E3 2012: Nintendo Conference Liveblog

The last of the console manufacturers to deliver its keynote address at E3 2012, Nintendo has perhaps the most to answer for. The Wii sold like hotcakes in its first few years, leaving other consoles in the dust. But sales have slowed to a trickle, and its new 3DS handheld isn't exactly flying off the shelves, either. The company needs to knock it out of the park with the Wii U, coming later this year. Nintendo needs a launch lineup that will convince us that we have just got to have it, and this press conference is its best chance to blow us away. Nintendo's fortunes with portables, long its strongest suit, has been struggling in the fast of ubiquitous smartphone gaming. If the 3DS is to remain a relevant piece of a gamer's arsenal, it needs some amazing games and significant software updates.

Lately, Sony and Microsoft have been turning their home consoles into media streaming boxes and social networking hubs. Will Nintendo follow suit with the Wii U? Will it at least catch up with its competitors when it comes to the online sale and distribution games? Join us as we liveblog the press conference, scheduled to begin at 9am pacific time on Tuesday, June 5.