Summer is always a important time for video game culture and industry because that’s when the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) happens and the best time to see what next generation gaming systems will be released by Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. This year at E3, Nintendo demoed their new Nintendo Wii U as the kick-off of a special promotional tour for the new gaming system; this weekend that tour came to Washington, DC. It’s not everyday that I get invite-only access to gaming hardware before it hits the market – it happened once with Microsoft Kinect – and it never happens twice in a weekend, but last night and today it did as I attended Nintendo’s Wii U experience in Washington DC.
To see a hotel ballroom transformed into something that reminds you of the starship Enterprise in the J.J. Abrams reboot of Star Trek is rather impressive; it also helps to know one of the guys running the event who spent two days helping lead the crew who executed the transformation. The event is Nintedo Wii marketing through and through, as everything is white with neon blue mood lighting for accent. The room explodes out from a central pillar sporting three flat screens and Nentendo Wii U consoles, while additional screens and consoles line the perimeter of one wall leading to a few VIP rooms featuring more popular games. The setup was impressive and looked as if a lot of design and thought went into the presentation. Add to that a supply of Berry Lemonade Jones Soda – as it is the “Wii Blue” shade – and you’ve got a party going on.
Saturday night I brought a few friends along to share in the fun; it’s just better that way. The Saturday event featured games such as Super Mario Bros Wii U, Nintendoland, Warioware, Zombie U, Ninja Gaiden, Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition, Pikman 3, and Rayman Legends. I can’t say I played all of these but I enjoyed a fair amount of them.
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