Ghost of E3 future

You've read E3 predictions from just about every site by now. But what about predictions for E3 FIVE YEARS from now? (Or whenever the next-next console generation starts.) Let me explain.

Here I will make (slightly) educated guesses as to what E3 in 2017 or 2018, or so on, will look like. When this generation comes to a close what's next? Read more as I jump into my DeLorean, get this fucker up to 88mph and blow your goddamn minds.

Sony

Sorry guys, Sony is out of business. Just kidding. That is one potential outcome of the Japanese company's financial troubles going on right now. Out of business might be an over shot, but if things don't go as planned in the upcoming generation, Sony could see the console business as too risky and stop manufacturing hardware. After which they could spin off first-party development to make games for other hardware or just sell off all their brands.

On the brighter side of things, if Sony really hits it out of the park this go around they could easily be back on top.

With some really amazing support for indie and experimental games, the PS5 would be shaping up to be a one stop shop for a wide library of games. There are no rumors to suggest a new motion control scheme for the PS4, so in the PS5 could we see a Kinect like sensor? Could they stick with the Move or perhaps a hybrid of the two?

Microsoft

The only current contender not in danger of going out of business in my vision of the future, Microsoft still cannot rest of their laurels.

Microsoft has made some horrible missteps with Windows (ME/Vista anyone?) but there is no room for missteps in the console market.

The Kinect could be seen as a success in the right light. But focusing too much on that aspect of business is exactly what got Nintendo into the deep end, and I'm not talking about the money pit.

If the Xbox 720 isn't a failure Microsoft could be in a good position to start building a healthy first party line up again, possibly with some major acquisitions.

Nintendo

Now Nintendo is the one that I really believe will be out of the console business. 

With the Wii and 3DS sales waning sharply where does that leave the Wii U? A terribly confusing message for a console for the average person. "Is it an add-on or is it a new console?" Hell, I didn't even know at first. When you already have a Wii, what is there telling the average consumer that you need one of these? A tablet? Oh, you already have an iPad? 

The people running Nintendo are so stuck in their ways that if they weren't making video games they'd be trying to get them banned.

I will honestly be surprised if Nintendo releases a console beyond the Wii U and the 3DS. Look forward to big announcements like a new Zelda game coming to the Xbox, and Super Mario Galaxy 3 with Move support.

If there is some possibility of a new Nintendo console look forward to an announcement of a Mario game for launch, Animal Crossing coming at some point, a quirky game aimed towards kids and a huge tease for a new Zelda game you won't see for a while. I know it's a stretch but I'll stake my reputation on it.

Valve

As much as Valve is denying it now they will get into the hardware business one way or another. They might not be the sole manufacturer, but a box designed to Valve specifications and sold at an affordable price will come. 

Call of Duty is the biggest selling title in gaming and it's not because of the PC. Valve would be smart to offer at least Xbox 720/PS4 comparable graphics at an affordable price. Couple that with the open nature of the platform, frequent updates and expansive Steam library and I think I just found my go to console.

Apple

Apple is never going to E3, let me be clear about that. But by this time in 2018 the iOS platform will be enormous. And has a user base incessantly hungry for apps.

The iPad will never become a console replacement but we could see developers approaching it more like the Wii this generations. Mostly with on-rails side stories to popular franchises.