My initial reaction was dissapointment because I like the traditional e3 press conferences, but people are really missunderstanding what Iwata said and the impact it will have.
-Nintendo is not skipping e3, they will be there.
-Most people get their e3 info through media coverage. Nintendo is having an event for media where they will not only see the games but play them without waiting in e3 lineups. They can then relate this info to the rest of us.
-Us hardcore people like watching the live reveals of games. Most people don't watch these, but Nintendo is surely going to do this for us. It most likely won't be just another Nintendo Direct, but some sort of live stream from e3, hosted by Reggie for those in N.A., and seperate streams for other areas. They may have an audience of fans for the crowd effect. These specialized broadcasts will allow for local games focus with release dates, and in the language of the audience. Nintendo hasn't released details about this boadcast, but there is no reason for anyone to think they won't be able to enjoy a beer and mock Reggie. Hopefully we get a new meme.
-Media and gamers alike don't care about the sales figures and marketing strategies shown at e3, so this stuff will be put in its own seperate meeting for those who do care.
I think Nintendo's reason for the change up is they think the Wii U really needs hands-on time for the wow effect. I think the two big coming 1st party titles, Super Mario Bros and Mario Kart, are going change things up and use the gamepad creatively. They will probably be visually impressive, but no moreso than titles on PS4 or Xfinity, and possibly a little less so. By having the game in your hand it will probably shock you somewhat with new game mechanics and bring a smile to your face in a way that only a new gaming experience can bring. They need to get the WiiU message out to the media - and through them to gamers - and hands-on is the best way to do it.
Also, Nintendo tested this approach already with the last NDC. While we were glued to our computer screens watching the feed, gaming journalists were in a private room somewhere playing New Legend of Zelda. Moments after we got over the shock of the announcement, if you clicked on IGN and other sites you saw their "hands-on" reports of playing the new classic Zelda, and they could describe the gameplay and the 3D effects. I think their e3 will be similar, but more flashy and dramatic.
