PixlBit

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

Jason's Predictions

Halo 4 Prediction: The full game can be purchased for $60 at retail, but the single-player and multiplayer portions of the game will be available at the day of the retail launch separately for something like $35.

Xbox 360: A new Xbox will be revealed. No, it won't be a next-generation console, but rather a very cheap version of the console with slightly fewer capabilities, including a lack of a disc-drive. This 360 will have a Kinect built in, and will use some type of small expandable memory. It will function as a 360, but have a special, simpler version of the dashboard. It will go on sale as a contract console, however, it will have no base price, instead, only requiring a 2-year subscription for the same price as before. Only downloadable games can be played on the console, but Microsoft will commit to placing more of their software online to help mitigate the idea.

Xbox Live Gold: No price increase, new services most people at E3/who follow E3 won't care about. Opera Winfrey's network, OWN, will be announced as available on the console. Potentially, there will be a split between Gold services. One based on online gaming and the other based as a TV hub. Xbox Live Gold as we know it could become XBL Platinum, covering both segments.

Xbox 360 Controller: A smart controller with a qwerty keyboard will be released for the more casual 360 above. It will also double as a DVD-style remote control for Netflix, and other streaming services.

PlayStation 3: New PlayStation 3 service will appear allowing backwards compatibility for using cloud computing for PS2 games. The PS2 games can be purchased on PSN,  but PlayStation + members will be able to receive free BC with their PS2 games so long as the disc is inserted into the PS3.

PlayStation +: A new ad-hoc mode will be revealed with PlayStation +, also based on this cloud computing: Games that previously only allowed local multiplayer will be able to emulate local multiplayer via the cloud. I cannot think of an example to match this. Maybe it'll work for PSX and PS2 games, too? This would be a PS+ only plan.

Vita: As of a certain time on Tuesday, full Vita/PS3 remote play will be made available. Anything you can do on your PS3, you can do with your Vita, provided both are connected to the internet. The touch-pad on the back of the screen will be used for the missing triggers of the Vita's. May only be available for PS+ members, but likely will work for all dual owners of the technology.

Vita: New Monster Hunter compilation announced. Will feature monsters from 1-3, no new monsters, but weapon and armor mixtures will be available. Online play may only be available for those with PlayStation +.

The Last Guardian: It's revealed the Guardian can really transform based on your decisions and choices as you progress through the game. He starts off looking like he did in the old trailer, but in time, he'll become an entirely new creature. The reason for the massive delay was to add in this functionality. Will be described as creating a best friend that actually fits you.

It will be announced that PlayStation Home is finally going to go offline. A spiritual successor will be revealed and will work with Vita, as well.

Nintendo: New 3DS model will be revealed, will only change the circle pad into an analog stick. It will be a minor new mention. Nintendo will promise no new hardware updates to the 3DS for at least “18 months.”

New Ice Climber game will be revealed. Spoiler alert: There's two of them, and they climb ice. Platform? Yes, they will use platforms to climb the ice.

A competitive Vs. mode will be revealed for Pikmin U. It will pit one player as a Pikmin enemy against another playing as Olimar. Potentially, two Wii U tablets can be used with two players playing on the screen for a 2-vs-2 battle.

Custom Robo for the 3DS will be a thing. Will feature cross compatibility with the Wii U.

3DS player will be mentioned. It won't be shown off, but something like “In the coming months, we will make it possible for you to play 3DS games on your Wii U using the TV and the Wii U controller.”

The Wii U Café will be revealed. One new gaming event each day downloaded over night and available for when you start your game. Will be mentioned as a means in which to provide 3^rd party developers with demo opportunities and such.

SBU, Smash Bros. University, will be revealed. Customizable characters in a battle-academy setting will be the focal point.

DLC stage packs for New Super Mario Bros. U containing versions of classic Mario stages. NSMBU is a packaged game with the Wii U, but will have paid DLC and come with a free DLC code with each console for a limited time.

Instead of a Metroid/StarFox crossover, a Metroid/Zelda crossover will be revealed.

Namco will reveal MOK. Massive Online Katamari.

Metal Gear Solid: Revengenaneance will be retitled, delayed, and offer free sliced watermelon for each demo.

Exhibitors will drive up the lines for the most popular games and consoles before the show begins each day.