E3: Nintendo announces updated 'Mario,' 'Legend of Zelda,' 'Super Smash Bros.'

Amid a string of large-scale console announcements, Japanese gaming giant Nintendo stuck with showcasing new games for its Wii U platform on the second day of the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

E3 has moved its focus to showcasing the games that are expected to go big this year, including the new "Call of Duty: Ghosts" and "Quantum Break" for the new Xbox One from Microsoft and Sony's PlayStation 4. But the second day of E3 is traditionally Nintendo's chance to shine.

Nintendo is focusing on new versions of classic gaming franchises, including "Mario Kart 8," "Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze" and Super Mario 3D World." Rather than the large presentation the new consoles have released, Nintendo focused on the loyal customer base the company has already developed.

"Today is different. It's the reason you're gathered here inside of our booth -- standing instead of sitting -- because it was our decision to minimize the time from when we said 'good morning' and you getting to play the game," said Nintendo of American president Reggie Fils-Aime.

Nintendo users were able to play the new games and a slew of others during the presentation as the company takes its beloved characters to their most advanced stage yet.

The company did face technical issues with the livestream, and the hype surrounding the features was dampened by what was planned as the grand finale: the release of "Super Smash Bros." for the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS. The video for the new game cut out toward the end.

Showstoppers at the expo focus on high-definition graphics and Internet-centric features including integration with social media and playing games from the cloud.

After Nintendo's presentation Tuesday, the Xbox One and PS4 maintain the bulk of the buzz with several features that push the consoles beyond gaming. Xbox One can communicate with users' cable boxes and expand its host of Internet subscription services like Hulu Plus.

Nintendo has struggled since the November Wii U launch, which features a tablet controller but without an on-screen improvement: Its graphics on par with the obsolescent Xbox 360 and PS3. Nintendo only sold just 3.45 million units by the end of March.

As the conference continues, Nintendo will have to work to find a foothold in luring new consumers as Microsoft and Sony prepare to announce even further advances in digital graphics.