PixlBit

The PixlBit Staff sounds off before this year's big show kicks off.

JD's Predicitions

Nintendo

Echoing a lot of what Jesse has stated, I too believe Nintendo has a lot to show, and a lot to prove. Nintendo has already stated that there will be no price announced, but I think it's safe to say that there will be an official release date announced.

A Wii U name change is very likely as well. Nintendo has stated that they felt part of the 3DS's problems at launch was the similarity in name. Consumers will just assume that it's just an addition, rather than the true successor to the Wii. 

Now talking software, we will definitely see whats going on with New Super Mario Bros 2 and The New Wii U Mario title. I too believe that a new Metroid title will be shown for either Wii U or 3DS (or both O_o) but due to Other M's lack of success, I find that more of a reach than I would like. I think we can also expect to see a lot of 3rd party support. I've seen reports that Wii U's launch line up will surprise people and if thats to be believed, the 3rd Party support needs to be there. Assassins Creed 3 is a shoo in, along with Rayman, but other than Ubisoft, I'm curious to see what will be revealed.

I feel that Nintendo has a lot to offer this year. With the Wii U hype and 3DS' current hot streak of content, they could have a very powerful showing if they do everything right.

Microsoft

I feel like this year will be a tough show for Microsoft. Last year wasn't that spectacular. Sure we got Halo 4 and a few new XBL features, but they have done little to surprise anyone. If history is any indicator, they will open the show with Black Ops 2, announce some DLC exclusivity and move on to talk about how they wish to make the Xbox more of an integrated part of the living room.

Now that's not to say they may not have some tricks up their sleeve. If anyone can truly shock us, it's probably Microsoft. They have an opportunity to come out of left field and show everyone something brand new. It's hard to imagine a new IP coming so late in the cycle, but things happen. I still feel the good ol' Xbox 360 has a couple of good years left in it and I think Microsoft knows this as well, and should bank on that. They can show us exactly what the Xbox is about.