Ah, Sony. You cant argue that the hardware and software giant has carved itself out a very comfortable niche in the video game market. With the monumental success of the PS2 and more games in the market than you could shake a stick at, theyre virtually (pun intended) sitting on cloud nine. But, all is not well in Sony land. Microsoft and Nintendo are planning to bust out the details on their next-generation consoles, and with good reason. With those two companies trailing behind Sony in terms of market penetration and sales, theyre out to trump the leader of the pack at their own game. But, dont count Sony out quite yet. With so much of this years E3 focusing on the next generation of consoles, Sony has a trump card up their sleeve in the form of their own brand spanking new console. While we can also probably guess that its going to be called the PS3 and will more than likely utilize some sort of Blu-Ray DVD technology, other details are harder to come by. But, thats not going to stop us from laying down our own predictions on what Sony will unleash this year at E3.
* The PS3 will be officially announced.
* The unit itself may be shown off during Sonys press conference, but more than likely only in the form of a video presentation.
* The PS3 console itself will not physically be at E3
* No PS3 titles will be playable on the show floor, nor behind closed doors.
* Sony will not announce a release date for the PS3, nor will they announce a price point for the console.
* Sony will show off some tech demos for their next-generation games during videos at their press conference.
* Sony will show tech demos for a number of notable franchises, including teasers for Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid.
* SCEA President Kaz Hirai will tout the latest sales numbers and software tallies from the past year (big surprise there, right?), and again have another PowerPoint presentation, but this time itll be operating on Office 2003.
* Much of the Sony press conference will focus on the PSP and its success since its launch, particularly against the Nintendo DS.
* Gran Turismo for the PSP will be playable on the show floor, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog, Ratchet & Clank, and Jak.
* Sony will divulge more information on upcoming software programs and accessories for the PSP, including a full-fledged web browser, wireless IR keyboard, and digital camera.
* To go along with the digital camera accessory, Sony will show off an EyeToy-esque online chat title that will allow players to video chat with friends using a wireless hotspot.
* The keyboard accessory will be functional with the newly announced Sony Connect e-mail and text messaging service that will launch sometime next holiday season. All electronic correspondence will come with a small monetary fee.
* Sony will also announce further plans for their recently launched Connect service for the PSP, including pricing information.
* Sony will announce that they will implement connectivity plans for the PS2 and the PSP. The PSP will connect to the PS2 via the USB port.
* Sony will also announce new titles for both PS2 and PSP that will support the connectivity feature.
* Sony will announce that the PS2 will be reduced in price to retail for $99.
* Sony will announce a PSP-only bundle for retail sale, including another surprise bundle that will include some newly announced Sony PSP accessories.
* Sony will announce new colors for the PSP.
* Sony will not announce the availability or release of their Image Converter Software for North American markets.
