Nintendo is at the center of a heated Internet debate. Loyalists from all sides are waging an epic battle after Nintendo's controversial E3 Press Conference. The show is over but the fire storm continues. Some fans are disappointed. The trolls are proclaiming doom. Meanwhile others are defending Nintendo's presentation.

I found myself starkly conflicted on the subject. I know as a true gamer I'm supposed to feel outraged by Nintendo's focus on the "casual gamer." Yet at the same time, being a seasoned veteran gamer, I enjoy trying new things. True gamers always crave a new experience. You don't care if it makes you look foolish, just so long as its fun. That's what the Wii has given me. A chance to enjoy something fun, new and different.

Still as much as I enjoy the Nintendo Wii I couldn't live with out my other consoles. I have to own every console on the market. If it has games, I want to own it. Its that simple.

This situation breeds a great deal of conflict in my heart. And that's why its so hard for me to accept the difficult truth that I have discovered. I know I will be branded a loon or a fanboy loyalist for what I am about to say. However I feel with great confidence that some of you will understand and accept this controversial opinion.

Nintendo is the true winner of E3 2008.

Ever since 2007 Nintendo has shown an increasing disinterest in the E3 Expo. After their amazing 2006 showing things were looking great for the Company. However the following year the E3 Expo was drastically changed and along with it Nintendo's attitude towards the event.

Who Killed the Old E3?

In 2007 the Expo was radically downsized. The event was stripped to a pathetic shell of its former self. The real goal of the changes were simple; less fat, less expense, and more image control. It appears "certain companies" didn't like how the media had treated them during E3 2006. These companies put big money into the show. They wanted everything to be controlled. They wanted a guaranteed result.

This new media charade, along with the drastic changes, may have killed Nintendo's enthusiasm for the Expo. I also believe the changing market is to blame. Nintendo realizes their new core audience is filled with people who don't care about E3. As a result. Nintendo's E3 2007 showing felt like an after thought. They were treating the show as a non event.

Nintendo had very little on display. And to the horror of many, the title "Wii Fit" was at the center of their 2007 E3 press conference. Fans scoffed and complained. However a year later, Wii Fit is a phenomenon and Nintendo is ruling the console market with a commanding lead.

Still Holding All the Cards

Nintendo's E3 2008 showing is no different. The Company's meager offerings will capture the attention of the mainstream media and the wallets of the casual gamer. They have a software library their target audience will love. The Wii is still in very high demand. And Nintendo's crazy dual screen portable has destroyed the competition. When it comes down to dollars and cents, Nintendo is the clear winner. This E3 will only further their goals.

Nintendo the Pimp

Nintendo knows it has the casual gaming market sewn up. While others talk of expanding the market, Nintendo has actually achieved their lofty goal. And as such they owe their spectacular success to this remarkable industry growth.

So, much like your average Hollywood Pimp, Nintendo takes a position of security and arrogance. They show very little and laugh off the complaints. They know they are guaranteed a controlling interest in the Next Gen gaming market. Casual gamers will love Wii in 08/09. And even though the so-called "hardcore" gamers may complain they will still find a reason to enjoy the Nintendo Wii.

What about the Loyalists?

Hardcore gamers and Nintendo loyalists have no reason to feel left out. There are still many surprises to come. It wont all be Wii Fit, Wii Music, Wii etc. Nintendo does appreciate its devoutly loyal fan base. I am %100 confident Nintendo will find a way to make its core fan base happy while continuing to break new ground in the expanding video game market. Nintendo fans still have E for All (an event the company whole heatedly supports) and other media events will surely follow.

Rumors already circulate concerning the development of Pikmin 3, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and New Super Mario Bros 2. A roster of games that's sure to please any hardcore Nintendo fan.

Once again Nintendo quietly steals your wallet.