Popular consensus is that Nintendo stole the spotlight at this year’s E3, and we’re inclined to agree. With a venerable lineup strewn across both the hardware and software segments, Nintendo showcased offerings that pleased everyone: from the most casual to the most devout core gamers. A power-packed conference from beginning to end, Nintendo spent very little time on number crunching charts and related sales statistics: their message this year was clear, if not crystal clear. It was all about delivering great gaming experiences.

Following a brief introduction by Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime, the company kicked off its 2010 E3 presser on a high note with the expected unveil of the next Zelda for Wii. Compared to the E3 2006 reveal of Twilight Princess, the announcement wasn’t exactly met with as much as enthusiasm in the crowd. You could blame a lack of sleep for that, as most of us were functioning on only a couple hours of shut eye thanks to the lavish star-studded party that Activision orchestrated the previous night.

Nintendo’s demo of Zelda was impressive, albeit marred by technical difficulties due to wireless interference. You had to feel bad for Miyamoto up on stage when the Wiimote tracking went bonkers. Soon afterwards, Nintendo moved on to show bits and pieces from its diverse, accessible lineup. From Golden Sun: Dark Dawn to Wii Party and Donkey Kong Country Returns, there was something for everyone. All bases were covered.

There seemed to be quite a focus on “reboots” of old franchises this year, especially on Nintendo’s range of platforms. This was most evidenced by the GoldenEye 007 remake amd Donkey Kong Country Returns. Seeing these franchises re-imagined for Wii served as a nice dose of nostalgia. Presumably Nintendo’s decision to release a throwback-style Donkey Kong was driven largely by the success of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

The remainder of Nintendo’s 2 hour long conference was dominated largely by the latest addition to its hardware family: the 3DS. While pricing was not announced, Nintendo gave a thorough overview as far as the feature-set and publisher support is concerned.

Alongside the 3DS unveil, Nintendo dished out another fan-service nugget in the form of Kid Icarus: Uprising. Once long-rumored for Wii, Nintendo revealed to the surprise of many that it was headed to 3DS and in development at Project Sora, an in-house studio led by Masahiro Sakurai of Super Smash Bros. fame.

All in all, it was an entertaining conference. Nintendo didn’t hold back whatsoever this year, it had a tsunami of announcements that catered towards gamers of all age groups and interests. If you still feel they haven’t redeemed themselves since E3 2008, then perhaps a new hobby in is order. Seriously.

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