This year’s expected Nintendo Direct for E3 is going to be a daylong live stream of The Legend of Zelda. Since 2013 Nintendo has forgone a live conference for E3. Instead they host a video stream called Nintendo Direct. Nintendo Directs happen throughout the year, but E3 is always a big focus for every game company to show off.
Despite Nintendo still releasing games this year for the Wii U and 3DS, they’re completely replacing any kind of E3 show with 2017’s The Legend of Zelda. “At E3 this year, we’re treating people to an immersive Zelda experience,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo VP of Marketing. “By giving attendees extended hands-on time with this remarkable game, they’ll be able to get a much deeper understanding of something new for the franchise.”
When Nintendo announced the release date for their next console, they also revealed a delay for the highly anticipated next installment of The Legend of Zelda. The new Zelda will be available on both Wii U and the NX next year. The Wii U version will be the focus of Nintendo’s presence at E3 in June. It will be playable on the show floor – the only playable game at Nintendo’s Booth.
Nintendo doubling down on Zelda isn’t necessarily a bad move. The upcoming game is a serious system seller for the NX. But anyone waiting for more information on upcoming Nintendo releases like Pokémon Sun/Moon, Dragon Quest XI, or Persona 5 will have to keep waiting.
The live stream will be called Nintendo Treehouse: Live. It begins at 9 am PT/12 pm ET on Tuesday, June 14. The daylong demo will be hosted by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime. It will be broadcasted on Twitch.tv, YouTube, and Nintendo’s E3 website.
Nintendo is also hosting a sweepstakes on twitter. To enter, simply tweet @NintendoAmerica about what the Zelda series means to you, using the hashtags #MyZeldaLegend and #NintendoSweepstakes. A random winner will be flown to E3 in Los Angeles to play the new Zelda live on the show floor. The contest ends May 10.
