Nintendo only showing E3 Wii U demos at CES 2012

Nintendo fans' ears were perked earlier today by rumors the Wii U would make an all-new appearance at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in January. Unfortunately, the Big N has now confirmed its presence at the yearly tech event will be far less than anticipated, and those hoping to see more of the Wii U beyond what was shown at E3 2011 will have to wait until another show.

News that the Wii U was coming to CES first cropped up on CNET, and was interpreted by some to mean Nintendo was setting up an official booth to let attendees get up close and personal with its new console. However, Nintendo has now clarified it will not have a booth at the show, and while it will be there is some capacity, it will only be bringing Wii U demos from E3 2011.

“Nintendo of America, working with the 2012 International CES management, will offer demos of the upcoming Wii U console to members of the media who did not see the system at the 2011 E3 Expo. However, Nintendo will not have a booth at CES, nor does it plan to include any games, experiences or information beyond what was available at the 2011 E3 Expo,” Nintendo explained in a statement to press. “Production and development efforts remain on track for the Wii U launch, which will take place between the start of the 2012 E3 Expo in June, and the end of 2012."

It's a shame Nintendo won't be taking advantage of CES 2012 to show off its new toy, but then Nintendo skipped out on CES 2011, so it's not a surprise move by any stretch. Read our impressions of Wii U's E3 debut, or track down Nintendo and touch it for yourself when the International CES comes to Las Vegas on January 10 – 13.