This week has been jammed full of reports about Nintendo supposedly working on a new portable console, among other devices. A new console that would replace the Wii U wouldn’t be far-fetched either. Recent patent filings and rumors would have suggested that Nintendo is in fact far ahead with developing new tech, and the possibility of a showcasing at E3 2014 in June would be high. However, this is not the case. Nintendo will of course be present at E3 2014 this year, but won’t be showing off any new gear just yet. Nintendo officials provided clarification to Eurogamer, stating that “we definitely aren’t announcing hardware at this year’s E3”, effectively shutting down rumors and speculations emerged on IGN’s website.
That being said, there are a number of events worth paying attention to this year. Nintendo will first and foremost stream an event on the 10th of June, Tuesday, entitled “Digital Event”. This broadcast will serve as a summary for what exactly Nintendo plans to achieve this year and in the coming years. The gaming giant will of course want to take a piece of the recently baked pie, mainly China, a country that has recently opened up its legislation for foreign consoles, with some strict censorship laws keeping anything political, religious, violent or alcohol-promoting out.
This environment would fit Nintendo’s profile perfectly, and considering that Microsoft has already announced the launch of the Xbox One in China this September, the company needs to hurry up. Apart from that, a Smash Bros. tournament will be held at E3, based on invitational rules. The participants will be the highest rated players in the world. Last, but not least, Nintendo’s booth will of course highlight upcoming games and provide playable demos. A new Nintendo console is out of the question at this point however, so we’ll have to wait awhile longer to see a new platform from the manufacturer.