UK RETAIL HAS hailed E3 2009 a triumph, following a string of key announcements at last week’s show.

Many major UK games retailers sent personnel to the LA event, and the trade was thrilled by the new products including Sony’s PSPgo, Microsoft’s Project Natal and Nintendo’s Wii Fit Plus.

“It was a great E3, with a return to form in terms of huge new announcements and a focused approach for retail,” said Asda’s games buying manager Duncan Cross.

“Nintendo has a lot of strong titles for Q4, which will serve the market very well, Microsoft certainly stole the show with their presentation – great products, some great future innovation and some incredible celebrities – whilst Sony certainly surprised with a strong PS3 line up.”

GAME’s customer and brand director Martyn Gibbs added: “This year’s E3 was the most exciting in recent years – the console manufacturers grabbed the headlines by showcasing their future developments, and there was plenty for gamers to get excited about this Christmas, too.”

“With Wii Fit Plus, Nintendo is adding to its core mass market appeal. The Vitality Sensor could bring a whole range of new games to market and the new Mario titles will be loved by gamers of all ages.”

GAME’s online MD Alex Croft continued: “Obviously everyone at E3 was excited by the announcement of Project Natal. Although it is still in development, it could change the face of gaming forever.”

“The preview of Sony’s motion controller is also an interesting new concept and once again, the array of exclusive games for the PS3 will delight gamers who will be eager to get their hands on GT5, God of War 3, Agent and Final Fantasy XIV.”

MCV’s review of E3 2009, which also includes thoughts on the event from EA’s Peter Moore, Take 2’s Ben Feder and LucasArts president Darrell Rodriquez, can be found here.