Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Amazon Spring Sale
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
  1. Games

Nintendo's worst-case scenario for E3 2009

Features
By Brett Elston published 26 May 2009

Nine games that could break our hardcore gamer hearts

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

Make no mistake, the new Punch-Out!! isphenomenal. Hell, even the motion controls aren’t all that bad. But given Nintendo’s recent record of dumbing everything down, could the next game in the series be nothing more than counting to 10?

REGGIE'S RATIONALIZIN'

“Earlier this year we reintroduced Punch-Out!! to the world, and the reaction has been unanimous – Little Mac is back. However, couldn’t we do more to immerse the player into the Punch-Out!! world, more than any other boxing game to date? Friends, witness today the first game that lets you decide, first-hand, the next heavyweight champ. Are we up for the challenge? Count on it!”

Yes, this would just be a game where you waggle your arm to simulate a ten count. And it would be $39.99. And people would buy it.

DONKEY KONG PERIPHERAL PANDEMONIUM!

Remember when Donkey Kong meant something? Those were the days. Since the 16-bit era, however, DK hasn’t had a great run. DK64 was acceptable (though derivative and unnecessary), but Donkey Konga? Barrel Blast? Cameo roles in every Mario sports game? When the hell is he going to get a game that doesn’t have some dumbass gimmick?

REGGIE'S RATIONALIZIN'

“Donkey Kong, one of Nintendo’s most enduring characters, has been a major part of our plans for decades. His past few games have focused on our unique bongo controllers, but this time he’s pulling out all the stops. Peripheral Pandemonium will ship with no fewer than seven classic Nintendo add-ons, and trust me, you’ve never seen them used like this. Watch out, lions – there’s a new king of the FUNgle!”

Think about it. Konga, Jungle Beat, King of Swing, Barrel Blast… it’s been forever since an honest DK platformer. The fact that DK’s still floating in the abyss, appearing only as a selectable character in random games, doesn’t bode well for a new entry. Sigh.

WII COLOR

Something tells us the next time we see a Nintendo-themed art program it’ll be more on par with Wii Music than Mario Paint. As in, barely anything to do other than watch the game play itself. Just move colors around on the screen and enjoy!

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.


Above: Exclusive screenshot

REGGIE'S RATIONALIZIN'

“Today we introduce the latest entry in our hugely successful Wii brand. First, we had Wii Sports. Then Wii Fit, and last year Wii Music. This year, we’ve opened up the audience even wider with Wii Color, a drawing program that removes all the confusing hang-ups of modern art software. Simply point the Wii Remote at the screen and sketch what your heart desires. I’ve spent a few hours recreating some of my very favorite scribbles from third grade, and man, does this ever work. Color me excited!”

You know this is coming. Probably with a Crayon shell for the Wii Remote.

WII FIT RESORT

Well, it makes sense. Wii Fit is still selling like crazy (apparently nearing 20 million worldwide) and all they need to do is come up with an attractive box, a handful of new poses and a fitness resort theme and poof, new game. If even a quarter of the Wii Fit audience takes a bite, this becomes another massive hit.

REGGIE'S RATIONALIZIN'

“There’s no denying it – Wii Fit is an unprecedented success for Nintendo. Millions worldwide have stepped onto our amazing Balance Board and witnessed how easy it is to stay in shape. All they needed was a little nudge to get them going. With our new assortment of yoga positions and relaxing country club setting, we’ll make sure exercise never becomes a last resort.”

This is frighteningly possible. We’re not wholly opposed to the idea, seeing as it keeps Nintendo full of money they can then spend on outsourcing games like Punch-Out!! and Wario Land Shake It!, but the prospect of sitting through another stretchy-leany presentation makes us fall asleeeeeeeeeeeeedxmxccccccccczzzzzzzzzzz

May 26, 2009


Seven key titles poised to make or break Nintendo’s new year


Celebrating our many differences with a cel-shaded smile


Painter, doctor, savior – Mario excels at them all

  • 1
  • 2

Current page: Page 2

Prev Page Page 1
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Platforms
PRODUCTS
Mario Kart DS Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Super Smash Bros. Brawl Mario Party 8 Wii Fit Punch-Out!! The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Metroid Prime Trilogy
Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE. 

Latest in Games
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
RPGs Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 devs knew the sequel "had to stand taller" after "experimenting" on the first game
 
 
A Crimson Desert character goes fishing in a river
RPGs Crimson Desert replaces some AI-generated assets left in the game by accident "as part of ongoing visual improvements"
 
 
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Maelle actor recorded her audition at 2am while in bed because "she forgot to do it"
 
 
Young Kratos
God of War God of War's Kratos is covered in ash because dev saw unfinished art on white paper and thought it was "really cool"
 
 
Boro and Alta sit on a bench together in Wanderstop
Simulation Games The Stanley Parable creator and Minecraft composer's indie studio is shutting down: "It's a particularly tough time"
 
 
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 character Henry wounded
RPGs Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 dev says he was "fired" and replaced with AI: "I feel incredibly betrayed"
 
 
Latest in Features
Arjun shields up as Prophet blasts out a spiral of yellow corrupted bullets in a Saros boss fight, with the GamesRadar+ Big Preview frame
Roguelike Games Saros: The Big Preview – Hands-on and developer access with PS5's roguelike game-changer
 
 
The Serpent's Skin
Horror Movies The Serpent's Skin is the neon-soaked, blood-splattered queer love story I've been waiting for
 
 
Pokemon TCG Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming Perfect Order introduces a Pokemon card everyone will want to use, and fans are already clamoring for it
 
 
Cyberpunk 2077
RPGs Cyberpunk 2077 is a better role-playing game than The Witcher 3
 
 
Star Fox
Third Person Shooters Star Fox isn't just an iconic retro Nintendo shooter – it paved the road to Super Mario 64
 
 
Jujutsu Kaisen
Anime Shows Jujutsu Kaisen season 4 release date speculation, teaser, cast, and Culling Game Part 2's story
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead Gustave faces a gommage
    1
    "You can't build clever little games anymore," says RPG legend, unless you get lucky like Clair Obscur Expedition 33: "That doesn't please the stock market"
  2. 2
    Arc Raiders lead was surprised The Last of Us players really liked the game, "they just didn't like to have PvP all the time"
  3. 3
    Saros aims for bite-sized 30-minute runs, and the cool-off makes you "ready for another", its game designer tells me
  4. 4
    7 reasons why Saros has me hooked on its eclipse-powered roguelike runs, and why it might be PS5's most impressive release of the year
  5. 5
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 devs were "experimenting" for the first game, but came armed with knowledge and about 100 more staff members for the sequel: "It had to stand taller"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...