Many years ago, not having a badge for Comic Con was devastating but now not so much. The Comic Con experience has transformed into something much larger than the San Diego Convention Center can hold. Today, I experimented going to the Con without a badge and, on the last day of the Con, you should too.

Nintendo

At the San Diego Marriott hotel, right next to the convention center, Nintendo amassed a powerful lineup of demos for upcoming Wii U and 3DS titles. All were welcome to play anticipated games such as, Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Twenty games were available to be played and, with every game you played, you got a ticket for some Comic Con swag.

SEGA

On 200 Harbor Drive, the SEGA Arcade had a few games to be played as well. Though much smaller than the Nintendo Lounge, Sonic Lost World, Total War Rome II, and Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse stood out as impressive games. Plus, you could take a picture with Sonic and, in my wanderings through the internet, I’ve found out that hedgehogs are all the rage.

And So Much More!

Pizza and mini golf were available at the Fox Animation Exhibit, viking inspired canoe races paddled through the History Channel’s Vikings Exhibit, and a sneak peak at the upcoming Ender’s Game movie trailer and sets was open to all. I wish I had given myself hours to check out all that the peripherals of Comic Con had to offer because there is a lot more than mentioned here. There is one more day to go. So if you are in the San Diego area and don’t have a badge, take the trolley to downtown, check out these exhibits, and people watch all of the cosplayers as much as you can!

Happy Con! (Even if you can’t get in)