Following yesterday’s mysterious Twitter announcement of another forthcoming announcement, Nintendo pulled back a bit of the curtain this morning on its E3 agenda with a short video and press release. While the basic setup will be very similar to last year, with a Nintendo Digital Event on Tuesday morning at 9am(PT) followed by Treehouse: Live ongoing throughout the show, they also revealed a resurrection of the famed Nintendo World Championships, last seen 25 years ago and fondly remembered from 1989’s The Wizard, as well as a chance to go hands-on with their upcoming level creator game Mario Maker at select Best Buy stores across the country.
Qualifiers for the World Championships will be held May 30, with the regional winners traveling to Los Angeles to compete in the finals, so get your shy little brother in game shape and ride those thumbs all the way to glory. Losers will have to refine their skills with Mario Maker, testing their platforming skills by creating their own Mario stages and playing others’ during the Best Buy trial period and later in September when the game is scheduled for release.
This will be the second year in a row that Nintendo has forgone a massive press conference in favor of a video presentation. Last year’s Digital Event featured segments made by the team behind Robot Chicken, while Treehouse: Live showcased many upcoming games from both first and third parties, as well as interviews with game developers.
For more details and some trademark Nintendo humor, watch the announcement video below, or read the press release. E3 2015 will be held at the LA convention center June 16-18. For more coverage, stay tuned to Sound on Sight.
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Press Release:
The E3 2015 video game trade show takes place June 16-19 in Los Angeles. Nintendo’s main events taking place during E3 include:
Nintendo World Championships 2015
- On May 30, select Best Buy locations in major cities around the country will host qualifying tournaments for the Nintendo World Championships, which were last seen in 1990. The winners from each regional event, plus competitors invited by Nintendo, will meet on June 14, at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles for a multi-round Nintendo game competition. In the end, one player will be crowned the 2015 Nintendo World Champion. Fans in Los Angeles will have the opportunity to attend the tournament, while others can watch online. More details about the qualifying tournaments will be shared in the coming weeks.
Nintendo Digital Event
- Once again Nintendo will deliver its main news via an online video program. The Nintendo Digital Event will start at 9 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, June 16. Viewers will be treated to detailed information about the various games and experiences Nintendo has in store for its systems.
Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3
- Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3 2015 is ready to bring fans even more in-depth coverage of Nintendo products directly from the show floor. The unscripted action delivered by the gaming experts in the Nintendo Treehouse and various game developers will be live streamed. More information about the specific times will be announced closer to E3.
Nintendo Access: Mario Maker at Best Buy
- On two days during the week of E3, participating Best Buy locations will open their doors to let fans try out the upcoming Mario Maker game for the Wii U console. The game lets players have fun with friends as they enjoy playing through levels in a variety of Super Mario Bros. styles. The events will take place 4-9 p.m. local time on Wednesday, June 17, and noon-5 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 20. Attendees will receive a sweet 30th anniversary Super Mario Bros.pin while supplies last.
More information about the Nintendo World Championships, events at select Best Buy stores and other Nintendo events during E3 will be announced shortly. Keep an eye on Nintendo’s social media channels, or visit http://e3.nintendo.com.