As a further indignity, sometimes the lack of appreciation for the companions of the protagonist runs deeper and the player starts to hate sharing the spotlight. Among gamers, the dislike of sidekicks might be a conditioned response - after decades of buggy escort quests and lobotomized A.I., it's instinctual to distrust the "plus ones" and the tagalongs of the gaming universe that seem to exist solely to drag ass, spout inane dialogue, and absorb bullets like a sponge with a death wish. Fair enough. But every now and again, this ire is directed at someone who is undeserving of such hatred - one companion who is wise and worthy, a sidekick that kicks ass. This might be why the all-time greatest sidekick in the history of gaming is also one of the most under-appreciated ... and by that I mean "loathed with a thick bilious hate that chokes out the sun."

I'm talking about Navi, from Ocarina of Time.

Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata recently told investors that the company is hard at work on a new console which is sure to offer an original gaming experience. Iwata promised that Nintendo will once again innovate but will be keeping this new project under wraps as long as they can so competitors won't steal their ideas. Iwata also wants to surprise fans and states knowing about something for a long time before it launches takes away from the experience.

"I am afraid to say that the history of entertainment is also the history of imitation. A great idea will promptly be copied unless protected through patents. At the same time, it is really important for our business to positively surprise people. Will you be surprised by our completed product if we told you how it is surprising three years in advance? Therefore, we basically disclose information on our products as late as possible. We believe this is the best approach for the entertainment products we are developing."

The Nintendo Wii turns five at the end of next year so who knows what E3 2011 will bring.