Live Updates from Nintendo's E3 Conference

You're Welcome.

That was the "Thank You" I'm sure you have for me, now that I managed to wake up so early in the morning just to provide these live reports from Nintendo's E3 Media Briefing, which begins at noon and is being televised on G4.

And, this morning has been illuminating already. For one, I've learned that "Roseanne's" Laurie Metcalf has taken over the Sally Struthers role of asking for a dollar a day. I've also learned that Jess really does care about Rory, after he accidentally trashed her car.

OH, and there are video games. This is your place for video game news all day, so buckle up and get ready to click the "refresh" button often.

Today's G4 talking heads includes Kevin Pererra (or however you spell it), Morgan Webb and ... Chris Hardwick? No word on where Adam Sessler is. But, hey, if you're going to be missing one of the two X-Play hosts, sorry Adam.

And, the trio is discussing how they don't know anything whatsoever about what Nintendo has plans, because they are so "hush-hush." Well then why are you talking so much?

CONFERENCE STARTING

Ah, yes, I forgot about these. Nintendo always has six or seven montages in each show basically showing random people having fun with their systems. Let me go brush my teeth.

Reggie Fils-Aime is MIA! Some lady underling of Reggie's named Cammie something is standing on stage talking about how Nintendo games put a smile on her face. ... And, apparently she had a snowboarding accident. Huh?

Does this mean we won't get another "Gung Ho" moment with Reggie like last year?

Uh-oh. That was all leading to Shaun White coming on stage and showing off new Wii Balance Board game "Shaun White Snowboarding."

"For me it's just so unbelievable" - Shaun White on the Balance Board controls. Someone gave that man a large check this morning.

Although, the board does look very responsive to lady Cammie's toes, and the graphics on the game look pretty comparable to the versions from Xbox and PS3.

Aaaaaand the first random G4 commercial of the day. Honestly, this happens at least once every time G4 claims to be commercial free.

And we're back, with Satoru Iwata on stage, discussing the new landscape of video gaming. Nobody likes tooting their own horn like Nintendo.

A picture montage of random people enjoying Wii and DS... that's two.

It's waaaay too early for a speech this boring about how the psychological barrier of gamer vs. non-gamer has been broken. Honestly, I'm not slouching on these updates, Iwata hasn't said anything for the past 8 minutes. And I'm falling asleep.

And the second game of the day is.... Wii Animal crossing. "Animal Crossing City Folk."

The game will feature a microphone called "WiiSpeak", which is not a headphone, it mounts on top of the Wii Motion Bar. The question is, will this speaker be able to be used on other online games? And, is there an option to turn it into a headset?

REGGIE!

And, the excitement of seeing familiar face Reggie has now been tempered, since Reggie brought sales bar graphs with him.

So far, this is the most I've heard Nintendo talk about the DS at an E3 briefing in years. The question is, why? Could it be that we may be hearing about a newer DS model today, after all?

Uh-oh. Fanboy alert. "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" featuring a Wii LightSaber. That's right, the Wii LightSaber. Ya think this may make use of that 1:1 motion technology Nintendo announced yesterday? Yeah, me too.

A new "Rayman Raving Rabids" game and 'Call of Duty: World at War" are also being promoted in this segment. Little details given for any of those games, though.

More DS news, this time talking about how nearly half the DS owners in the world are female.

Is it just me, or do people playing DS "Guitar Hero" look ridiculous? "Guitar Hero: Decades" is being announced. Of course you know my opinions on Music games like this... and no, there isn't anything new in this version.

A look at "Spore: Creatures," which basically consisted of "you can make creatures and share them."

"Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars" coming to DS this winter, set in Liberty City with new characters. I can't wait to see my first 8 year old playing GTA on the go. "Are you bored in the car, Timmy?" "No, I'm choking hoes!"

Here it is -- WiiMotionPlus... Using "WiiSports Resort," a WiiSports sequel. The MotionPlus will come packaged with "WiiSports Resort."

Apparently in "Resort" you can play fetch with a virtual dog. Another reason why not to leave the house anymore. There is also a waterskiing game, which likewise looks very responsive to the 1:1 controls.

And, SWORDFIGHTING. Good, responsive Swordfighting. Suddenly, I cannot wait for this game.

We have to wait until NEXT SPRING for "WiiSports Resort." Awww, Reggie! Why you gotta play me like that?

But, coming by the holidays is "WII MUSIC"! So far, we've seen drums and Saxophone displayed, all using Miis. And here is Shigeru Myamota, wearing a teeshirt of Mario playing the sax.

Apparently, the Wii chooses the notes for you? Seriously? Then where is the challenge? There has to be more to it than that. We've now seen Piano and Violin as well as Guitar.

I don't know, I have yet to see where the challenge is here. Myamoto is moving his hands wildly the same way every time and the Wii is the one looking like its doing the work.

The game also pairs with the Wii Balance Board on the drum set. You can also conduct an orchestra.

And, Wii Music will record videos of your performances, which is swell.

There's a Cowbell in this game! A cowbell! Finally, our fevers will get their prescription!

Now the whole gang is playing a song together... and yes, they're just moving their arms wildly. Not even looking at the screen. I'm awfully confused right now folks.

Seems like Nintendo is starting to wrap it up... will there be a moment similar to Sony's "Final Fantasy XIII" moment like yesterday?

It's awfully early in the afternoon to end this thing without news on a Wii Kid Icarus or some new title...

But nope, we're done. If "WiiMusic" wasn't so goofy looking, I would be more impressed.