The show will begin August 29 and will remain open for three further days. This is the first year that the show will be open to the general public. "We've had to rethink our plans in light of the fact that it's largely a Sony show, so that's what we're doing at the moment," said a senior Nintendo Europe spokesperson, speaking to a CVG correspondent.

Usually ECTS is attended by the big four players in the console hardware sector (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, and formerly Sega). Sega still plan to attend - but only as a software producer. As of yet their lineup is unconfirmed. This year the show will take place in Earls Court, Central London - in 2001 EMP decided the host it in the Docklands. Bad planning meant that the 2001 show was a small dissapointment.

Neither Nintendo or Microsoft have reserved floor space for exhibiting. "I wouldn't be surprised if they did (book floor space). ECTS is still talking to both of them about exhibiting in the trade hall... Microsoft is there anyway, but only developer relations, not Xbox."

Nintendo and Microsoft promise to confirm their final plans (if any) soon. Concerning their plans, a Nintendo spokesperson said earlier today "Soon, I hope,". "It's literally because we're having to look at our options. I would hope in the next few weeks. We've got a number of things bubbling." Seems like Nintendo have a few things up their sleeve.

Don't expect anything similar to The Nintendo Show hosted in London last year. "It's unlikely we'll do anything on that scale," said a Nintendo Europe rep. "It was a huge year when we did The Nintendo Show as it was the first time GameCube had come to Europe and so forth, so I don't think there's a need to do anything on that sort of scale. We've got good games that we want to give people the opportunity to play, but a lot of people have already seen them at E3." Nintendo's ignorance is a little annoying. A lot of people may have seen them at E3 - but how many European gamers had the chance of playing them?

EMP's decision to allow Sony to sponsor the consumer event is a huge blow for both Nintendo and Microsoft. It just shows that money can buy you dominance - what is dissapointing is the fact that gamers won't have the chance of playing the latest Ninty titles. Expect a statement from Nintendo soon.

UPDATE: Nintendo of Europe's Statement

We contacted Nintendo of Europe for comments on our story. This is what they had to say:

Having showcased an exciting and very well received line-up of games at this year�s E3 we are excited about promoting our products in Europe and are currently looking at the opportunities.

Nintendo has not confirmed its plans for a European showcase of its products, but will let you know as soon as we do.

They are excited! As soon as we get the details from Nintendo we will let you know!