Once again, the Electronic Entertainment Expo is about to come down on us with the power of Thor's hammer, and once again we're ready to soak it all in and give you all the great coverage you deserve. Tech fans will marvel at the revealing of the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360; handheld nuts will go crazy with new titles for their PSP and the Nintendo DS; and Nintendo-ites can look forward to bright new additions to the Mario and Zelda franchises.

But what of sports fans? What can they expect once E3 comes around the corner next week? Well, there are already a few titles roaming about that are sure to be real attention grabbers, including a bevy of new games from EA Sports and 2K Games amongst others. Here are five titles to keep a close eye out for, as they'll be real attention getters that will be worth your time...

Virtua Tennis: World Tour (Sega/Sony PSP) - And to think, a little while back I was writing the death knell of Sega Sports, and questioning whether Virtua Tennis would be returning anytime soon. Well, wonder no more. Earlier this week, Sega excitedly revealed this handheld tennis game, which promises to capture all the luster and glory of the Dreamcast editions with powerful gameplay, beautiful visuals, and the ability to hook up against another player in Wi-Fi. Some new features will also make it a great game upon itself, and an unbeatable foe for the PSP line-up once it arrives this fall. Service!

NBA '06 (Sony/PlayStation 2) - Sony's in the midst of a relaunch of their 989 Sports label, and this time is more crucial than ever before, as they really want to prove their worth before the PS3 comes rounding about next year. So far, the label's off to a great start for 2005. MLB 2006 came and went with great results, and the football title Road To Sunday looks to have excellent potential. But then we have this, the complete revision of their NBA franchise that introduces you to the full season in the eyes and shoes of a player, getting endorsements, setting up rivalries, and acquiring an agent. Not only that, but the general play engine looks to be tweaked for higher enjoyment. NBA '06 could be just what Dr. J ordered...not to mention the basketball fans in general.

SSX On Tour (EA Sports Big/Multiple) - The SSX series has always been a reliable source for quick, enjoyable, and fast-paced snowboarding action. But what of the skiers? Are they to be denied because of their need for two things to ride down the mountain on instead of one? Well, EA Sports Big is about to show you love with the latest SSX title, introducing new areas, tons of new tricks, and the same awesome gameplay that got you high-flying to begin with. Throw in new features and a tweaked visual engine and you have a game so loaded with eye candy you'll probably gain weight.

Mario Baseball (Nintendo/GameCube) - Well, Mario has gone pretty far thus far in the world of sports. His golf tales are ones of legend, both on the Game Boy Advance and the home consoles, and his tennis games are undeniably addictive. Now we have him taking on the ol' ball game with Baseball, which will have him and friends (and a few foes) taking to the diamond and hitting a few sluggers towards the mushroom fences. It may not sound like everyone's paradise, but those who feel that the Mario touch is still one of gold will definitely want to see what this game's all about. Besides, who doesn't like a good Mario game now and then?

Madden Next-Gen (EA Sports/Xbox 360) - OK, you've seen the footage and you're probably skeptical, and you can say what you want about your love or hatred for the Madden engine. But, admit it, there's something that catches your eye and piques your curiosity as to how NFL football can be taken to the next level. No doubt EA will have some form of the game, either behind closed doors or through digital feeds, at the event to show off just what they have in mind, and no doubt that some ideas will go over with the power of Madden's tour bus. This is one even the Madden haters will have to see, including the competing developers, just to get an idea of what they're up against. Let the next generation of sports unfold.