GameCube Outsells PS2, Xbox After Price Cut

Thanks to Gamesindustry.biz for their story that the GameCube outsold the PlayStation 2 by 20 per cent in the U.S. last week, as well as "racking up more than twice the sales of the Xbox - with a 145 per cent lead over Microsoft's console", following the GameCube price cut to $99 of a couple of weeks back. The piece suggests "we'd expect to see the console slip behind the PS2 in the rankings next week", but also argues that "...unless Microsoft reacts to the recent price-cuts, it could be outsold by the Cube this Christmas in the USA, as Nintendo rolls out one of its strongest ever ranges of first and third party titles."

Comments

Makes a Great Second Console

[Acidic_Diarrhea]

Speaking as an early adopter of the PS2, I can tell you that to me the Gamecube is a great choice for that second console. There's an exciting lineup of games that I can only get on the Gamecube and which offer me gameplay dynamics that are significantly different than what I can have with the PS2. On the other hand, the XBox doesn't interest me in the least. It seems like I get very similar games with an XBox (with no stand out game that's really unique compared to the games on the PS2) and have to pay extra to get it to play DVDs. In short, as a consumer, the Gamecube's lineup seems to compliment the PS2's lineup better than the XBox's lineup compliements the PS2's lineup. And since Sony has already won this round of consoles, that's a really great selling point and I think, an indication of what kind of sales I expect to see over the holidays - especially with the new price point.

And note that I understand that games look better on the XBox than on the PS2 but I've already got a PS2 so the next time I buy a console because the graphics are better won't be until the next round of consoles.

Price cut = good thing for GC

[EvilOpie]

Wow, this is definately a good thing for the GameCube. Now I own a GC and have since they were $200, and for me it's the only console I own. Though for another player who might not want to get one because it is seen as being too childish, they now can pick up a new one that would work great as a second console for them without breaking the bank.

Honestly now... I know that GameCube games *look* childish, and I'm not going to deny that, but give them a shot. Most of them are a complete blast to play and they're great party games. Like the "monkey fight" game in Super Monkey Ball. It's very simple to play, but when you're trying your hardest to keep your friends from knocking you out of the ring with a big boxing glove, it's actually pretty fun. And other games like Zelda or F-Zero GX are very polished and just great all-around games since there's not a lot out there like them in general.

I hope this trend continues. More people will find out just how good the Cube really is.

Re:A short-term gain only

[PainKilleR-CE]

Sure, it's a short term gain, but the real question is how much is it going to taper off. No one really expects it to stay ahead of the PS2, except in short bursts as new 'must-have' titles come out, possibly. A 20% drop from the current rate is not a big deal, but puts them behind the PS2. On the other hand, is it really likely that GC sales will cut in half and then some before XMas? That's what it'll take for the XBox to come back (and it's unlikely that XBox sales will increase without GC sales decreasing).

As for $50 per game, that's probably one of the additional benefits of coming into the system later: there are plenty of low-priced games worth buying, whether new or used. Sure, people will want some of the newest games, but there are still plenty of top-notch games in the $20-30 range (and I have seen Eternal Darkness lower than that quite a bit lately, ~$12-16).

Right now, my PS2's getting most of the play because I recently picked up Amplitude. Before that, I hadn't played it much at all in a few months (and then mostly PS1 games). Of course, who really cares how many of the people now buying Cubes have PS2s? They're buying Cubes, it must mean they see something worthwhile, even if it's just a small number of titles and the price of the system. If they already have a PS2 and they're buying a Cube, there must be a reason for that purchase, because it's not like they don't already have a console (hell, I have a DC, PS2, XBox, and Cube, what does it really matter?).

Re:TCO

[Anonymous Coward]

Are you serious? Games are for fun, not for managing your fiscal budget. The GC is a great console, polished games, and thats it. I'm sure XBox and PS2 have some good games too, but for myself the GC and Nintendo seem to have to right combination.

It sounds to me like you are all forgetting about used games. GameStop, EB, eBay... you can find great games at good prices. Why spend the extra money? If you have the disposable income, go for it and buy what you want. I have yet to be disappointed in the GC. Just picked up Viewtiful Joe, great game. Reason enough to buy the GC. Also take a look at Ikaruga.

Re:A short-term gain only

[Acidic_Diarrhea]

Titles will sell accordingly? You mean according to the installed user base? Check the sales figures on Soul Calibur II, the GC version outsold the other two - so installed user base does not dictate how titles sell. In fact, since not as many games are released on the Gamecube, titles tend to sell better. If you release a PS2 game, it's just a drop in a crowded barrel. If you release a GC game, it's got a prominent place on the display shelf. And while you're correct that the positions are going to remain fixed (although if you're talking globally, Nintendo is ahead of Microsoft), momentum and customer perception is an important fact to consider. Sega began to falter when they released the SegaCD and the 32X. Both of these were seen as failed systems, which, in turn hampered sales of the Saturn - IN PART (yes, there were other factors involved). Likewise, part of the reason the SNES sold so well is because people were so happy with the NES that they owned that they waited for Nintendo's next offering. Likewise, the PS2 was awaited with open arms by many because the PS1 had been such a success. So if the Gamecube can win this holiday season, that positive perception will help Nintendo when they roll out the next console.

So I think there's more than just a short term gain here BUT the possible gain is not a guaranteed one - there are still many factors that could doom Nintendo's next launch but having the GC sell well has more ramifications than you seem to believe. (But then again, you've marked me as a foe so your judgement must be a bit off.)

Great Deal?

[cdneng2]

It's amazing what you have to do to get consumers to think they are getting a good deal. Just a few months ago, you can get a Gamecube for $149, with a free game or Gameboy Advance Player. Now, sales quadruple because the Gamecube is $99. However, chances are... you'll pick up a game, like Zelda or the GameBoy Player for $49.99... However, it becomes the same deal as a few months ago! Whoever said that Nintendo is losing money, or breaking even with the GameCube price cut has to think about that.
I do have to say that I think the majority of the success is partially due to the "Player's Choice" selection.... You get a Gamecube for $99, and a Gamer's Choice game for $30... Can't beat that deal.
I'm glad that the price drop has allowed the GameCube to pick up that much needed momentum for people to finally realize just how under appreciated this system really is.

Many will indeed be second systems...

[JMZero]

..and this is significant. Many popular titles are released on all 3 systems. For someone with a "new" GC and an "old" PS2, many of these non-exclusive game sales are going to go to the GC.

I think the GC will come out of this console war OK in terms of profit. The bigger question is perception going into the next round. If people feel like they got a good deal on a GameCube, it may mean Nintendo will have a better shot next time.

This price cut will make money now and later.