The Electronic Entertainment Expo is just around the corner and with it and whole new slew of video games, technology and even new consoles are expected to be announced.
It’s been roughly four years since the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One launched on to store shelves and early reports from multiple video game outlets imply that an upgraded version of Microsoft’s and Sony’s consoles may be news. Nintendo’s console, the Wii U, has been in stores even longer and its new console, currently titled NX, is set to launch in March 2017, but it’s unknown if the NX will get any air time at E3.
Consoles are again probably going to play center stage at these press briefing, but here are some other highlights that might be in store at the show.
Microsoft
Early reports indicate that Microsoft will be announcing a new more powerful Xbox One that will be on store shelves later this year.
According to Kotaku, the upgraded console is being called the Scorpio. The Scorpio is said to be able to support VR, more notably the Oculus Rift as well as a bigger hard drive. Given the recent attention to VR, Microsoft will probably announce further plans with Oculus for the Xbox One and Windows 10.
Another cheaper and smaller model is also rumored to be announced as well. Both new consoles fall in line with Microsoft’s pitch to bridge PC and console gaming. With the launches of PC-like ports of Forza Motorsport, Killer Instinct, Forge from Halo 5, expect even more PC crossover games to be talked about at E3. One more major Xbox One title could also be announced to work on Windows 10. Think along the lines of Rare’s Sea of Thieves.
In regards to games, Microsoft will no doubt showcase their first party darling Gears of War 4. Battlefield 1 will probably make a splash at the Microsoft press conference and possibly Crackdown.
Microsoft’s press conference will begin June 13 at 9:30 a.m. PST.
Nintendo
Nintendo on the other hand, it’s doubtful that there will be many surprises at their showing.
The Big N has already said that Zelda will be the main event. It’s possible that this is will be the first time the public will get a glimpse of NX graphics, console and the controller during their showcase.
Other games such as Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Generations, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, and Tokyo Mirage Sessions are expected to appear during Nintendo’s Treehouse Live stream.
Nintendo’s Treehouse Live stream will begin June 14 at 9 a.m. PST.
Sony
Sony had a very strong showing last year, so it’s going to tough to match themselves. But, if last year’s show is a blueprint for this year, there will hopefully be plenty of surprise announcements.
This year, it looks like the surprises will come in the form of hardware such as a lot VR offerings and demos. Also, a release date of Sony VR would be nice as well.
Like Microsoft, Sony is also rumored to bring an upgraded console to E3.
Kotuku reported in March that the more powerful PS4 will be able to handle virtual reality and 4K resolutions and that it is set to release later this year.
Sony will have to drop some major exclusives this year and with No Man’s Sky pushed back to August, it is safe to say that could make another splash. Possibly even VR support. Hopeful appearances would be to see The Last Guardian, Dreams, Detroit and a new God of War.
It’s also a strong possibility that Sony will drop news about Call of Duty: Infinite and Destiny timed exclusive DLC during the show.
Sony’s press conference will begin June 13 at 6 p.m. PST.
