E3 2017: Everything to know about the video games showcase
For fans of video games, next week is huge.
On Tuesday, the Electronic Entertainment Expo opens its doors at the Los Angeles Convention Center, hosting the biggest event of the year for video games.
Players will hear a lot of news about what games are on the horizon, as well as other details about how the future of their favorite hobby will change over the next several months and beyond.
If you're an E3 veteran, or this is your first time hearing about this confab, we're here to break it all down:
What is E3?
It's an annual industry event hosting video game developers, publishers, retailers and investors. The developers and publishers use E3 as their venue to reveal the hottest video games (as well as video game hardware) expected this holiday shopping season and next year. The first one was held in 1995, and has been held most years in Los Angeles (minus a brief stint in Atlanta). Last year, more than 50,000 people attended E3, and that could grow as the Entertainment Software Association — the show's organizers — have opened the trade event to the public.
Why is it a big deal?
For video game fans, this is a first glimpse at many of the games they will play this fall, next year, or beyond. If you own an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch — the three current home consoles — this is when you learn how each of their manufacturers plan on entertaining you. For those who purchased tickets to attend, this is the chance to play some of the latest video games months before they launch.
So I don't play video games. Should I still care?
Depends on who you are. If you are a parent, chances are you will have kids begging you for many of the games featured as holiday or birthday presents. It's a good way to see what's coming (and what your kids want to play) before they hit stores.
What will we see at E3?
A new Xbox. The big news starts with Microsoft, expected to reveal launch and pricing details for Project Scorpio, a supercharged version of its Xbox One console capable of running native 4K resolution and virtual reality headsets.
Cowen analyst Doug Creutz projects Scorpio will cost around $400. “You can't really price higher than that.”
The arrival of a new Xbox is key for Microsoft, as it attempts to make up ground ceded to Sony and its PlayStation 4. Both consoles launched in 2013, and PS4 gained an early edge thanks to a lower price tag. “They're clearly in second place by a wide margin,” says Digital World Research analyst P.J. McNealy. “They're going to really tout this box to be the come-all be-all end-all.”
Because Scorpio can run VR, it's possible Microsoft reveals details about potential headset support. McNealy expects Microsoft to “welcome third-party vendors to make headsets” for the Xbox One.
A cheaper PS4? Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter suggests Sony could respond to Microsoft's Scorpio pricing with a dip in price for the PS4. Sony currently sells the PS4 for $299, with a more powerful Pro model available at $399. “If the PS4 Pro is $400 now, and the Scorpio comes out at $400, the PS4 Pro will drop to $300,” Pachter said. “And it wouldn't surprise me if Sony replaced the PS4 altogether with the PS4 Pro.”
Starting Friday, Sony will offer its PS4 for $249 through June 17, with extra discounts on games and accessories.
The future of Nintendo Switch. The beloved video games giant said Switch was its fastest-selling console ever when it launched in March. The small selection of games available have been universally praised, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the critically acclaimed ARMS, a fighting game out June 16.
The success of Switch serves as a needed rebound for Nintendo in the console market, following the failure of its last home device, the Wii U.
“It's been a fantastic story for Nintendo,” said McNealy. “They get pronounced dead yet again, and then here comes the Switch, and its still sold out.”
Nintendo could reveal more details about a new online service launching next year for Switch, featuring a subscription offering competitive online play and access to older games from their classic library.
When does it kick off?
Technically, on Sunday. Microsoft hosts a press conference in L.A. with details on the Xbox, followed by Sony on Monday, then a Nintendo video stream on Tuesday (Nintendo once hosted its own press conference live at E3 but has since stopped).
Follow Brett Molina at E3 in Los Angeles at @brettmolina23
Read more from last year's E3:
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.