E3: New Wii Fit, Mario, Zelda at E3 - report

By Games Industry.biz Published 27 May, 2009

"Nintendo has learned its lesson."

Macquarie Research has suggested that Nintendo will show new Wii Fit, Mario and Zelda titles at E3 next week.

The company also repeated long-running expectations for a redesigned PSP from Sony, and Xbox 360 motion controller technology from Microsoft.

"We understand Wii Fit Plus will be launched at E3, which will be sold separately from the board and in a bundle and will capitalise on the 17 million existing Wii Fit users," said the firm.

"We expect Nintendo to learn its lessons from last year and provide more gamer-centric announcements at E3 such as a new Zelda or Mario title for the Wii (in addition to the new Zelda for DS). We do not expect a price cut and see an outside chance that new accessories for Wii could be announced," added the company.

The research firm said that a new PSP model, also expected to be revealed next week, may be too highly priced for the market.

"We don't think this will be well received, but we are worried the pricing might be well above the existing model's USD 199 price point.

"No price cut for PS3 is expected, but we think it likely the slimmer model is announced at the same current price of USD 399 and with a price cut of USD 100 closer to the holiday season," added Macquarie.

Nintendo's E3 press conference will take place on Tuesday, 2nd June. Tune in to Eurogamer for our live text and all the news as it happens, plus some rubbish jokes.

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Comments (50) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • MORZTAN #1 3 years ago

    I will believe it when I see it...

    Got me all worked up there, EG...

  • GamesConnoisseur #2 3 years ago

    Last time it was too obvious that they was trying to 'pre-empt' Sony and MS but ended up looking a darned fool! Theirs was the stinking worse show for hardcore gamer and please do not be concerned with what OTHERS do but rather focus on your own line up and give something FOR everyone... mass market and hardcore loyal fans!

    I m still waiting... new Zelda? Better be other than the new Zelda DS that we already know about.

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #3 3 years ago

    I think this sounds about right. I've been expecting "ooh big news" from Nintendo this year. I don't expect to actually SEE a new Mario or Zelda released this year, mind.

  • MORZTAN #4 3 years ago

    Hey EG!!!!

    At what time in England is the conference??

  • Toothball #5 3 years ago

    Hmm, I'm most interested in this new PSP. If it's anything like those mock-ups that have been going around, it should be quite a nice piece of gear.

  • SYS64738 #6 3 years ago

    Another Zelda...
    Another Mario...
    Another Wii Fit...

    come on Big N be more adventurous

  • CallousB #7 3 years ago

    They won't show a mainline Zelda game for the Wii..they wouldn't want to overshadow the new DS game.

    The most I'd expect would be Zelda 4 swords for Wiiware or maybe a basic cheap sword fighting game for MotionPlus (Links Sword Training).

    I think they'll show a Mario platformer..but I'm not sure if it will be Wii or DS.

    I do think we could see a new Miyamoto game for use with MotionPlus..I think the 'Marionette' puppeteering game may finally show up..as the concept seems to suit MotionPlus.
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 11:07

  • Spydy #8 3 years ago

    I think we'll see a new Mario point-and-click adventure and a new Zelda RTS. I'm pulling this stuff out from my ass, just like Macquarie Research.

    Yay.

  • Kremlik Verified Co-Founder, Crash To Desktop #9 3 years ago

    It'll be a new tetris and there IS a 'new mario' it's called Mario RPG 3 on the guess what - DS.

    Sorry but the big N will just be confiirming dates to titles we already know about - It'll be all Wii Motion Plus again this year, any 'big' accouncements will be either 'software' or new periffs, I highly dought they'll have any games we don't know about.

  • NeonStorm #10 3 years ago

    A new Mario or Zelda?

    So that'll be Super Mario Sunshine or Wind Waker for New Play Control then..

  • el_vicio #11 3 years ago

    I expect Pikmin 3 to be shown at E3 - if they show a new Mario or Zelda game, I'll be excited, but for now, I like to keep my expectations low.

  • SYS64738 #12 3 years ago

    @ Toothball

    Same here. Let's hope they aren't trying to compete with the iphone though as some sources suggest - stick to what the thing does best - games - instead of being stuck in the PSP brand's identity crisis. Also am praying that the new version isn't just another minor hardware revision a la DSi, no point in replacing my current 2000 model then (and giving me the potential headache of how my current game collection will work on the new kit).

  • Gnort #13 3 years ago

    Macquarie Research? So it's a bunch of suits trawling websites and blogs and reporting back what they find as some sort of analyst report? I highly doubt these guys have any inside info of their own.

  • Vistrix #14 3 years ago

    A slim PS3 would be awesome.

  • JeroenZM #15 3 years ago

    The 'rubbish jokes' are the reason I read your site, EG.

  • peterfll #16 3 years ago

    PeterFll Research has suggested that Nintendo will show new Mario and Zelda titles in the future “I would expect Nintendo to launch new games in these series” said a PeterFll spokesman yesterday “they’ll also likely to launch some more DS games, probably a couple we’ve not heard about before”. PeterFll went on to claim “another Mario Kart game is probably going to happen too – although we may, or may not, hear about that at E3 this year”.

  • Razz #17 3 years ago

    Research company in stating obvious shocker. ;)
    T
    I think any one of us could have made these "predictions".
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 11:43

  • MyPointIs #18 3 years ago

    lol

    I think the skill isn't in making predictions, but in getting paid to make them.
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 12:10

  • Dabs #19 3 years ago

    Misleading title.

  • Agent_Llama #20 3 years ago

    This is news? Some research group spouting some predictions? Come on EG, you can do better than that.

    And PLEASE Nintendo, something other than Mario and Zelda!

  • viper_h #21 3 years ago

    I'd love a new metroid game... But god forbid Nintendo actually bother making any games now that are worth a damn...

  • Canyarion #22 3 years ago

    Since when is guessing headline news???

    Waste of my time.

  • Toothball #23 3 years ago

    @SYS64738:

    Yeah, I skipped the last PSP revision. Was somewhat tempted, but fortunately my wallet dictated otherwise at the time. I could do without them trying to turn it into an iPod, but most important at the moment is how it will work with games. I can probably live with a shift to downloads if that's the way they're playing it, but until something is certain I'm not so keen on buying games either physically or digitally.

  • bluem4gic #24 3 years ago

    Nintendo's E3 Press Briefing 2009

    Introducing F-Zero Plus Use the steering wheel to drive your ships around the crazy tracks or even better press the big red button in the middle of the controller and let the game play itself while you sit back and relax. It is part of our new Wii control itself games range

    Also announcing Pikmin Three with even simpler puzzles so your grandad can play

    and not forgetting 1080 Freestyle. Swing your wii mote around in circles above your head while on the balance board to perform tricks. It the next generation of extreme sports titles

    Plus Wii Cook

    Now before anyone attacks me. I don't hate Nintendo but I am pissed with their direction this generation. So much so I think the wii will be the last Nintendo console I own if their current trend to only please the masses and discard their loyal fans.

    I am still pissed with them for taking out snaking in Mario Kart I will never forgive them for that
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 12:21

  • Golgo #25 3 years ago

    Super Mario: The Lost Galaxies.

  • lemonfist #26 3 years ago

    I'm looking forward to the rubbish jokes. Don't disappoint me, EG!

  • space_ace #27 3 years ago

    wii fitter

  • b00n #28 3 years ago

    I'm going to feel ripped off if Sony announces a PS3 Slim.. Paid a lot of money for the current one, so would feel quite annoyed by it.

  • makeamazing #29 3 years ago

    Releasing a slimline PS3 at the same price is pretty pointless imho.. .come on Sony, it would be better for you to release a slimline with slightly less bits in and then price it cheaper, even if its only $20-£30, that would be something. Also I cannot see the point in making a PSP smaller and then charging more for it.. not in the mess the world is in financially.

    If they do as the report says I will be shocked.

  • spekkeh #30 3 years ago

    I think a slimmer PS3 would make a lot of sense. I've bought a nice house, expensive interior and all and have no intention of putting that monstrosity anywhere near it. Haven't got the room either. A smaller PS3 I may be able to fit somewhere. The current PS3 caters to young people who have messy rooms or dorms, if they want to expand the market, they'd have to be more like the Wii.

    Wii Fit Plus is a giveaway, but I don't think we're going to see a new Mario any time soon. The last one isn't very old and was very, very good, too difficult to surpass. Miyamoto said he wasn't going to do a new Zelda unless in a completely new form (and quite rightly so, Twilight Princess was too samey and ultimately boring). Could be that WM+ is going to be used for that, but I'm not betting on it.

    I hope for a new IP, but would also like Pilotwings.

  • makeamazing #31 3 years ago

    Yes maybe one or two might buy a slimline PS3.. most people are not bothered by the size of the unit, but lets be honest..everyone knows the thing that is required is a price cut. Bringing out a slimline at the same price is not very sensible.

    Nintendo, I suspect will have a lackluster show to be honest.

  • waynenot #32 3 years ago

    "Nintendo has learned its lesson."

    And are going to do what? They've been dominating sales charts the world over by selling what they have been up till now - a new Zelda or Mario on Wii is going to change this 'bad' fortune?

    If they have learned anything - it's that listening to the hardcore doesn't make as much money as selling to grannies. Bet they're falling over themselves to replicate the financial performance of 'Twilight Princess', eh?

    The headline, as well as the report, is attention-grabbing, fact-free cobblers that anyone with a pc could speculate about.

  • ViralNinja #33 3 years ago

    This article had more speculation than it's headline implied

  • chrisjm #34 3 years ago

    is it mario sunshine with new play controls.

  • Vin #35 3 years ago

    Fanboy wish list, sadly.

    Nintendo's aim is always to displease.

  • Razz #36 3 years ago

    JUST GIVE US FZERO AND ALL WILL BE FORGIVEN. ;_;

    No matter how many times I shout it will never happen. ;_;

  • scouserfuller9 #37 3 years ago

    It's very rare for a new Super Mario game to be released so soon with Super Mario Galaxy only being released in 2007. It'd have to be either NPC: Super Mario Sunshine or a new Paper Mario title in my opinion.
    As for Zelda I don't think we will see it as in interviews they've said they wanna make a Zelda title better than Ocarina Of Time which will take some doing! But if we are to see one though we won't get it for at least 18 months. Can't see them releasing two Zelda titles the same time of year. Wouldn't be surprised if Zelda: Spirit Tracks is delayed to 2010!
    But just because I'm saying I don't think we'll see those games doesn't mean I think they'll have another poor E3. There's still DK, Metroid, StarFox, Kirby, etc... plus Mario can easily have more of his sporty titles such as golf. Speaking of Mario and sport are we ever gonna see Mario Baseball on the Wii? The USA have had it since August!

  • PanStre #38 3 years ago

    @ Morztan

    Tuesday 5pm (Sony's undoubtedly more interesting conference is at 7pm)

  • Burkey123 #39 3 years ago

    A new Zelda for Wii would be awesome.
    I really want a Kid Icarus adventure game. Pit from Brawl was cool. His bow/arrow and two swords looked really interesting and the M+ would work well with them. I have heard it got cancelled though :(
    I'm really looking forward Nintendo's conference. I hope they've learned from last year.

  • FenderMaster #40 3 years ago

    people actually get paid to make these predictions? jesus

    E3 2008: nintendo announced no big hardcore titles, nintendo's reputation is seriously tarnished as christmas rolls around, and all they've got is Animal Crossing 1.06, nintendo fans jump ship

    E3 2009: Nintendo must win back the hardcore, if not now, then they never will. Do they (a) anounce Wii Music 2, or (b) announce a new instalment in fans favourite (though tbh, overmilked) franchises

    yeah, it's a toughy

    Zelda is the most likely cndidate though. Twilight Princess was pretty much finished in 2005, then delayed until the wiis launch. That means that they've had 4 years to work on a new Zelda, more than enough time.
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 15:49

  • FenderMaster #41 3 years ago

    oh, and I'm sick of Zelda/Mario

    I want to see them create a new franchise, for core gamers.... that isn't cutesy...

    think ICO, one thing nintendo have never done is create a game with emotional depth, gamers have matured, it might be time...

  • MORZTAN #42 3 years ago

    @PanStre

    Thank you, my good sir.

    However I'm a bit of a Nintendo lover so I'll stick to their conference. Thanks anyway.

  • Zomoniac #43 3 years ago

    But didn't that silly bint t'other day say that releasing 2 decent games every 3 years was Nintendo's strategy for keeping the hardcore happy? This doesn't make sense.

  • NeonStorm #44 3 years ago

    At last year's E3 they gave us Wii Music and creepily demonstrated the concept of 'how to smile' pretty much every 30 bloody seconds.

    ANYTHING will be leagues ahead by default. But I'm not holding my breath...
    SEGA! Talk some sense into them, we NEED F-Zero...
    Edited by 1 at 27/05/09 @ 18:32

  • smelly #45 3 years ago

    Sooo much absolute fanboy driven ill-informed crap spouted on this thread... I dont know where to begin.

    so i wont.

  • captainrentboy #46 3 years ago

    .....Thank buggery for that.

  • itsfuzzy #47 3 years ago

    Ninty can stick their games up their ass.
    As a loyal fan since the NES i feel bummed by their Wii mote.
    Im sure all their casual gamers will save them from bankruptcy in the future.

  • onyx_elite #48 3 years ago

    Nintendo can sod off. They couldn't give a rats teste about gamers and haven't made anything decent in years. Except the DS, I like my DS.

  • SYS64738 #49 3 years ago

    "Another Zelda...
    Another Mario...
    Another Wii Fit...

    come on Big N be more adventurous "

    ----------------------------

    What, releasing a motion-sensing controller and balance boards isn't adventurous?

    At least wait til the real E3 before jumping the gun. Eurogamer could be relying on twitter "news" for posts like this.

    I was more referring to WiiFit > WiiFit+, not what i would call the second coming innovation wise. Suppose can't blame them for sticking to a winning formula.

    But yeah point taken re waiting for E3 - was initially only flicking over the article thinking it was based on official announcements rather than 3rd party guesswork.

  • sneetch #50 3 years ago

    So long as they actually show some "core"/traditional games I'll be happy. I will not be happy if they just show an image of Link or Mario next to some graphs, dole out assurances that they are working on these games and then stand there grinning as they try to tell us that that's what we were looking for. I want an indication that decent progress has been made and it might be out within a year to eighteen months (whatever it is).