E3: Nintendo and PlayStation are said to be absent this year

It’s still a while until E3, after all the fair will only take place between June 13th and June 16th, but there are first rumors about the absence of two large companies. Sony and Nintendo are said to be absent from the first physical show in four years.

Two big fish jump off the hook

sources from Video game chronicle according to, Nintendo and Sony should not participate in this year’s E3. Nintendo has reportedly decided not to attend the fair as it has fewer major releases to present than usual. A trade fair site cannot be justified in this way.

Nintendo is a frequent and welcome guest at E3. The company was also present at the last physical event in 2019.

Sony’s absence is less surprising. Also in 2019 the company did not attend the show and also canceled the event in 2020 before it was canceled due to the pandemic.

And what about Microsoft? It is said to be missing at the fair – at least physically. The Xbox company should be present with a summer showcase. But that’s not quite certain yet, because according to the sources, talks with Microsoft are still underway to organize the company’s presence at the trade fair in some way.

Nevertheless, the organizer is confident

Microsoft was also there in 2019, but split off. Instead of holding its presentation directly at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Microsoft held its showcase at the adjacent Microsoft Theater. The company did not have a traditional stand. In contrast to Sony and Nintendo, there should still be some news from Xbox at E3.

Losing all three major companies would be an extremely hard blow to the redesigned E3. But don’t worry, even without Nintendo, Sony or an Xbox booth, there are still plenty of other developers who want to present their innovations at the fair.

E3 organizer ReedPop told Videogameschronicle that many of the “biggest companies in the business” are interested in E3. One is confident that participation will be worthwhile for companies and fans alike. However, the new concept of the E3 needs time. Especially the balance between a good and integrative as well as a fast implementation is important.

“We continue to work tirelessly to create an exhibition that brings the global games industry together. We believe we have created a new event format that meets the needs of both the industry and fans, and we are determined to to expand it further in the years to come.”