By most accounts, Nintendo’s appearance at last year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 as it is better known, was definitely underwhelming. Despite (or perhaps because of) its enviable position at the head of the console pack, the company made no startling or newsworthy hardware announcements. Even its software lineup was anemic: Few were standing in line to get their hands on the first copy of Wii Music.
That may explain why rumors are already circulating that Nintendo plans to make a much bigger splash at this year’s E3, including both new hardware and high-profile software. The company’s North American boss, Reggie Fils-Aime, will give a keynote address to the E3 audience on Tuesday morning.
More Wii Fitness
According to ABI Research analyst Zippy Aima, the lead announcement by Fils-Aime is likely to be an upgraded version of the company’s enormously popular Wii Fit device.
“Nintendo has registered a trademark for Wii Fit Plus and has also designed a logo,” Aima said. “This appears to be a new version of the existing Wii Fit game with a new board controller.”
Among other things, the enhanced hardware will respond more precisely to user actions, and will allow users to compete with each other over the Internet. Aima suggested that Nintendo is also considering targeting elderly consumers with gentle exercises and stretching regimens.
“Overall,” Aima said, “the aim is to enhance the appeal of the game and attract a wider set of audience, plus increase sales.” That’s a major priority for Nintendo, which has seen sales of its groundbreaking controller slump both in the United States and in Asia.
Super Mario to the Rescue?
Wii Fit Plus will almost certainly not be the only big announcement by Nintendo when it takes center stage Tuesday. An English-language report in the Japanese business outlet Nikkei.com suggests the company will also announce a new…