Sony has skipped E3 2023 for the past few years and earlier reports suggested that Xbox and Nintendo could follow suit this year. Xbox hasn't officially confirmed that they won't be attending the return of one of gaming's biggest annual events yet, but now Nintendo has.

Nintendo told VentureBeat that it won't be at E3 2023, saying:

We approach our involvement in any event on a case-by-case basis and are always considering various ways to engage with our fans. Since this year’s E3 show didn’t fit into our plans, we have made the decision to not participate. However, we have been and continue to be a strong supporter of the ESA and E3.

The earlier rumors suggested that Nintendo is skipping E3 2023 because it had nothing to show, and it's probably true. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will come out before E3 2023 and the company doesn't seem to have other big first-party games coming anytime soon.

Besides, the Nintendo Switch Pro is already out of the question and it's not like Metroid Prime 4 is close to being ready.

Since Nintendo has officially bowed out and Sony's non-involvement was a given, we're just waiting on Microsoft to follow suit. Of course, it could still hold its summer Xbox showcase at E3 2023, which is what usually happens. But, after seeing the success of its show last year, Microsoft might risk going solo this year if only to see if it can go two in a row.

After all, what's the worst thing that can happen? Microsoft can always rejoin E3 2024 if its summer showcase flops.

The more interesting discussion is the E3 2023 lineup and what the rest of the month could look like after Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft all announce their presumed alternatives to the E3 showcase.

Ultimately, we're all for the ESA and E3 getting back on its feet. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that E3 doesn't have to be the be-all and end-all of showcases, but that doesn't mean that E3 shouldn't exist. It's part of gaming history, and while losing the big three is tough, there's plenty of other video game publishers that could use their absence to their advantage.

The likes of Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Embracer Group, and Take-Two Interactive, could use a platform to showcase all of their games without generating confusion as to whether or not it will be released on all platforms or not.

Speaking of games that could be at E3 2023, Warner Bros. and NetherRealm Studios could officially reveal Mortal Kombat 12 in Los Angeles in June.