E3 2013: 5 Lessons We've Learned From That Hectic Week

5. Nintendo Isn't Dead (yet), But Desires Your Patience

In all the hubbub (Read: Sony PR destruction of Microsoft) that occurred in E3 2013's inaugural day, you may have been forgiven for not realizing that there's actually a third console giant out there. They're known as Nintendo, and despite the tragic (or hilarious, depending on your perception) neglect of any Nintendo press recently, they actually still exist - regardless of Microsoft and Sony's dominance of our attention on the first day. With that being said, it isn't a falsehood to say that Nintendo's Wii U, the successor to their ridiculously successful Wii, initially entered the market in disappointing fashion. Not selling anywhere nearly as successfully as its predecessor, the Wii U seemed a failed experiment, falling far short of Nintendo's moderate expectations - and then, in what was seemingly unrelated news, Microsoft did both Sony AND Nintendo a favor, by hosting a ill-advised, ill-informed reveal of the XBOX One that was filled with inaccuracies, and user-unfriendly features. The Wii U's sales more than QUADRUPLED, following this event. Indeed, this led many critics of the game industry to joke that Microsoft is selling the Wii U better than Nintendo is... seriously. Sadly (or again, hilariously), this happened to be peculiar timing: the XBOX debacle/unexpected Nintendo boost happened shortly before E3, where Nintendo owed consumers a long-awaited peek at what to expect anyway - and Nintendo, either taking advantage of the boost, or just doing what they were going to do anyway, didn't disappoint. I'll begin by saying this: Super Smash Brothers is fun as hell. Between me and my three roommates, we have two PlayStation 3s, an XBOX 360, and a Wii between us, and the only console we all played simultaneously was the Wii - simply because it's extremely difficult to get tired of beating up on each other. With that being said, the latest iteration of the series looks just as addictive, especially considering the interesting additions of the Wii Fit trainer, Megaman, and the Animal Crossing Villager to the roster.

According to internet memes, the Villager is a weapon of (m)ass destruction.

However, therein lies the problem - Super Smash Brothers for the Wii U and 3DS is the most exciting title they displayed. Although there were predictable fares such as Super Mario Bros 3D world, Mario Kart 8, Pikmin 3, and a graphically-enhanced remake of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, there wasn't much else (other than Bayonetta 2) that they had to show for. And even then: these titles are expected to be released, at the earliest, in the beginning of 2014 - a time period that will already show plenty of titles released for the "magic boxes" Sony and Microsoft are manufacturing. Between expected hits such as The Elder Scrolls Online, Infamous 2, and Destiny, Nintendo will have to produce a very strong lineup in order to remain relevant - no small feat, considering that several publishers, EA and Ubisoft among them, have declined to support the Wii U until a noticeable increase in sales is seen.

Coming from myself, an admitted Sony fan yet a lover of casual fare such as the aforementioned Super Smash Bros., good luck Nintendo - you'll certainly need it.