This year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo opened with three press conference from the three biggest video game companies. Here is a quick rundown of what happened during each conference plus four promising, upcoming games announced at the expo.

Nintendo: Wii U-tiful

Nintendo’s biggest announcement was its new console, the Wii U. This new console brings Nintendo into the HD era with computer specs that rival both the PS3 and the Xbox 360, but continues Nintendo’s desire to innovate with a new controller featuring a 6.2 inch screen. The controller looks like a tablet and will function with the system beyond typical controllers.

If someone changes the channel on the TV, players using the Wii U will be able to glance down at the controller’s screen and continue playing their game. It also will offer different gameplay experiences combining the TV monitor and the controller’s screen. While the new system will come bundled with the new controller, it will still support Wii-remotes.

The Wii U may have a terrible name that sounds like a firetruck siren if you say it quickly, but the thought put into the system may benefit hardcore and casual gamers. The system has the power to bring gamers’ favorite Nintendo characters to life in HD while offering unique gameplay experiences. Nintendo’s goal was to create a system that brings together all types of gamers and this system may be the answer.

This year’s expo falls during the same year that The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 25th anniversary. That’s right, Link is 25 years-old and Nintendo celebrated with a live orchestra playing Legend of Zelda themed music. The company also announced “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” would be released during holiday 2011 — amid speculation the title would get pushed back — and also announced support for Legend of Zelda titles on the Nintendo 3DS’ eShop.

Nintendo then announced a myriad of first-titles for the Nintendo 3DS that included new Mario Kart, Super Mario, Luigi’s Mansion, Star Fox and Kid Icarus games. Nintendo received a lot of heat after the Nintendo 3DS released with a poor selection of games and its sales numbers across the world still couldn’t compete with the PSP or original Nintendo DS.

With these announcements (this is the first new Kid Icarus game in 20 years) Nintendo is throwing their support behind the new handheld by resurrecting old franchises and bringing the Nintendo family (Mario, Luigi, Starfox) to the handheld. But, it will still be a few months before the portable has any must-buy games.

Nintendo’s overall press conference was a strong showing for the company’s future. The company won’t be backing off its goal of capturing every type of audience and they may accomplish that goal with the Nintendo 3DS and the new Wii U leading the charge. In fact, in the next two or three years, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Microsoft and Sony emulated Nintendo — again.

Sony: Livin’ la Vita loca

Sony had a lot of explaining to do during its press conference after hackers broke into the Playstation Network and compromised consumer information and took the system offline for more than two weeks. Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO, opened the conference with apologies that sounded sincere and promised Sony would make an extra effort to ensure the security of its network.

To top off the apology, Sony spent more than an hour announcing new games like Insomniac’s “Overstrike,” the space fighter “Starhawk,” the adventure game “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” and the first-person shooter “Resistance 3.” Sony also made a concentrated effort to show-off new games for its motion controller, the Playstation Move. Sony’s motion controller will feature new games this year and new installments of NBA 2K, Bioshock and Resistance will all feature motion control support.

Sony also pledged “unwavering” support for 3D. Sony has gotten flack for sticking with 3D because it’s difficult for gamers to afford. New TV’s, glasses and 3D ready-games stretch out gamer’s already thin wallets. But, in a surprise move, Sony announced a new 24 inches Playstation branded 3D TV that will come with a pair of glasses and the upcoming “Resistance 3” for only $500.

The TV will feature full 1080p HD support and also offer split-screen support without actually splitting the image on the TV. The 3D nature of the television makes it possible for two gamers (wearing 3D glasses and sitting to the right and the left) to experience two completely different images on the same screen.

This new bundle may make it easier for gamers to jump into the 3D market, or they could buy a 40’’ non-3D TV from their local electronics store for about $50 more.

The conference ended with the announcement and price point for Sony’s new handheld, the PS Vita. The Vita features touch screen support on the front and the back of the system. It also features high-quality graphics — according to demos during the conference — that look like late PS2 titles.

The Vita will also feature 3G support from AT&T as well as a cheaper Wi-Fi-only model. Sony announced titles from the Uncharted and Little Big Planet series while also showing new games “Ruin” and Street Fighter X Tekken” on the new device. Sony announced the Vita will be available later this year for $249 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $299 for the 3G model. Sony did not mention how much the 3G plan would cost.

Microsoft: Kinect-ion lost

Microsoft opened up the expo with a press conference showcasing their dedication to the Kinect peripheral. They announced titles like “Mass Effect 3”, “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier” and other hardcore-gamer-friendly games will be using the device to enhance gaming experiences.

However, these “enhanced” experiences are nothing more than verbal commands that could be utilized with a basic microphone and motion controls that have no real use during legitimate gametime. However, this notion does not deter Microsoft, and they continue to ask (maybe force) developers to build their games so gamers can use Kinect.

What we did see, and what Microsoft should focus on, is selling Kinect like it was originally marketed: A family-friendly add-on. Games like the newly announced “Kinect Disneyland Adventures”, “Kinect Fun Labs” and “Sesame Street’s Once Upon a Monster” land in the perfect demographic to make the Kinect successful. These games use Kinect’s strengths well and offer unique, fun experiences that families can share together. Microsoft should focus on perfecting that before they infect excellent franchises like Mass Effect and Tom Clancy with mediocre motion and voice controls.

Thankfully, the entire press conference wasn’t a complete bust. The company announced a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved and a brand new Halo 4 that will spark a new trilogy. Since Bungie — the original creators of Halo — left Microsoft, new Halo games look like they will be developed by 343 Industries. No worries though, some of 343 Industries is made up of previous Bungie employees which includes long-time franchise director Frank O’Connor.

There is no guarantee the new series will be good, but the Halo universe is robust and the new developer has experience with the series.

On a bloodier note, Gears of War 3 was demoed and is on track for its release date in September complete with the popular horde mode and the new, expanded 4-player cooperative campaign. Ice-T — a big gamer according to his twitter — is lending his voice to the game and also getting his rock Band Bodycount back together to craft a single for the game’s release.

Games to get excited about:

Dust 514

CCP Games

Console: PS3

Release date: Unknown

In an industry where first-person games are dominated by grey and brown tones and Middle Eastern settings, it’s blessing to hear about the development of a game that defies those conventions. “Dust 514” is a PS3 exclusive first-person shooter in a sci-fi setting. The game is multiplayer focused with players fighting to control manufacturing factories and refineries on different planets. While this sounds typical, Dust aims to break free by linking up with the massive-multiplayer-online PC game “Eve Online.” It isn’t confirmed how the games will work together, but rumors are that EVE players will own the factories and refineries and will have to pay mercenaries (PS3 players on “Dust 514”) with virtual currency — which will probably be used to upgrade items in the game — to protect their assets. No console game has linked up with a massive-multiplyer-game before; it will be interesting to the see the final product.

Battlefield 3

Developer: DICE

Console: PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Release date: October 25, 2011

This is perhaps the best looking and most exciting of the war games announced for this year. Battlefield’s developer DICE has created a new engine to enhance visuals and player interaction with the environment. The game will continue the trend set in the Battlefield: Bad Company and Battlefield series with destructible environments and vehicle combat, something that Modern Warfare barely offers. “Battlefield 3” may not innovate the war game drama, but it might perfect it.

Super Mario 3D

Developer: Nintendo

Console: Nintendo 3DS

Release date: late 2011

Mario’s foray into the 3DS is an original adventure developed exclusively for Nintendo’s handheld. The game looks a lot like “Super Mario Galaxy” for the Wii but will feature 3D support and stage a return of the Tanooki suit from “Super Mario Bros. 3.” Once “Super Mario 3D” is released, the Nintendo 3DS will finally have the killer-app to sell systems.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Developer: Naughty Dog

Console: PS3

Release date: November 1, 2011

The Uncharted series is probably the closest gamers will get to a true adventure game on any console with acrobatic action, exotic locations and witty, interesting characters. At the same time, the series continues to push the graphical capabilities of the PS3 which rewards players with lush environments as they traverse the globe. “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” looks like it will carry-on the series’ pedigree with improved graphics, a mature story and robust multiplayer options.