March Console Sales Numbers (omg)

[stevew]

That's just rediculous that Live moved 500k more units than 2k8. People obviously will buy any piece of shit with an EA logo on it.

[Kodos]

Yeah, the Live thing is unreal. I thought people had figured out by now that Live sucks.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg declares the war for the 'core gamer' over.......

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...1&limitstart=1

Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg gives Next-Gen an in-depth view on the console war from Microsoft's vantage point, getting a few digs against PS3 in the process.

Microsoft has been lamenting Xbox 360 hardware shortages this year, which the company claimed allowed PlayStation 3 to outsell the Xbox 360 in January and February.

However, the Xbox 360 was able to edge out PS3 in terms of hardware sales in March in the US, according to the NPD Group. But not by much: 262,000 versus PS3's 257,000.

Nevertheless, Microsoft remains utterly confident in the battle against its closest games rival (we'll just mention briefly that the Nintendo Wii sold a mind-boggling 721,000 units during the same month). Here, Greenberg talks Grand Theft Auto IV's impending release and its expected effect on hardware sales, why he believes Microsoft has effectively "won" the core gaming audience at Sony's expense, and how the Xbox 360 hopes to succeed in PlayStation-loving Europe.

Next-Gen: This month, the Xbox 360 edged out the PS3. Does this mean that supply is back to normal?

Aaron Greenberg: Yeah, I think we're happy with where we're at with supply. We definitely started to see improvements in the month of March and that is reflected in some of the sales you're seeing there. We weren't exactly where we wanted to be, but there's definitely much improvement. But we're definitely back in the game, and we're prepared for the launch of GTA IV next month.

But yeah, it's always good, even if it's close, to beat the PS3. For us, one of the things we've said is that we're going to be really careful to watch any sort of signs for the Blu-ray impact, and it seems pretty clear that while Blu-ray may have won, consumers don't care. PS3 sales have actually declined week over week and month to month since the format war has ended. Games are what sell systems, and we feel pretty good about where we're at in that position.

At the same time, PS3 and Xbox 360 sales are pretty much neck-and-neck. How does Microsoft hope to expand the gap in its favor?

We expect we'll end the year with a two- to three-times larger installed base than the PS3. Supply. We had a lot of shortages where you couldn't even find Xbox 360s on sale in January and February. That really impacted our ability to effectively market at retail in March. We had retailers pull a lot of circular ads, we weren't being featured in-store. We were on-shelf for most of the month, but the barn was sort of empty. Believe it not, those retail circulars do drive part of the sales. We didn't have that support in March, but we will have that in April and around the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV.

What kind of hardware uptake are you expecting with GTA IV? Are you getting a better picture of that yet?

Actually, it's interesting. Based on what we're hearing from retailers right now, both in the US and in the EMEA, we're seeing our preorders for GTA IV outpacing the PS3's by a 2:1 margin. We've seen some really good signs early on about how presales are going. We think that similar to titles like Madden, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc., that GTA will be another multiplatform title that will lead and sell better on Xbox 360, in addition to the fact that we have exclusive content coming.

Back to hardware sales, are you concerned at all that PS3 appears to be keeping pace with Xbox 360?

One thing you have to realize is that this is the time of year when games are primarily sold as opposed to hardware. So it's a slow time of the year for hardware sales. 70 percent of all hardware sales happen in the second half of the year. We think we'll continue to extend our lead over the PS3 over the course of the year. We expect we'll end the year with a two- to three-times larger installed base.

...Frankly, we'll see most of the growth in the second half of the year. Titles like GTA are the exceptions to that rule. We think that title will help move hardware sales when that launches.

So it's pretty safe to assume that Microsoft has some pretty big plans for the second half of the year that it's not ready to talk about yet.

[Laughs] That's very safe to assume. We definitely have a lot of cards in our back pocket that we have not played yet, and we're very excited to, throughout the year, share more about what we believe are pretty significant announcements around the Xbox 360 experience and games that will drive people to purchase our console versus the PS3.

I'm sure you've seen the insane Wii figures. 721,000 sold in March in the US. What's Microsoft's take on that?

We think Nintendo's success, to be honest, is great for us. They're doing great things to help broaden the audience in the industry. We're playing a role as well. And Xbox is a great complement to that experience. It's interesting, because we're not really targeting the same consumer with the same kind of experience, but in many ways we're finding that as we grow and broaden...a lot of that audience is going to be graduating up from the Wii experience. We think we're a great complement to that. What Nintendo's doing is great for the industry, but it's great for us as well.

The attach rates for Xbox 360 continue to be strong, standing at 7.5.

And that doesn't include any digital transactions at all. In the history of all NPD data across multiple generations, no console life cycle has ever attached anywhere near 7.5 games.

Both in the US and in the EMEA, we're seeing our preorders for GTA IV outpacing the PS3's by a 2:1 margin....That really speaks to our strength with the consumer, frankly. I think the battle for the core user is sort of over, if you will. We're heading now well beyond 20 million in console sales. I feel we've secured that core buyer, and that gives us quite a bit of an advantage versus PS3, which is late to the game and still at a price disadvantage relative to the Xbox.

That's quite a claim to say that the battle for the core user is over. PlayStation 3 has got LittleBigPlanet, Gran Turismo 5 and Metal Gear Solid 4 coming. Do you really feel it's safe to say that you guys have won the core?

Yeah. I think the type of audience that they are going after with many of those games, frankly, are Xbox 360 owners...They're trying to go after a consumer that has already bought an Xbox 360, and frankly has a much broader lineup with more titles and more exclusives. You could say that they showed up with too little, too late.
The PlayStation brand is still very strong in Europe in particular. We're hearing that outside of the UK, the Xbox 360 is dying.

Without a doubt, Sony is a very formidable competitor in Europe, and they have entrenched themselves as an established brand, and we recognize that. But it's also part of the reason why we say Europe is the battleground territory for us this generation. So we've really double-downed our efforts there in marketing spend and our aggressiveness in that market.

In Europe, the core consumer is still very much up for grabs, and we will continue to do things in Europe that we may not do globally, because we see that market is so critical to our success. We've launched a massive TV advertising campaign--multi, multi-million campaign across the region that launched before anything in the US...The second thing is that in advance of GTA IV, we've dropped the price of Xbox 360. We're now a lower-priced console throughout Europe. We're cheaper than the Wii, and just about half the price of a PS3. The result of that is our sales doubling, sustained over a number of weeks now, across Europe.

[MJ4H]

So condescending. Graduating up? Arrogant mfers.

[MJ4H]

Dola

I hope by next-gen the sony and ms console users are ready to graduate up to a nintendo console.

buttheads

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by stevew

That's just rediculous that Live moved 500k more units than 2k8. People obviously will buy any piece of shit with an EA logo on it.

I didn't even realize that when posting the figures. Ridiculous that a game so much worse in quality sold so many more units than its competitor strictly due to marketing.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I didn't even realize that when posting the figures. Ridiculous that a game so much worse in quality sold so many more units than its competitor strictly due to marketing.

It's unfortunate. It's killing the game quality in most cases right now. Consumers have to be really careful to pick out the bad apples.

[rjolley]

I wonder how many of those units were sold on systems where NBA2K8 doesn't exist.

[cartman]

But on the flip side, Skate was a much better game than the latest iteration of Tony Hawk.

[Big Fo]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Interesting weekly numbers coming out of Japan. All three consoles are selling relatively low numbers..........

40-50k per week is around what the PS2 did at it's peak, 200k per month is pretty damn good in a country with less than half the population of the US.

This graph gives a good snapshot of the console market:



Embarrassing stuff for Sony really. At least Japan likes the PSP...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Big Fo

40-50k per week is around what the PS2 did at it's peak, 200k per month is pretty damn good in a country with less than half the population of the US.

This graph gives a good snapshot of the console market:



Embarrassing stuff for Sony really. At least Japan likes the PSP...

I doubt that Sony is terribly worried. They're pre-selling a large amount of consoles for June. They just need to get more games out that cater to the Japanese public. They're 3rd on the totem pole right now with the high sales potential in Europe and N.A. getting the preferential treatment.

[Daimyo]

2. Halo 3 (X360 Exclusive) 8M

Who was it that said Halo 3 wasn't a system seller?

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

They're pre-selling a large amount of consoles for June.

What?????? What'd I miss? They are PRE SELLING a console that has been shipping for 18 months? Even for new models, that has to be ridiculous.

[stevew]

I think you can reserve it at gamestop too.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Daimyo

Who was it that said Halo 3 wasn't a system seller?

Those 8 million people already had 360s.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Daimyo

Who was it that said Halo 3 wasn't a system seller?

The console sales received a 200K boost for two months over the normal months. They expected a much bigger boost than 400K over normal sales numbers. Great software sales though.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

73. NBA 2K8 (PS2/PS3/X360) 670K (it's sad to see such a great game didn't break a million when Madden despite all of the criticism sold almost 6 million.)

46. NBA Live 08 (PS2/PS3/PSP/360/PC/Wii) 1.1M

I can't believe people out there still buy NBA Live over NBA 2K... Wow.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Not a Dola -

It's even sadder that College Hoops didn't even make the list.


EA's offer to Take Two expires today. Take Two has tried to imply they have other offers. Microsoft stated today that they aren't interested in purchasing Take Two. When talking about why Microsoft wasn't interested, Shane Kim's quote made me chuckle, "there's an awful lot you can do with 3 billion dollars."

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=187221

Pretty sure I read 3-4 days ago that the offer got extended to mid-May. EA wants Take-Two BAD.

It will be interesting to see if EA ups their offer of 26 dollars per share, if they back off (unlikely) or if they reapply pressure in pursuit of a hostile takeover (again.) It seems like the board has rallied the troops over at Take Two, but I imagine that might only last until after GTA IV releases.

One of two things happens. One, GTA IV sells so well that the stockholders see financial solvency for the company and are no longer tempted by the buyout offer, or two, EA increases the bid and the stockholders cash in at $35-40 a share after GTA IV destroys sales expectations.

No chance sales tank and the investors panic, I don't think.

[RainMaker]

I think it will be interesting to see what impact GTA has on the console wars. There have been a ton of rumors about the exclusive content Microsoft paid for, and some reports that it's actually a new city to be played. If that's the case, I can definitely see it selling some consoles.

And while some might balk at the exclusive content and think it'll only be some cars, I say no way. Microsoft dropped $50 million dollars on this content and I have to believe it's going to be something big. That's a lot of consoles to sell to make up that amount. If they don't get something big like new cities (or the old games converted into downloadable content), I'd be shocked.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Those numbers for Brawl are impressive! Can't really call it a system seller at the moment as, well, there are still no systems to sell but hopefully that will smooth out between now and Christmas.

If you're Nintendo, you just keep putting the pressure on and continue the momentum through next Christmas and this generation is not just over in theory but in practice. That said, how many more bullets are in the gun? Nintendo's sent all of their big stuff out early in the generation. What's next? A second Zelda for the Wii? It's not that they can't just coast from this point forward, but there's nothing on the horizon to keep the buzz up after Mario Kart is out. Wii Fit will be interesting- I'm still not buying it as the next big thing stateside. But I didn't think so about Brain Age and it sold like crazy in the US.

Speaking of which, the DS just chugging along. Tho there are rumors of a slight redesign at E3. They're pretty much out of big guns on the little screen, too. Also, a lot of the "second tier" franchises like Ninja Gaiden, Castlevania, Contra, various RPGs, off the wall games, etc- stuff that really rounds out a library but doesn't sell a ton of systems- those are mostly tapped out for the DS, too.

That said, I'm really curious about The World Ends with You which comes out next week and IGN put up a great review about so maybe I'm wrong about the lack of IPs for Nintendo to hit right now.

SI

There will always be a NintenDogs or brain Age around the corner for the Nintendo systems that are more clever in using the controllers they have.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I think it will be interesting to see what impact GTA has on the console wars. There have been a ton of rumors about the exclusive content Microsoft paid for, and some reports that it's actually a new city to be played. If that's the case, I can definitely see it selling some consoles.

The problem is that unless Microsoft reveals exactly what the DLC will be in a massive marketing campaign before the release, it's likely to not have any effect on sales. People aren't going to buy the 360 because it's rumored on a message board that there will be additional downloadable cities.

I have seen that MS is going to have some sort of marketing campaign for the game, so we'll just have to wait and see what it entails. Sony has already launched some of its PR in the form of large billboards on buildings in some of the major cities, especially NYC for obvious reasons.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sony stock has been upgraded to a buy rating by several investment firms today. The upgrade comes after an announcement that the PS3 will have new smaller processing chips as soon as August. This will result in considerable cost savings on manufacturing of the console and put Sony in a position to cut the price of the system this holiday season if they decide that it would be advantageous to do so.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/p...ips-in-august/

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

New articles concerning Sony's new movie download system for the PS3. Movies are expected to be DRM-free and will play on PSP as well as other portable video players.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...10096&Itemid=2

[Daimyo]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

New articles concerning Sony's new movie download system for the PS3. Movies are expected to be DRM-free and will play on PSP as well as other portable video players.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...10096&Itemid=2

It doesn't say anything about being DRM-free...

It says:

The company will embrace open standards, meaning that its video offerings will be compatible with a range of devices including PSP.

There is a difference.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Daimyo

It doesn't say anything about being DRM-free...

There is a difference.

So what do you believe it will be? It's either protected or not protected. The LA Times article discusses extensively how the copyright arm of Sony is going to be forced to back off. That's a pretty clear indication that DRM is not going to be a part of the final system.

[stevew]

According to the specs on most of the new DVD/BD players at work, they seem to be featuring the "SD Card" slot as an option. Seems to be very possible the SD transfer thing will be a reality.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Sony stock has been upgraded to a buy rating by several investment firms today. The upgrade comes after an announcement that the PS3 will have new smaller processing chips as soon as August. This will result in considerable cost savings on manufacturing of the console and put Sony in a position to cut the price of the system this holiday season if they decide that it would be advantageous to do so.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/p...ips-in-august/

They also have pretty aggressive pricing structures on their new LCD line, and are introducing a couple series that are in line with pricing on most of the lower tiered brands.

I think their market share should increase quite a bit, and they should start cutting into the upstarts like Vizio to a certain degree.

[Eaglesfan27]

Best Buy is offering to "professionally install" Xbox 360 games:

http://consumerist.com/381845/let-be...our-xbox-games

[stevew]

I dunno how much best buy charges, but at Sears it's about 230(300 if it requires separate trip) bucks if you want to get your harmony remote installed and programmed for your devices. We saw that at a staff meeting the other day and it was a collective wtf. We don't install games, thankfully.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Best Buy is offering to "professionally install" Xbox 360 games:

http://consumerist.com/381845/let-be...our-xbox-games

Yeah, see, this one I can speak to.

The cases the games go in? Frequently, the Computers department slaps those stickers on the same cases when they stick RAM in 'em.

So you know what happens when the RAM gets sold and the Xbox 360/PS3/Wii games need to get cased?

Hey, look. Here's a case. With an install sticker on it. Good job, guys. Now we look like asshats.

[Daimyo]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

So what do you believe it will be? It's either protected or not protected. The LA Times article discusses extensively how the copyright arm of Sony is going to be forced to back off. That's a pretty clear indication that DRM is not going to be a part of the final system.

Okay, so I read the LA Times article and it says nothing about DRM. It again says they are trying to conform to open standards that will allow broad device compatibility. It says nothing about being DRM free. Following open standards does not mean you don't use DRM... they are not the same thing.

Originally Posted by LA Times article

Unlike closed networks such as Apple's, Sony plans to embrace open standards that would make its offering compatible with a range of computers and hand-held devices, including its PlayStation Portable.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Yeah, see, this one I can speak to.

The cases the games go in? Frequently, the Computers department slaps those stickers on the same cases when they stick RAM in 'em.

So you know what happens when the RAM gets sold and the Xbox 360/PS3/Wii games need to get cased?

Hey, look. Here's a case. With an install sticker on it. Good job, guys. Now we look like asshats.

I figured it was something like that. Still a funny picture


Also, for anyone who doesn't have College Hoops and has even the slightest interest:

On OS, they are reporting that Target (may be regional only) clearance ads in at least 2 parts of the country have College Hoops available for the 360 or PS3 for 14.98. That game is an absolute steal at that price.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I figured it was something like that. Still a funny picture


Also, for anyone who doesn't have College Hoops and has even the slightest interest:

On OS, they are reporting that Target (may be regional only) clearance ads in at least 2 parts of the country have College Hoops available for the 360 or PS3 for 14.98. That game is an absolute steal at that price.

shit, need to get out there

[Daimyo]

DOLA, an open standard could simply mean they have devised their own DRM system, but will publish the specification and allow others to incorporate it freely into their software and devices. That is opposed to a closed standard like that used by the Apple music store where they have their own DRM system and do not allow others to incorporate it into their software or devices (eg, only iTunes and iPods can play music purchased from the Apple music store).

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by stevew

shit, need to get out there

I have no idea if this is close to you in Hermitage, but Springfield, PA is one of the confirmed Targets. It's 14.99 there. Obviously, talking about 08 version of College Hoops

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I have no idea if this is close to you in Hermitage, but Springfield, PA is one of the confirmed Targets. It's 14.99 there. Obviously, talking about 08 version of College Hoops

That's a bit of a trek

I actually live about 10mins from ohio. Calling the local stores now, will
see what's up.

[stevew]

Hmmm, local store says they are out. Entirely likely that means Clearence or that they are indeed out. Going that way anyways, i guess.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I figured it was something like that. Still a funny picture


Also, for anyone who doesn't have College Hoops and has even the slightest interest:

On OS, they are reporting that Target (may be regional only) clearance ads in at least 2 parts of the country have College Hoops available for the 360 or PS3 for 14.98. That game is an absolute steal at that price.

Damnit - I was just at target a few hours ago but didn't look at the games.

[fflix]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I figured it was something like that. Still a funny picture


Also, for anyone who doesn't have College Hoops and has even the slightest interest:

On OS, they are reporting that Target (may be regional only) clearance ads in at least 2 parts of the country have College Hoops available for the 360 or PS3 for 14.98. That game is an absolute steal at that price.

Read this and went to check out the Target in San Mateo, got the 360 version for 14.98. Thanks for the heads up. Checked out the Target in Cupertino, which had both College Hoops 2k8 and Nhl2k8 for 14.98.

[RainMaker]

Speaking of movies, has anyone heard anything about that potential Netflix/Microsoft partnership on the 360. As a Netflix subscriber, I can tell you that I'd be more than happy to pay some extra money to be able to stream movies through my TV via the 360.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I figured it was something like that. Still a funny picture


Also, for anyone who doesn't have College Hoops and has even the slightest interest:

On OS, they are reporting that Target (may be regional only) clearance ads in at least 2 parts of the country have College Hoops available for the 360 or PS3 for 14.98. That game is an absolute steal at that price.

I might pick up another copy in the event my current one gets scratched. I have a feeling I'll be playing this game a lot next year considering March Madness sucks balls.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I might pick up another copy in the event my current one gets scratched. I have a feeling I'll be playing this game a lot next year considering March Madness sucks balls.

I've thought about going to Target to pick up a spare as well.. this game has to last a long time.

Glad that the info helped a few people at least. I saw it on OS and figured it would be appreciated here.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Pachter interview on a Xbox magazine podcast. Interview starts around the 21:00 mark. Summary of his comments..............

- GTA4 will boost PS3 sales more than 360 sales
- PS3 will pull ahead to stay month to month after GTA4
- MS wont and shouldnt do a price drop
- MS will wait until Sony cuts before dropping

Link:

http://www.oxmpodcast.com/podpress_t...1_20080417.mp3

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Analysis of March NPD numbers................

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...10114&Itemid=2

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Multiple analysts predict GTA4 will provide a large hardware sales boost for the PS3...........

http://www.reuters.com/article/reute...BrandChannel=0

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - "Grand Theft Auto 4," the biggest, meanest, raunchiest video game of the year, looks set to help Sony Corp's (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) PlayStation 3 console gain new ground in its turf war with Microsoft's Xbox 360.

It's already a given that the newest chapter in Take-Two Interactive Software Inc's (TTWO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) hit criminal franchise will be the biggest game of 2008, with up to $400 million expected in sales in its first week.

But "Grand Theft Auto 4," which rampages onto store shelves next Tuesday, will also be an important new weapon in the running battle between the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Xbox 360.

The two console giants are trying to convince gamers that their machines offer the best way to revel in "GTA4's" gritty violence and gleefully dark skewering of American culture.

The game, which cannot be played on the older PlayStation 2 or original Xbox hardware, is expected to boost sales of the new consoles over the next few months, typically a slow season for the industry.

"This is one game that has the potential to move some hardware," Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising for video-game retail chain GameStop Corp (GME.N: Quote, Profile, Research), said in an interview.

"The anticipation is that it will sell both systems."

But the PS3 stands to gain the most from the game and its tale of Niko, an Eastern European immigrant who must face his brutal past as he serves a crime syndicate by jacking cars, running drugs and rubbing out rivals. Continued...

The stakes are higher than ever. Last year, sales of video game console hardware in the United States soared 73 percent to $5.1 billion, according to market research firm NPD.

VICARIOUS THRILLS

"Grand Theft Auto 4" is expected to sell between 9 million and 12.5 million units in 2008, luring gamers with simulated vicarious thrills -- depending on one's viewpoint -- including drunk driving, stripper lap dances and the chance to fire heavy weaponry into urban crowds.

If sales come in at the high end of that range, the game will directly spur sales of 2 million additional PS3s in 2008, versus 1 million Xbox 360s, reckons Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan.

"I think PS3 'wins' this battle," Pachter said.

The "GTA" series has played console kingmaker before. When "Grand Theft Auto 3" hit the PlayStation 2 in 2001, it was such a phenomenon that many people bought the machines just to play that one game.

Sony is now banking that many gamers who first played the series on the PlayStation 2 are Sony loyalists who see the new game as the ultimate reason to shell out $400 or more for a PlayStation 3.

"So many people who owned the PS2 went into PlayStation family because of 'GTA'. The release of 'GTA4' could expedite their decision to upgrade," said Edward Williams, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets.

Scott Steinberg, vice president of marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, said "GTA4" was just one of several titles to drive PS3 sales in the coming months.

"I think without question that we are transitioning away from a tipping point to a shoving point for folks getting motivated," Steinberg said. "For the whole spring and summer, we are expecting a pretty nice uptick in PS3 sales."

COUNTERINTUITIVE

The idea that the PS3 will gain the most from "GTA4" will strike some as counterintuitive.

After all, Microsoft has the lure of exclusive, Xbox-only downloadable content that will arrive later in the year, a fact it is hammering home with a marketing blitz to rival that of its own flagship "Halo 3" game last year.

A poll on gaming blog banned site showed that 58 percent of the 38,000 votes cast were for the Xbox 360 version, with the downloadable content cited as one of the main reasons for the choice. That fed expectations that the enthusiasm would fuel more Xbox 360 sales as well.

The game will almost certainly sell more copies on the Xbox 360 given the bigger base of owners -- 9.9 million in the United States versus 4.1 million for the PlayStation 3.

"Online is such a strong part of the game and Microsoft has done such a great job of developing the online community, so for people who own multiple consoles, they will buy it for the 360," said IDC analyst Billy Pidgeon.

But Microsoft, coming off a blockbuster 2007 with hits like "Halo 3", has a lighter exclusive lineup this year and analysts reckon that most dedicated gamers interested in buying an Xbox have already done so.

"It could sell a little bit more hardware for Sony than Microsoft, given where each of those boxes are in their life cycle," Ricardo Torres, editor-in-chief of video game news site GameSpot.

"The PS3 has had a slow build but they have momentum coming off of the holidays and 2008 does look like it's going to be their year. 'Grand Theft Auto' is really the starter pistol for four or five releases for Sony that will be a compelling reason to get a PS3."

[Eaglesfan27]

It should provide a boost for both systems as the analysts predict in the article that you quoted.

[BrianD]

Sounds like the article makes two separate points and tries to call them related.

1. GTA IV will sell consoles.
2. Hardcore gamers that will buy this game probably already own an XBox.

Point 1 seems obvious. Point 2 is reasonable since XBox has a higher install base. Making the leap to say non-hardcore gamers who don't already own a console will buy the PS3 rather than the XBox to play it seems like a stretch. The XBox is farther along in the life cycle, but it isn't like it is at the end of the cycle...

[Kodos]

To some degree, I think the casual gamers will gravitate towards getting a PS3 if they don't already own a next-gen console and they are buying one to play GTA IV. They most likely played versions of GTA III on the PS2. Brand loyalty will probably influence their decisions. Also, casual gamers would be less likely to know that there is a difference between the 360 and PS3 versions.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Kodos

To some degree, I think the casual gamers will gravitate towards getting a PS3 if they don't already own a next-gen console and they are buying one to play GTA IV. They most likely played versions of GTA III on the PS2. Brand loyalty will probably influence their decisions. Also, casual gamers would be less likely to know that there is a difference between the 360 and PS3 versions.

That, and rightly or wrongly they also pointed out that an upcoming release like MGS may sway some on the fence to go the PS3 route now. Had Sony been able to scoop MS on the exclusive content for GTA then the numbers could have gotten interesting.

[MikeVic]

What the hell is the "exclusive content?" Isn't this game coming out in April or early May or something? Shouldn't the exclusive content be known already.