Get your power gloves ready Nintendo fans because the World Championships return in celebration of E3. After a 25-year hiatus, President and COO of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aimé has made the executive decision to revive the long forgotten tournament of tournaments. Alongside the big announcement, Nintendo also offered a preview of what’s to come during the expo, including the opportunity to play Mario Maker for Wii U early. Keep reading after the break to find out more.
As the video mentions, Nintendo will not be making a grand stage appearance at E3 again and will be communicating all their new projects in the works via digital presentation for all to see. But to give game enthusiasts something to be excited for prior to E3 2015 this year, the revival of the Nintendo World Championships should be quite the event to behold.
Gamers can earn the chance to participate in the finals by visiting select Best Buy locations in major cities around the U.S. where they will be hosting qualifying tournaments for the Championships. Winners from each region, plus select competitors invited by Nintendo, will then meet on June 14 in Los Angeles prior to E3 for one epic, multi-round showdown.
No prizes have been announced, but in 1990 the top winner in each age category won a $10,000 U.S. savings bond, a new 1990 Geo Metro convertible, a 40-inch rear-projection TV, and a gold painted Mario trophy. Runners up in each category received a $1,000 U.S. savings bond and a silver Mario trophy.
We know at least one person other than Reggie is excited for the Nintendo World Championships:
That’s right, Mr. Kevin Arnold himself does not want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Why is he so excited? Savage starred in the Nintendo produced 1989 film The Wizard, the tale of two brothers who travel across the country to compete in “Video Armageddon,” a video game tournament with a $50,000 cash prize. The movie introduced the world to Super Mario Bros. 3and was lauded as a 100-minute endorsement for the gaming company. I have not seen the film, but I can only assume that ’80s-level shenanigans and electro-synth ensues. Now if Savage’s publicist was smart, they’d book him a hosting gig for the tourney or bring him in for some kind of involvement.
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Here’s the official event details courtesy of a Nintendo press release sent to BusinessWire:
Nintendo World Championships 2015
- On May 30, select Best Buy locations in major cities around the country will host qualifying tournaments for the Nintendo World Championships, which were last seen in 1990. The winners from each regional event, plus competitors invited by Nintendo, will meet on June 14, at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles for a multi-round Nintendo game competition. In the end, one player will be crowned the 2015 Nintendo World Champion. Fans in Los Angeles will have the opportunity to attend the tournament, while others can watch online. More details about the qualifying tournaments will be shared in the coming weeks.
Nintendo Digital Event
- Once again Nintendo will deliver its main news via an online video program. The Nintendo Digital Event will start at 9 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, June 16. Viewers will be treated to detailed information about the various games and experiences Nintendo has in store for its systems.
Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3
- Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3 2015 is ready to bring fans even more in-depth coverage of Nintendo products directly from the show floor. The unscripted action delivered by the gaming experts in the Nintendo Treehouse and various game developers will be live streamed. More information about the specific times will be announced closer to E3.
Nintendo Access: Mario Maker at Best Buy
- On two days during the week of E3, participating Best Buy locations will open their doors to let fans try out the upcoming Mario Maker game for the Wii U console. The game lets players have fun with friends as they enjoy playing through levels in a variety of Super Mario Bros. styles. The events will take place 4-9 p.m. local time on Wednesday, June 17, and noon-5 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 20. Attendees will receive a sweet 30th anniversary Super Mario Bros. pin while supplies last.
More information about the Nintendo World Championships, events at select Best Buy stores and other Nintendo events during E3 will be announced shortly. Keep an eye on Nintendo’s social media channels, or visit http://e3.nintendo.com.
The 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo will be held from June 16-18 at the Nokia Theater LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. Stay tuned in to TurnTheRightCorner.com for breaking E3 news as it hits.
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Source: BusinessWire [via Nintendo]
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