According to GamesIndustry.biz, Nintendo is set to show its two big releases, Metroid Prime 2 and Wind Waker 2 at its pre-E3 conference in May. This announcement ups the ante for Microsoft, as the Xbox and GameCube vie for second place against the PlayStation 2.

With the success of Retro Studios' first foray into the Metroid universe, Metroid Prime, the industry is looking for another first-class follow-up in Metroid Prime 2. As for Wind Waker 2, information has been available for some time on Nintendo's plans to bring another Zelda game to the GameCube.

A few other bits of information were made available on Nintendo's pre-E3 conference plans. One, Nintendo's new handheld will be featured prominently on the agenda, which will go head-to-head with Sony's planned PSP handheld. Secondly, there will be no new information regarding Mario 128. Nintendo has confirmed that it is in development but has not been inclined to show the progress on the title.

Nintendo of Europe has responded to the industry buzz on its pre-E3 conference stating that "it does not comment on rumors, especially Internet rumors," and no announcement or agenda for the E3 has been made at this time.