Itching to try some of Nintendo’s upcoming titles? Nintendo is hitting the San Diego Comic-Con with playable versions of a handful of highly anticipated games and even tournaments for Super Smash Bros. Wii U, Splatoon, and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby.
For the duration of the convention. July 9th through the 12th, Nintendo will be hosting a Gaming Lounge in a building adjacent to the convention center (333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) where visitors can play the games. The variety is plenty with Wii U titles like Super Mario Maker, Yoshi’s Woolly World and Activision’s Skylanders SuperChargers, as well as The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes and Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash for the 3DS.
For those attending the event and anybody in the area interested in the Gaming Lounge, you’ll be able to stop by from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 9-11 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 12. San Diego Comic-Con ticket holders will be able to visit Nintendo’s booth on the convention floor (No. 235). There they’ll have a display of all existing and upcoming Amiibo figures.
Visitors of the Gaming Lounge will be able to participate in the previously mentioned tournaments as well. Those interested can find rules, registration deadlines, and more information on Nintendo’s San Diego Comic-Con page. Here’s another useful link. Be sure to use the links they provide further down the page.
Nintendo of America has been hosting more and more official tournaments for their games in recent history. In an interview with Fortune during E3, Reggie Fils-Aime voiced Nintendo of America’s feelings regarding eSports in general:
We saw success last year with the Smash Bros. Invitational, and Smash Bros. has always been a game in the eSports community…What we’re really gratified to see is that the community has now embraced Super Smash Bros. for Wii U because it has the speed and customization they like. We’re also seeing them embrace Mario Kart 8, as well as Splatoon, in a competitive environment. We’ve always been close to the eSports space and will continue to be.
Regarding the tournament at the Gaming Lounge in San Diego, Nintendo will host its first-ever Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Championship Tournament for kids 12 and under, further proving their closeness to eSports. The young winner will receive a Gold Edition Amiibo prize pack containing Ness, Greninja, Jigglypuff, Charizard, PAC-MAN, Wario, Robin, Lucina and Mario. There will even be a competitive event involving the upcoming game Little Battlers eXperience for the3DS.
There’s a lot to see, even for people not attending the convention! If you’re in the area, be sure to check out all of the fresh new Nintendo content!