Big News From Nintendo's E3 2005 Press Conference!!!

Each year on the eve of the annual Electronics Entertainment Expo, Nintendo holds an exclusive press conference to give the gaming media an early look at what Nintendo holds in store for the coming year.

This year, Nintendo came out swinging with huge announcements covering its next console Revolution, Game Boy Micro, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and a wide range of software for Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. As the press conference opened, Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co. Ltd., took the stage and showcased an impressive highlight reel of upcoming software.

When the video ended, an enthusiastic crowd cheered as Nintendo's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Reggie Fils-Aime, took the stage. After making a few observations about all the big numbers being tossed around in the pre-E3 speeches, Reggie displayed a single number on the jumbo screen behind him -- the number "2."

This drew some laughter from the crowd, and Reggie explained that the number represented the 2 billion games Nintendo has sold over the past 20 years -- an impressive number indeed. Reggie explained that Nintendo has always been a "content company" that creates software out of a love for making video games.

To demonstrate Nintendo's innovative approach to the video game industry, Reggie introduced world-renowned DJ David Hollands who delivered an impressive set of music mixed on two Nintendo DS systems while playing Electroplankton.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Reggie then shifted gears and talked about the new Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that will be available for Nintendo DS before the end of the year. He stated that Nintendo estimates that 90% of Nintendo DS owners will take advantage of this free service, which will enable players to compete against Nintendo DS owners around the world.

Other details about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS include:


Your favorite franchises are slated to be available via Wi-Fi by the end of the year, with Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS and a new Tony Hawk title from Activision scheduled to be among the first games compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment to manage the service’s architecture and navigation. Using IGN’s GameSpy Technology, you'll be able to connect wirelessly at any Wi-Fi hub, find your friends and begin racing, battling or chatting as easily as if they were sitting with you in the same room.
Mario Kart DS, due in Q4, lets up to eight players race against one another in classic Mario Kart fashion on new tracks and arenas. Zip through raceways and environments while firing shells at your opponents using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Animal Crossing DS, also due in Q4, gives players in different locations the ability to explore their worlds and manage their homes. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can hang out, collect items or visit with friends.
More than 25 publishers worldwide are working on titles that will use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendogs

The next special guest at the press conference was Tina Wood from G4TV, who happily showed off her prized pug "Mia" from Nintendogs for Nintendo DS. When she activated the game's "Bark Mode," her Nintendo DS barked when it noticed another Nintendogs game nearby. The crowd was pleased to discover that the new Nintedog, named "Mario," was owned by none other than Mario-creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Check out nintendo.com for more info on Nintendogs.

Game Boy Micro

After Tina and Mr. Miyamoto made their exit, Reggie returned to the stage to unveil the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, the Game Boy Micro. Coming this fall, the Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep. Reggie held up a Game Boy Micro system, which appeared impressively small. More information about Game Boy Micro is available at nintendo.com.

Revolution

After an impressive highlight reel showcasing upcoming GBA software, Mr. Iwata returned to the stage and gave the crowd what it was hoping for -- a first-look at a prototype of Nintendo's next console, code-name Revolution. Mr. Iwata revealed that Revolution will be arriving in 2006 and announced that the system will be backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube games. In addition, Revolution will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Mr. Iwata also announced that Revolution will feature wireless controllers and compatibility with the newly announced wireless gaming service Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Many attendees cheered when Mr. Iwata revealed that key franchises will be compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection at launch, including Super Smash Bros.

Other details about Revolution include:


Sophisticated Design. The new console is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together, and it was displayed in a variety of prototype colors at E3. The console will come with a sleek silver stand allowing it to be displayed vertically or horizontally.
Backward Compatibility. Revolution will play all of your favorite Nintendo GameCube games. An innovative self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. You can also equip a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.
Huge Historic Library. Revolution will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Big Names. Nintendo announced that new franchise properties will be added to current super-star franchises including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.
Wi-Fi Freedom. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment using Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendo GameCube Software

The Revolution news was a tough act to follow, but Nintendo's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications George Harrison was ready for the task and introduced awesome video footage of upcoming Nintendo GameCube titles including Battalion Wars, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and a collection of new Mario titles including Mario Baseball, Super Mario Strikers, Mario Party 7 and Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

George saved a real gem for last, and wrapped up the pre-E3 press conference with an incredible new video trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. You can watch the video for yourself and access new screenshots and character art by visiting www.Zelda.com.

You don't have to be an industry insider to get complete access to Nintendo at E3 2005. Complete coverage of Nintendo's booth and breaking news is available right here at nintendo.com. Nintendo