Road to E3 2016 Part 3: Nintendo Relying Heavily on ‘Legend of Zelda’, No New Console Expected

STEPHEN BRASHEAR/Invision for Nintendo/AP Images
STEPHEN BRASHEAR/Invision for Nintendo/AP Images

For the third year in a row, Nintendo will take a minimalist approach to their E3 presence, likely reserving the bulk of its hype-generation for the Tokyo Game Show later this year.

While we would love to see more on the next generation Nintendo console — dubbed the “Nintendo NX” and set to launch in March of next year — company representatives have repeatedly said that the NX will not be on display at E3 next week. Instead, Nintendo has decided to focus on The Legend of Zelda, despite the title having been delayed until 2017.

Word is, the legendary Reggie Fils-Aime will demonstrate the game himself. Attendees will also be able to try it themselves, but it’s the only playable game Nintendo is bringing to the show.

With the NX, Nintendo looks to integrate “smart devices” into their business, but company reps have assured fans that the new gaming platform will not replace the Wii U and 3DS. The upcoming Legend of Zelda title will release on both the NX and the Wii U in March 2017 — perhaps to coincide with the launch of the new platform.

Aside from Zelda, the company’s “Nintendo Treehouse: Live” is showcasing other titles that are scheduled to hit the shelves within the next year or so — Pokemon Sun and Moon, Tokyo Mirage Sessions: Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter, and Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. Additionally, to keep fans engaged with the company’s E3 activities, Nintendo has announced an “E3 fun” for those at home, including mobile app bonuses and discounts on some of Nintendo’s most popular games. For continued coverage of Nintendo at E3 2016, keep an eye on this space.

Follow Nate Church @Get2Church on Twitter for the latest news in gaming and technology, and snarky opinions on both.

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