Despite expectations, E3 2012 saw no Wii U price and launch date announcement from Nintendo. With Nintendo claiming that its next-generation console will be released by the end of 2012, news remains scarce. That could change on Sept. 13 when Nintendo is holding an event that will inform the media of "how the Wii U will change the future of gaming and entertainment".

That is Nintendo's official word on the event hosted by Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime. However, looking at past Nintendo conferences reveals trends. According to gaming website Kotaku, during January 2011 Nintendo announced its 3DS, revealing games to the press, in New York City. It launched in March 2011. Launching the Wii U by the end of 2012 leaves just 3 months to launch the console after September, so the expected November launch in North America may happen.

The trends suggest that Nintendo could have playable games in New York City, at least titles from E3 and the Nintendo showcase events. A price and launch date seem like logical announcements.

Nintendo did not reveal the price and launch date during its E3 2012 press confernece, allegedly because Nintendo wanted to gauge the reaction to the console. A high price may have pushed consumers away, forcing a price cut similar to the 3DS.

A recent rumor suggested that Nintendo is delaying the launch of the console until December in Europe. North America will get the console in November, perhaps the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday -- the U.S.'s mark for the beginning of the holiday season.