Pre-E3 rumour roundup: DS

The gaming event of the year is upon us, as E3 prepares to open its doors to a rabid press. An annual tradeshow where the world's leading developers and console makers come together to unveil their latest creations, E3 is a time of shocks and drama (and usually far too many sequels – Ed).

Without further ado, here are five DS revelations that might drop jaws at E3.

Nintendo will show off a redesigned DS

Chances: Low

This is an old rumour. Still, if there is any truth in it whatsoever, chances are Nintendo will announce something at E3. Rumour has it that the redesigned unit will have a bigger screen and larger buttons to accommodate older gamers. It certainly sounds in keeping with Nintendo's strategy for the DS, and another redesign would also fit with its habit of refining its hardware. But with Lite flying, is it likely?

Halo will be announced for the DS
Chances: Medium

Known as the rumour that will not die, we first got wind of this back in January, when IGN's Matt Casamassina claimed to have played a build of the game. The rumour resurfaced again last month, when a still confident Casamassina claimed that the game was on its way and that naysayers would soon be silenced. The appearance of Halo on a Nintendo console would certainly be one in the eye for Sony and logistically it's not impossible that Microsoft would allow it. Casamassina has really put his credibility on the line by being so adamant about this, which puts Halo DS high in the running for this year's biggest E3 shock announcement (but maybe that's just because we want it so bad!).

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass will get a European release date

Chances: High-ish

Seeing as this game is already out in Japan and has been pencilled in for October 1st in the US, it is entirely likely that Nintendo will pick E3 as the time to state when the game will find its way to us Europeans. The only reason it might not is, well, because it's Nintendo and it seems allergic to commitment at times. Fingers crossed, eager Hyrule tourists.

Square Enix will go DS crazy

Chances: High

Square has been a vocal supporter of the DS, and its major releases for the device have reflected the RPG giant's confidence in the platform. Japanese gamers love the DS and they love RPGs, especially ones made by Square Enix, so we are confident that the company will have at least one big reveal for the console. Something Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy-related are the most obvious guesses here. But let's hope that if anything is announced, it is a gutsy full-blown RPG, as opposed to a frachise spin-off.

DS/Wii interconnectivity features will be announced

Chances: Low

With design philosophies that overlap considerably – for example, the D-pad on the DS Lite is exactly the same as the one on the Wiimote – Nintendo surely has something planned for the siblings. We'd like to see Wii's Miis on the DS to help cement its online features, or what about Wii games that can be played online against DS users? The possibilities are myriad, and although this one is a bit of an outside chance in light of Nintendo's cautious approach to online gaming, it is the announcement we would be the most pleased to hear about. Maybe E3 2008 is more likely, though.

But what do you think? There is still time to get your predictions in, so if you have any great ideas or maybe even some insider knowledge, be sure to tell us in the comments below or make good use of our nascent forum.