E3: Nintendo's Hottest Games and Gear--Have a Look

Two new Mario games, peeks at Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort, a fleeting glimpse of a new "vitality" sensor peripheral, and a platform-style Metroid game--Nintendo's E3 press conference was about what you know and love, but just as importantly: why.

In a presentation that Executive Vice President Cammie Dunaway described in two words--"Create, surprise"--Nintendo highlighted as many previously announced products as new ones. But as usual with the company, the most intriguing elements were arguably tucked away behind familiar faces and franchises.

First up, New Super Mario Bros, a side-scroller that looked more or less like Old Super Mario Bros with new levels. The hook: Co-op play, allowing you to invite up to three friends to join. Next, Wii Fit Plus, an update to the bestselling original with new features, games, and much-improved customizability for more flexible exercise regimens.

The middle of the show seemed to sag a bit, as Nintendo trotted out stuff we'd seen in some depth already: The Wii Motion Plus, Wii Sports Resort, and a slew of Nintendo DS titles. Then they elicited a collective "Huh?" with the Wii Vitality Sensor, which looked like something you'd stick your finger in to check your pulse at the drugstore. Nintendo hinted at future games with physiological feedback parameters, but said little else.

The biggest reveals of the show? A sequel to Super Mario Galaxy, a new platformer-style Metroid game co-designed by Team Ninja (of Ninja Gaiden fame) and another social-networking coup: Facebook for the DSi.

See related:

Nintendo Press Conference Thrills, Confuses

E3: Nintendo Announces Wii Vitality Sensor, New Mario and Metroid Games

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