Nintendo has decided not to participate in E3 this year. “We approach our participation in any event on a case-by-case basis and are always considering various ways to interact with our fans,” Nintendo told Engadget in a statement. “Since this year’s E3 show did not fit into our plans, we have made the decision not to participate. However, we have been and continue to be a strong supporter of ESA. [Entertainment Software Association] and E3.”
Nintendo typically has a presence on the E3 show floor and has often run Treehouse streams throughout the event in addition to Direct. The company participated in the last proper edition of E3 in 2019, as well as the all-digital event in 2021. There was no E3 in 2020 or 2022.
Earlier this month, IGN reported that Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony have withdrawn from E3 this year. Sony hasn’t been present at the event since 2018, but neither Microsoft nor Microsoft have publicly confirmed plans for this year’s edition. Regardless, Microsoft will host your grand annual showcase in Los Angeles this summer. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently implied It will take place around the same time as E3, which will take place between June 13 and 16.
There could always be a Nintendo Direct in mid-June, even if you’re not officially connected to the expo. Meanwhile, word on the street is that PlayStation is planning a big showcase before E3 after the regular State of Play broadcast this week.
The absence of one of the big three console manufacturers from E3 is a blow to ESA, let alone all of them. Summer Game Fest also threatens to steal more of the thunder from the hardcore event. But hey at least Ubisoft will be at E3.
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