As promised, Nintendo revealed their E3 plans earlier this morning, which among other things, included the return of Nintendo World Championships. If you’re wondering if you just read that right, you definitely did. After a 25 year hiatus, the Japanese giant is bringing the championships back, and folks (especially Reggie) couldn’t be more excited. Â Want to compete? Break out your best neon sweat band and keep reading for more details.
On the event, Nintendo’s E3 site states, “For the first time in 25 years, some of Nintendo’s biggest fans will get to go head-to-head in a gaming showdown for the ages. Join a worldwide audience by watching the live stream on Sunday, June 14”.
While they’ve yet to reveal details on exactly how to enter, we know that qualifying rounds are set to commence on May 30th at Best Buy locations in major cities around the U.S. Winners and competitors invited by the big N will meet on June 14th at the NOKIA Theater in L.A. for a multi-round Nintendo game Competition. After the showdown, one competitor will be crowned 2015 Nintendo World Champion.
âWhether youâre tuning in online or joining us at the show, we want to include fans of all ages this E3 with an innovative and nostalgic focus on fun,â said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of Americaâs President and Chief Operating Officer. âIâm especially eager to bring back the Nintendo World Championships and to crown the 2015 Nintendo World Champion.â
Additionally, the press release also revealed that Nintendo’s digital event will start at 9 a.m. PST on Tuesday, June 16th, which is the first day that the E3 show floor opens. As is custom with Nintendo Directs, viewers will be learning more information about what is coming to their Ninty systems. Nintendo Treehouse: Live @E3 2015 will also return to give viewers a more in-depth look at some of the stuff they saw duringthe Direct. Specific times will be announced closer to E3, so be on the lookout for those.
Last but not least, probably the biggest news of all, next to the NWCs return, is that Nintendo will be granting hands-on access to Mario Maker at select Best Buy locations two days during the week of E3. That means from 4-9 p.m. local time on Wednesday June, 17th and noon-5p.m. local time Saturday June 20th, fans will be able to try out Mario Maker on the Wii U. In addition, attendees will receive a 30th anniversary Super Mario Bros. pin (while supplies last).
If you’re unfamiliar with Mario Maker–which was announced last  year at E3—it is the highly anticipated side-scrolling level creation game that allows players to create and play their own Mario adventures. So, if you’ve ever wanted to tweak Mario and co’s pixelated playground, this one is definitely for you.
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Are you looking forward to Nintendo’s appearance at E3? Does this announcement make you want to get your body ready to compete? What are some of your Nintendo-related E3 announcement predictions, hopes and desires? Let us know down below or start a conversation with me on Twitter: @sam3214!
HT: E3.Nintendo.com, YouTube