Watch the video: E for All opens its doors // Event details
Matt Degen reporting from Los Angeles:

As noted in my previous blog on initial impressions from the first day of the first E for All in Los Angeles, Nintendo was the big fish in the relatively small pond of the LA Convention Center’s South Hall.

I chatted up Nintendo PR manager Eric Walter on the convention and what he sees ahead for Nintendo, both this week at E for All, and into the busy holiday season.

Q: It’s as if there is a magnetic field around Nintendo’s booth that’s attracting the gamers. What’s the big draw?

A: It all comes down to the games. We wanted to bring these games to the fans. Two of our biggest titles are “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” and “Super Mario Galaxy.” This is the first time fans have seen them. There’s also the Zapper (a gun-like control that debuts Nov. 19). Games on the Wii with the Zapper give a deeper level of immersion.

Q: After seeing it earlier this year at E3, I was hoping we’d see Wii Fit here. How come it’s missing?

A: It’s a little too early (to show).

Q: Bummer. When can consumers expect it on shelves?

A: 2008.

Q: Can you get any more specific?

A: No, sorry. Not at this time.

Q: Well, I’m looking forward to it. The early version I saw was extremely impressive, and I think it will draw a lot of people.

A: Absolutely. My mom is going to go nuts for the yoga — and my mom hasn’t played a game since I was a kid.

Q: What’s going to be your biggest holiday titles?

A: “Galaxy” — it will blow people away. And “Smash,” too. It’s going to draw the hard-core gamers, plus an expanded audience because it’s so easy to pick up and play.

Q: The Wii launched last November and it’s still hard to find one in stores. What gives?

A: They’ve literally been sold out since launch. It’s not a production issue; it’s demand. We’re looking at selling 16.5 million units worldwide this year. We keep increasing production, but it keeps selling out.

Q: Any tips for consumers who are trying to get a unit?

A: Make sure you talk to your retailer and see when they come in. A lot of times that’s on Tuesdays. Try to be there when they arrive because they are usually gone within a couple of days.

Q: What do you think of the show so far?

A: Today we’re seeing a lot of the hard-core players, guys who called in sick to work. By Friday afternoon it will be nuts. And Saturday will be huge. Saturday and Sunday we’ll see a lot of families here.

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