Were you wondering what Nintendo's next big game might be? Wonder no more! During a presentation to investors, Nintendo head honcho Satoru Iwata revealed Wii Party, the next in the Wii... line of games (following Wii Sports, Wii Play, Wii Fit, and Wii Music). It sounds like Wii Party will be comparable to the Mario Party series, only without the licensed Nintendo characters. Instead, your Miis will get a chance to shine, just like in the other Wii Whatever titles.

All we really know so far is that Wii Party will use Miis, have a bunch of mini-games, and be out in Japan during the current fiscal year, which actually ends in early 2011. There's no word yet on if or when Wii Party will come out in North America, but I can't imagine that it wouldn't see a Western release. Personally, I'm sure it will be entertaining, but another mini-game compilation sounds like a giant step back for Nintendo. This is the type of game that was released in droves in the Wii's early days, and I don't really get why they would develop this instead of another Mario Party, which would be a guaranteed huge seller. Expect to hear more about Wii Party at E3 10 in June, and also expect the sighs, groans, and open laughter of gaming journalists in attendance at Nintendo's press conference.

[Source]