Finally it’s June. The time of the year gamers look forward to with more zealous and anticipation than a crack addict getting their next fix. Every year the big three and the countless developers promise the world, which is sometimes delivered. What will this year have in store for the industry and what will be the life-altering announcements? Here are my pre-E3 predictions.

Nintendo is kicking ass and taking names with the continuing success of the Wii and the DS. There is, however, room for the improvement with their hardcore audience. Nintendo’s game library is being flooded daily by piss-poor excuses for games that cater to their casual gamer market. They need a new triple “A” title that they are known for.

Top websites are predicting it’s going to be a new “Legend of Zelda” or “Super Mario” with a few side notes about a true “Pikmin” for the Wii. If they’re smart, Nintendo would announce multiple titles. They need to bring back their core audience because who knows how long the soccer-mom-casual-gaming bubble is going to last.

Microsoft is in an interesting situation because they haven’t struggled with selling consoles or consumer confidence. There is the red ring problem but it seems to have died off and Microsoft handled it with some poise and grace. If Microsoft presents a strong release calendar, which they already have with “Halo:ODST” and “Mass Effect 2,” they have 2009-2010 in the bag.

The big hardware update, outside a less-than-probable 360 price drop, will be about the Zune HD. On May 26, Microsoft announced that the updated Zune will be able to connect to your Xbox Live account. In a press release Microsoft stated that the Zune will act as a remote for your account. What else it’ll do hasn’t been said but Microsoft stated that “attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.”

Sony, on the other hand, has the most to gain. Most of which is on the business end of the show. The most anticipated announcement is the long-rumored price drop. If Sony doesn’t announce this price drop, they are going seal the tomb of the PS3 so tight Kratos won’t be able to pry it open when “God of War III” is released.

There have also been rumors about a slim-line PS3 with a matte finish. Would this redesign accompany a PS3 price drop? Time will tell.

Unfortunately, the same goes for the PSP. It’s been on the market since 2005 and is in desperate need of a redesign from the ground up. The DSi already has a camera and a clean-cut online service. Both of which were concepts “in development” for the PSP. Sony needs to keep pace with Nintendo if not take the lead with a new handheld.

Besides the big three, there are a huge amount of games people are waiting to hear about. Will we hear about “Final Fantasy XIII’s” release date? What exactly did Infinity Ward change with “Modern Warfare 2”? What’s the release date for “Star Wars: the old Republic”? How much will OnLive cost?

Despite the announcements from console companies and developers being made it’s good to see E3 return to its former glory: A party for the video game industry with booth babes.