History MediaNotes / E3InThe1990sAndThe2000s

[[caption-width-right:300:The E3 logo, used from 1998 to [[UsefulNotes/E3InThe2010s 2017]].[[note]]E3 used different logos in [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:E3_1995_logo.png 1995]], [[https://i0.wp.com/www.segasaturnshiro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/E3-Logo-2-1.png?w=620&ssl=1 1996]], and [[https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/1069722-directory.jpg 1997]].[[/note]]]]
This page covers moments of the UsefulNotes/ElectronicEntertainmentExpo (E3) from 1995 to 2009.

** Microsoft's event showed many casual-friendly features, such as avatars, which looked similar to Nintendo's UsefulNotes/{{Mii}}s, minigames in the forms of fly swatting or dancing, etc. Since Microsoft had, up until this point, mostly marketed to core games, this didn't go over well with their existing fanbase, who complained that Microsoft was trying to copy Nintendo's Wii. When ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' was announced to be released for the Xbox 360, it shocked everybody. After the announcement, Sony fans cried foul and claimed that Creator/SquareEnix were sellouts. It didn't help when Microsoft boasted that most of its third-party games used to be with Sony.

* From 1999 onwards, the event has since been held in California (specifically Los Angeles, except in 2007 when it was hosted in Santa Monica instead). E3 1999 itself is remembered positively for giving fans and journalists a first-time tease on what would be the sixth generation of consoles, including the announcements of games that would expand on online play, the public showing of the Platform/SegaDreamcast, further details of the then-upcoming Platform/NintendoGameCube (codenamed Dolphin at the time), and the Platform/{{PlayStation 2}}. Regarding current-gen software, the first-person genre had a major presence with the showing of ''VideoGame/PerfectDark'', ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'', ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' (which would enter DevelopmentHell to release in 2007, eight years later), ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'' and a still precarious ''Daikatana'' (it was finally released in April 2000, to negative reception). Outside that hot trend, the most talked-about presentations were those of ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong64'', ''VideoGame/DinoCrisis'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII''.

[[caption-width-right:300:The original E3 logo, used from 1996 (1995 used [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:E3_1995_logo.png a different logo]]) to [[UsefulNotes/E3InThe2010s 2017]].]]

** Sega unveiled its next console, the Platform/SegaDreamcast, at E3 1998.

** Having launched the [=PS2=] the year prior (and enjoying success in the process), Sony focused on upcoming hardware. Among the games shown for this system was Rockstar's ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIII'', which would become one of the most influential, popular ''and'' controversial games of the sixth generation. Other games shown were ''VideoGame/GranTurismo 3'', ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry1'' (Capcom) and ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxterThePrecursorLegacy''.

** Microsoft's event showed many casual-friendly features, such as avatars, which looked similar to Nintendo's UsefulNotes/{{Mii}}s, minigames in the forms of fly swatting or dancing, etc. This caused the fans of Microsoft to moan and complain that Microsoft was trying to copy Nintendo's Wii. When ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' was announced to be released for the Xbox 360, it shocked everybody. After the announcement, Sony fans cried foul and claimed that Creator/SquareEnix were sellouts. It didn't help when Microsoft boasted that most of its third-party games used to be with Sony.

** Creator/{{Sega}} made an announcement in their keynote address that the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn, which was releasing on "Saturnday" (September 2), would be $399. Another surprise announcement was that the console was actually ''already out'' at select stores. The announcement shocked and angered retailers, developers, and gamers alike, who were not prepared for the release so early, and it was one of the main contributing factors in the death of the Saturn. Though the system had its fans, a huge lack of games in the first six months meant that Sony had to do very little to catch up to the Saturn's pitiful lead.[[note]]If you're wondering, it took the UsefulNotes/PlayStation only ''two days'' to overcome the Saturn's six month lead.[[/note]] The move was calculated to try to cut into Creator/{{Sony|InteractiveEntertainment}}'s upcoming [=PlayStation=] release by being "first on the street", which had helped Sega get the edge over the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem a couple of years earlier. Unfortunately, their keynote was scheduled first.[[note]]Sony had been trying to work with Sega to create a game console, but while Sega of America was strongly in favor of the deal, Sega of Japan put the kibosh on working with another major company for fear of losing control over their products, in a move reminiscent of why Nintendo decided to cancel the Nintendo/Sony UsefulNotes/{{SNESCDROM}} add-on a few years earlier.[[/note]]

** Creator/{{Nintendo}} announced this year that the UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}}, then known as the Nintendo Ultra 64, would be released the summer of the following year. They also gave extensive publicity to the UsefulNotes/VirtualBoy, though it ended up being a huge hardware failure.

** Nintendo showed off the Nintendo 64 and a few games (including the anticipated ''VideoGame/SuperMario64''). They announced that the console would cost $249.95. Additionally, Nintendo unveiled the UsefulNotes/GameBoy Pocket as well.

** The game of the show was ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'', a RolePlayingGame with groundbreaking [[VideoGame3DLeap 3D]] cinematic production values. The game was famously repurposed for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation after its initial plans for the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 eroded.

** Sega unveiled its next console, the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, at E3 1998.
** Nintendo's performance was well-received overall: Gameplay footage of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', this time in its near-finished version, was unveiled, with a final release date being announced shortly afterwards. ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie'', ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue'', the UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor and related accessories (the Game Boy Printer and VideoGame/GameBoyCamera), all presented in their near-finished versions, were the other wild cards shown by the big N.
* From 1999 onwards, the event has since been held in California (specifically Los Angeles, except in 2007 when it was hosted in Santa Monica instead). E3 1999 itself is remembered positively for giving fans and journalists a first-time tease on what would be the sixth generation of consoles, including the announcements of games that would expand on online play, the public showing of the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, further details of the then-upcoming UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube (codenamed Dolphin at the time), and the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 2}}. Regarding current-gen software, the first-person genre had a major presence with the showing of ''VideoGame/PerfectDark'', ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'', ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' (which would enter DevelopmentHell to release in 2007, eight years later), ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'' and a still precarious ''Daikatana'' (it was finally released in April 2000, to negative reception). Outside that hot trend, the most talked-about presentations were those of ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong64'', ''VideoGame/DinoCrisis'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII''.

** Creator/{{Microsoft}} had their first ever E3 show this year, promoting the recently-revealed UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} console and marking their entry into the console wars in the wake of Sega's departure.

** Hardware was the talk of the town -- Nintendo and Microsoft were gearing up to launch consoles that year (Nintendo pulling double duty with the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance and [=GameCube=]), the Dreamcast and the days of Sega as a console manufacturer were dead, and Sony's [=PS2=] had been a huge hit.

** Sony showed off ''[[VideoGame/GranTurismo Gran Turismo 4]]'' and ended their press conference with the announcement of the UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable, blindsiding Nintendo as their first real competitor in the portable gaming market since Sega released the UsefulNotes/GameGear. We all know how it ended up, but at the time, it was a hell of an opening volley.

** After Sony fired the opening volley in 2003, Nintendo responded with force in the form of the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS. The graphics weren't as good as the PSP's, but it had Nintendo's solid hardware and games behind it, and the touchscreen feature got many people hooked. They also showed off a gorgeous and realistic-looking trailer for [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess the next]] ''Zelda'' game, turning public opinion on the company around by a large margin, especially after their pretty bad 2003. Compare [[http://media.ign.com/games/image/article/738/738102/gaijin4koma2_peersblog_1200684608.jpg this candid shot]] of IGN's journalists watching the ''Twilight Princess'' trailer to the above shot from 2003. Other notable games shown included ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes'' (which, thanks to the huge success of its previously-controversial predecessor, was looked forward to more positively), ''VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor'', ''VideoGame/StarFoxAssault'', ''VideoGame/{{Geist}}'' (this one was first shown in the previous E3, but here it was shown in an improved form) and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap''. Lastly, it was also the public debut of Nintendo of America's new marketing head, Reggie Fils-Aimé, who quickly became a well-known personality amongst the Nintendo fanbase.

** All three big console companies showed off their new editions this year, with the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, the UsefulNotes/Xbox360, and the not-yet-finalized UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} (codenamed Revolution at the time) making their debuts.

** Nintendo only showed off the console itself - the controller was MIA, but Nintendo promised backwards compatibility and announced what would become the UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole, along with the beginning of development of the untitled next game in the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series (an announcement that surprised series director Creator/MasahiroSakurai, as Nintendo had not yet contacted him for the job). They also gave a major spotlight to Nintendo DS games that would take advantage of its online features, such as ''VideoGame/MarioKartDS'' and ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeHunters''.

* Sony's [=PlayStation=] Move (the [=PlayStation 3=]'s motion controller) was revealed, as well as ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' (which was originally planned to launch on [=PS3=] after the PC version, but due to the game becoming a massive disaster, it was held back until it launched alongside the much more successful relaunch ''A Realm Reborn''), the PSP Go, ''VideoGame/GranTurismo 5'' and ''GT PSP'', ''VideoGame/ModNationRacers'' (''VideoGame/MarioKart'' meets ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet''), ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidPeaceWalker'' (a new ''Metal Gear'' game for the PSP), ''VideoGame/TheLastGuardian'', ''VideoGame/{{MAG}}'', ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'', ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankFutureACrackInTime'' and a PSP version of ''[=LittleBigPlanet=]''. ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' was also announced for the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation Network}}.

** Nokia premiered the UsefulNotes/NGage. It was predicted to go nowhere, a prediction it rather swiftly fulfilled.

** Nintendo showed the Wii, this time alongside the signature motion controller and the Nunchuk, along with several new games in development for the system (such as ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' and ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl''). It was one of their strongest E3 performances overall in history, especially because the ''Smash'' trailer, which not only included new characters like Wario and [[VideoGame/KidIcarus Pit]], the latter’s first video game appearance in 15 years, but the reveal of the series' first GuestFighter ever (Solid Snake of ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' fame). It was also revealed that the long-awaited ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' would see a MultiPlatform release for both the [=GameCube=] and Wii.

** Nintendo showed off their latest Game Boy games and introduced a heavily revamped version of ''VideoGame/ConkersBadFurDay'' (previously shown in other events including old E3 editions as a family-friendly platformer), a sharp turn for the family-friendly company. Other notable games shown by them were ''VideoGame/PokemonGoldAndSilver'', ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'' and ''VideoGame/BanjoTooie'', very anticipated sequels to popular installments released in prior years. Lastly, the long-awaited ''Paper Mario'' would have its release date announced (though a brief delay occurred some time later).

** Nintendo showed off advanced trailers and playable demos from their first-party titles, though many of them, which were previously unveiled at Space World 2001 in Japan, were still controversial at the time for different reasons. ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime'', a long-awaited return of Samus Aran, caused concerns among longtime fans due to its first-person perspective and its development being handled by then-beginners Creator/RetroStudios. They also debuted a controversial trailer for the next ''Zelda'' (a then-untitled ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'') - long gone were the realistic graphics of 2001's tech demo, replaced by a artsy, cel-shaded style; finally, they showed a more polished version of ''VideoGame/StarFoxAdventures'' (previously ''VideoGame/{{Dinosaur Planet|Rare}}'', now an action-adventure game with ''Franchise/StarFox'' characters). The internet was less than pleased overall, and while all those games were well-received upon release (with ''Metroid Prime'' having become the highest-rated game in the sixth generation), the prior controversies left a permanent effect on the already-struggling sales of the [=GameCube=]. Over time, this E3 showing also became a HarsherInHindsight memory for fans of Creator/{{Rare}} games, because ''Star Fox Adventures'' was the last one released on a Nintendo home console before Rare became a division of Creator/XboxGameStudios.

* Sony's [=PlayStation=] Move (the [=PlayStation 3=]'s motion controller) was revealed, as well as ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' (a MMO), the PSP Go, ''VideoGame/GranTurismo 5'' and ''GT PSP'', ''VideoGame/ModNationRacers'' (''VideoGame/MarioKart'' meets ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet''), ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidPeaceWalker'' (a new ''Metal Gear'' game for the PSP), ''VideoGame/TheLastGuardian'', ''VideoGame/{{MAG}}'', ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'', ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankFutureACrackInTime'' and a PSP version of ''[=LittleBigPlanet=]''. ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' was also announced for the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation Network}}.

* Nintendo made quite the turnaround with this year's E3 compared to 2008. While they did show several casual games, Nintendo appealed to the core fans with several new ''Mario'' games (''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'', ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii'' with 4 player co-op, and a 3rd ''VideoGame/MarioVsDonkeyKong'' game), ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'', a new ''VideoGame/GoldenSun'', ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'', ''VideoGame/DeadSpaceExtraction'', ''VideoGame/TheConduit'', and ''VideoGame/MetroidOtherM''. Nintendo also showed off Wii Motion Plus, an add-on for the Wii Remote that added more precision with motion controls.

** Sony brought along the PSP, but it wasn't playable just yet - except for a prototype that Kaz Hirai had with him on screen. They also introduced the very first ''VideoGame/GodOfWarI''.

** Nintendo presented several tech demos for games for the [=GameCube=]. One of the demos showed Link and Ganondorf fighting each other with realistic graphics for its time. Within the almost-ready games, the most acclaimed showings were those of ''VideoGame/LuigisMansion'', ''VideoGame/Pikmin2001'' and ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.

** Nintendo showed the Wii, this time alongside the signature motion controller and the Nunchuk, along with several new games in development for the system (such as ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' and ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl''). It was one of their strongest E3 performances overall in history, especially because the ''Smash'' trailer, which not only included new characters like Wario and [[VideoGame/KidIcarus Pit]], the patter’s first video game appearance in 15 years, but the reveal of the series' first GuestFighter ever (Solid Snake of ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' fame). It was also revealed that the long-awaited ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' would see a MultiPlatform release for both the [=GameCube=] and Wii.

** Nintendo showed the Wii, this time alongside the signature motion controller and the Nunchuk, along with several new games in development for the system (such as ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' and ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl''). It was one of their strongest E3 performances overall in history, especially because the ''Smash'' trailer included the reveal of the series' first GuestFighter ever (Solid Snake of ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' fame). It was also revealed that the long-awaited ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' would see a MultiPlatform release for both the [=GameCube=] and Wii.

** After Sony fired the opening volley in 2003, Nintendo responded with force in the form of the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS. The graphics weren't as good as the PSP's, but it had Nintendo's solid hardware and games behind it, and the touchscreen feature got many people hooked. They also showed off a gorgeous and realistic-looking trailer for [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess the next]] ''Zelda'' game, turning public opinion on the company around by a large margin, especially after their pretty bad 2003. Compare [[http://media.ign.com/games/image/article/738/738102/gaijin4koma2_peersblog_1200684608.jpg this candid shot]] of IGN's journalists watching the ''Twilight Princess'' trailer to the above shot from 2003. Other notable games shown included ''VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor'', ''VideoGame/StarFoxAssault'', ''VideoGame/{{Geist}}'' (this one was first shown in the previous E3, but here it was shown in an improved form) and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap''. Lastly, it was also the public debut of Nintendo of America's new marketing head, Reggie Fils-Aimé, who quickly became a well-known personality amongst the Nintendo fanbase.

** Nintendo had a less-than-stellar E3. Their big focus was on the [=GameCube=]/Game Boy Advance connection, which was neat, but hardly as flashy or interesting as the PSP was by itself. The only notable game shown by them that was truly of interest for journalists and fans was ''VideoGame/MarioKartDoubleDash'', which became yet another polarizing game in the [=GameCube=] lineup (in this case because of its dual driver gameplay, garnering some EightPointEight review controversies from IGN and [=GameSpot=] upon release). This [[http://media.ign.com/games/image/article/738/738102/gaijin4koma_peersblog_1200684654.jpg candid shot]] of IGN's journalists sums up the overall crowd reaction.

** Nintendo presented several tech demos for games for the [=GameCube=]. One of the demos showed Link and Ganondorf fighting each other with realistic graphics for its time. Within the almost-ready games, the most acclaimed showings were those of ''VideoGame/LuigisMansion'', ''VideoGame/Pikmin1'' and ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosMelee''.

** Nintendo had a less-than-stellar E3. Their big focus was on the [=GameCube=]/Game Boy Advance connection, which was neat, but hardly as flashy or interesting as the PSP was by itself. The only notable game shown by them that was truly of interest for journalists and fans was ''VideoGame/MarioKartDoubleDash'', which became yet another polarizing game in the [=GameCube=] lineup (in this case because of its dual driver gameplay, garnering some EightPointEight review controversies from IGN and Gamespot upon release). This [[http://media.ign.com/games/image/article/738/738102/gaijin4koma_peersblog_1200684654.jpg candid shot]] of IGN's journalists sums up the overall crowd reaction.