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Console War Just Sony's Side Quest
Next Generation is running two pieces today about Sony's upcoming console. In 'Console War a Side Quest for Sony?', they examine an analyst report suggesting that the company is more interested in winning the movie format war than in taking the lead on this generation of consoles. They also have a piece wherein some industry figures weigh in on the PS3. From that article: "The impact will be enormous. Digital distribution will allow for new ways to generate excitement for these games - from being able to purchase new game packs that extend the life of gameplay and purchasing cool new items that make your character and experience unique, to the emphasis the consoles will showcase linear programming much like an iPod or OnDemand service does. With something like Steam, the entire console channel is avoided, and suddenly the game developer is selling directly to a consumer.
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Considering neither HD-DVD or Blu-Ray have been released, that's a big assumption. Personally I suspect (and hope) that the VHS vs Betamax war will still be in many people's minds, and both new formats will end up flopping. If that does happen, then WMS's own analysis suggests the PS3 may crash as well.
Don't you just hate it when people reply to your signature?
They seem to believe that PS3 will establish their beachhead in the new DVD format wars and/or digital distribution, but even if they sell as many PS3s as they hope, will that really help? How is PS2's market penetration compared to DVD players in general?
I wonder why Microsoft is trying to claim 3 million consoles sold? I keep seeing people post the 1.7 million number with a breakdown something like this:
US: 1.1 million
Europe: 0.5 million
Japan: 100k
If those really are the verifiable Xbox 360 sales after six months of being on the market with no PS3 or Revolution to compete with Microsoft really needs to start thinking hard about what exactly they are doing in the console world. I keep hearing month after month someone from Microsoft claiming to have upped the supply of 360s but the sales aren't improving. And I see people claiming that 360s are sold out everywhere, still, but every major online retailer has them in stock and ready to ship today.
With all the overheating problems, lack of backwards compatibility, and poor graphics it really isn't that surprising the machine is doing so bad. I would imagine this is where we are about to see a major shakeup up in the Xbox division with various key people heading off to spend more time with their families or something. Even if the 360 starts selling double or triple it is still in miserable shape and will be destroyed by the PS3.
One would think that a massive price cut might be in order for the 360 to try to get people to buy the machine, but with the massive amount of money Microsoft is spending on the ad market and the negative reaction to that yesterday by wallstreet I would assume that isn't really an option.
The PSP on the other astounds graphically. Very nice indeed. GTA Vice City is amazing that that can be played in your hand. Pity the hardware is so cheap (pixel problems), the interface is kinda bad (the joystick just isn't a joystick) and a lot of the games are boring and not really handheld games.
Then again, the PSP has one mobile advantage over the DS. Safe anywhere. Just briefly switch off the power and resume where you left off when you power back on.
Compared with Nintendo Animal Crossing slow slow save it shows that Nintendo can still learn a thing or two.
frankly the way things are going at the moment? I think we are going to see a repeat of the last generation. PS3 will still be the big console BUT Sony will still barely make any money of it. MS will still subsidize its losses through losses and Nintendo will survive because of the handheld and be the smallest player yet be the only one to actually turn a clear profit on their consoles.
The only thing that could change it is if the Revolution launches with a killer title. So far I am not aware of one being announced.
MMO Quests are like orgasms:
You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.
I think we know for certain in the US the 360 actual sold numbers are something like:
Nov/Dec: 400k
Jan: 120k
Feb: 140k
March: 180k
April: Don't know yet
That puts them probably just over a million in the US with another month of sales. Certainly nowhere near the numbers Microsoft is claiming.
The numbers are humiliating when you compare them to the PS2 selling somewhere in the 250-300k a month range before the most recent price drop in the US which is supposed to be the 360's strongest market.
I wouldn't be surprised if the PS2 outsells the 360 2-1 now that the price has dropped and so many huge/AAA games are coming out for the system.
The xbox hasn't been on shelves for six months in "certain" areas. Here in ohio in our sam's clubs we are selling very few xboxes. Theres tons rotting on shelves in japan as well.
There are places where the xbox isn't even on shelves but it's more of a distribution and not a lack of supply issue.
Hmmm... Pie...
As for speed of writing and reading. No competition. Nintendo has chosen not to have onboard save. That no doubt saves them money meaning that Nintendo makes a profit on a cheaper console but now the save file has to be in the game catridge and it is not going to be top of the line because of again the cost issue.
AC:WW takes about 30 secs to load and 30 secs to save. Since I love the DS lite for its ease of use in those lost 5 minutes that is a bit too long. The PSP is a bit to large to carry in my pocket but it allows me to play faster and quit faster.
DS is a good console but I wish they had spend just a few more bucks on it. On the other hand, I wish the PSP had a touchscreen. No pleasing me I guess.
MMO Quests are like orgasms:
You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.