I could open this post by looking back at the disappointing display Nintendo put on at last year’s E3. I could rant about the lack of solid first part content, the lackluster showing from third parties and Cammie bloody Dunaway, but the fact is we know what went wrong.

Fortunately, Nintendo know that they messed up too. Fingers crossed as E3 builds itself back up to the all singing, all dancing mega conference it once was the Big N will be leading the way with some hot announcements that will restore the faith of jaded fanboys everywhere.

It would be wrong to whack out a list expecting New Zelda, New Mario, Kid Icarus Wii and the end to casual gaming. Nintendo’s strategy of announcing games only when they’re near ready – a result we can assume of the megahype for Twilight Princess and Brawl – means unless we’re going to have the most first party heavy Christmas in recent years we’re going to have to keep our feet a little more firmly on the ground. So, here, I’m making some serious predictions about what to expect from Nintendo. My personal hopes are in there a little, but this is very much a prediction thread based in reality (mostly).

Fairly safe bets

- Pikmin 3: Announced on the hop by Miyamoto last year as Nintendo tried to restore their reputation with longtime fans, a sequel to one of Nintendo’s most charming franchises was expected by many for the Wii, with the console’s controls seeming an obvious advantage. It’s time for Nintendo to bring a smile to our faces once more – and for once, demonstrate that they can do a bit of originality in their sequels.

- Mario and Luigi 3 release: Release dates are probably a bit of a cop out, but this is among several titles I hope to see get a EU (and I s’pose US) release date at E3. Others I would like to see include the artist formerly known as Perfect Prosecutor, Professor Layton 2, Elite Beat Agents II and Captain Rainbow. Yes, seriously.

- Wii Fit Plus: The casual market will get a look in this year and rumours are running around at the moment it’s going to be Wii Fit Plus, and, why not? The original is easily one of Nintendo’s biggest casual money-makers so a sequel had to come sometime.

- Ubisoft segment: In 2006, Nintendo turned over a large portion of their E3 presentation to Ubisoft and this year I have a feeling we may see the same. Wii Sports Resort will be Nintendo’s big title to show off Wii Motion Plus, but for the hardcore (as much as you may want to see Zelda) I think Red Steel 2 will lead the demonstrations. I would also love to see some proper footage for Rabbids Go Home, so fingers crossed on that.

- Spirit Tracks: Don’t expect to see Mike “TSA” Damiani demoing the newest DS Zelda title this time around, but keep your fingers crossed for a more in-depth look at Link’s new adventure – as well as a firm 2009 release date.

Either way predictions

- New Super Mario Bros 2: One of my recurring predictions for E3 and one year I will be right. Nintendo shouldn’t make us wait another 12 years for Mario to do what he did so well last time.

- Game(s) with Wii Speak: So, we’ve got a Wii Speak Channel, Animal Crossing and The Conduit (on the way) but apart from that, Nintendo’s big peripheral reveal from last year doesn’t seem to be getting much. Will that change this year?

- New Star Fox: People want to see this franchise get back on form. Star Fox Command on DS was a step in the right direction so maybe – just maybe – something is in the works for Fox and co to take flight again.

- Super Mario Galaxy 2: Miyamoto himself has expressed interest in following up Mario’s great space race, and I’d be quite happy to see him pull it off. We have yet to have two proper Mario platformers make it out on the same home console since Super Mario World 1+2. Galaxy was out early enough for Nintendo to change that and I have no qualms about recycled environments if the gameplay can keep a fresh feeling to it.

Almost totally unlikelies

- Cammie Dunaway will call in sick: I know, it’s mean, but she was the low point of last year’s presentation. “Mom” anecdotes, a constant urge to grin and a near game-wrecking demonstration of Disc Dog leave me hoping she’ll get five minutes on stage at most, but knowing that’s unlikely…

- Kid Icarus Wii: I’m no longer a believer in this game’s existence. Sorry.

- New Wii colours, Wii HD, Death of Friend Codes: All very nice ideas but all against Nintendo’s current strategy. White Wiis are still selling like the proverbial hotcake, they’ve got an adequate enough solution for VC and WiiWare games and Friend Codes are just staying. End of discussion.

Earthbound on VC, 2D Metroid on DS: I would love to see these, but Nintendo have to give fanboys something to complain about the recurring lack of. Yes, I’ll be one of those whiny fanboys.

I managed to score an amazing two points on my predictions last year (and that was including Miyamoto’s post-conference Pikmin reveal). Better luck this year…?

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