The video game industry will put on its annual trade show in Los Angeles this week. The Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) will play host to those wanting to show off their new toys, including Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.

Traditionally, E3 is the unveiling event for next generation consoles, but Microsoft pulled a fast one on its competitors last week when it began marketing its next version Xbox, the Xbox 360, a week before the start of the Expo.

Sony was expected to reveal some tidbits about their secretive PlayStation 3 console on Monday, but at press time I could find nothing on the release front.

Nintendo has said very little about its purist GameCube successor, the Revolution, leaving its unveiling, presumably, for the show.

While creative consoles are all good and well and necessary, it's the games that really get the gamers going at E3; and why wouldn't they?

With a $10 billion U.S. games industry rivalling motion pictures in terms of 'box office draw' (translation : cold hard cash) its no wonder every Tom, Richard and Harry are showing up to ply their wares. Check out E3 to see gaming somebodies from Action Form to Zoo Publishing.

Among the most anticipated are new movie-based games such as "The Godfather", James Bond something or other, and "Harry Potter" from industry giant Electronics Arts Inc.

Every gamer and their momma are waiting to catch a peek of "Tomb Raider: Legends" and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s "Grand Theft Auto" newbie.

Then there's "Spiderman", "The Legend of Zelda" (never cottoned on to that one), and "Madden NFL 06"...oh the list goes on.

If you're a serious technophile check out E3's Exhibitors.

Let me know if you see something you like.

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