After the first of a set of poor nights' sleeps, we were ready to press on and tackle what was arguably our most important coverage of the week: Nintendo's own press conference.
Here we'd see the unveiling of a brand-new title that simultaneously surprised and didn't surprise a bunch of people, as well as some pretty cool (at least for us media-types) bumpers we liked to call "Wii Montage".
I am told by our Canadian friends that this is a "French bagel".
We've just gotten our invites for the Nintendo conference... the check-in lists were fairly small as he thumbed through to find my name. It's graciously vacant here compared to previous years at the Kodak.
Delicious Nintendo hospitality just inside the lobby with some large generically styled Wii stand-ups adorning the sides. People are milling about waiting to see where to line up. Some larger Nintendo DS stand-ups also sit near a wall. It's really eerily quiet, completely empty compared to previous years, again.
Camera crews going in. Big screen says Nintendo.
First thing we notice when we get inside.
And we're inside. Lots of people. "I'm a Believer" playing over the loudspeakers. Big central setup of computers and HD video cameras no doubt for live streams. Generic publicity art on the upper walls. Pretty classy.
Some of the promo shots kicking around on the wall. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
We anxiously awaiting the start of the conference. There is a mystery fog - show starts in five!
Perrin... from the back, I guess.
Reggie takes the stage.
The Wii Zapper... housing for Nunchuk and Wii Remote. This week, use it with RE Chronicles at the show.
Mario Kart Wii in Q1 2008... online battle mode and variety of controls.
Wii Fit, with special balancing controller you stand on, do push-ups on... looks like a scale.
Miyamoto introduces Wii Fit.
Miyamoto shows off the Wii Balance Board... it's wireless and can even be used for other games. Also contains a "body check" measurement that Reggie is doing. Looks like it's measuring his weight.
Reggie's overweight, BMI 27. "Muscle is heavier than fat," Reggie says. "Good excuse," Miyamoto responds in English.
Here we'd see the unveiling of a brand-new title that simultaneously surprised and didn't surprise a bunch of people, as well as some pretty cool (at least for us media-types) bumpers we liked to call "Wii Montage".
Wake-Up & Nintendo Press Conference
Wednesday, July 11
Rise and Shine
Hey everyone, we've just risen from a night of slumber - the big day is today.
In about an hour we're going to head down to the Nintendo registration for the press conference today, and as always, providing the WiFi doesn't crash, we shall be live!
In about an hour we're going to head down to the Nintendo registration for the press conference today, and as always, providing the WiFi doesn't crash, we shall be live!
Breakfast
Tickets McGee
Inside the lobby
Still waiting around for them to open the doors to the main auditorium. Show starts in 45 minutes. Really filling up in here now.
Robot man?
There is a man with a large metal headpiece in front of me. I think his name is Yavier.
Inside the auditorium
We are live!
We've taken our seats, fifth row from the front on the right.
Should begin in about 20 minutes.
Should begin in about 20 minutes.
Lots of "oldies" music being played... I wonder if this is any indication of what's to come?
E for All and ESA event?
Just had a chat with the head of marketing for Activision - we have a theory that "E for All" this fall (in the LACC) is actually an event put on by the ESA.
ESA is contracted through 2012 with the LACC, and with the amount of marketing involved thus far for E for All, it's likely that this is an event, backed in secret, to complete that contract.
ESA is contracted through 2012 with the LACC, and with the amount of marketing involved thus far for E for All, it's likely that this is an event, backed in secret, to complete that contract.
Promo shots
Oh John Mayer.. why must you wait for the world to change?
I am really believing that this music is representative of the show to come.
I am really believing that this music is representative of the show to come.
Mr. Destructoid (we're seated behind their team) took off his mask... He is human after all.
The auditorium is filling up quick - back rows are starting to get full, looks to be almost capacity crowd...
Show will begin in 5 minutes.
Pictures that should not exist
Two minutes to showtime.
Destructoid put his helmet back on. Auditorium still has a few empty seats, but not many.
Tons of cameras once again; excitement rises!
Tons of cameras once again; excitement rises!
Lights are dimming, show is beginning.
Music has stopped. A talking NES expounds on videogamers.
Video montage of pop culture.
South Park, Colbert, Wall Street, home videos.
South Park, Colbert, Wall Street, home videos.
Talking about lots of Nintendo success, how the DS Lite is selling, the Wii in culture.. how hackers are using the remote, making robots.
Baby laughs, Conan O'Brien in the background, more and more media videos.
Reggie's on stage.
His Mii is behind him, his name is Reggie.
"And I am happy," he says.
"And I am happy," he says.
Today is a celebration, for everyone.
E3 marks a conclusive turning point for the video game market, welcoming more players and more opportunity.
E3 marks a conclusive turning point for the video game market, welcoming more players and more opportunity.
Reggie is happy!
E3 2007 is a coming-out party for the industry.
The moment when video games would take their place beside TV and movies, and music as a staple of leisure and entertainment.
Everyone is a gamer.
The moment when video games would take their place beside TV and movies, and music as a staple of leisure and entertainment.
Everyone is a gamer.
My Name is Reggie and I am Happy
46% increase in video market in USA.
UK growth is 42% through the first half of this year.
Japan's growth (current industry drivers): yearly growth is up 114%.
UK growth is 42% through the first half of this year.
Japan's growth (current industry drivers): yearly growth is up 114%.
Reggie attributes this to the new expanded market, talks about families using the Nintendo systems.
Taking credit for overall industry growth. Wonder what Peter would say. Expansion is the key.
These moments happen every minute of every day.
Nintendo accounts for 69% of all gaming growth this year.
Nintendo accounts for 69% of all gaming growth this year.
Portable and console sales are 50/50 in 2006.
DS is 23% of that 50%, rest is other portables (phones, etc).
In '07, 25% of all hardware sales in USA, is projected to be DS.
21% of all dollar sales come from 18-24 year olds.
25+ is 32%.
17 under is 47%.
Reggie cites potential in the 25-plus crowd.
25+ is 32%.
17 under is 47%.
Reggie cites potential in the 25-plus crowd.
2005 = 14%
2007 YTD = 23%
All Nintendo's sales.
2007 YTD = 23%
All Nintendo's sales.
Industry male to female ratio: 80/20 for this year, for everyone but Nintendo.
Nintendo's split: 67/33 M/F.
Nintendo's split: 67/33 M/F.
95% of all males between 6-24 are playing Wii.
66% men of 25-49 in Wii households report playing regularly.
Women, 3/4 say they've tried it.. and 1/3 are regular users.
"That's a lot of soccer moms," Reggie says.
66% men of 25-49 in Wii households report playing regularly.
Women, 3/4 say they've tried it.. and 1/3 are regular users.
"That's a lot of soccer moms," Reggie says.
"Industry appeal has always worked the same way."
"Pitch a game to the core players, and push appeal as fast and far as you can."
He's now talking about non-games as satellites in the gaming universe.
"Pitch a game to the core players, and push appeal as fast and far as you can."
He's now talking about non-games as satellites in the gaming universe.
Older guys like me driving Nintendo's market now. I feel so loved!
They help enlist new players and make the mass market bigger.
Reggie speaks about the perception of Wii as a fad.
He says the reality is, DS Lite flew by the 40 million worldwide sales mark months ago.
Best selling game system on the planet
He says the reality is, DS Lite flew by the 40 million worldwide sales mark months ago.
Best selling game system on the planet
The Wii has been sold out for all 33 weeks thus far, around the world.
Current level of demand will make Wii the #1 worldwide next-generation console, very soon.
Current level of demand will make Wii the #1 worldwide next-generation console, very soon.
Nintendo is not a fad... Nintendo is the future.
North America shows 60 games in the Wii catalog, 300 for the DS.
Between now and the holidays, North American players can expect a new 140 new games for the DS, and another 100 for the Wii.
Between now and the holidays, North American players can expect a new 140 new games for the DS, and another 100 for the Wii.
3rd party sales represent more than half of all unit volume on Wii.
Wii videos playing, more fan-made stuff.
Constant Wii sellouts still. Wonder if they'll be on shelves any time soon-Reggie ain't sayin'.
Some guy cradling his Wii as his baby.
These videos are all the fan submissions from their short film contest a few months ago.
The first offspring of the Wii Remote: the Wii Zapper!
Zapper used in RE: UC... get to play it this week.
These Youtube videos are quite possibly the best montage ever.
Wii Zapper unveiled
Medal of Honor is designed around using this new Zapper.
Lots of other 3rd parties will talk about their plans for it this week.
A Wii Zapper project is well along in development inside Nintendo. The Wii Zapper will come with this software, for $19.99.
Lots of other 3rd parties will talk about their plans for it this week.
A Wii Zapper project is well along in development inside Nintendo. The Wii Zapper will come with this software, for $19.99.
Zapper looks incredibly comfy to hold. Looking forward to the $20 package.
Soul Calibur Legends, Smackdown vs Raw '08, showing a bunch of 3rd party stuff for Wii and DS.
Not all core gamers are fighters.
Maybe we're deep... Square-Enix's Dragon Quest Swords will be out next year.
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - 4 players go for gold, racing for the track to the pole.
Maybe we're deep... Square-Enix's Dragon Quest Swords will be out next year.
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - 4 players go for gold, racing for the track to the pole.
One more title to mention...
SSBB! Talks about the Dojo.. you can't wait to battle with Giga Bowser.
SSBB! Talks about the Dojo.. you can't wait to battle with Giga Bowser.
Talks about how we can power up our attack with four different controller options.
When? When?
Well... Not next year... Not next spring... I can announce today
SSBB: December 3!
When? When?
Well... Not next year... Not next spring... I can announce today
SSBB: December 3!
There's "more than enough action coming"
Here's a video of people walking on a beach...
Talking with Nintendo people at thehylia.com.
Here's a video of people walking on a beach...
Talking with Nintendo people at thehylia.com.
This is all stuff we already know, so really.. not sure what this is doing here.
Mike and Bill Trinen are going to demo Phantom Hourglass
This guy plays his DS with his mouth open.. probably not the most flattering thing to be showing on the big screen.
PH is one of the fastest selling Zelda games in Japan.
Jackie is going to demo Prime 3.
Game looks beautiful, actually.
Using gesture based controlls, you can switch visors on the fly, holding the minus button and gesturing to different places on screen.
Using gesture based controlls, you can switch visors on the fly, holding the minus button and gesturing to different places on screen.
Battle is where the controller shines.
You simply aim and fire at the enemies you encounter.
There's "lock-on free aiming": You lock on with Z, and you strafe around the orbit point.. While you're locked on, you can still aim anywhere you want on screen.
You simply aim and fire at the enemies you encounter.
There's "lock-on free aiming": You lock on with Z, and you strafe around the orbit point.. While you're locked on, you can still aim anywhere you want on screen.
Hyper Mode is a new state where you inject an energy tank into her suit.
It's devestating for weapons, but you'll become corrupted if you stay in this mode too long.
It's devestating for weapons, but you'll become corrupted if you stay in this mode too long.
Jackie is done, Reggie comes back.
He's talking about a conversation he had today, about how "Audience expansion" came out of nowhere.
Talking about online now.
He's talking about a conversation he had today, about how "Audience expansion" came out of nowhere.
Talking about online now.
Talking about DS games using WFC, Mario Kart on DS, the web browser, more videos from the media about the Wii and the internet capabilities.
5.5m DS owners have used their WiFi connection.
112 classic games now on VC... 5.6M downloads.
WiiWare is now the focus.
WiiWare is now the focus.
You can cut the silence in the room with a knife while Reggie touts WFC.
New channel: "Check Mii Out".
Enter Miis youve created, and have them voted on, and find most popular ones. Take home the ones you like best.
Contests and promotions, creating Mii's based on real celebrities, etc.
Enter Miis youve created, and have them voted on, and find most popular ones. Take home the ones you like best.
Contests and promotions, creating Mii's based on real celebrities, etc.
"Real" online gaming - he talks about Wii Pokemon using WFC.
Players in America will be playing online, with Mario Strikers Charged.
There's more...
Madden 08, FIFA 08, online as well this fall.
Players in America will be playing online, with Mario Strikers Charged.
There's more...
Madden 08, FIFA 08, online as well this fall.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker will also use WFC, for the DS.
Guitar Hero III on Wii will also use WFC for an online "battle of the bands".
Exclusive Wireless Les Paul controller.
Exclusive Wireless Les Paul controller.
One more announcement...
Start your engines
Mario Kart Wii - online. First quarter '08.
Start your engines
Mario Kart Wii - online. First quarter '08.
Video shown, looks great.
Onlinebattle mode!
"More racers, more fun -- how many? Stay tuned."
Onlinebattle mode!
"More racers, more fun -- how many? Stay tuned."
Custom Wii Wheel, debuts with Mario Kart Wii.
The Wheel has the potential to level the track for beginners.
It comes packaged with Mario Kart software.
It comes packaged with Mario Kart software.
Mario Kart Wii
More media videos, talking about Wii Sports, how golf, bowling, is popular among all ages.
Non-game videos, like Brain Age for DS, more media talking.
Non-game videos, like Brain Age for DS, more media talking.
Reggie back again - products aimed squarely at the "bullseye".
Here comes non-game talk, along with it... Mr. Iwata takes the stage.
Here comes non-game talk, along with it... Mr. Iwata takes the stage.
30 years ago, he says there were not many gamers.
He wants everyone to find the same enjoyment he was having, so to do this, they needed to respond with new proposals and tangible products.
He wants everyone to find the same enjoyment he was having, so to do this, they needed to respond with new proposals and tangible products.
Nintendogs and Brain Age worked on the DS and were appreciated by many people.
With Wii, Sports has been a success, causing people to sweat in their own living rooms.. It attracts many people who had never played before.
With Wii, Sports has been a success, causing people to sweat in their own living rooms.. It attracts many people who had never played before.
Iwata's looking a little gray. Wonder what his brain age is.
Iwata, too, has had a paradigm shift in his own living room.
DS cookbook software in Japan makes him prepare dinner for his family on his days off.
DS cookbook software in Japan makes him prepare dinner for his family on his days off.
He needs to focus 100% on his onion chopping, and forget his job at that time.
He says gamers fear that Nintendo has lost their passion for traditional games.
More importantly, he asks that those veterans need to remember, their very first day as gamers.
Picture of Miyamoto playing Super Mario World.
Picture of Miyamoto playing Super Mario World.
He's definitely aware of the "non-game" fears. A good tale of market expansion.
Today, Nintendo is seeing that it's not impossible to expand the gaming population.
Their next immediate challenge is "to destroy the psychological barrier that separates veteran gamers from novice players".
Their next immediate challenge is "to destroy the psychological barrier that separates veteran gamers from novice players".
Nintendo would like to make new proposals, that their product not be classified like "this game is for beginners, that one is for pros".
Games are for everyone.
Games are for everyone.
Iwata talks about the Zapper again - it erases the complexity of high barriers for casual players to overcome.
Nintendo continues to challenge themselves for new themes for games.
They seek titles in their immediate interests, and easily played by everyone.
At the same time, the contents of those games should be scalable - with enough sophistication and challenge for veteran players.
They seek titles in their immediate interests, and easily played by everyone.
At the same time, the contents of those games should be scalable - with enough sophistication and challenge for veteran players.
In a few minutes Miyamoto will show a new title that meets that goal.
Playing together. I like what this man is saying.
Video - small family interview about the Wii, and how much they use it.
New video of Mario Galaxy!
They got to play it, apparently. Lots of video of things we havent seen yet, but it's focusing more on the family (gah!)
They got to play it, apparently. Lots of video of things we havent seen yet, but it's focusing more on the family (gah!)
What will it tale to get Galaxy in MY house?!
Talking about Brain Age on the DS, more and more stuff about the family mechanics that change around the Nintendo systems.
Reggie is back, and talking about Brain Age 2 in Japan.
It's in the US on Aug. 20
It's in the US on Aug. 20
Mario Galaxy will release on November 12.
"This is the first worthy successor to Mario 64."
Mario has a BEE OUTFIT.
"This is the first worthy successor to Mario 64."
Mario has a BEE OUTFIT.
MySims coming to Wii and DS.
OMG HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL! WOOOOOOO!
Hopefully you could tell that was sarcasm.
But hey, Raving Rabbids 2 is coming!
But hey, Raving Rabbids 2 is coming!
Vision Training game (Flash Focus in the US) goes from visual tests to batting practice.
Ubisoft has a whole "Coach" series of games coming.
This all comes from the popularity of Wii Sports... vaulted from pure fun, to more beneficial.
Another Wii sports media montage.
Another Wii sports media montage.
Video of Conan O'Brien playing the wii included... more short Youtube vids.
The last games they're featuring today... takes a big lead and "laps the field"...
Wii Fit.
Wii Fit.
It's a freaking board you stand on.
You must balance on it, looks almost like a scale. But there are yoga work outs and different moves you must do.
You must balance on it, looks almost like a scale. But there are yoga work outs and different moves you must do.
Push-ups.
This is insane.
This is insane.
Hula hooping.
Note to self: cancel gym membership.
Note to self: cancel gym membership.
Headbutting soccerballs so people dont score.
DANCING!
DANCING!
BMI calculator, this is pretty sweet.
Wii Fit is it
People taking stage, look to be demoing it now.
Miyamoto takes stage as well, with Trinen beside him to translate
"Have you all been getting your sweat on lately?"
"Have you all been getting your sweat on lately?"
"The one game I wanted to introduce was this game, Wii Fit."
"When we first were thinking up the concept for Wii, this is what we thought: We thought the wii would be a device placed in the living room, as such, it needed to be relevant to everyone in the household"
"When we first were thinking up the concept for Wii, this is what we thought: We thought the wii would be a device placed in the living room, as such, it needed to be relevant to everyone in the household"
3 fitness trainers are going to demonstrate the activities.
One legged stretch.
One legged stretch.
Have you been sweating lately?
The screen shows your centre of balance.. the calibration here is off, so it's flying everywhere on the screen.
Next is step aerobics.
You match the timing of the icons and the music.
Blue icons determine side stepping, which increases difficulty.
Blue icons determine side stepping, which increases difficulty.
Third is the sideways twist.
You twist your body to the left and right, but you must keep your center of gravity in the blue zone. It insures that you're doing it correctly.
You twist your body to the left and right, but you must keep your center of gravity in the blue zone. It insures that you're doing it correctly.
It'll be on the show floor for us to try.
Aerobics
Muscle conditioning
Yoga poses
Balance games
40 activities in the game.
Muscle conditioning
Yoga poses
Balance games
40 activities in the game.
The device is called the "Wii Balance Board".
Board can measure your weight, your balance shifts, and they can use it as a new interface for games, which allow full body movement for control input.
It's wireless too, so you can use it anywhere in the room.
It's wireless too, so you can use it anywhere in the room.
Wii Fit seemed to need a little work-there were several instances where the calibration was off.
One more important element of the software... the idea of measurement.
Miyamoto is going to do a body check on Reggie.
(No, not the hockey kind.)
Miyamoto is going to do a body check on Reggie.
(No, not the hockey kind.)
He's wearing heavy clothing... making jokes about it.
Miyamoto chooses light.
Miyamoto chooses light.
"Should I give you my wallet?"
"You can give me your wallet any time, Reggie."
"You can give me your wallet any time, Reggie."
Measurement
It shows how Reggie's gravity shifted during the the test.
He's 45/55% L/R
Does he maintain daily posture?
He's 45/55% L/R
Does he maintain daily posture?
Reggie's BMI is 27.51
HE IS OVERWEIGHT.
HE IS OVERWEIGHT.
"Just remember, muscle is heavier than fat!"
Miyamoto : "Good excuse."
Miyamoto : "Good excuse."
Miyamoto vs Reggie: soccer heading competition.
First to 20 wins.
First to 20 wins.
Reggie won.
Reggie am cry
Reggie is happy - Nintendo still isnt satisfied.
It's a remarkable time for a remarkable industry. Lots of talent fueling the growth.
It's a remarkable time for a remarkable industry. Lots of talent fueling the growth.
One more thing at work beyond creativity: leadership.
This is Nintendo's moment to lead.
This is Nintendo's moment to lead.
Event is over, signing off.
See ya at Sony in an hour or so.
See ya at Sony in an hour or so.