Compared to last year’s E3, there haven’t been any key announcements regarding hardware except Sony’s slimmer PSP. However, Nintendo has now showcased the Wii Balance Board, which will determine the actions of the user in fun aerobic, toning and balance activities.
In addition to this, Nintendo also revealed details about future games for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Here are the details:
Wii
Wii Fit: This experience builds on the active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports. It comes packed with the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board (name not final) that measures users’ actions in fun aerobic, toning and balance activities. Wii Fit also promotes communication about health among family members, as everyone can review one another’s progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu. Coming in the first half of 2008.
Mario Kart Wii (name not final): Nintendo’s classic racing franchise goes online. It launches with the Wii Wheel (name not final), a steering wheel housing for the Wii Remote that lets veterans and newcomers compete together. Launches globally in early 2008.
Super Mario Galaxy: This amazing achievement by legendary Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto inspires awe with its amazing sense of gravity and fun replayability. Launches Nov. 12.
Wii Zapper (name not final): This unit houses both a Wii Remote and a Nunchuk and comes packaged with Nintendo software to show off its applications. Third-party developers have multiple games in the pipeline that will use this dynamic new interface. Launches 2007.
Check Mii Out Channel (name not final): This free Wii channel builds on the phenomenon of people creating fun Mii caricatures. Now people can show off Miis they have created either on their own or for Nintendo-suggested competitions. Coming in 2007.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl: New characters, new moves and new arenas highlight this highly anticipated game, which launches Dec. 3.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption: The precision aim of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk make this one of the best-controlled first-person games ever. Launches Aug. 27.
Third-Party Support: Wii has nearly 100 titles in the works from every major publisher.
Nintendo DS
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!: This brain-training game offers more than a dozen new brain-stimulating activities that challenge the mind. Launches Aug. 20.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: This first Zelda game for Nintendo DS can be played with the stylus and sets a new standard for the graphics capabilities and immersive play of this system. In Japan, the game launched in late June and is selling well to both avid and casual gamers, including female players. Launches Oct. 1.
Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day: This program is designed to help users sharpen their ‘Focus Power” through a series of fun activities and sports challenges that test hand-eye coordination, reaction time and peripheral vision. Launches Oct. 15.
Third-Party Support: DS has more than 140 titles in the works from every major publisher.
Reggie Fils-Aime, President, Nintendo of America says, “Games like Wii Sports and the original Brain Age proved anyone can pick up a video game system and immediately have fun. We’re building on that foundation with games and accessories appealing to our current fan base and drawing in even more new players.”
I think the Wii Balance Board as well as the Wii Wheel are something to look forward to. I am wondering if Sony would also bring out something like that!
