Console Discussion/E3/Tokyo Game Show Thread

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

The overdramatics are getting ridiculous at this point. There's clearly not going to be an elimination of competition in this generation and anyone who suggests that is out of their gourd. However, dismissing the evidence that a changing of the guard could be taking place is equally as baffling.

Very happy we can agree.

The early momentum for PS4 has to be exciting for Sony. Id speculate Microsoft will have some marketing plans of their own. Unless we know what they are it would be hard to dismiss them.

[dubb93]

Why the fuck is the Playstation Network down for maintenance at 8p EST on fucking Christmas Eve? Why has the fucking Playstation Network been down for maintenance two of the last three times I actually wanted to play a game online?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by dubb93

Why the fuck is the Playstation Network down for maintenance at 8p EST on fucking Christmas Eve?

Final prep for the slavering hordes tomorrow morning?

Why has the fucking Playstation Network been down for maintenance two of the last three times I actually wanted to play a game online?

Bad timing? Confirmation bias?

[dubb93]

8p EST should never be maintenance time. If they couldn't prep the US servers in the middle of the night at some point this week then that points to a decision making issue.

Maybe bad timing, but this seems to go offline for maintenance way more often than any other major videogame service.

[Ryan S]

Originally Posted by dubb93

8p EST should never be maintenance time. If they couldn't prep the US servers in the middle of the night at some point this week then that points to a decision making issue.

Maybe bad timing, but this seems to go offline for maintenance way more often than any other major videogame service.

The problem with PSN maintenance is that if it is not in US primetime it is in Euro primetime or Japan primetime. There is no good time to take a worldwide service offline.

Taking it offline on Christmas eve seems crazy. They should have done this last week, before the holidays.

[Neon_Chaos]

Originally Posted by Ryan S

The problem with PSN maintenance is that if it is not in US primetime it is in Euro primetime or Japan primetime. There is no good time to take a worldwide service offline.

Taking it offline on Christmas eve seems crazy. They should have done this last week, before the holidays.

QFT

[gstelmack]

RG3 bought Xbox Ones for his offensive linemen for Christmas | FOX Sports on MSN

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

RG3 bought Xbox Ones for his offensive linemen for Christmas | FOX Sports on MSN

RG3 always did have problems making good decisions.

/snark

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Boy, PSN is getting hammered today. Hopefully it'll settle down tomorrow.

[CU Tiger]

I was in the local wal mart today...(btw I needed a drink after that..shutter....if I hadn't had to go out to grab some pepto for my sick teenage son I would have never dared face that trauma...)and apparently there is a shipment of some sort of PS4s and X1 either that or neither are selling very well

There were 6-8 of each visible inside the game cage, and in talking with one of the electronic dept employees ( oddly enough, the son of one of my hgh school girlfriends .. lol) they have "a bunch of both in the back"

How many is "a bunch"?
"easily 25 of each a few more of the Xbox, maybe 35 of them"

So maybe none of them are selling?

[SackAttack]

Think it's more likely there was just a big post-Christmas drop. Best Buy had both in stock today when they hadn't had either for a week or two beforehand. Giiiiiiiiiiiant pallet of Xbox Ones up front, signs all over the place calling out PS4 but no obvious displays of them.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like some dates may be leaked. DriveClub coming in late February, likely to coincide with Japan release date. Also, an add listed WatchDogs as a March 21st release date. Not sure that's such a good idea for UbiSoft with the Infamous: Second Son release date in that same time frame. That could end badly for them.

[SackAttack]

I, uh, don't think inFamous is the kind of game that crowds other releases out.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

I, uh, don't think inFamous is the kind of game that crowds other releases out.

If anything it's definitely going to be Infamous suffering from releasing at the same time as Watch Dogs.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by mckerney

If anything it's definitely going to be Infamous suffering from releasing at the same time as Watch Dogs.

They're similar game types releasing at the same time. There's no way that both won't see lesser sales than they would expect releasing at the same time just because people have only so many gaming dollars to spend.

[SackAttack]

They're only similar in that they're both open world games.

That's a little bit like saying that Grand Theft Auto V would see its sales suffer were it to have released at the same time as Lego Marvel Super Heroes.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

They're only similar in that they're both open world games.

That's a little bit like saying that Grand Theft Auto V would see its sales suffer were it to have released at the same time as Lego Marvel Super Heroes.

If by a little bit, you mean not at all, then yes. They're far more similar than that comparison.

I could be wrong here too. Perhaps gamers are more thirsty for new games by then. There's a lot of new games and especially exclusives coming in early spring. Perhaps that's the next big boom in game AND console sales as PS4 supply should catch up with supply by then.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I could be wrong here too.

Your track record suggests that there's more money to be made betting on that than against it.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Perhaps that's the next big boom in game AND console sales as PS4 supply should catch up with supply by then.

Huh?

Obvious typo aside, reports everywhere seem to indicate a substantial shipment either on or immediately after Christmas and stock availability being a non issue right now for PS4.

But yeah..in 3 months Sony will surely be able to meet demand.

SMH.

Happy New year man....I hope you enjoy your ps4

[dubb93]

If anything I would think that Watchdogs and inFAMOUS releasing in the same window is good for two types of people. People who own PS4 and Microsoft. inFAMOUS is going to be awesome, Watchdogs is going to be awesome. People who own a PS4 can enjoy both if they choose to do so. Microsoft will also probably avoid some of the exclusive backlash from inFAMOUS since I assume most of the videogame media coverage/hype is going to be on Watchdogs which is going to be on both consoles. By all accounts that game has been described as a system seller.

[dubb93]

I kind of feel bad for inFAMOUS in this spot as well. I love the game, but it isn't going to be a system seller. It's a good exclusive, and if it were to be in a situation where it wasn't going head to head with a game like Watchdogs it could maybe build a larger fanbase. I felt like it was one of the most under-rated series of the 360/PS3 era. It's also a game that if this were 2015 and there was more out there on these consoles would likely do respectable numbers but slip through with little fanfare.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Obvious typo aside, reports everywhere seem to indicate a substantial shipment either on or immediately after Christmas and stock availability being a non issue right now for PS4.

But yeah..in 3 months Sony will surely be able to meet demand.

Perhaps this is what you consider ample supply?

Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) In Stock Tracker - NowInStock.net

Just for comparison, I'm providing a second example of what fully supplied looks like....

Microsoft Xbox One Pre-Order & In Stock Tracker - Day One Edition Pre-orders Available - NowInStock.net

[CU Tiger]

I dont know why I continue to engage this conversation, but you do realize that single website is not the penultimate authority, right?

Or for that matter even have any guarantee of accuracy?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

I dont know why I continue to engage this conversation, but you do realize that single website is not the penultimate authority, right?

Or for that matter even have any guarantee of accuracy?

Tell me which store out of that is listed as in-stock/out-of-stock that is incorrect. They ping all sites once a minute for stock. Within a minute or two, it's about as good as you can get for checking major retailers (who stock 90% of consoles in the U.S.) as to whether something is available. I'm not sure how much clearer the situation could be in regards to supply.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

I dont know why I continue to engage this conversation, but you do realize that single website is not the penultimate authority, right?

Or for that matter even have any guarantee of accuracy?

Sigh. This got me to check his posts, and of course it looks like it checks for ONLINE stock, not individual store stock (as folks around here keep mentioning, they find them in stores somewhat regularly).

The Xbox ONE Day Ones must be returns or something, because I can promise none of those sites had them in stock back in October.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Tell me which store out of that is listed as in-stock/out-of-stock that is incorrect. They ping all sites once a minute for stock. Within a minute or two, it's about as good as you can get for checking major retailers (who stock 90% of consoles in the U.S.) as to whether something is available. I'm not sure how much clearer the situation could be in regards to supply.

Well, if you go to Amazon, they have available consoles from other places, so you can order one. I think it's clear demand for the PS4 is higher right now than for the XBox 1. That said, I've walked into three stores this week which sell consoles and both systems have been in stock at each one of them. (One Best Buy, one Target, one Wal-Mart)

There was no knockout, unrecoverable blow to either console at this point. Sony beat the hell out of MS in marketing. I don't think we'll ever see the dominant market share that Sony had with the PS2 again in the near future. Both companies are making a profit, both systems are selling well and both systems will have must play exclusives. Life is good for consoles. Don't worry, be happy.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Well, if you go to Amazon, they have available consoles from other places, so you can order one. I think it's clear demand for the PS4 is higher right now than for the XBox 1. That said, I've walked into three stores this week which sell consoles and both systems have been in stock at each one of them. (One Best Buy, one Target, one Wal-Mart)

There was no knockout, unrecoverable blow to either console at this point. Sony beat the hell out of MS in marketing. I don't think we'll ever see the dominant market share that Sony had with the PS2 again in the near future. Both companies are making a profit, both systems are selling well and both systems will have must play exclusives. Life is good for consoles. Don't worry, be happy.

I walked into 3 stores yesterday and there were XB1's in all 3 (Target, Best Buy, and GameStop) and PS4's in none of them.

[gstelmack]

The thing is, without knowing the supply situation, availability in stores means nothing - Microsoft could be making more consoles.

Eventually we'll get sales figures, and unless it's like 70/30, it won't mean squat.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

The thing is, without knowing the supply situation, availability in stores means nothing - Microsoft could be making more consoles.

Eventually we'll get sales figures, and unless it's like 70/30, it won't mean squat.

Oh of course - I was saying this same thing to my dad in a conversation earlier.

If I could find a PS4 in a store here I'd pick one up right now.

I'm just opposed to putting my name on some sort of "waiting list" or something and then having to buy it when it comes in.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I walked into 3 stores yesterday and there were XB1's in all 3 (Target, Best Buy, and GameStop) and PS4's in none of them.

I have no doubt about that. I think it all depends where you are, what time you enter the stores, etc. I also have zero doubt Sony is winning early. I mean, how could they not? Microsoft pissed people off. They made major mistakes and they paid the price for it. But they won't be blown out of the water. They'll make a run and their exclusives will sell. The Kinect will get a niche group in as well. And if the media technology takes off, who knows?

Either way, we don't have any facts at all on this one. Microsoft might be producing a boatload more consoles than Sony. As someone else said, unless this goes 70/30 to one side, it isn't going to make a bit of difference. In reality, I wish that were the case. Honestly. MS isn't going to give up and just wait 3 to 5 years to recover. They would go nuts spending money on exclusives and game development. It would be better for all of us.

I don't think it'll happen that way though.

[DaddyTorgo]

Wasn't trying to argue your point about supply, was just...providing another anecdote.

Shit - I wish I lived in an area where there were PS4's available. I've got...2 GameStops, a Target, a Best Buy, an FYE (For Your Entertainment?), and a WalMart all within like...0.25 miles of my apartment. Aside from never setting foot in the WalMart I'm checking the others at least a couple times a week (it varies depending on what I'm driving by and such of course).

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Wasn't trying to argue your point about supply, was just...providing another anecdote.

Shit - I wish I lived in an area where there were PS4's available. I've got...2 GameStops, a Target, a Best Buy, an FYE (For Your Entertainment?), and a WalMart all within like...0.25 miles of my apartment. Aside from never setting foot in the WalMart I'm checking the others at least a couple times a week (it varies depending on what I'm driving by and such of course).

If nothing else keep trying Amazon. They randomly find systems to sell during the day.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

If nothing else keep trying Amazon. They randomly find systems to sell during the day.

I'd rather not have one shipped to me, that's the thing. That just introduces a whole other perceived failure-point in terms of rough-handling and all (which might just be me being silly yeah, but I dunno).

[SackAttack]

You know that they get handled on the way to retail as well, right?

And trust me, having worked in retail, there is nothing UPS/FedEx/etc can do to a console that hasn't already been done to it before you buy it, either by the employees of the store unloading the truck, the warehouse employees LOADING the truck, or shipping to the warehouse before those employees get their hands on them.

[Izulde]

Shopko and Walmart in SE Wisconsin had X box 1 but no PS4s. Ditto with a Target and Game stop in Las Vegas

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

You know that they get handled on the way to retail as well, right?

And trust me, having worked in retail, there is nothing UPS/FedEx/etc can do to a console that hasn't already been done to it before you buy it, either by the employees of the store unloading the truck, the warehouse employees LOADING the truck, or shipping to the warehouse before those employees get their hands on them.

Yeah, I know that intellectually. But it's just...I dunno...a hangup.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Yeah, I know that intellectually. But it's just...I dunno...a hangup.

Trust me on this one. I've watched employees toss boxes from the ground to upstock and from upstock to the ground. If anything, they get rougher treatment at retail than they could ever get from mail handling. They might get roughly handled at a sort facility, but they aren't getting chucked up or down 10 feet in elevation.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah I bet.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Sigh. This got me to check his posts, and of course it looks like it checks for ONLINE stock, not individual store stock (as folks around here keep mentioning, they find them in stores somewhat regularly).

The Xbox ONE Day Ones must be returns or something, because I can promise none of those sites had them in stock back in October.

Of course it checks for online stock and I've never said otherwise.

Where are people finding them regularly in-store? C'mon now. They're simply not available. Now with that said, Sundays have typically been the restock days in retailers for PS4's thus far, so I'm sure we'll see some reported in the wild today.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

2013 UK sales numbers in. Sony outsold MS by roughly a 59/41 split. Even more incredible is that sales numbers for both consoles are record highs for each company for a launch window.

PS4 outsold Xbox One by 166,000 consoles in UK last year | Games industry news | MCV

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

VGChartz reporting that WiiU outsold X1 worldwide during last week of December. Crazy.

Wii U Outsells Xbox One The Week Before Christmas According To VGChartz - Forbes

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Shouldn't be a surprise to most as it has been rumored. MS confirms that they considered a disc-less X1.

News: Microsoft considered removing Xbox One's disc drive - Total Xbox.com

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Probably a good news/bad news thing here. It's good that they moved 3M units. However, there's some telling wording in the press release that indicates that PS4 outperformed the X1.

http://news.xbox.com/2014/01/xbox-one-january-thank-you

It’s been incredible to see Xbox One selling at a record-setting pace for Xbox, and we were honored to see Xbox One become the fastest-selling console in the U.S. during our launch month in November.

'Record setting pace for Xbox' means that the PS4 outsold them on release. Had they not, they would have not added the 'for Xbox' qualifier. Also, they continue to use the 'fastest-selling console......in November' verbiage. Nothing in there about how fast it sold during December. And then we have this little gem.......

Since our launch, demand for Xbox One has been strong, selling out throughout the holidays at most retailers worldwide. We are continuing to work hard to deliver additional consoles to retailers as fast as possible.

This is just foolish at best. Outside of a money guarantee, this is Jack Tretton in 2007 all over again. The statement implies that they can barely keep up with demand while using words like 'most retailers' and 'as fast as possible' to avoid demonstrating the real situation. There's no question they're oversupplied in the U.S. at this point. Here's the Tretton debacle if you'd like a good chuckle.

http://www.dailytech.com/Sonys+Trett...rticle6050.htm

Meanwhile, the silence from Sony is deafening. They're just letting MS dig away. At some point, they're going to yank out a sales trump card and once again add another PR win to this generation. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the PS4 well ahead of their 5M predicted pace by end of March.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

That didn't take long. Sony announces that they have sold 4.2M units through December 28th. They had predicted 3M by end of the year, so they're well ahead of their projections at this point. Roughly a 57/43 margin in favor of PS4 worldwide.

Sony announces PlayStation 4 sales reached 4.2 million by end of 2013 | Joystiq

Also formally announced their new game streaming service for older games. Will be interesting to see what prices they charge for rental/subscriptions........

Sony announces PlayStation Now for streaming older games | Joystiq

[Kodos]

Nobody cares.

[dubb93]

Sales figures, I agree. No one cares.

The 2nd part, Playstation Now, has the potential to be huge. PS1/PS2/PS3 libraries and you don't even need a console? Buy a new Sony TV and potential get access to all three consoles library just by attaching an ethernet cable to your TV? Very interested in hearing the details of that as it gets closer to launch day. Sounds like it could be Playstation's version of videogame Netflix.

(I didn't read that article, so no idea what it says, I read articles on it elsewhere.)

[Kodos]

If that would allow the NCAA football games to be played on the PS4, that would be pretty sweet. Although I would guess that it wouldn't work for online dynasties.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

If that would allow the NCAA football games to be played on the PS4, that would be pretty sweet. Although I would guess that it wouldn't work for online dynasties.

That won't happen. Their sales of current games would drop quite a bit if sports gamers had the option to go back and play their favorite versions of games considering they have a habit of pulling game modes and then adding them back.

[cartman]

They aren't making future versions of NCAA.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

They aren't making future versions of NCAA.

But if they put that out, people are going to wait for versions of other games rather than buy the current games. It needs to be a consistent policy: either release them all or none at all.