Nintendo Wii Fanboy

We have a rough idea of which software is coming to WiiWare, but when it's coming is a different matter. Apparently, Nintendo doesn't want to help us find out either. Game|Life's Chris Kohler recently spoke to a company representative, who revealed that there may not be a list of WiiWare launch titles until the launch itself, on May 12th. Why? We've no idea, but it's a mighty strange way of getting consumers excited, Nintendo.

A few games (including Hudson's Star Soldier R, Konami's Critter Round-Up, and Two Tribes' Toki Tori) have already been confirmed for a release on May 12th by their publishers, but we're largely in the dark here. As Nintendo of America is planning to model the WiiWare release schedule on that of the Virtual Console, does that mean we'll be getting far fewer games than we originally expected when we turn our Wiis on next Monday morning?

Though the gaming press's reactions to Nintendo's E3 media briefing have been, for the most part, lukewarm, mainstream publications are very positive about WiiFit's debut. Here are a few headlines that enunciate the differences in perception between the gaming hardcore and the general public:

• Forbes: "Can The Wii Save Your Life?"
• Washington Post: "Game On - Nintendo Is Star of E3 Show as Rivals Scramble to Catch Up"
• San Jose Mercury News: "Wii outplays Sony, Microsoft for now" (requires registration)

The Mercury News went so far as to fashion together an automaton (see image above) out of coils and Wii scraps in order to illustrate Nintendo's domination. We'd be too scared to even compete with the company, knowing that this ED-209-esque villain could break into our houses and stamp us out at any moment. Jump past the post break for a better view of its hulking figure.

We hath mourned the death of the one and true E3, but like a mentally handicapped phoenix, the new Min-E3 has risen from the ashes. And while the glitz, glamour, and majority of games will have vanished into thinnest air, the wondrous tradition of the press conference remains. All three players will attempt to outdo the other, yet again.

This year, Nintendo is second on the list: 9:30 AM PST on Wednesday, July 11th. Prior to their engagement is Microsoft the day before, and Sony is naught but two hours later at 11:30. We expect solid release dates for at least one of Super Mario Galaxy or Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as more than a few surprises. C'mon, Iwata ... drop the bomb.

Nintendo's excellent PR folk who are not only great at their job, but also incredibly attractive people, have finally opened the flood gates and let the subsequent torrent of swirling, wet information engulf our small valley village and decimate our homes. We're fine with it though, because we have been given the information we've waited so long on (it's a small price to pay).

The section of the newly-opened Wii.com for the English-speaking crowd has gone live, as well as pages in French and Spanish. Nintendo has also opened up the sub-section of Nintendo.com dedicated to the Wii here. In this sub-section, a translation of some interviews with the Wii engineers and designers that Iwata conducted may be found. Finally, a good press release direct from Nintendo can be seen here.

For a list of 52 games planned for the Wii, direct from Nintendo and third-party developers, click on the continue link.