Nintendo announces intention to attend Gamescom 2023

First time at European expo in four years

Nintendo has revealed that it will be in attendance for this year’s Gamescom, which is scheduled to take place in Germany in August — As confirmed by Koelnmesse and The German Games Industry Association, The House of Mario will make its return at the annual event, marking the first time in four years that the publisher has made the trip to the European expo.

“We are excited to announce that Nintendo will be exhibiting at Gamescom 2023,” said the event’s organizers on Twitter. “Many more exhibitors will follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!”

Nintendo’s attendance comes as something of a surprise as the publisher has not only shied away from exhibiting at industry events in recent years, but will have also already launched its biggest titles (that we know of) for 2023 — namely Metroid Prime Remastered, Fire Emblem Engage, and the incoming Pikmin 4, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. One might assume that the publisher simply wishes to further promote these releases.

We are excited to announce that Nintendo will be exhibiting at #gamescom2023! Many more exhibitors will follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/ludCq12pwe

— gamescom (@gamescom) April 26, 2023

But, perhaps Nintendo has a surprise or two up its sleeve — Gamescom 2023 will, as always, premiere with Geoff Keighley’s “Opening Night Live” streaming event which, in the wake of E3’s struggles, has become the de-facto summer streaming event for major updates and announcements. Will Nintendo have something to showcase during this live stream? Right now, it’s a dice roll, but seeing the publisher actually leave its offices for once is definitely a curious situation.

Gamescom 2023 will take place at Koelnmesse, Germany between August 22-27. Opening Night Live will take place on the evening of August 22.