Leading Next-Generation Console?
Xbox chief, Don Mattrick, argues that the Xbox 360 will become established as the leading new generation console in 2008.
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/ces-don-mattrick-says-xbox-360-will-lead-in-2008/18994/?biz=1
Yet two recent developments point against the Xbox 360 retaining its lead in the new generation consoles. The most important is that Blu-Ray has probably won the format war now that Warner has plumped for it. This will make the PS3 a lot more attractive to buy and should swing considerable momentum its way. The second development is that the Wii has been gaining tremendously in popularity. Indeed the GaMeasure data shows that the Xbox 360 has not experienced much change in ownership nor preference over the last quarters, whereas both the PS3 and the Wii are quickly gaining ground. Even if the Wii and the PS3 still trail behind, it’s hard to believe that the Xbox 360 will become decisively established as the leading new-gen console in 2008.
Blu-Ray and PS3 now an unstoppable combination?
The PS3 sold extremely well over the holiday season:
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/ps3-sells-12-million-in-north-america-during-holiday/18988/?biz=1
A number of analysts believe that it will do even better in 2008 now that Blu-Ray has won the format war (see related blog entry):
One impediment is continuing high HD TV prices, especially for the 1080p (I plumped for a 1080i as the 1080p was more than double the price). And prices should come down somewhat, this article projects HD TVs will drop by 15% in price this year:
http://www.homemediamagazine.com/index.cfm?sec_id=2&newsid=11891
What about the Wii?
The Wii continues to sell extraordinarily well. It is also a bit different, and is fast becoming an exercise machine in Japan. Wii Sports and Wii Fit are top selling games there (Wii Fit hasn't been released in North America yet). Are gamers set to get fit? http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/wii-fit-sells-over-a-million-in-japan/19024/?biz=1
More seriously, is the Wii a sustainable next-gen console, or will it need to ramp up to a Wii 2 to continue competing with the Xbox 360 and PS3?:
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/codemasters-ceo-doubts-wii-sustainability-envisions-wii-2/19021/?biz=1
Well Nintendo isn't saying anything of the sort. In fact Nintendo is releasing a ton of new games for the Wii which should make it even more popular. This article contains a list of these games and their release dates:
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/nintendo-were-going-broad-and-bold-in-2008/19100/?biz=1
No comments:
Post a Comment