LOOKING TO E3 … AND THE BIG THREE!

These last few months, we've been privy to a wealth of speculation about what we'll all see at E3. Things like final console pricing announcements, dev consolidation announcements, console specifications, and, of course, triple-A game announcements. It's a nightmare to get through it all, especially the info pertaining to The Big Three console makers -- Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft.

Because we're nice people who like to share things, we've rounded up all the official and not-so-official data on what you've got to look forward to during E3:

Sony Computer Entertainment

So we know that the free online service for the PS3 is aiming to be “Xbox Live turned up to 11,” with all the same features promised -- and then some. We also know that elements such as the final controller design or whether the hard drive or a new Eyetoy device will actually be packed in with the console are likely to be revealed at E3.

The PS3 is being met on one hand with excitement for housing exclusive fan favorites by the likes of Kojima Productions and the Rockstar boys, and on the other hand by cynicism due to the trailer debacle of last year's E3 and the current lack of communication with developers on the specifics of their online offering.

Regardless, this E3 is as crucial for SCE as it is for anyone else and, if they play their cards right (particularly the card which sees content across all Sony brands shared in innovative ways), the company stands to keep and possibly increase its lead.

Price won't be discussed at E3, according to CNN, and Ken Kutaragi's promise that it will “be expensive” could be the deciding factor when it releases worldwide this November, with 1 million units promised out the gate. Currently, reports are pointing to the machine costing 499–599 euros in Europe and $450 in the U.S.

The online service -- likely to receive its official name at E3 -- is also promising to have a vast back catalog of PSOne games ready to download onto PSP and PS3. Full backwards compatibility with PSOne and PS2 is also being targeted for the next-gen machine.

More info on the synergy between Sony's content brands is also likely to be touched upon, with movies, music, games, and crossovers gifting potential to a service that could blow away I-Tunes as the leading online distribution channel.

Nintendo

E3 is largely Nintendo's next gen make-or-break moment and it looks already to be gaining some flak, at least from a marketing perspective, thanks to the arguably not-well thought-out name for the console formerly known as Revolution – and now known as “Wii.”

Regardless, once the toilet humor dies down, the controller's innovations will finally be under scrutiny, and fans and press alike will then be able to make judgment on what many are looking to for a revolution in gameplay mechanics and experiences.

Appearances from Smash Brothers, Zelda, Mario, and Metroid's Samus are all hotly tipped on both DS and Wii, and it's likely we won't see anything of the Gameboy Advance hardware line this E3.

Aiming to expand on the unique control and experiences afforded by the highly successful DS system, the Wii will also talk more about Nintendo's online Virtual Console, now joined by Sega and Hudson 's classics from the 16-bit glory days and by new partners we'll probably find out about during their conference. Capcom and Konami are currently two of the companies being tipped for retro content announcements.

The Wii's price has been reported between $150 and $250 -- and with games like Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, and Brain Training being hugely successful in overall sales and attracting new gamers, critics and long-time gamers appear to be positive about the machine's potential, though don't expect jokes about the name to stop anytime soon.

The DS will get a boost from Zelda making a more prominent appearance, as well as from new DS peripherals and likely announcements pointing to connectivity between both DS and Wii machines. It's also safe to say we'll see more unique titles like Brain Training, with concepts like “Language Training” and unique Japanese games being previewed for Western release.

Microsoft

With the Xbox Live service and its improvements receiving critical acclaim across-the-board, it's a shame that Microsoft's allocations have potentially held it back from capitalizing on the lead time it's been enjoying ahead of Nintendo and Sony's new console offerings.

The E3 focus will be on key titles like Halo 3 (in teaser form), Gears of War, Fable 2, Forza 2, Too Human, and a number of others, including a hotly tipped re-emerging of the Shadowrun franchise … and so Microsoft's stable is looking enticing and very welcoming to Western tastes. In fact, as far as “known” lineups go, it's looking like one of the strongest E3 console lists with the majority of the list coming from triple-A studios that are no strangers to reviewers' praise.

While still struggling in the Japanese market, content from various Japanese heavyweights is likely to be shown, so expect to hear more on Mist Walker's involvement with Xbox and some more from former Capcom linesman Yoshiki Okamoto and Q Entertainment's Mizuguchi-san. We may even get a look at Itagaki's next offerings.

As for the Live service, we'll be hearing about improvements made possible with the new Camera peripheral, as well as how it links together with Windows' Vista system, which will also be enjoying some PR spotlight with a Halo 2 conversion centerstage.