November 2008 Console Sales Figures (featuring broken records)

[dervack]

No mention that Sony and Nintendo were working on a disc based system together and then Sony changed their mind and released the Playstation system?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by dervack

No mention that Sony and Nintendo were working on a disc based system together and then Sony changed their mind and released the Playstation system?

Revisionist history.

Nintendo signed a deal with Sony to create a disc-based add-on to the SNES called the SuperDisc.

Problem was, the way the contract was originally written, it gave Sony control over ALL SuperDisc licensing. Games, non-games, whatever. Basically would have bled Nintendo dry.

Nintendo signed a deal with Phillips to get Sony back to the negotiating table, which ultimately worked, and did ultimately give Nintendo back licensing control over the games, but it wasn't Sony changing their mind that led to the PlayStation finding separate release. Nintendo dragged their heels on CD - stuck with silicon chips for N64, so Sony struck out on their own.

But Sony didn't make the decision to do that unilaterally.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Someone needs to make a line from the Gamecube controller to the original XBox controller as well. The 4 buttons are not configured the same but they are in the same place as are the two analog sticks and the control panel. So let's not pretend Microsoft doesn't do the exact same thing.

SI

Well, in fairness, Xbox and GameCube were released three days apart, and Xbox hit the shelves first. Unless the GameCube controller design got released ridiculously early in the development of the system, it's hard to make a direct ripoff accusation there. Not like the analog PlayStation controller coming out two years after the N64, for sure.

[twothree]

If you live in the midwest and have a Meijer near you, my local Meijer store has both Lego Indiana Jones and Lego Batman for the PS3 on sale this week for only $14.99. They also might have had those prices for the XBOX360 versions, but I forgot to look.

Edited to add: The sale has ended.

[gstelmack]

Sony slams 360, Wii as "peddling add-ons". They do a nice feature-set comparison of the $399 PS3, $249 Wii, and $199 360 Arcade, which of course allows them to tout things like "HDMI" that are available on the $299 360... Nice try to take advantage of your higher price point, though.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56661

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Sony slams 360, Wii as "peddling add-ons". They do a nice feature-set comparison of the $399 PS3, $249 Wii, and $199 360 Arcade, which of course allows them to tout things like "HDMI" that are available on the $299 360... Nice try to take advantage of your higher price point, though.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56661

There's no question that the PS3 is a fine system, but using that kind of logic to justify why it's so much more expensive than the other systems is falling on deaf ear. They need to spend less time comparing geeky feature sets and more time showing off video footage of games and dropping the price. Sony's PR is a disaster right now. I'm guessing it will be one of the major overhauls with the rumored Sony restructuring that is supposed to happen soon.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This is pretty good news for Sony and Microsoft. If the prediction of a longer current generation does come to pass, it will allow both Microsoft and Sony a couple extra years on the end of this generation, allowing them to finally make some noticable profit on the current consoles. These kinds of announcements also result in better development support on those consoles since the developer has a longer period of time to work on the known development platform rather than reinventing the wheel again on a new platform.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11417526?nclick_check=1

Microsoft will rely on its Xbox 360 game console for longer than the previous version because it's getting harder to persuade consumers to upgrade, the head of the company's entertainment unit said.

The world's largest software maker will focus on improving the Xbox's games and features rather than rushing to introduce a new model, President Robbie Bach said in an interview.

"Just coming up with something that's faster and prettier isn't going to be sufficient," said Bach, 47. "The life cycle for this generation of consoles — and I'm not just talking about Xbox, I'd include Wii and PS3 as well — is probably going to be a little longer than previous generations."

"When you look at consumers, they are going to be more value-conscious," Bach said.

"We want to make sure that as the economy does start to recover, that we're positioned well."

[Coffee Warlord]

God, blisters are developing on my thumb just from looking at the original Ninteno controller. Ahhh, the old days.

[wade moore]

Totally random 360 questions for those reading this thread..

How do I change the default profile that loads up when I start the 360?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not sure Wade.


For those with the Xbox Arcade Edition, there is either a free or cheap upgrade option available via www.xboxstorageupgrade.com where you can get a 20 GB refurbished harddrive and 3 months of Xbox Live Gold for either free or 29.99 (the announcement is a bit ambigious, it sounds like it is free, but then mentions it is a 29.99 value.) However, I can't go any further to look because you have to enter the Console Serial number of your arcade version.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

For those with the Xbox Arcade Edition, there is either a free or cheap upgrade option available via www.xboxstorageupgrade.com where you can get a 20 GB refurbished harddrive and 3 months of Xbox Live Gold for either free or 29.99 (the announcement is a bit ambigious, it sounds like it is free, but then mentions it is a 29.99 value.) However, I can't go any further to look because you have to enter the Console Serial number of your arcade version.

It's a 20GB refurb HDD plus 3 months of Xbox Live Gold for $29.99. My aunt got this for her Xbox 360 Arcade, just so she could DL tracks for Rock Band.

[stevew]

Thanks. My niece got an arcade and I will forward the link to her grandma.

[Cringer]

My Grandma made cakes and knitted things.

[stevew]

I guess I could have said mother in law.

[Big Fo]

The PlayStation 2 recently passed 50 million sold in North America. (7 million more than total sales in the US)

gamesutra.com

Going by the 2008 statistics of 2.56 people per American household there are roughly 117 million households in the US, therefore 36% of homes have a PS2 (although I'm sure some portion of these were replacements for consoles that broke). It's still impressive though.

[Cringer]

These people are going to flip their lids when they find out about the PS3 coming out any time now.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Cringer

These people are going to flip their lids when they find out about the PS3 coming out any time now.

Most already have flipped their lids about the PS3, but it's mainly due to the high price at this point.

[Cringer]

MBBF, one of us today is taking the other's posts much more serious then they should be taken. My problem is, I honestly can't figure out if it's you or I doing this. Use smilies in applicable places please.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Cringer

MBBF, one of us today is taking the other's posts much more serious then they should be taken. My problem is, I honestly can't figure out if it's you or I doing this. Use smilies in applicable places please.

Naw, I'm not taking them too seriously. I'm just not a huge fan of smilies, which likely leaves my posts open to misinterpretation. When in doubt, blame me.

[Cringer]

[Big Fo]

Rumor: DSi U.S. Launch Date, Price Revealed

Multiple sources close to Nintendo tell IGN that the company is gearing up to debut the anticipated successor to its DS Lite handheld during the first half of this year in America. More specifically, the company has allegedly relayed to its partners that DSi will ship stateside in early April, most likely on April 4. Insiders assert that they have been told the system will retail for $179.99 when it launches domestically.

NOA's president had previously said not to expect the DSi until the latter half of the year.

[Big Fo]

December numbers come out on Thursday, here's one of the usual estimates from EEDAR compared to NPD results from December 2007:

They also estimated the top ten software, I guess because December is such a huge month:

Some other tidbits from the article:

- "Nintendo’s Wii and DS software will account for over 50 percent of all games sold in December across America, saving the game industry from the “full wrath” of the recession."

- overall industry growth for the year at 14%

- they expect 145 games to sell over 100k copies in December alone

- 2009 will be a year of single-digit growth for the industry, a significant slowdown from the previous two years.

Edge Online

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has similar estimates:

Wii - 3.25m
360 - 1.35m
PS3 - 750k

Software growth from Dec 07 to Dec 08:

Wii - 71%
360 - 4% (lower number partially due to new 360s coming with two games)
PS3 - 48%
PS2 - (-54%)

He also predicts that both the 360 and PS3 get a price drop by sometime between April and June, to $249 (for the Pro) and $299 respectively.

gamasutra.com

[Mota]

Originally Posted by Big Fo

Software growth from Dec 07 to Dec 08:

Wii - 71%
360 - 4% (lower number partially due to new 360s coming with two games)
PS3 - 48%
PS2 - (-54%)

This kinda pisses me off. How do they get away with counting Wii Sports as a game sale with every Wii, but if 360 gives away Lego Indiana Jones & Kung Fu Panda as part of their holiday bundle they don't count?

[Big Fo]

Originally Posted by Mota

This kinda pisses me off. How do they get away with counting Wii Sports as a game sale with every Wii, but if 360 gives away Lego Indiana Jones & Kung Fu Panda as part of their holiday bundle they don't count?

Wii Sports is not counted as a game sale with every Wii (except in Japan where Wii Sports is not bundled), nor are any other bundled games.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Big Fo

Software growth from Dec 07 to Dec 08:

Wii - 71%
360 - 4% (lower number partially due to new 360s coming with two games)
PS3 - 48%

I think these numbers have a lot to do with both pricing and demographics.

1. The Wii games usually have a MSRP of $40-50 on release. That's going to spur the opportunity to buy additional games no matter how you slice it.

2. I think the PS3 sales increases are better than the 360 mainly due to demographics. Anyone who is spending an extra $100-200 for the PS3 likely has the coin to buy more games, whereas much of the 360 sales are on the lower end (arcade) of the price spectrum where a parent or a child who doesn't have a large amount of funds is looking for a good next-gen alternative. Also, as Big Fo mentions, the pack-in games reduce the number of impulse purchases when buying the system.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Totally random 360 questions for those reading this thread..

How do I change the default profile that loads up when I start the 360?

I think you have to redo the whole thing under "Console setup".

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

FYI......great deal on a PS3 for those that might be interested. $316 for an 80 GB machine over at Dell. Lower price should be show when added to cart.............

Dell : PlayStation PLAYSTATION 3 Gaming Console with 80 GB Hard Drive : Games : Member Purchase Program

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

FYI......great deal on a PS3 for those that might be interested. $316 for an 80 GB machine over at Dell. Lower price should be show when added to cart.............

Dell : PlayStation PLAYSTATION 3 Gaming Console with 80 GB Hard Drive : Games : Member Purchase Program

No mention of the 360 Arcade for $169 at Dell from the same thread? Not a bad deal when you throw in the 20 gig refurb HD for 30 bucks from MS with 3 months of Xbox Live too. It's also the HDMI model.

A couple other 360 models on sale at decent prices.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Deattribution

No mention of the 360 Arcade for $169 at Dell from the same thread? Not a bad deal when you throw in the 20 gig refurb HD for 30 bucks from MS with 3 months of Xbox Live too. It's also the HDMI model.

A couple other 360 models on sale at decent prices.

Honestly, the 360 deals aren't quite as good. Their price is already pretty low, so 20-30 bucks isn't going to sway many buyers to suddenly jump at it. If you can afford $169, you probably are just as likely to jump at $199. The console is already priced at a very affordable price level.

I suppose to some extent that the PS3 deal is much better BECAUSE the console is so expensive. So it's a good and bad situation. Nonetheless, $316 for one of the better BR players on the market and a gaming console is a heckuva deal. The main reason I posted it is because MLB: The Show is a console seller for sports gamers and the new release is coming up. Good opportunity for those people.

[Mustang]

That PS3 thing, is there some membership to something needed to buy???

Says something about Dell EPP Members. (?)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Mustang

That PS3 thing, is there some membership to something needed to buy???

Says something about Dell EPP Members. (?)

A membership gets you a further discount above what I listed.

[Ajaxab]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

FYI......great deal on a PS3 for those that might be interested. $316 for an 80 GB machine over at Dell. Lower price should be show when added to cart.............

Dell : PlayStation PLAYSTATION 3 Gaming Console with 80 GB Hard Drive : Games : Member Purchase Program

The link seems to now list the price as $340 after the discount.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

The link seems to now list the price as $340 after the discount.

Yeah, the deal is being listed as 'price change' by several sites. Guessing the cheap deal is gone.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting read. Certainly, the 2K exec is correct that there's a large percentage of 'crapware' on the Wii, but I'm not sure that he or his company should be the ones throwing stones at the glass house given the games they've released for the Wii.......

2K Boss: Wii Market Is Full Of Crap

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Certainly, the 2K exec is correct that there's a large percentage of 'crapware' on the Wii,

Hopefully they come out with E.T on the Wii.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet, but apparently Sony believes that anyone buying a PS3 (despite it being out for two years) is still an early adopter..........

Sony: PS3 'still in early adopter phase' - Heavy Rain for PS3 News - VideoGamer.com

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet, but apparently Sony believes that anyone buying a PS3 (despite it being out for two years) is still an early adopter..........

Sony: PS3 'still in early adopter phase' - Heavy Rain for PS3 News - VideoGamer.com

As long as you include the disclaimer that Sony is the reason for them still being in that stage, I suppose you could pass it off as being correct.........or not.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Mustang

Hopefully they come out with E.T on the Wii.

Virtual Console FTW.

[Cringer]

Early adopter phase? Just call me Mr. Trendsetter, Mr. Trailblazer perhaps. I am among the highly cool.

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Honestly, the 360 deals aren't quite as good. Their price is already pretty low, so 20-30 bucks isn't going to sway many buyers to suddenly jump at it. If you can afford $169, you probably are just as likely to jump at $199. The console is already priced at a very affordable price level.

I suppose to some extent that the PS3 deal is much better BECAUSE the console is so expensive. So it's a good and bad situation. Nonetheless, $316 for one of the better BR players on the market and a gaming console is a heckuva deal. The main reason I posted it is because MLB: The Show is a console seller for sports gamers and the new release is coming up. Good opportunity for those people.

Did anyone else find this explanation really stupid?

Are you saying that if someone can afford $169, they should be able to afford $199, however if they can't afford $399, they should be able to afford $316?

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Deattribution

Did anyone else find this explanation really stupid?

Are you saying that if someone can afford $169, they should be able to afford $199, however if they can't afford $399, they should be able to afford $316?

Nah I see what he's saying.

[SirFozzie]

The Official NPD #'s are out.

* Nintendo DS - 3,040,000
* Wii - 2,150,000
* Xbox 360 - 1,440,000
* PSP - 1,020,000
* PlayStation 3 - 726,000
* PlayStation 2 - 410,000


Npd Group: Nintendo Breaks More Sales Records, Sells Over 5 Million Consoles In December