E3 Conference 2006

Each year the video game world gathers in Los Angeles to spread hype about upcoming products. This year E3 runs from May 10-12. Check this site regularly for updates of news from the conference.

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May 13:

Microsoft announced camera and HD-DVD drive.

In the closing press conference to E3, Microsoft said an EyeToy -like camera, a wireless headset and a disc drive that allows viewing of HD-DVD  discs will be released by the end of the year for the Xbox 360. 

May 12:

Sony suggest EyeToy will be available at PlayStation 3 launch

Big news was scant as E3 wore down through its final day, but an interesting new peripheral loomed in the shadows. Sony promoed the PS3  battle game The Eye of Judgement, purported to be a launch title, and showed that it makes use of an EyeToy  device much like the one that's out for the PS2.  Using the new EyeToy, players will see themselves onscreen in the middle of the mayhem. Logic dictates that the PS3 EyeToy should be available when the system is released in November, although Sony has yet to confirm this.

May 11:

Nintendo unveils Wii online

Nintendo announced that the Wii will allow users to go online via a WiFi connection much like that of the Nintendo DS.  The console will connect to the player's home computer wireless network, which is accessible either through a WiFi hub or a USB adaptor. The good news is that it will be free to play online. The Wii will also surf the Internet via the Opera browser.

There's a Snake in My Smash Bros!

In a surprise move, Nintendo treated journalists to a movie of the new Super Smash Bros. game for the Wii.  Metal Gear Solid character Solid Snake was involved, and company officials said they were thinking of a way to work him into the game.

May 10:

DS goes large

Nintendo's flashy handheld, which the company said in the pre-E3 conference has sold "millions" more units than Sony's PSP,  will play host to a truckload of games. Check out the lineup of titles you can expect to see in the coming months:

  • Big Brain Academy
  • Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
  • Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol
  • Children of Mana
  • Clubhouse Games
  • Custom Robo Arena
  • Diddy Kong Racing DS
  • DK: King of Swing DS
  • DS Air
  • Elite Beat Agents
  • Hotel Dusk: Room 215
  • Kirby
  • The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
  • Magical Vacation (working title)
  • Magnetica
  • Mario Hoops 3-on-3
  • Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2:March of the Minis
  • New Super Mario Bros.
  • Pokémon Ranger
  • Star Fox DS
  • Sudoku Gridmaster
  • Tenchu: Dark Secret
  • Yoshi's Island 2FNBodyText

Farewell to the boomerang

While Sony fans winced with pain when realizing they'll have to shell out $600 for a PS3,  they can rejoice at the company's dismissal of the dorky boomerang-shaped controller. Sony announced it has scrapped the design and reverted to its popular PS2-style Dual Shock 2 controller.

May 9:

Rockstar jams to Grand Theft Auto IV

October 16, 2007 is a date marked in red for video game fans. Rockstar announced that the fourth game in the tremendously popular crime franchise will be released next October for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The controversial Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released in October 2004.

Nintendo announces new Zelda

In a highly anticipated but somewhat disappointing press conference, Nintendo released a few gems, but is keeping quiet about the release dates and price of the Wii.  The biggest news is different versions of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii and GameCube  will be released on the same day -- whatever day the Wii is released. Another announcement confirmed the Wii will include the Opera browser. Nintendo also revealed the Wii controller will have its own speaker, and announced a load of new games, including Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and a table tennis game.

Sony reveals PS3 release date

Sony announced thePlayStation 3  will be the most expensive home console ever produced. Released Nov. 11 in Japan and Nov. 17 in the United States, the system will cost $499 for an "entry level machine," equipped with a 20 GB hard drive. An optimized system with a 60 GB hard drive will run $599. The tiered price point plan is akin to what Microsoft did with the Xbox 360 's discount, hard-drive free "core system."

May 8:

Activision gives a sneak peak of 'Spidey 3'

Fans will have to wait until 2007 to see Spider-Man 3 or buy the licensed game, but Activision announced it will show a sneak preview of the game at E3 later in the week. The company also revealed that it's working on Call of Duty 3 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for the Xbox 360,  PlayStation 3  and Wii. 

EA announces E3 game slate

To no one's surprise, the publishing giant revealed that "Madden NFL 07" will be released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, PSP, DS and Wii. The Wii   game should be the most unique of the bunch, with motion-controlled passing, kicking and defense. Other EA highlights include NCAA Football 07, NASCAR 07 and the two-man war franchise-starter, Army of Two. Gamers are drooling over EA's announcement that Madden Wii will be playable at EA's booth.

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