Nintendo Confirms It Will Not Attend E3 2023: Official Statement Released
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Published on: February 24, 2023
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Nintendo has officially confirmed its decision to forego attendance at E3 2023, the iconic gaming expo traditionally held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This announcement follows earlier reports from IGN suggesting that several major platform holders were reconsidering their participation in this year’s show.
E3, organized by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) with event management by ReedPop, has long been recognized as a cornerstone for major industry announcements and public showcases.
The 2023 edition is scheduled to run from June 13th to 16th, marking a significant return after several years impacted by the global pandemic and shifting industry priorities.
Nintendo, the company behind the popular Nintendo Switch hardware and globally acclaimed franchises, has historically utilized E3 for high-profile reveals and direct engagement with both fans and business partners.
In response to media inquiries and speculation, Nintendo delivered an official statement to both VentureBeat and IGN, explaining the rationale behind its absence.
A Nintendo spokesperson clarified, "We evaluate our event participation individually and consistently explore different avenues to connect with our fans.
Since E3 2023 does not align with our current plans, we have chosen not to attend this year.
Despite this, we remain dedicated supporters of the ESA and the E3 event."
This marks a notable shift, as Nintendo has previously leveraged E3 events—both physically and virtually—to spotlight major first-party releases for the Nintendo Switch.
The decision comes amidst evolving strategies in the gaming industry, where publishers are increasingly favoring digital presentations, such as Nintendo Direct showcases distributed via their own channels, over traditional trade show appearances.
The ESA, meanwhile, has stated its ongoing commitment to adapting E3 for modern needs while maintaining its foundational mission of supporting member organizations.
ReedPop’s involvement this year was expected to introduce new event formats and fan engagement opportunities.
Nintendo’s absence adds to industry speculation concerning the 2023 show’s lineup, as other leading platform holders like Sony and Microsoft have not yet confirmed their level of participation.
Notably, Sony last attended E3 in 2018, while Microsoft is reportedly planning an independent event coinciding with E3 2023 dates.
Nintendo’s statement reaffirms the company’s prioritization of direct-to-fan communication strategies and ongoing support for industry institutions like the ESA.
For fans and industry watchers, this underscores the rapidly changing landscape of gaming news delivery and event engagement.
E3 2023 will take place from June 13 to June 16 in Los Angeles.
Updates regarding further participant announcements and the event schedule are expected in the coming weeks.
