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Realistic Expectations for June's Nintendo Direct

by Neal Ronaghan - June 21, 2012, 8:30 am EDT
Total comments: 37

Let's not get the hype train rolling just yet. Remember E3?

Nintendo is hosting its fifth Nintendo Direct tonight (at least for Japanese audiences) and like the past Nintendo Directs, it should have some news about games coming out in the next few months, possibly with a new game announcement or two.

The last Nintendo Direct, on April 21 in Japan, revealed New Super Mario Bros. 2, the Kirby Anniversary Collection, Pokémon Dream Radar, and Pokédex Pro. Animal Crossing 3DS was also given a fall release window for Japan. The video also revealed that folders and patches, including one fixing Mario Kart 7's shortcut glitches, would be added to the 3DS.

In February, Dillon's Rolling Western was announced to be available on the eShop right then. Oni Training (the new Brain Age game) was revealed, as was Xseed's North American release of The Last Story.

So there is some precedent for some new announcements, surprises, and reveals. But remember, hold on to your hats and don't get too excited. We likely aren't seeing Retro's game or a new F-Zero.

For this Nintendo Direct, what can we expect? Well, for one, I doubt we will hear a damn thing about Wii U. If we hear anything, it's just a bonus. These events have been rather focused on the next three months or so with, at most, a tease of the future. Wii U is coming out in the holiday season, which is roughly five months away. Also, the announcement of the event in every region mentions Wii, 3DS, and DS at the most.

That being said, it's likely that Animal Crossing, Oni Training, Culdcept, and Calcio Bit will get a first-party focus in the Japan conference. It wouldn't be shocking to see Japan show off a bit more of New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, or Paper Mario Sticker Star. We should also see some mention of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which is coming out in Japan on June 23.

Other third-party games will get some focus as well, including Etrian Odyssey IV (set for July 5 release in Japan), Little Battler 3DS (July 5), Taiko Drum Master 3DS (July 12), Rune Factory 4 (July 19), and Project X Zone (2012).

On Wii, it will likely be very focused on a few titles, including Project Zero 2 (coming out June 28 in Japan), Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition (July 19), and Dragon Quest X (August 2).

Now, in North America and Europe, it's a little less obvious what could be discussed. The only games that we know of that will be in the Japanese event that are coming to the regions are Animal Crossing, Oni Training, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Paper Mario Sticker Star, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Project Zero 2 (Europe only), and Kirby's Dream Collection.

I'd expect Pokémon to be a big part of both North America and Europe's event, and I think we will hear mention of Fire Emblem's release window, now that the game is confirmed for both regions. I don't think the three Nintendo 3DS E3 games (NSMB2, Luigi's Mansion, Paper Mario) will get a large focus since they were blown out at E3. Kirby's Dream Collection will likely get shown off and given a release window, which we already know is September in North America.

If we don't hear mention of Project Zero 2 for North America at this event, I'd say it is safe to assume it's not coming to the region. Also, if Dragon Quest X isn't mentioned, I think it's also safe to assume the Wii version won't leave Japan. Lastly, if Animal Crossing and Oni Training don't come up in the North American or European events, they might be 2013 releases after all.

Even if it's not filled with megaton announcements, the Nintendo Directs should be exciting and filled with, hopefully, one decent surprise we didn't see coming. That means, if you're keeping score, it should beat the surprise quotient from Nintendo's E3 press conference.

Talkback

CericJune 21, 2012

I'm going to throw in that this might give a little info on the 3DS Miiverse related updates.  Not the full thing but something coming out of it.  Oh and the Death of Nintendo Video.

Quote from: Ceric

Oh and the Death of Nintendo Video.

More like they'll highlight another Threediots-type travesty.

I think Fire Emblem was probably originally supposed to be the big reveal for this conference in America, before Reggie messed that up.

broodwarsJune 21, 2012

Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about the Fatal Frame 2 Wii version.  That'd be cool to see announced as well, though I'm still holding out a little bit of hope for Pandora's Tower considering (as noted) XSEED's pickup of The Last Story was announced on one of these things before.  Still, it's a bit of a long shot considering anything coming out for the Wii at this point pretty much has to be out by the end of the year, and I don't know if Nintendo would put anything out to compete with Kirby on Wii this Christmas season.

Pixelated PixiesJune 21, 2012

For the European ND I think we're likely to see more Fire Emblem, perhaps even getting a release date, and they'll probably remind people that Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise is on it's way. Other than that, I have no idea what else might be shown. If I was to guess? I'd say not much.

ejamerJune 21, 2012

Expectations couldn't be lower after Nintendo's E3 showing. Maybe that's for the best, as anything of passing interest will leave me surprised and satisfied.  Animal Crossing release date? Project Zero 2 coming to North America? A game that I actually care about being mentioned?  Not going to hold my breath...


If you set the bar low enough, there is no fear of failure.

YmeegodJune 21, 2012

Bet they show off KH3D in the states anyhow and change the release window.  Also surprised no one mentioned Professor Layton.

For the WII, I wouldn't be surprised to see another batch of "select" titles coming. 

For the WII U, rumor was CoD was going be announed.

ejamerJune 21, 2012

Quote from: broodwars

Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about the Fatal Frame 2 Wii version.  That'd be cool to see announced as well, ...

Apparently Nintendo cares about the Franchise.
http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/21/report-nintendo-has-co-ownership-in-fatal-frame-ip/



Just not enough to release the game here in North America? Hopefully that's wrong and they just want to surprise us by making a late announcement.

PhilipJBeckerJune 21, 2012

We need to hear something about Roller Coaster Tycoon 3D. The game has been put on the back burner for too long now. Show some screen shots already!

CericJune 21, 2012

Quote from: PhilipJBecker

We need to hear something about Roller Coaster Tycoon 3D. The game has been put on the back burner for too long now. Show some screen shots already!

They'll just push it back the day before its suppose to release <.< >,>

CartoonHeroJune 21, 2012

They better say something about Fire Emblem: Awakening! I would be so mad if they didn't!  :@

Pixelated PixiesJune 21, 2012

Also, what's with it being on at like 5am in the morning in Europe? I got a message from Shibata earlier today saying that the live stream will start at 6 CET. He ended the message with something to the effect that 'we want you to enjoy the presentation before you go to school or the office'. Seriously? They expect us to believe that's the reason it's on at that time in the morning? I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the European stream will just be the Japanese ND with subtitles and some asterix stating 'Release date in Europe still to be announced'.

Official Euro PR says it's hosted live by Shibata.

Pixelated PixiesJune 21, 2012

@NWR_Neal

lol, that's even worse! Now there's no excuse for it to be on at that time in the morning.

CericJune 21, 2012

Quote from: Pixelated

@NWR_Neal

lol, that's even worse! Now there's no excuse for it to be on at that time in the morning.

You know with the Economic crisis everyone is needing to work 2 jobs today.  Having a real Europe Nintendo Direct means having staff on hand to support it.  They need to have it done before there day jobs/School.

Well, the reason is so it's directly after the Japanese one.

the asylumJune 21, 2012

I would like to express my hope of new f-zero this time around, but this is "realistic expectations" we're talking about here.

whatever, at least we know for sure that FE13 is headed our way.

Pixelated PixiesJune 21, 2012

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Well, the reason is so it's directly after the Japanese one.


Oh, absolutely. I'm just laughing at the fact that the Letter Box message from Shibata tried to portray this as if it were a strategically chosen time; as if people were going to wake up at 5 am to watch a Nintendo Direct conference, go back to sleep for one or two hours, and then wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

To be fair, I did that for one of them (I think the February one). It was all exciting, and then I slept in between the Japan and Europe/NA ones.

Pixelated PixiesJune 21, 2012

Quote from: NWR_Neal

To be fair, I did that for one of them (I think the February one). It was all exciting, and then I slept in between the Japan and Europe/NA ones.


That actually sounds kind of cool. My problem? I just enjoy sleep too much.

Although, having said that, I'm not working tomorrow, it's currently 01:45 am and I'm about 22 levels into Mutant Mudds (released  today in Europe). Who knows? Maybe I'll make it to 5 am.

robbie27June 21, 2012

I'm almost certain the Club Nintendo rewards for this year will come up, don't you agree?

broodwarsJune 21, 2012

Quote from: robbie27

I'm almost certain the Club Nintendo rewards for this year will come up, don't you agree?

That would be an unusually nice gesture from NoA, considering they've had a tradition of waiting to announce the Elite Rewards until the current "Club Nintendo year" is over.  That would be nice, though.

PandabairJune 21, 2012

For the Wii: I'm gonna be honest and admit I don't know much about what is in the pipeline as far as games go so I'll trust the other posters here as far as those predictions. My own possible Wild Card prediction: Wii price cut. The time frame for WiiU launch is know (even if the specifics aren't) so I'd say they'll start clearing stock.


3DS: Fire Emblem I think is the lock for tonight with a possibility of a local Animal Crossing being announced. Super crazy Wild Card prediction: 3DS XL. I'm not holding my breath on this one but it's at LEAST possible. Maybe more info on the coming Virtual Console store update with regular full size games might be discussed (what's left to announce I dunno) maybe an update to let you run DSI from the SD card. Dunno.


They hype train isn't getting out of the station with me tonight, but I do hope to be surprised at least a little bit

Pixelated PixiesJune 22, 2012

So I was correct in the sense that Fire Emblem was discussed and that the release date would be mentioned, but boy am I dissappointed. Fire Emblem (along with SPM) was perhaps my most anticipated upcoming release. It really is a huge dissappointment that we'll now have to wait until 2013. I also don't get why Shibata put the delay down to Nintendo wanting to put out the best game possible. It's out in Japan. Surely it's just a case of localising it?

ejamerJune 22, 2012

Biggest non-surprise for North America? Wii is really and truly dead - the trend of Nintendo (of America) completely failing to support their consoles as the lifecycle is ending lives on.


3DS XL is a close second. Making a handheld system significantly less portable is typically a no-go for me... but I still would've bought one if it included a second circle pad built-in. Even if most games never use the extra stick, Monster Hunter alone would be reason to buy.  Oh wait, we don't have any idea if Monster Hunter is coming west either.


Good thing expectations were low going in or this would've been incredibly disappointing.

I thought it was confirmed at one point that Monster Hunter 3G is coming out here.

CericJune 22, 2012

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

I thought it was confirmed at one point that Monster Hunter 3G is coming out here.

I was sure that was Monster Hunter 4

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29306

AdrockJune 22, 2012

I just googled it. According to Edge magazine, Tri-G will be coming out in Europe and the US later this year. That was in February. In April, Chris Svensson of Capcom USA was asked if the game was not coming out in the US and he said, "Have we said that? I think it's fair to say I've said everything that I can on this topic without getting myself in trouble. Please be patient." that sounds like the game is being brought over but I suppose, we'll see.

28 seconds too slow, Adrock. Better luck next time. :P

CericJune 22, 2012

Honestly why is it taking so long to bring out.  Its not like there like there is a lot of story that needs rejiggering for the locations.

Looking over this, my expectations weren't that far off.

ejamerJune 22, 2012

Quote from: Adrock

I just googled it. According to Edge magazine, Tri-G will be coming out in Europe and the US later this year. That was in February. In April, Chris Svensson of Capcom USA was asked if the game was not coming out in the US and he said, "Have we said that? I think it's fair to say I've said everything that I can on this topic without getting myself in trouble. Please be patient." that sounds like the game is being brought over but I suppose, we'll see.

I thought the Edge report was formally denied as rumor (which doesn't mean it's false), but could be wrong and don't care enough to check.  Regardless, no official announcement has been made by Capcom and there certainly is no official release date or window known for Monster Hunter in North America. I fully expect it to come across eventually because Capcom never met a port it didn't like, but have no intention of holding my breath until it gets here.

Oddly, even knowing if/when the Monster Hunter games are coming would only serve as further disincentive for buying a 3DS XL since it doesn't include the extra circle pad that is highly recommended for playing. Other games like Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid will also be affected by this design decision.

I'm probably in the minority, but I can't see why Nintendo would release this revision without building in the accessory - especially in Japan where Monster Hunter is the handheld system seller.

AdrockJune 22, 2012

I have no idea on the Monster Hunter front. All I did was google it. The quote from Chris Svensson is a good sign though and that was the most recent thing I read about it.

I get not including the right circle pad (and extra shoulder buttons for that matter) even if I think it makes more sense to include it. I mean, Nintendo is going as far as not including an AC as a cost saving measure and a new Circle Pad Pro may cost them more. Including the right circle pad would have made it look like an entirely different handheld which might be detrimental at this point in the 3DS'sesses life. It might have been worth the risk though Monster Hunter is such a strong brand in Japan that people will buy a CPP for it.

ejamerJune 22, 2012

Quote from: Adrock

I have no idea on the Monster Hunter front. All I did was google it. The quote from Chris Svensson is a good sign though and that was the most recent thing I read about it.

I get not including the right circle pad (and extra shoulder buttons for that matter) even if I think it makes more sense to include it. I mean, Nintendo is going as far as not including an AC as a cost saving measure and a new Circle Pad Pro may cost them more. Including the right circle pad would have made it look like an entirely different handheld which might be detrimental at this point in the 3DS'sesses life. It might have been worth the risk though Monster Hunter is such a strong brand in Japan that people will buy a CPP for it.

Agreed.  The number of people who care about and will use the CPP features is probably so small that Nintendo couldn't justify the extra cost - especially outside of Japan.  So disappointing for me, but makes good business sense.

It's further evidence to support my long-held opinion that Nintendo doesn't want the CPP to catch on, and only went along with it to the bare minimum required to get Monster Hunter 4.

Yeah, I don't think it has anything to do with cost, and everything to do with their own ideas of optimal control.

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