While E3’s exclusivity became somewhat of a joke over the years with people finding more and more ways to weasel their way into the event, it’s a sure bet that this will no longer be the case given the new E3’s “invite only” premise. However, those looking to score some hands on time with the newest games still can look forward to the Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), scheduled for October 18-21, 2007 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The public show will feature several companies showing their ware, including Nintendo, as even organizers IDG announced today that the company will “anchor” the event, no doubt meaning that there will be Wii and Nintendo DS stations as far as the eye can see.

E for All Expo will offer consumers the opportunity to try out the latest in games and gadgetry, as well as purchase products they enjoyed over the course of the 4-day event at on-site retail facilities. Additional attractions are in the works, including high-profile video game tournaments; job fair/networking opportunities; and an iteration of the Video Games Live touring concert. In addition to the Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event will take advantage of soon-to-be-expanded LA Live/NOKIA Theatre area directly adjacent.

The Expo was launched in response to strong demand within the consumer audience for an opportunity to see and try new products before they reach store shelves. Event organizers anticipate its mid-October dates will launch an early and successful holiday shopping season for the industry.

“The E for All Expo supports Nintendo’s mission to reach as many types of consumers as possible to expand the world of video games to new audiences,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Our Wii and Nintendo DS systems are all about gaming for the masses, and the E for All Expo will give consumers a chance to try out the hottest new Nintendo video games.”

Ever since I was a kid, there were jokes about a utopian future where both Nintendo and Sega mascots Mario and Sonic respectively would join forces for a game to end all games. This announcement may not herald a title that is that groundbreaking, but it does signal such a partnership that during the 16-bit era would have been unheard of. Both Sega and Nintendo have announced that their leading mascots are teaming up in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for the Wii and DS.

In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, players compete in events that take place in environments based on the official venues of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Slated to be published by Sega in North America and Europe and Nintendo in the Japanese market, the upcoming title will ship in time for Christmas. The game is licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on this groundbreaking title,” said Hisao Oguchi, president and COO, Sega Corporation. “For the first time, two of the world’s greatest games’ characters come together to compete in the world’s greatest sporting event and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,” commented Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. “In fact, for a long time they have been discussing the possibility of one day competing against each other. Now that they have been given the perfect opportunity to meet at the Olympic Games, we may finally learn who is actually faster, Mario or Sonic?”

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Following the long expected confirmation of the Xbox 360 Elite console, Microsoft has announced the signing of TV series and movies from A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com for distribution over Xbox Live, which currently boasts more than 1,500 hours of downloadable video content already.

In a statement released this evening, Paramount Pictures, for the first time on Xbox Live, will offer its movies in HD, with initially confirmed releases including Braveheart, Team America: World Police, World Trade Center, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. In addition, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be releasing its direct-to-video movies in HD exclusively over Xbox Live simultaneously alongside their availability on DVD, starting with Sublime and Babylon 5: The Lost Tales.

Examples of television shows and feature films that will be coming to Xbox Live include A&E Network (Dog the Bounty Hunter, King of Cars, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Driving Force, and Criss Angel Mindfreak), anime powerhouse ADV Films, National Geographic (Is It Real?, Taboo, 21 Days to Baghdad, and Air Force One), and action sports site TotalVid.com.

And the winner of the worst kept secret of the month? Why it’s Microsoft of course. The technology giant this evening officially announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360 Elite, a new model of the Xbox 360 that will come packed with a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface port (HDMI cable included), and a “premium” black finish on the console, wireless controller, and Xbox Live headset. The Xbox 360 Elite will carry an MSRP of $479.99, and will also include a month of Xbox Live free.

In addition, the new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory as well for $179.99. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller ($49.99), Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit ($19.99) and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery ($11.99), will be available separately as well, with both the console and all its related goods (and services) launching April 29.

“Today’s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content,” said Microsoft’s Peter Moore in an official statement. “Xbox 360 Elite’s larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer.”

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