Turning their attention to the coming games expo, market researchers and analysts in Macquarie Research expect that Nintendo may be announcing a new Zelda or a Mario Wii game for E3. Citing the need for the publisher to come up with more "gamer-centric" announcements at the event, the market analysts eye two of Nintendo's finest franchises as keys to a successful E3.

We understand WiiFit Plus will be launched at E3, which will be sold separately from the board and in a bundle and will capitalise on the 17m existing WiiFit users. We expect Nintendo to learn its lessons from last year and provide more gamer-centric announcements at E3 such as a new Zelda or Mario title for the Wii (in addition to the new Zelda for DS). We do not expect a price cut and see an outside chance that new accessories for Wii could be announced.

Based from their statement, the mention of Mario and Zelda aren't exactly predictions. The two simply symbolize two Nintendo franchises that could bring hardcore gamers to the Wii, and Macquarie believes that having an announcement at the very least for either of these titles may spell good news for the publisher.

I have my doubts about the two though. A triple-A title such as Zelda or Mario would be preceded by an announcement before going to E3. That seems to be some unspoken rule for AAA titles, and maybe that's why they're called AAA - because they always come with Announcements Announcing Announcements. If a game of such caliber is to be announced at E3, Nintendo should be announcing it by now.

If Nintendo's gonna make a high-profile announcement or unveiling on E3, my money's on Heart Gold and Soul Silver.

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More of the latest on E3:

• E3 2009: Tomy showcasing new Naruto Shippuden games
• E3 2009: New Warhammer 40,000 game to be unveiled by THQ