Must read...... The greatest combeack in gaming - superstarshad's Blog

superstarshad's Blog

Must read...... The greatest combeack in gaming

Posted on September 1, 2009 at 11:55 PM.

(3)

There's been no secret in the video game industry, that the Sony Playstation 3, has failed to live up to expectations in regards of hardware sales and mainstream popularity. The Xbox 360 came out the gate on fire, offering gamers next gen graphics and online gaming. The Nintendo Wii mesmerized the industry with its classic charm and wii remote. But Sony chose to rest on its laurels, and offer gamers and tech buffs, a ferrari in a box...........price tag included! Never before has a video console dominated sales 3 consecutive consoles in a row, but Sony was betting to be the exception to the rule. Before launch the previous CEO of SOny said, "if a gamer wants a PS3, they must be willing to pick up an extra shift at work, or be willing to temporarily sacrifice the bare essentials to get our new gaming behemoth." Electronic Arts released a prelaunch statement saying, "it fully expects the Playstation 3 to outsell more units than the Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii".

Fast forward 3 years later...... the Nintendo Wii is a worldwide success, Microsoft is content with its firm hold on the number 2 spot, and Sony's Playstation 3 is a distant 3rd.

BUT THE COMEBACK IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!

With the Nintendo Wii selling over 50 milliion consoles world wide, despite a horendous software line-up of hardcore video games. I believe the Wii has hit market saturation. Everyone who wants or wanted a wii, has one. The majority of remainding Wii sales will come from kids 5-9, who are newly exposed to the Wii. In my opinion, Nintendo will make a huge mistake this holiday season (2009), by refusing to lower the 249.99 price point. This mistake coupled with no official announcement of a new Legend of Zelda will eventually drop Nintendo out of first place into 2nd.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 will suffer greatly. Their were numerous mistakes made from the outset of the 360's launch release. The decision to not include an HD-DVD player, and ignoring the Red Rings of Death system malfunction are inexcusable marketing mistakes. Despite these enormous mishaps, the 360 has kept a faithful hardcore following. I speculate whether or not this hardcore following is truly Xbox's to begin with. Or if they're PS2 gamers, who jumped unto the 360 bandwagon, because of the 360's one year head start over the ps3. Similiar to the Sega Genesis's huge start over the Super Nintendo, history has shown us that gamers will jump ship early, if you're slow to release a video game system. There's zero loyalty when it comes to a better gaming experience............unless you've experienced the red rings of death! Immediately following the PS3's price drop to 299, Microsoft played copycat, with a price drop as well..........WRONG MOVE in my opinion. The only move the 360 should make, is to make XBOX Live Gold a FREE service. Microsoft's chance of getting new gamers has run out this generation. I believe they should focus on keeping their existing hardcore, gaming, install base. They will lose a large part because of Red Rings, but they can salvage a little bit by offering Live for free. The Natal project is completely ahead of its time, but that wont guarantee its success (remember the Dreamcast and Xband). Also, the Natal project could push away Microsofts loyal 360 fan base; similiarly to what happened to Nintendo when they pursued the casual market.

The PS3, despite its 599 launch price point, represented then and represents now the best value in gaming (wifi, blue-ray, free online gaming, hdmi). At 299, entry level teens and new blue-ray adopters will account for a large part of sales. Also, Sony will regain all of the early adopters who switched to 360, as well as gamers who make the switch because of the dreaded red rings. But the biggest card Sony has up its sleeve..............CONTENT HEAVY VIDEO GAMES! Developers are watching sales closely this holiday season. When Sony outsells Microsoft this holiday season, you will see a lot of exclusive content in Sony's Blu-ray video games, that can not be done on Xbox 360. . I believe this will start in the sports and music game genre, with MADDEN 2011 and Guitar Hero leading the charge. Keep in mind, Activision threatened to no longer support the PS3 if they wouldn't drop the price, and Ian Cummings hinted that they have fully tapped the 360's hardware capabilities.

So here we have the greatest comeback in regards to sales, in video game history. The 2011 holiday sales recap will show the following.
!
1. PS3
2. Wii
3. 360

Comments

# 1 NoDakHusker @ Sep 1

yeah the fact that ps3 has free online, and 360 requires a stupid subscription(that can be quite pricey) and the blu-ray factor make the ps3 a better investment.
but i wouldn't put wii above 360 in terms of quality of games, however if you were talking about sales then I would agree with you.

# 2 HealyMonster @ Sep 2

Good write up, I dont think Madden will ever become "console exclusive" regardless if they tapped the 360's power or not, they are about money more than advancing technology. I think though there are games that will be Playstation only here shortly which will help scew things.

# 3 RudolphEnds @ Sep 2

I had a ps2 but switched to 360 cause it came out first, and I heard the ps3 was gonna be 600. I can't afford that and I don't plan on switching, with the new hardware the 360 doesn't fail as much, I'm happy with the 360 I don't know why people argue about this stuff, let me play what I want you do the same.