12) Wild-card prediction: Anything else?
New 3DS to compliment WiiU 's release and the coming of age of the Nintendo Network
I could see this happening if Vita has a good showing the day before. If not, I bet Nintendo stay shtum on any future 3DS HW plans. The year will be packed enough with them launching the new console.
I've been against predictions of a redesign for over a year now, and those of us who were have been proven right. They have ceased production of the cyan model, but countless others continue to be produced. Even if a new model were to be unveiled at E3, I suspect it won't have what people expect it will -- ie. the extra analog and extra triggers... and I suspect that any software functionality it adds will be rolled out to the existing 3DS model on day 1 too.
However, a new model to fit in with Wii-U and newer facets of the Nintendo Network would make sense, when the circumstances call for it. I'd say news of this sort is a good wildcard bet, the odds aren't all that long...
Let's have a crack at this guessing game:
1) So.. how much will the Wii U cost?
£230-250, 250-280, near enough $300 -- softened by pack in titles, peripherals or ambassador style incentive
2) And when will the Wii U's Launch Day be?
Mid-November in the US/EU, possibly earlier in Japan
3) Your #1 Desired Launch Day Game?
First party? Retro's game, whatever it is.
Third party? Darksiders 2. I can't wait!
4) Any pleasant third-party surprises for the Wii U?
Nintendo have made repeated specific reference to Grand Theft Auto in previous years, I don't think they'll want to miss out on GTAV. Iwata has also made mention of Call of Duty and its ilk in investor calls, so I expect something along the lines of CoD, MoH or Battlefield to be demonstrated. The Retro title could be something designed to go after that audience, and if not, getting in on the Activision / Bungie action might have been an attractive prospect. These are surprises that would be in the
semi-predictable range, that would still excite people. I think there will be other titles that are just totally out of left field, from Europe and Japan.
5) Any predictions of media criticisms for Nintendo's behaviour/substance during E3 Week?
GTA and COD, if they're there - suddenly won't be flavour of the month. If the online has any flaws whatsoever, they'll be scrutinised. Region blocking. If the MySpace rumour turns out true, and they don't have Facebook (a much bigger network) - that will be levied as criticism too. The level of criticism will all hinge on how some of the leading 'journalists' in the industry feel Nintendo have learned. I think quite a few of them are excited, so in prospect - Nintendo could have a very positive E3.
6) What'll be your preferred food & drink of choice during the Nintendo Conference?
Coke + Pizza.
7) How long will the Nintendo Conference go on, and what'll be the breakdown on time spent between Wii U and 3DS?
1 hr, 75% Wii-U, Nintendo Network demo and partner announcements, 25% 3DS. Possible overlap.
8) Predict: rate the Wii U Launch lineup from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
9
9) Predict: any final hardware revelations?
3DS connectivity. I am hoping there is some kind of clever universal remote functionality for it, and my long odds hope is that the media functionality is surprisingly good - ie. not just Netflix at launch or whatever, but support for DLNA or something. In terms of things that affect gameplay, I flat out can't predict Nintendo in that regard - that's why I love them!
10) Predict: any super-special applications that Nintendo's gonna spring on us?
Something social. Something built in. Swapnote / Draw Something style fun, video chat demo. MySpace TV, Facebook and Youtube are likely IMO.
11) Predict: With BP now gone, who's the Nintendo fan most likely to be banned from NeoGAF during E3 Week?
It could be me! I don't know. IdeaMan if he's been playing us in any way and detective GAF picks up on it after the event.
12) Wild-card prediction:
Android, or a fork / variation of it.