So it begins today. It seems like some developers are starting to not view E3 as the be all and end all anymore. Rockstar, Valve and Nintendo largely all do their own thing now, but it's always good larger than life fun. I'll always remember it fondly for Nintendo tech demos that never happen:

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/nintendo-64-tech-demo-videos-still-make-us-cry/

And this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkEVKzZNQDY

These few weeks are key for Wii U's future. Don't think reshowing the 10-15 games that are coming will be enough to attract western gamers so need a superb Mario title (that's not years off), a Retro title that gets people talking, ideally those Xenoblade & Bayonetta sequels 90% done and a few external developers on board too. An easy win for me would be to say 'sorry the games have been a bit slow, as a reward all NES & SNES games on Virtual console are free for now and capitalise on current Xboxone's negative perception, but doubt they will do anything so bold / sensible.

It's looking like the reason Activision and EA are currently not interested in Wii U is down to these preowned issues. Ultimately with a good Nintendo direct consumers might give the Wii U a go and force a change of heart. But they HAVE to get some AAA titles to market before end of year.

Sure that XBONE will have 10-15 great games that do a good job of shutting most people up. Interestingly Microsoft have already said that half a dozen of those launch games are new IPs.

Likewise Sony will have a bunch of great titles I'm sure - they're too savvy not to. Hope Last Guardian is one (it won't be). Key period for the Vita too - if it does indeed allow PS4 games to be playable out and about then it could interestingly operate in the same way over two screens as a Wii U controller, meaning developing for those two might be slightly easier?

Early reviews suggest Ouya is crap and I'm guessing the continued lack of HL3 means it'll be a Steam box exclusive and a way off, so for now the big 3 have the path clear to impress. Though for once, I think they all have their work cut out.

Most excited about:

1) New Retro studios game
2) New Monolith Soft game
3) XBONE new IPs
4) Potential for a new WipEout
5) Whatever Naughty Dog has planned next

You?