With both Sony and Nintendo showing off brand new hardware during their press conferences this year, Microsoft are going to have to work their asses off if they want to compete. While we don’t know exactly what MS intends to show during their conference there are plenty of rumors roaming around the internet. For that reason I’ve decided to break down a few of those rumors and express my feelings on each of them.
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Redesigned Dashboard
With the announcement that Windows 8 will be adopting the snazzy Windows Phone 7 interface it’s only logical that the Xbox will follow suit. The current dashboard can be a bit of a pain to navigate, especially when used with Kinect. If Microsoft really want consumers to put their controllers down and point at the TV instead a new and improved dashboard is essential.
Xbox Live Diamond
Rumor has it that Microsoft are set to unveil a premium Xbox Live tier which will add more media services such as HBO Go and ABC Player to the system. As such a thing would only benefit US residents (and Gold is already overpriced as is) I doubt Microsoft will be taking this route.
Halo HD and/or New Bungie Game
A HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved is almost guaranteed to be at show, a new Bungie game is highly unlikely. Bungie has already confirmed that they won’t be attending E3 this year and if anything Bungie related is announced it will probably happen via Activision.
Microsoft To Adopt 3D
Unlike Sony (who has invested in 3D TVs and movies) Microsoft has no reason to hop on the 3D bandwagon just yet. With the current 3D backlash that is happening in the movie industry coupled with disappointing 3DS sales, I doubt MS has any immediate plans to push 3D content. I’m sure that one day Zune will offer streamable 3D movies but I don’t think that time is now.
“Hardcore” Kinect Games
There’s no doubt in my mind that Microsoft will make an attempt to market Kinect to their core audience at this years E3. Therefore I suspect we’ll be seeing a few Kinect games based on core franchises such as Gears Of War, Halo, Alan Wake and *sigh* Banjo.
Killer Instinct 3 Reveal
It seems like every year gamers naively believe that Rare will unveil Killer Instinct 3. If Microsoft really has plans to revive KI from its 15 year slumber now is their final chance to do so! With Street Fighter x Tekken, Tekken Tag 2 and Soul Calibur V all currently being developed, the longer Microsoft waits to release KI3, the less of a chance it has to make an impact. With that said, I don’t think Microsoft actually has anyone to develop the game for them since Rare are busy making Kinect games and gay new Avatar poses.
Xbox 3/Xbox 720
Simply, no… Microsoft will not be showing the successor to the Xbox 360 today. Just forget about it!
So there you have it, the Microsoft conference will take place today (June 6) at 9.30PST. Before watching, be sure to listen to our Microsoft E3 predictions podcast!
