Microsoft has had its fair share of bumps in the road, but its biggest Xbox reveals at E3 are great contenders in the event's history.

Xbox’s presence at this year’s event promises Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 surprises, as well as its joint conference with Bethesda. 

From Fallout to Final Fantasy, Microsoft has proven that the Xbox console is home to a catalogue of diverse IPs and exclusives, and there’s a lot more on the horizon.

Peter Moore’s Tattoos (E3 2004 & 2006)

Peter Moore Tattoos Xbox E3

Credit: Ruetir

Peter Moore had a rather unusual way of revealing Halo 2’s release date, when he showed of his new tattoo featuring the date and the game’s logo in 2004.

Moore returned to the stage two years later with another tattoo to share, this time for Grand Theft Auto 4. The title was confirmed as an Xbox 360 release, with an exclusive DLC coming to Xbox Live.

Both tattoo reveals were slightly cringey in retrospect, especially since Moore confirmed that the Halo 2 tattoo was real. However, it was certainly a unique way to debut both releases. 

Final Fantasy 13 Goes Multi-Console (E3 2008)

Final Fantasy 13 Promo Image

Credit: Square Enix

PlayStation has largely been the resident console for Final Fantasy, but Square Enix's shocking reveal at E3 2008 was met with negativity by fans.

The announcement that Final Fantasy 13 would be a multi-console release certainly had the disapproval of PlayStation fans, but became a positive direction for the franchise to go in.

Fallout 3 Gameplay  (E3 2008)

Fallout 3 Promo Image

Credit: Forbes

Fallout 3 was a pivotal release for the franchise for a number of reasons, one being the IPs first step into first-person gameplay.

It was also the first title produced under Bethesda’s umbrella, and fans were extremely keen to see how the point-and-click would look in its revamped state.

Fallout's E3 debut began a tradition of appearances, paving the way for Fallout 4’s reveal at E3 2015 and Fallout 76’s reveal at E3 2018.

Hideo Kojima’s Microsoft Debut (E3 2009)

Hideo Kojima Metal Gear Reveal Microsoft E3

Credit: Zimbio

The PlayStation favorite crossed over to the green side for the special occasion of announcing Metal Gear Solid: Rising - which would later become Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

Kojima Productions took another two years to release the Raiden spin-off, but seeing the iconic developer under Microsoft’s spotlight was a rare treat.

Keanu Reeves is Breathtaking (E3 2019)

Keanu Reeves E3

Credit: GamesRadar

Johnny Silverhand’s appearance in the flesh at E3 2019 instantly became one of the most monumental moments in the event’s history.

The actor’s reveal that he was going to play the Rockerboy in Cyberpunk 2077 had a massive influence over the game’s hype, and put CD Projekt Red on the map again.

What transpired was a hugely disappointing game launch, but we’ll always have the memories of Keanu’s glorious stage presence. 

Honorable Mention - Xbox 360 Slim Giveaway (E3 2010)

Xbox 360 Slim Reveal

Credit: CrusaderOfXbox360

Microsoft managed to calm players' disappointment over the Xbox 360’s ‘Red Ring of Death’, by offering a slimmer redesign in the Xbox 360 Slim.

In most cases, a new console means more money. However, the lucky attendees of that conference managed to bag a console of their own, completely free of charge.

That’s right, Microsoft hosted a jaw-dropping giveaway of its new console, and it was at that moment when all Xbox 360 grievances dispelled.