donk City, a sort of pastiche of NYC, which is already raising all sorts of questions, as well as his new hat, which sports eyes. With the game set to be playable at this year’s show, you can bet Nintendo will be revealing more info on its upcoming Switch star.
More on Fire Emblem Warriors
Expect to see Fire Emblem Warriors
© Nintendo / Intelligent Systems / Koei Tecmo
During Nintendo’s pre-launch Switch conference, we were given a glimpse of a glut of titles, and Fire Emblem Warriors was among them. Just like Zelda was given the huge hack ‘n’ slash treatment with Hyrule Warriors, the RPG world of Fire Emblem is being given a musou makeover by Koei Tecmo, and it looks like a match made in Heaven. With a large cast of characters, each with their own weapons, you can bet that Fire Emblem Warriors will give you a great amount of mindless button-mashing fun.
As with Hyrule Warriors, there’s also a New 3DS version on the way. But it’s the Switch version that you should really be looking out for. It’ll be the better looking of the two, and will surely be more fun to take on the go. We haven’t heard much more on the game since its original announcement, but with a fast-arriving release date of Autumn 2017, you can bet you’ll see more of it at this year’s show. A new mainline Fire Emblem game is in the works for the Switch, but with a release date of 2018, we’re not sure we’ll see much of it at this year’s E3.
Ports could be on the way
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has proved a success
© Nintendo
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold like gangbusters on the Switch, despite it being released for the Wii U before, but it could also signal that Nintendo can tap into plenty of its past titles that didn’t find as large an audience as they deserved on the failed console. By re-releasing some of these games on the Switch, they have a second chance that could bring in new fans and let gamers take them properly on the go. Some 3DS titles which looked like they were held back by the handheld’s limitations could be on the way and given a souped-up version on Nintendo’s latest console. Keep your eyes peeled, as we reckon Nintendo’s planning these for the Switch – they could be revealed at this year’s E3:
Super Smash Bros. for Switch
Smash Bros. could be on the way to Switch
© Nintendo
It’s a no-brainer for Nintendo: the gaming giant’s all-star brawler on the Wii U showcased the latest and greatest for the series, with a huge roster of characters and incredible stages. It’d be absolutely perfect to take on the go with the Switch. Nintendo of America’s big boss, Reggie Fils-Aime, has already stated that there’s a desire for Super Smash Bros. to hit the Switch, and there have been rumours that a Switch port is already in the works.
Smash always sells well for Nintendo, and while the 3DS and Wii U versions were pretty similar, they did have some exclusive stages and different game modes between them. An all-inclusive Switch version that packs in everything from both games sounds like it’d be a recipe for success. If you don’t see it at E3, it’s surely going to happen soon.
Pokémon Stars
Is Pokémon in the works for Switch?
© Nintendo / Game Freak / The Pokémon Company
With the release of Pokémon Sun & Moon on the 3DS, gamers were given one of the best Pokémon adventures yet. It shook up the formula, brought in all-new critters and gave a facelift to many fan favourites. While the game itself pushed the 3DS to the limits, at times it felt like it was held back by the aging handheld, and one persistent rumour has hinted that there could be a third game on the way that’ll release on Switch.
Data miners have found in the files of Sun & Moon plenty of cut features. An early trailer for the game showed off a developer working on a 3D model that looked way too advanced for the 3DS to handle – adding fuel to the fire that is a Switch Pokémon game release. Eurogamer has also unearthed more details and rumours on the third Pokémon game, along with the code name, Stars, and has heard from various sources that the game is well into development. If this Switch Pokémon title is on the way this year, you can bet that E3 is one of the best times to announce it.
Super Mario Maker
If this isn’t in the works for Switch, we don’t know what Nintendo is thinking.
More on the 3DS
The New Nintendo 2DS has arrived
© Nintendo
Nintendo recently revealed its New Nintendo 2DS, a low-cost handheld that slots between the regular 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS, giving you a clamshell design and no 3D, and it looks excellent. At this stage in the 3DS’ lifespan, and with the Switch now out with portable powers, you might be thinking that the 3DS doesn’t have long left, but that’s not the case.
There are a glut of titles on the way, with a new Pikmin game coming in July, a new Professor Layton title, a new action RPG from Square Enix in June, and more Monster Hunter later on in the year. While these already announced titles will surely give you plenty to play over the coming months, you can bet Nintendo has some new 3DS games on the way too that will give life to the aging handheld yet – can you believe that it’s six years old already?
Mario & Rabbids
Expect to see Mario with the Rabbids
© Ubisoft / Nickelodeon
Ubisoft’s weird Rabbids characters are set for a Mario crossover on Switch, and we could get a look at this year’s E3. The game has been rumoured to be in development for some time now, and is said to be on the way later in the year. Unlike what you’ve come to expect from the Rayman spin-off, the upcoming game is said to be a turn-based RPG dubbed Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, and will feature two-player local co-op. It’s one of the worst kept secrets we’ve heard to date for the Switch, and you can bet it’ll show up at this year’s show.
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