E3 2009: Then and now (photos)

Let's take a look back exactly one year ago at E3 2009 and see how the show's biggest announcements have fared. From Project Natal to Wii MotionPlus, the PSP Go to the Vitality Sensor; click through our slideshow for a trip down memory lane.

CNET Reviews staff

June 14, 2010 8:03 a.m. PT

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Gamespot

The Vitality Sensor

Then: Nintendo explores alternative products with the heartbeat-sensing Vitality Sensor.

Now: After recently announcing a partnership with the American Heart Association, Nintendo appears to be riding the "Wii is good for your health" angle hard. We'd be shocked if some of the company's E3 2010 focus doesn't revolve around the initiative and we'll most likely see the return of the infamous Vitality Sensor.

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Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Project Natal

Then: Microsoft unveils Project Natal, a motion-sensing camera system that lets players use their entire bodies to control games.

Now: Still shrouded in secrecy, Natal doesn't even have an official name as yet; nor have any games been announced for the platform. That said, we're expecting the remaining details on Natal to be disclosed at E3 2010.

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Gamespot

MAG

Then: Sony demos MAG--a game the company teased the year prior--a massive online multiplayer game that boasts up to 256 simultaneous players at once.

Now: MAG releases with minimal popularity, failing to gain the momentum similar military-based titles like Modern Warfare 2 are able to.

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Nintendo

MotionPlus

Then: Nintedo debuts Wii MotionPlus, a physical Wii remote add-on that improves accuracy and control.

Now: With a severe lack of titles that take full advantage of Wii MotionPlus, the technology's implementation has been somewhat of a letdown. The only title to really shine with the attachment has been Wii Sports Resort, the very title Nintendo used to debut the product.

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Daniel Terdiman/CNET

The Halo franchise lives on

Then: Microsoft unviels Halo 3: ODST; teases Halo: Reach.

Now: After enjoying the success of the latest title in the Halo saga, Microsoft and Bungie recently released a beta for Halo: Reach. We'll be sure to find out more about Reach at E3 2010, including a definitive launch date for the game.

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James Martin/CNET

PlayStation motion controller

Then: Sony enters the motion control arena

Now: PlayStation Move, as it has been officially named, seems to be a combination of Wii MotionPlus and Project Natal, as it offers a more accurate sense of control and uses a camera to operate. We've had a hands-on with Move but will learn a whole lot more about it at E3 2010.

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Daniel Terdiman/CNET

God of War III

Then: God of War III headlines the Sony press conference; action fans gasp with delight.

Now: The game ships on time and delivers some of the best graphics and action available for the PlayStation 3. The title is widely regarded as one of the system's all-time best.

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Microsoft

Xbox 360 gets Facebook and Twitter

Then: Xbox 360 dashboard gets integration of Facebook and Twitter

Now: While these updates to the Xbox 360 dashboard were eventually implemented, their overall presence has flown under the radar. Both services work, but they're hindered by the difficulties of text input and the lack of a full-fledged Web browser.

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Gamespot

Two new Mario games

Then: Nintendo offers up a double-dose of Mario

Now: Both games, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are instant classics, delivering a satisfying mix of gameplay new and old.

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James Martin/CNET

The PSP Go

Then: Sony introduces the PSP Go, a completely revamped PSP console with no UMD drive and 16GB of internal memory.

Now: Though there's no denying that the PSP Go was a sexy and sleek device, its hefty $250 price tag and lack of an entire digital PSP library rendered it a flop.

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