My Predictions For E3 2019

June is always a treat for gamers because E3 hangs just around the corner. While some may argue that the big video game event has been dwindling in its impact for reveals, it still has Twitter and YouTube blowing up with reactions, loud excitement, and hot takes. However, E3 2019 falls in a very odd place on the hype spectrum, and that's because one of its main attractors will be absent - Sony. Nonetheless, we still have a lot to look forward to with presentations for anticipated games and hopefully some surprises here and there. Here's a few predictions I have for this year's E3.

1. Nintendo unveils their rumored Switch "upgrade"/kid-friendly console

This has been a hot topic among the gaming community for some time now mostly because people are wondering if Nintendo is willing to do a mid-gen console refresh similar to PlayStation's PS4 Pro and Xbox's Xbox One X. The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic handheld-console hybrid that I love to pick up and play, but I wouldn't say no to an upgraded version with a cleaner, sleeker handheld screen, more power to keep the framerate of games stable and resolution high, as well as the addition of built-in voice chat, cloud-based game saves, and more. Of course, we can also expect Nintendo to release a more kid-friendly version of the Switch similar to the 2DS.

A reveal at E3 2019 with a planned release in 2020 sounds promising considering a new Metroid Prime game is in the works and the inevitable Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield sequel.

2. Square Enix brings the heat with their biggest projects and release dates for them

Square Enix has had a great start to the year with Kingdom Hearts III being the best selling game of 2019 so far. For this year's E3, fans are eager to learn more about their elusive Avengers project and finer details for the Final Fantasy VII Remake. It's already confirmed that both will make an appearance at E3, but I will go the extra step and say we will get confirmed release dates with the Avengers project aiming for March 2020 and Final Fantasy VII Remake part 1 going for late November 2019.

Along with the launch date for FFVII Remake part 1, I expect them show us a tentative release schedule for the remaining iterations for their episodic idea, whether it's in 2, 3, or 4 episodes.

Also, it would be awesome to see Final Fantasy XIV announced for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. FFXIV is easily becoming one of my all-time favorite JRPGs since Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, so the more the merrier.

Finally, announcements for Kingdom Heart III's DLC expansion and the Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 collection pack for Nintendo Switch set to drop in Fall 2019. Either way, Square Enix has a lot to live up to, even with Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III out in the wild.

3. Sony may not have their own conference, but they will make an appearance elsewhere

Don't worry, I made sure I went to the gym before I started to make this stretch, but how cool would it be if a Sony rep made an appearance during Nintendo's conference announcing PS Now for the Switch? It would certainly create some buzz, especially since Xbox's online service Xbox Live is said to be coming to Nintendo's hybrid console. If this happens, it would also make the Switch the ultimate gaming handheld that will scare away any competitor in the handheld gaming market.

4. Games, games, games

What's E3 without them? I predict:

- Cyberpunk 2077 release window for 2020, aims for Spring

- The Outer Worlds (the true successor to Fallout: New Vegas) releases October 2019

- The Last of Us 2, while not appearing at E3, will get a trailer released during E3's hype week with a February 2020 release

- Rockstar announces story DLC for Red Dead Redemption II

- Ubisoft reveals Watch Dogs 3, tease a new Assassin's Creed game for 2020 and focus on AC Odyssey's DLC, announce a new IP

- Capcom announces Resident Evil 3 Remake planned for an early 2020 release and teases Resident Evil 8. For Resident Evil 8, it wouldn't be too out of left field if we see the same style and gameplay as Resident Evil 2 Remake, but with PSVR compatibility similar to RE7.

- Microsoft shows off two new IPs along with the newest Halo, Fable, and an in-depth look at Gears of War 5.

- Nintendo announces their next Smash Bros. DLC fighter to be released in Summer 2019, a first look at Metroid Prime Trilogy and a tease for Metroid Prime 4, and (for the love of all things Nintendo...) SOMETHING on Animal Crossing for Switch.

What are your predictions? Let me know in the comment section below or on my Twitter @Hector_RamII.