It’s that time of year again! The biggest gaming event of the year was set to be a fairly quiet affair as we await more details on next-gen consoles. Despite that, there's still loads of software and hardware to get excited about. We’ve compiled a list of the most important E3 2019 announcements, so you don't have to.

XBOX

Project Scarlett

The most anticipated Microsoft E3 2019 announcements were, of course, centred around the next generation Xbox console. Fans were not left disappointed. Microsoft claims the console (code-named Project Scarlett) can handle up to 8K graphics and 120 FPS. Project Scarlett is said to be 4x more powerful than the current Xbox One X.Release date: Late 2020

Project xCloud

Microsoft’s foray into cloud-based gaming will allow Xbox One games to be played anywhere – whether that’s on a console at home or another screen via streaming. Whilst this is an interesting addition, we’ll have to wait and see how well this kind of service performs when Google Stadia is launched in November.Release date: October 2019

Elite Controller 2

The long-awaited updated elite controller has finally been announced! Xbox is promising over 30 new ways to customise the functions of the controller, with shorter hair-trigger locks and adjustable-tension thumbsticks. You can even save up to three custom profiles and one default profile to the controller. The new elite controller will also have a built-in lithium-ion battery which will, they claim, will supply up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge.Pre-orders are already available, be warned though – this controller will set you back £159.99

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundle includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold and more. It provides unlimited access to over 100 high-quality games, access to new Xbox exclusives from release day, plus exclusive deals and discounts.The pass is available for both Xbox and Windows 10 PCs. Usually, it costs £10.99 a month (not too shabby) but right now you can try it for £1 – now that’s a saving!

Double Fine

Xbox has acquired the company 'Double Fine'. Creators of popular games such as Psychonauts, Brutal Legend and Broken Age, they are the 15th indie studio added to the Xbox repertoire. We're excited to see what these guys come up with next.

Games

Cyberpunk 2077 – Keanu Reeves

It's still the moment everyone is talking about from the Xbox presentation. The world's sweetheart Keanu Reeves took to the stage to reveal that he'll play character Johnny Silverhand in the long-awaited Cyberpunk 2077. The game was hailed as one of the most anticipated video games of the decade and now that everybody’s favourite gravity-defying, bullet dodging assassin is involved the hype is higher than ever. Reeves can do no wrong at the moment, with some 'breathtaking' memes popping up from the second he took to the stage.Release Date: 16th April 2020Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Halo Infinite: Master Chief Returns

It’s been confirmed that Master Chief will be gracing our game consoles once again in Halo Infinite. The storyline is set to pick up where Halo 5: Guardians left off. It's also the first game to be that’s been confirmed for release on the next-gen Xbox console “Project Scarlett”, plus Windows 10. It’s been created with the all-new Slipspace Engine, and the trailer and screenshots so far look pretty impressive.Release date: Late 2020Platforms: Xbox One, PC

Gears of War 5

The second chapter of the new trilogy in the Gears universe is officially on its way. Xbox is boasting 4K Ultra HD gameplay across every mode. This should look stunning across the different terrains of the game, from icy glaciers to dry deserts. With a variety of gameplay styles available, including local split-screen and online co-op as well as solo play, there’s something for everyone.Release date: 10th September 2019Platforms: Xbox One, PC

Blair Witch

Get your heart pounding with the newly announced adaption of the classic horror movie. In the trailer, we see a man with his dog, Bullet, searching the woods for a missing kid. All we really know so far is that the game will follow the cinematic lore of the Blair Witch Project and that it’s being developed by Bloober Team, the studio behind Layers of Fear. Release date: 30th August 2019Platforms: Xbox One, PC

Square Enix

Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy fans – your patience is about to pay off. Following the pattern of remastering previous titles with today’s graphics, a beautiful looking revisit to the world of FF7 is coming. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is also being remastered and is set to introduce an online multiplayer option.Release date: 3rd March 2020Platforms: PS4, Switch, iOS and Android

Avengers

Riding on the coattails of one of the biggest cinematic universes the world has ever seen, Marvel's next game appears to be going back to its roots. Expect appearances from the original Avengers including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow and Hulk. In the trailer, the gang take on an Alien looking big bad in San Francisco (best to leave poor New York alone, for once). The game is set to be both single and multi-player. The developers behind the title are Crystal Dynamics, who are also responsible for the well-loved Tomb Raider games so we’re setting our expectations high for this one.Release date: 15 May 2020Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia

Ubisoft

Uplay Plus – PC subscription service

Ubisoft is another company jumping on the gaming subscription service bandwagon, with the announcement of Uplay Plus. Gamers will have access to more than 100 Ubisoft titles, plus DLC. Uplay Plus will also be available on Google Stadia in 2020, allowing streamers to access titles via Chromecast.Release date: 3rd September 2019 Price: £12 a month

Watch Dogs: Legion

Although the game had already been announced, we finally got our first at Watch Dogs: Legion look during the Ubisoft presentation. Their E3 2019 announcements focused on setting up backstory and giving us a sneak peek at some of the game mechanics. The game is set in the future, in a London that’s on lock-down thanks to flying killer robots. The aim of the game is to build up the resistance, which you can do by taking control of almost any character in the game.Release date: 6th March 2020 Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia

The Division Movie

The movie adaptation of the breakout game The Division will be broadcast on Netflix with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain as the main characters. There’s no word on when production will begin but with the main characters, David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde) and scriptwriter Rafe Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Uncharted) in place, it shouldn’t be too much longer.Release date: TBDPlatforms: Netflix

Assassins Creed: Odyssey

2018’s Assassins Creed Odyssey is getting some upgrades, Ubisoft is introducing a “Story Creator” mode for the game, meaning you can design your own quests using a web-based tool. And the best part? It’s already available, so no time to wait! The game is also getting a discovery mode which looks a lot like the educational mode from Origins.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint

Keanu Reeves wasn’t the only familiar face making an appearance in a game at this year’s E3. Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) is set to play a prominent role in the upcoming addition to the Ghost Recon family.Release date: 4th October 2019Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

EA

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is by far the biggest game that EA brought to the table this E3. They got straight to the point, giving fans a whopping 15-minutes of spectacular gameplay footage. In the video, we make our way through an enemy base in order to free some Wookies. We see plenty of the force being used, plus techniques in combat that allow you to slow time and even freeze an enemy in place. Cal Kestis has some serious moves with that lightsabre.Release Date: 15th November 2019Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

FIFA 20

To the surprise of no one, EA has announced the next instalment of FIFA. The game's new “Volta Football” feature allows men and women to play together in a variety of locations, including Tokyo rooftops and an underpass in Amsterdam, essentially reviving FIFA Street.Release Date: 27th September 2019 Early access to EA Access subscribers: 19th September 2019 Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch

Apex Legends

With the introduction of Season 2, we'll get the tenth legend of the game. Wattson, an electricity focused engineer who can set up electric fences and Interception Pylons, which will shoot down incoming grenades. I’m guessing the pun was intended. Most excitingly, it appears there may be a new in-game event coming soon, as in the trailer we saw the Legends flying past the enormous eye of a huge monster in Kings Canyon.Release Date: 2nd July 2019Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

The Sims 4: Island Living Expansion Pack

For those who like to live vicariously through their Sims, it’s good news! A new expansion pack – called Island Living – is coming to the Sims 4. Players will be able to ride jet skis, swim with dolphins and be a mermaid – yes that’s right, a mermaid! The game will also introduce a new career, which will make your Sim a Conservationist for the island, cleaning up the rubbish on the beach and turning it into a beautiful island paradise.Release Date: 21st June 2019Platforms: PC/MAC

Nintendo

Switch Console

Whilst no official announcement on a Nintendo Switch mini was made, rumours are still flying about the new addition to the Nintendo family. One thing which is clear though, is the amount of time and effort Nintendo has put into releasing new games for the Nintendo Switch.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

2015’s Game of the Year winner is coming to the Switch. Whilst it won’t be the same visual quality as the PS4 and Xbox due to the smaller screen, it is still reported to be playable at 540p in handheld mode and 720p when docked.Release date: 2019

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Sadly fans of Animal Crossing have just a little bit longer to wait for the next game with the initial release of 2019 being pushed back to 2020 – Nintendo did, however, have some adorable gameplay footage to show.Release date: 20th March 2020

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi is back, and this time he has some new ghost catching and banishing weapons, including a plunger which allows you to interact with surroundings and ghosts. Best of all though is Gooigi – a gelatinous version of Luigi who can access areas regular Luigi can’t. It’s also been announced that there is going to be a four-player co-op mode.Release date: Late 2019

Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel

One of the first games available for Nintendo Switch was Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The follow-up looks just a visually pleasing as the original and a lot darker than the usual vibe we’re used to from a Zelda game.Release date: TBDWhat was your favourite of the E3 2019 announcements? Was there anything you wanted to see that wasn't announced?Don't forget, you can check out the latest news, reviews and more from the Venom Gaming team here.