Nintendo to defend crown at E3

BLOCKBUSTER sequels, slick technology and duels between the big three console makers are expected in Los Angeles this week as the videogame industry reveals its newest creations.

The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, referred to as E3, allows makers of videogame hardware and software to mingle, make deals and vie to trump each other’s innovations.

Nintendo will be defending the Wii’s crown as the world’s most popular videogame console and has remained secretive about what it will unveil when E3 officially gets under way today.

Microsoft is expected to announce a $50 cut in the price of its Xbox 360 consoles in the US as part of an ongoing battle with Sony’s PlayStation 3 for second place in the market. Sony is likely to stand firm on pricing but try to wow gamers with new titles and improved features.

Eagerly-awaited fresh installments to series like Gears of War, Resident Evil, Street Fighter and Call of Duty will be previewed. It’s also likely that a number of new titles will be announced by some of the world’s most respected developers.

“You will see refinement on anything considered a breakthrough, like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Music has been popular with teens since before we were teens. There are legs there,” said Joseph Olin, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

Despite the interest in new software and hardware announcements, E3 has declined in importance recently, with most industry players choosing to reveal plans at their own pace.