Analysts the World Over are Betting on the PS3

[Blu Titan]

A very informative article found in the home page of yahoo.com

Console Wars: Wii Still Short
Nintendo's supply problems continue, as the PS3 and Xbox 360 face off for second place. Who'll come out on top?
By Mike Smith


Walked into a game store lately? Chances are you didn't see a Nintendo Wii. Although the holiday season shopping binge is long gone, the Japanese videogame legend still can't keep them on shelves. Retailer Gamestop admitted that not only can it not keep up with Wii demand, but the situation might not improve for as much as six months. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are likely to take advantage in that six month window.

So what's the deal? Most gamers are accustomed to a period of limited availability right after a new console comes out, typically in the fall run-up to the holiday shopping season. In the past, it's been rare that console shortages continue into the following year. But here we are, closing in on 18 months after the Wii's release in 2006, and you still can't find one outside of Ebay.

Much of the problem is down to the Wii's sheer popularity. Now officially the most popular console of this generation, well over 20 million Wiis have rolled out of Nintendo's manufacturing plants since the launch, compared with about 10 million PS3s in the same amount of time. Even Microsoft's Xbox 360, which has been on the market a full year longer than the Wii, can only muster sales of about 18 million. But hey, you actually have a reasonable chance of finding one at your local megamart -- at least until Grand Theft Auto IV comes out.

Meanwhile, analysts the world over are betting on the PS3. After a disappointing performance last year, both in sales and software support, it's looking like 2008 might bring much better news for Sony fans. Great exclusive games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and LittleBigPlanet are just around the corner, the newly-released DualShock 3 controller brings back rumble support, and Sony's consistent firmware updates continue to expand the PS3's already impressive multimedia capabilities. No wonder it outsold the Xbox 360 in both January and Febuary.

Speaking of the 360, the demise of the HD-DVD movie format has the rumor mill buzzing. Will Microsoft embrace Sony's format and produce a Blu-Ray movie drive for the 360, or will it rely on its Xbox Live download service as the console's only high-def movie source? Numerous optical drive manufacturers have been linked to the scuttlebutt, but so far steadfast denials from Redmond have been the only official word. Anyone expect that to stop the chatter? No, thought not.

Although the Wii's lead is formidable, the spring's biggest console battle isn't going to include Nintendo at all. It's just a few short weeks until Grand Theft Auto IV, one of the year's biggest games, releases simultaneously on the 360 and PS3. How will the sales stack up between the platforms? How many GTA buyers will be picking up a new console to play it, and how will they split? The 360 is cheaper and boasts the promise of exclusive downloadable content, but on the other hand, those Blu-Ray movies look mighty sexy on a good TV.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/videogames.yah...-short/1201850

[Argento Fan]

Very nice article. I like the Blu-ray mention at the end.

[savage1984]

I hope ps3 sells more GTA IV units but it's highly unlikely. If we split, that's a good sign seeing as we have 8 million less units than xbox 360.

[actionhank]

Good article. Very fair too. Interestingly he didn't mention the 360 "shortages"

And about the GTA IV release, I wonder if they'll separate the 360 and PS3 gamers who're undoubtedly gonna be sleeping outside the Gamestops and Best Buys.

[mightypen]

Originally Posted by BlueNeon

Meanwhile, analysts the world over are betting on the PS3.

While this is true, to some extent at least, it really drives me crazy when a "journalist" says these things without providing links. Analysts? Oh, which ones and what are they saying specifically? I know this is an online yahoo post, but comeon, treat your readers with some respect. Provide some actual citations to your (limited) data you use. Otherwise, it reads as a blog or livejournal post.

sigh

[Blu-Generation]

Originally Posted by mightypen

While this is true, to some extent at least, it really drives me crazy when a "journalist" says these things without providing links. Analysts? Oh, which ones and what are they saying specifically? I know this is an online yahoo post, but comeon, treat your readers with some respect. Provide some actual citations to your (limited) data you use. Otherwise, it reads as a blog or livejournal post.

sigh

I think the journalist point is straightforward, if any reader don't trust him or her they can go do their own research. You will see tons of article/analysts talking about the same thing that this journalist is mentioning.

This journalist don't want to go through the time to collect all the link/source where he/she heard what/when and so forth, because it seems this journalist trust the people enough to do their own homework.

Originally Posted by actionhank

Good article. Very fair too. Interestingly he didn't mention the 360 "shortages"

He didn't need to, because the 360 shortages is not news, more like excuse.

[Elandyll]

Now the famous touted "Wii shortages" get me thinking.
Oh I do know that the Wii is very poopular (now why, I don't get, but that is something else).
But...

Didn't the PS2 sell boatloads in its second year ?
I mean, the darn thing sold 120million+ units in less than 8 years, more than 100 millions within 5 years and 9 months from launch...

The Wii is "only" at 20 million worlwide after close to a year and a half, and can't meet supply. Weird ...
I just don't remember Sony touting shortages all around like that ...

[player2006911]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

Now the famous touted "Wii shortages" get me thinking.
Oh I do know that the Wii is very poopular (now why, I don't get, but that is something else).
But...

Didn't the PS2 sell boatloads in its second year ?
I mean, the darn thing sold 120million+ units in less than 8 years, more than 100 millions within 5 years and 9 months from launch...

The Wii is "only" at 20 million worlwide after close to a year and a half, and can't meet supply. Weird ...
I just don't remember Sony touting shortages all around like that ...

I honestly think there are "NO" shortages. Nintendo is just playing off of peoples need to have the it thing right now. The fun is in finding one honestly for "most" people but once they have it they get tired of it and trust me fun "party games" will not make a system, Honestly how many parties do you think the average Wii owner has? A couple friend over to play is fun but after countless hours playing one game is not gonna cut it it for most owners. It didn't cut it for me the only game I find interesting is brawl and even that is fading fast because every room I get into online has lag like crazy. Thus forcing me to play the computer by myself. I think once the "Shortages" for the wii is calmed it will not me a very sought after piece of equipment.

[mightypen]

Originally Posted by Blu-Generation

I think the journalist point is straightforward, if any reader don't trust him or her they can go do their own research. You will see tons of article/analysts talking about the same thing that this journalist is mentioning.

This journalist don't want to go through the time to collect all the link/source where he/she heard what/when and so forth, because it seems this journalist trust the people enough to do their own homework.

I hold journalists to a higher standard than that. After all, how difficult would it have been to say "analysts such as (for example) Pachter.." when he already has those analysts in mind when he's writing the article? Facts asserted should be backed up by the author through citations. Online articles are even easier with hyperlinks to the sources for the author's opinions.

Anyway, I shouldn't have brought this up due to it not being on topic, but gaming journalism tends to be sloppy and prone to fanboyism. I agree that analysts are saying the ps3 will top the 360 this year and I would prefer the author link directly to some examples, so as to back up his assertion.

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by savage1984

I hope ps3 sells more GTA IV units but it's highly unlikely. If we split, that's a good sign seeing as we have 8 million less units than xbox 360.

There's no way the difference in the number of *working* units is that big.

Sorry, I'm doing it again.

And..stupid journalist, it's not "Sony's format".

[mightypen]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

Now the famous touted "Wii shortages" get me thinking.
Oh I do know that the Wii is very poopular (now why, I don't get, but that is something else).
But...

Didn't the PS2 sell boatloads in its second year ?
I mean, the darn thing sold 120million+ units in less than 8 years, more than 100 millions within 5 years and 9 months from launch...

The Wii is "only" at 20 million worlwide after close to a year and a half, and can't meet supply. Weird ...
I just don't remember Sony touting shortages all around like that ...

the ps2's best year was the fiscal year ending in March 2003, 22.5m units shipped.

This is close to how many wii's are being produced currently.

http://www.gamesradar.com/ps2/playst...31143728168090

And yes, there were ps2 shortages after the console launched. Remember Suez and 2004?

or this:http://www.news.com/PlayStation-2-sh...3-5471766.html

[ThePhantomOak]

50gb of space for one Blu VS a 360 with 120GB of hard drive...2 and a half movies?

Like to see that work out for them.

[air_max]

Originally Posted by player2006911

I honestly think there are "NO" shortages. Nintendo is just playing off of peoples need to have the it thing right now. The fun is in finding one honestly for "most" people but once they have it they get tired of it and trust me fun "party games" will not make a system, Honestly how many parties do you think the average Wii owner has? A couple friend over to play is fun but after countless hours playing one game is not gonna cut it it for most owners. It didn't cut it for me the only game I find interesting is brawl and even that is fading fast because every room I get into online has lag like crazy. Thus forcing me to play the computer by myself. I think once the "Shortages" for the wii is calmed it will not me a very sought after piece of equipment.

another Wii basher. You are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but Wii's success isn't because it's a "party" system. Look at the cohort they are targeting. They are selling it to younger generations, and non-traditional gamers. There certainly are people who are buying it just because its "the thing" to get right now, but they are only making up a minority percentage of sales. Look at the DS. The Wii will continue to sell well just like the DS.

I think Wii sales will decline (well, I guess they have to because if they keep up this rate, i.e. 100% sell rate, then eventually everyone will have one and no more sales ). Will PS3 or 360 eventually pass Wii? Too hard to tell right now. Who cares really. As long as the PS3 is selling well and getting great games year after year, I could care less if Nintendo sells a billion Wii's!

[Rabidhunter]

Originally Posted by player2006911

I honestly think there are "NO" shortages. Nintendo is just playing off of peoples need to have the it thing right now. The fun is in finding one honestly for "most" people but once they have it they get tired of it and trust me fun "party games" will not make a system, Honestly how many parties do you think the average Wii owner has? A couple friend over to play is fun but after countless hours playing one game is not gonna cut it it for most owners. It didn't cut it for me the only game I find interesting is brawl and even that is fading fast because every room I get into online has lag like crazy. Thus forcing me to play the computer by myself. I think once the "Shortages" for the wii is calmed it will not me a very sought after piece of equipment.

Yeah, and Wii parties can be quite destructive. Ever take a walk on the wildside and go to www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Wow, the insane amount of damage that can be caused by Wii's. That's why I'll not be buying one any time soon. Don't want to damage my TV, break anybody's nose, give someone a black eye, break a window. Besides rule #1 of Wii parties, wrist straps are for losers. But it's not like the wrist strap provides any protection from damages either, what's that about a broken strap. Nintendo fixed that problem... What's that about the lanyard hook breaking, yeah that can happen. And a wrist strap doesn't prevent me from accidently punching the person behind me. Wii parties are dangerous.

[player2006911]

Originally Posted by air_max

another Wii basher. You are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but Wii's success isn't because it's a "party" system. Look at the cohort they are targeting. They are selling it to younger generations, and non-traditional gamers. There certainly are people who are buying it just because its "the thing" to get right now, but they are only making up a minority percentage of sales. Look at the DS. The Wii will continue to sell well just like the DS.

I think Wii sales will decline (well, I guess they have to because if they keep up this rate, i.e. 100% sell rate, then eventually everyone will have one and no more sales ). Will PS3 or 360 eventually pass Wii? Too hard to tell right now. Who cares really. As long as the PS3 is selling well and getting great games year after year, I could care less if Nintendo sells a billion Wii's!

Another ignorant member yes i am i wii basher (that's why i've bought three right? ) one for me my brother and my ex's nephe guess how much i play mine. I don't play it but maybe twice a week same goes for the nephew only my bro a "HARDCORE" N fan plays it still i'm not bashing it im just saying it's not everything everyone makes it out to be. It is NOT revolutionary, advanced, or sophisticated like the tabs make it out to be I feel that at the moment it is a fad, but only time will tell?

[Sling]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

Yeah, and Wii parties can be quite destructive. Ever take a walk on the wildside and go to www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Wow, the insane amount of damage that can be caused by Wii's. That's why I'll not be buying one any time soon. Don't want to damage my TV, break anybody's nose, give someone a black eye, break a window. Besides rule #1 of Wii parties, wrist straps are for losers. But it's not like the wrist strap provides any protection from damages either, what's that about a broken strap. Nintendo fixed that problem... What's that about the lanyard hook breaking, yeah that can happen. And a wrist strap doesn't prevent me from accidently punching the person behind me. Wii parties are dangerous.

Scary stuff...The odd thing is many of the damaged consumers are smiling in destruction pictures hmm lets talk wii brain wash.

[Blinkman987]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

Yeah, and Wii parties can be quite destructive. Ever take a walk on the wildside and go to www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Wow, the insane amount of damage that can be caused by Wii's. That's why I'll not be buying one any time soon. Don't want to damage my TV, break anybody's nose, give someone a black eye, break a window. Besides rule #1 of Wii parties, wrist straps are for losers. But it's not like the wrist strap provides any protection from damages either, what's that about a broken strap. Nintendo fixed that problem... What's that about the lanyard hook breaking, yeah that can happen. And a wrist strap doesn't prevent me from accidently punching the person behind me. Wii parties are dangerous.

USER ERROR

You can hit someone with a car too, or not be a complete blithering idiot and just drive safely and significantly reduce that chance.

The things that must happen for a Wii mote to hit a TV

A) mouthbreather uses Wii with unnecessary force
B) mouthbreather's Wii wrist strap breaks
C) mouthbreather LETS GO OF WIIMOTE

Anyway, the PS3 is a strong choice for companies once sales significantly surpass the 360. Games aren't reaching their full potential because companies need to sell games on both platforms, meaning that companies are limited by the 360's disc space. However, 360 is a great machine for games and I definitely prefer the MS library of games over PS3's when it comes to exclusives.

Sony managed to nearly completely blow one of the most anticipated game systems to ever hit the streets, but they've recovered nicely and definitely addressed consumer needs outside of Jack Trenton being a fat retard and Phil Harrison leaving the company =(

As for the Wii, it's breaking new ground with people and doing very well. Also, it's the only console on the market to have 100% backwards compatibility! It has a much bigger library of quality games than people give it credit for, and I love hopping on VC to buy old games. Now just give me Mother 2 and 3 Nintendo! Stop being jerks!

[mightypen]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

Yeah, and Wii parties can be quite destructive. Ever take a walk on the wildside and go to www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Wow, the insane amount of damage that can be caused by Wii's. That's why I'll not be buying one any time soon. Don't want to damage my TV, break anybody's nose, give someone a black eye, break a window. Besides rule #1 of Wii parties, wrist straps are for losers. But it's not like the wrist strap provides any protection from damages either, what's that about a broken strap. Nintendo fixed that problem... What's that about the lanyard hook breaking, yeah that can happen. And a wrist strap doesn't prevent me from accidently punching the person behind me. Wii parties are dangerous.

Why do I get the feeling that I've seen you make similar posts like this before.

Oh right, you're the guy who laughs at people who get their tv's broken by wiimotes.

[Terjyn]

Originally Posted by Blinkman987

As for the Wii, it's breaking new ground with people and doing very well.

I've read studies that say that this isn't really true, the Wii is only really tapping into the old casual PS2 market. Who knows where the truth lies?

I will say I know of no one who owns a Wii who didn't own a PS2, and that's quite a few people right now.

Also, it's the only console on the market to have 100% backwards compatibility! It has a much bigger library of quality games than people give it credit for, and I love hopping on VC to buy old games. Now just give me Mother 2 and 3 Nintendo! Stop being jerks!

I love hopping on VC to buy old games too, but it has 100% backwards compatibility on an incredibly limited library, has a very limited current library, and most of my VC downloads disappoint because they are based on Nostalgia and not lasting quality. The exception is, unsurprisingly, Nintendo games. And even there some of the old Nintendo games are hideous to play now.

I find it funny to me that Walmart here has reduced their Wii software library to less than a single panel. I don't know if it's universal, but that's not a good sign for the Wii end user. Nintendo won't care though, Nintendo's making buttloads off the thing, and one entire shelf of said panel is Nintendo games. The rest is basically random crap and a couple of quality Capcom titles.

Why is it only Nintendo and Capcom are truly utilizing the Wii in any way?

[savage1984]

Originally Posted by Musashi

There's no way the difference in the number of *working* units is that big.

Sorry, I'm doing it again.

And..stupid journalist, it's not "Sony's format".

hehehehe. "Working" units. That's a good one. I guess you could slice 8 into 4... Still, I can't wait for GTA IV, but I guess that's for a different thread!