My signiture states specifically "If you can tell me whether or not I will give you a million dollars, I will give you a million dollars", the important subsection being "If you can tell me". It is notable that it is possible for me to give, or not give, a million dollars up until my death. As you have no idea who I actually am, you have no way of observing my death and thus rule out my ability to give you a million dollars. As such, you have no way of empirically observing the outcome of my proposition. You will be dead before an observation is made. As the situation will exist as both "I will give you a million dollars" and "I will not give you a million dollars" at the same time until observation, I thereby conclude that you can not tell me whether or not I will give you a million dollars.
In short the reality is not, in fact, observable. Which defeats your argument.
However, I will honor you by noting that this is perhaps the best attempt yet to put me miserably in debt, and as such I will improve the wording on my sophistic signiture.
Please refrain from the fanboyism card. Were it true, I'd be an Apple-Microsoft-Linux supporting hardcore Wii-Xbox-PS3 gamer voting Republican-Democratic-Independant.
Having read the articles, Westinghouse initially blamed their own firmware before changing their story to blame the PS3. I also believe the articles imply that Westinghouse's TVs are somewhat slower than usual when handshaking the HDCP key. It's possible that the PS3 doesn't act forgivingly when the handshaking comes slowly. However, I don't think that would brook the greater share of the blame if the PS3 was still expecting a response within specification and was not receving one.
As the PS3 suffers under far greater scrutiny here, I would postulate any problems with Westinghouse TVs would go largely unnoticed. Quite simply, we don't hear as much about X HDTV brand on/. as we do of the big three consoles. While Westinghouse may also have had no issues with any other HDMI equipment, that at best puts the situation at a 50/50 split on the blame.
I'm not arguing that Sony wouldn't benefit from throwing in an update to deal with this. I am cautioning against assuming that this is either significant bad news for the PS3, or that this is largely Sony's fault.
Westinghouse also previously claimed the problem was in their firmware before changing their story to lay the blame on the PS3.
That's a large part of why I'm giving Sony the benefit of the doubt. The articles indicate that Westinghouse TVs take longer for their handshakes than other televisions. Perhaps the PS3 is less forgiving when this falls out of the HDMI specs than other equipment, and could be blamed slightly for not handling exceptions well. However, that doesn't change that Westinghouse appears to be operating out of spec, or where most of the blame will fall.
For all of Sony's mistakes with the PS3, I'm not willing to chalk up to malice what could more easily be explained by stupidity.
The 4 million manufactured would explain the large number differences between what was sold and what was promised. 800k+ consoles that didn't arrive in time for the new year certainly makes a difference.
It is disappointing that they couldn't live up to their word. They may not have flubbed as much as Sony, but they still didn't get 4 million consoles into our hands when they said they would.
However, I'm much more concerned about their ability to sell another 2 million consoles before March ends and hit 6 million. It seems within their reach, but it would be disheartening if it ended up being 6 million manufactured instead of sold.
What I don't think the cyber-bullies understand is that because it's technology-driven, they can be tracked. The hoops they would have to jump through to cover their tracks is probably beyond the grasp of the vast majority of bullies.
Sadly, I think this is also true of the authorities who might be able to stop this. Both parents and teachers probably lack the know-how to trace IP addresses, let alone any other tools. Fighting cyber-bullying in that way will probably involve expenses in both equipment and skilled manpower that governments, schools, and parents simply won't be willing to pay.
Ultimately it would be a lot easier if parents stopped assuming that their precious child is perfect and raised them diligently, but is also unlikely.
Honestly, I almost think Sony shouldn't increase the PS3's handshake time. It would certainly fix the issue, but at the same time it might give Westinghouse and those who would see Sony perish in flames fuel for the fire.
It's be much better if first they could get a concession from Westinghouse that its HDCP response was beyond normal tolerance levels and outside the reasonable wait time an HDMI compliant device should expect. Then they could clearly say, "The PS3 was fine, but we're fixing this so that our customers don't have to pay technicians to fix a stupid mistake by Westinghouse." That would be good PR.
I'm giving it slightly more weight against Westinghouse than Sony. It seems odd to me that the PS3 would work perfectly fine with other HDTVs, and then be at fault for not working with one particular brand. It's possible that some small quirk of the PS3 is contributing, but given that we haven't seen reports of the PS3 failing with Samsungs, Toshibas etc. I highly doubt Westinghouse's claims about it being a problem with the "source".
There's a lot of review in the first link and very little "blinking problem". Here's the relevant paragraph.
Our console also had a few technological burps that we weren't sure could be attributed to the PS3 or our test equipment. For instance, on multiple occasions, the HDMI connection to our 1080p set (a stunning piece of equipment itself) caused the image to blink on and off repeatedly--a problem that was solved by simply unplugging and replugging the cable. Was this Sony's fault or Westinghouse's? We're not sure, but no other device has caused our equipment to blink like that. Hmmm.
We don't ignore that the lower cost PS3 exists, but the problem is all three consoles are affected by nearly equivalent factors, with some differences spread around. Comparing the unadorned, low-end of one console with a high-end, fully decked out version of another console is a shady endeavor at best.
It is true that if you want HD movies on the Xbox360, you need to spend $200 to get the adaptor. However, the PS3 (Either $500 or $600) does not come with the HD cable required to connect to a HDTV. That's $25-$60 if you want anything in HD at all.
The most important comparison between the consoles is the minimum requirements to get the experience they advertise. Wrangling about add-ons and how they can make any system expensive is disingenuous, because for the most part they affect all systems relatively evenly.
So, here's the minimum it takes to get you running.
Wii: Console ($250) [Comes with Remote, Nunchuck, Cables, Sensor Bar, Batteries and a Game] Xbox360: Console ($400) [Comes with Controller, HD Cables, Batteries, and a Live Subscription for 1 month] Game ($60) PS3: Console ($600) [Comes with Controller, Cables, Batteries (assumed) and a free online service] HD Cable ($25) Game ($60)
While it is true that attempting to use the 360 and the PS3 for similar things will lead to them being approximately equivalent in cost (the HDDVD addon is $200), your statements about the Wii are largely inaccurate.
The NES, SNES, Genesis and TGX16 virtual console games can all use the regular remote. Only N64 and GameCube games require Classic or GameCube controllers, which for a GameCube owner isn't a problem as you'd already have some. Also, you can plug your GameCube memory cards into the system directly without having to purchase an adaptor. The Wii has internal Flash Memory and accepts SD cards for additional space. For a GameCube owner it costs nothing extra to take advantage of backwards compatibility, and the cost is minimal for anyone who wasn't ($20 per Classic Controller and per 251 slot Memory Card).
As for purchasing controllers for multiplayer, that argument is one which applies equally to all systems.
The "Maximum" cost of all three systems is therefore.
360: Console ($400) HD-DVD AddOn ($200) 3x Controller ($150) Live Subscription ($50) Game ($60) Total: $860
PS3: Console ($600) 3x Controller ($150) HD Cable ($25) Memory Card Adaptor ($15) Game ($60) Total: $850
As I stated earlier, if you wanted to use your Xbox 360 to watch HD movies the cost difference between it and the PS3 evens out. However, even callous assumptions against the Wii in terms of accessories still place it in excess of $300 cheaper than a decked out 360 or PS3.
All consoles sales (and even sales in general) see a dramatic drop after Christmas. It's called holiday shopping, and very few people have much money to spend once it's over. If you take a look at the charts, at a site such as vgcharts.org, you'll see it in the data.
Another important thing to note is that while the Wii is doing about as well as the GameCube in the Americas, the launch data for both consoles shows the Wii is doing 4-5 times as well in Japan as the GameCube did.
I would also suggest you visit www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Aside from the humor of seeing the destruction the Wii remote can cause in the wrong hands, you will see videos of people playing games. A fair number of these people do not fit into the gamer demographic. There's also a video online of an old man enjoying the Wii at a retired persons conference (was it ARPA or AARP?). There is evidence of the Wii's appeal beyond anecdotes.
As it stands all three companies need to step up to the plate. As of yet, Microsoft is only beginning to get the right titles out for the 360, the PS3 is lacking anything that truly pushes its capabilities, and the Wii does need some games that take the remote to new places. It will be interesting to see who hits a home run first.
Exactly how does his statement regarding the named location of a store containing a stock of PS3s own him? Perhaps if you called the store, inquired as to their stock of PS3s, found they had none, and posted the entire conversation/phone number here for the edification of us all he might have. As it stands, we are baffled as to how his answering your question was an "idiotic thing to post".
First, he's put out articles about the matter, which you (assuming you are also the AC he responded to) have yet to do. In fact, you also have yet to describe anywhere that is overflowing with Wiis.
The burden of proof is hardly on him. Even if you both present your anecdotal evidence, he still has three articles relating to smaller sales and in-stock PS3s.
To top it off, it looks like all of your posts are getting flagged down. It looks like someone with modpoints bears a grudge.
For all the posts that constantly deride Zonk for his positive comments about the Wii and Nintendo, it seems rather two-faced that when he and others post something positive about Sony the "Troll" and "Flamebait" moderations fly.
I hope for all our sakes the meta-moderation system does its job and clears your name, or at least nails the overzealous moderators.
My PS2 is dying, and I gave away my PS1 years ago.
There are a great many games for both I still would enjoy playing, especially if the load times are reduced because of the power of the PS3. Maybe it's not worth $600 just for that, but if I can get that and some good games I'll do it.
For now I'll wait, but later I'll be looking forward to a lot of my old games as well as the new ones.
Dynasty Warriors 3 Azure Dreams Front Mission 3 Final Fantasy Tactics Jet Moto 2 GTA3
All worth the time, and all slowly becoming unplayable on my PS2 due to disk read errors. I could just get a new PS2, but I'd rather just wait and get a PS3 when more games come out.
I'd almost wager that it was a blessing more than a curse that the EU had to wait. It'll probably be far easier for people who want PS3s to get them without fighting with scalpers, thieves and fanboys.
Hopefully we won't see any of the riots and other ill news that came with the US and Japan launches.
Reading all the threads for this post, I feel I must point out that "Misinformed" =/= "Troll".
It is true that both Microsoft and Sony have now delivered on their promises, and that Microsoft didn't promise much. However, this does not make the OP a troll.
At the very least the OP is interesting if not insightful. Microsoft has had over a year to expand their library of compatible titles, and the list still remains rather small. While they've fulfilled their promises, it feels as though they did the bare minimum to do so. Meanwhile, Sony has fixed all but the most obscure errors with their backwards compatibility.
Praising Sony for acting more quickly than Microsoft seems justified, regardless of stated promises.
Honestly, I can't agree with the article that he's the man for the job. Reggie's very good at talking trash, pumping up crowds, and being awesome. Basically, he's a good entertainer and businessman. However, these aren't the skills the ESA needs.
The ESA needs someone who is cool, but that's only one of many factors. It needs to be someone new, unaffiliated with any of the big 3, yet someone who can go toe to toe with politicians, the media and write off whackos like Jack Thompson skillfully.
Reggie's an interesting idea, but he's not the man for the job.
Something people forget is that most homes A) are not wired and B) have the TV and computer is completely different rooms. Because the internet connection is usually in the same room as the computer, this means stringing long CAT5e around doors, furniture and walkspaces. If I wasn't living alone, I'd probably not bother to string the tripwire all the way from my bedroom to my 360.
Having Wifi capability makes a big difference, if only it were cheaper for my 360.
I read your comment, and quoted a specific section I found error in. Namely the idea that the Wii has anemic launch software in Japan. I believe I provided sufficient evidence to the contrary. The GP did as well. If you'll look at the third image, you will not see any games on the shelf.
Additionally, nowhere in your GGGP post did you posit the question you are now asking. You did make a statement to the effect that the PS3 and Wii are selling on potential alone, but given the evidence presented that statement (at least concerning the Wii) seems to be refuted.
To answer your question, no. Launch software does not determine the overall, long-term popularity of a system. However, it is a determining factor in short-term popularity. You would be hard pressed to make a good argument that the PS3 would not have benefitted from having a complete MGS4 or FFXIII at launch.
Agreed. Unless you have some mystic power that tells you the only game you will ever buy for the PS3 is RFoM it's a somewhat flawed argument to say "$600 just for RFoM". Other games will come, and most people will expand their library.
However, I think the unspoken implication is "$600 just for RFoM right now". Maybe I'm giving the GP too much credit. Still, if RFoM is the only game you'd play on a $600 PS3 were you to buy one now, is this worth not waiting for new games and/or a price drop?
I think the issue here isn't a price cut, but that stores independantly decided to slash prices. This isn't something that normally happens on either shore. Usually retailers are quite happy to sell at MSRP until finally there's an official price drop (however long it may be in coming). In many ways this is unprecedented.
I'm not claiming that a lot of fanboys wouldn't baselessly interpret an official price drop in a similarly negative fashion, but I am positing that there is reason to see this as both relevant and potentially bad news for the PS3.
Things are similar in the Dallas area. My coworkers and I noticed stacks of the things lying around at various retailers when we picked up our copies of WoW:BC.
There are two Wii games, Sports and Play, in the top ten software sales last week in Japan. Both are approaching 800k. Additionally, there are another four in the top thirty.
For a system with an install base of somewhere between 1 million and 1.5 million, rank higher than games coming out for the insanely popular DS (with well over 10 million in Japan) and the old standby PS2 is incredible. In face, Dragon Quest is the biggest name in RPGs over there, and even though it came out more recently than Wii Sports the latter title is still the #1 seller from last week.
I think that's hardly anemic, especially with a slew of new titles coming out sooner rather than later. If you don't like what the Wii offers now, there's still plenty coming in a reasonable amount of time. PS3 owners are still looking at more than 6 months for most of their interesting titles, many of which were supposed to be coming at launch.
Regarding Zelda, 352k (using vgcharts.org) is 28% of all Japanese Wii owners. That seems rather respectable.
However, you're also neglecting that there is a Gamecube version which many players (especially die-hard lefties) may have opted for. This is not listed on vgcharts, and I could not find a figure elsewhere.
Slashdot Mirror
Excellent.
I'm going squeeze out of this one on semantics.
My signiture states specifically "If you can tell me whether or not I will give you a million dollars, I will give you a million dollars", the important subsection being "If you can tell me". It is notable that it is possible for me to give, or not give, a million dollars up until my death. As you have no idea who I actually am, you have no way of observing my death and thus rule out my ability to give you a million dollars. As such, you have no way of empirically observing the outcome of my proposition. You will be dead before an observation is made. As the situation will exist as both "I will give you a million dollars" and "I will not give you a million dollars" at the same time until observation, I thereby conclude that you can not tell me whether or not I will give you a million dollars.
In short the reality is not, in fact, observable. Which defeats your argument.
However, I will honor you by noting that this is perhaps the best attempt yet to put me miserably in debt, and as such I will improve the wording on my sophistic signiture.
Please refrain from the fanboyism card. Were it true, I'd be an Apple-Microsoft-Linux supporting hardcore Wii-Xbox-PS3 gamer voting Republican-Democratic-Independant.
/. as we do of the big three consoles. While Westinghouse may also have had no issues with any other HDMI equipment, that at best puts the situation at a 50/50 split on the blame.
Having read the articles, Westinghouse initially blamed their own firmware before changing their story to blame the PS3. I also believe the articles imply that Westinghouse's TVs are somewhat slower than usual when handshaking the HDCP key. It's possible that the PS3 doesn't act forgivingly when the handshaking comes slowly. However, I don't think that would brook the greater share of the blame if the PS3 was still expecting a response within specification and was not receving one.
As the PS3 suffers under far greater scrutiny here, I would postulate any problems with Westinghouse TVs would go largely unnoticed. Quite simply, we don't hear as much about X HDTV brand on
I'm not arguing that Sony wouldn't benefit from throwing in an update to deal with this. I am cautioning against assuming that this is either significant bad news for the PS3, or that this is largely Sony's fault.
Westinghouse also previously claimed the problem was in their firmware before changing their story to lay the blame on the PS3.
That's a large part of why I'm giving Sony the benefit of the doubt. The articles indicate that Westinghouse TVs take longer for their handshakes than other televisions. Perhaps the PS3 is less forgiving when this falls out of the HDMI specs than other equipment, and could be blamed slightly for not handling exceptions well. However, that doesn't change that Westinghouse appears to be operating out of spec, or where most of the blame will fall.
For all of Sony's mistakes with the PS3, I'm not willing to chalk up to malice what could more easily be explained by stupidity.
The 4 million manufactured would explain the large number differences between what was sold and what was promised. 800k+ consoles that didn't arrive in time for the new year certainly makes a difference.
It is disappointing that they couldn't live up to their word. They may not have flubbed as much as Sony, but they still didn't get 4 million consoles into our hands when they said they would.
However, I'm much more concerned about their ability to sell another 2 million consoles before March ends and hit 6 million. It seems within their reach, but it would be disheartening if it ended up being 6 million manufactured instead of sold.
Sadly, I think this is also true of the authorities who might be able to stop this. Both parents and teachers probably lack the know-how to trace IP addresses, let alone any other tools. Fighting cyber-bullying in that way will probably involve expenses in both equipment and skilled manpower that governments, schools, and parents simply won't be willing to pay.
Ultimately it would be a lot easier if parents stopped assuming that their precious child is perfect and raised them diligently, but is also unlikely.
Honestly, I almost think Sony shouldn't increase the PS3's handshake time. It would certainly fix the issue, but at the same time it might give Westinghouse and those who would see Sony perish in flames fuel for the fire.
It's be much better if first they could get a concession from Westinghouse that its HDCP response was beyond normal tolerance levels and outside the reasonable wait time an HDMI compliant device should expect. Then they could clearly say, "The PS3 was fine, but we're fixing this so that our customers don't have to pay technicians to fix a stupid mistake by Westinghouse." That would be good PR.
I'm giving it slightly more weight against Westinghouse than Sony. It seems odd to me that the PS3 would work perfectly fine with other HDTVs, and then be at fault for not working with one particular brand. It's possible that some small quirk of the PS3 is contributing, but given that we haven't seen reports of the PS3 failing with Samsungs, Toshibas etc. I highly doubt Westinghouse's claims about it being a problem with the "source".
We don't ignore that the lower cost PS3 exists, but the problem is all three consoles are affected by nearly equivalent factors, with some differences spread around. Comparing the unadorned, low-end of one console with a high-end, fully decked out version of another console is a shady endeavor at best.
It is true that if you want HD movies on the Xbox360, you need to spend $200 to get the adaptor. However, the PS3 (Either $500 or $600) does not come with the HD cable required to connect to a HDTV. That's $25-$60 if you want anything in HD at all.
The most important comparison between the consoles is the minimum requirements to get the experience they advertise. Wrangling about add-ons and how they can make any system expensive is disingenuous, because for the most part they affect all systems relatively evenly.
So, here's the minimum it takes to get you running.
Wii: Console ($250) [Comes with Remote, Nunchuck, Cables, Sensor Bar, Batteries and a Game]
Xbox360: Console ($400) [Comes with Controller, HD Cables, Batteries, and a Live Subscription for 1 month]
Game ($60)
PS3: Console ($600) [Comes with Controller, Cables, Batteries (assumed) and a free online service]
HD Cable ($25)
Game ($60)
While it is true that attempting to use the 360 and the PS3 for similar things will lead to them being approximately equivalent in cost (the HDDVD addon is $200), your statements about the Wii are largely inaccurate.
The NES, SNES, Genesis and TGX16 virtual console games can all use the regular remote. Only N64 and GameCube games require Classic or GameCube controllers, which for a GameCube owner isn't a problem as you'd already have some. Also, you can plug your GameCube memory cards into the system directly without having to purchase an adaptor. The Wii has internal Flash Memory and accepts SD cards for additional space. For a GameCube owner it costs nothing extra to take advantage of backwards compatibility, and the cost is minimal for anyone who wasn't ($20 per Classic Controller and per 251 slot Memory Card).
As for purchasing controllers for multiplayer, that argument is one which applies equally to all systems.
The "Maximum" cost of all three systems is therefore.
Wii: Console ($250)
3x Remote ($120)
1x Nunchuck ($20)
4x Classic Controller ($80)
1x Memory Card ($20)
1x GameCube Game ($20)
Total: $510
360: Console ($400)
HD-DVD AddOn ($200)
3x Controller ($150)
Live Subscription ($50)
Game ($60)
Total: $860
PS3: Console ($600)
3x Controller ($150)
HD Cable ($25)
Memory Card Adaptor ($15)
Game ($60)
Total: $850
As I stated earlier, if you wanted to use your Xbox 360 to watch HD movies the cost difference between it and the PS3 evens out. However, even callous assumptions against the Wii in terms of accessories still place it in excess of $300 cheaper than a decked out 360 or PS3.
All consoles sales (and even sales in general) see a dramatic drop after Christmas. It's called holiday shopping, and very few people have much money to spend once it's over. If you take a look at the charts, at a site such as vgcharts.org, you'll see it in the data.
Another important thing to note is that while the Wii is doing about as well as the GameCube in the Americas, the launch data for both consoles shows the Wii is doing 4-5 times as well in Japan as the GameCube did.
I would also suggest you visit www.wiihaveaproblem.com. Aside from the humor of seeing the destruction the Wii remote can cause in the wrong hands, you will see videos of people playing games. A fair number of these people do not fit into the gamer demographic. There's also a video online of an old man enjoying the Wii at a retired persons conference (was it ARPA or AARP?). There is evidence of the Wii's appeal beyond anecdotes.
As it stands all three companies need to step up to the plate. As of yet, Microsoft is only beginning to get the right titles out for the 360, the PS3 is lacking anything that truly pushes its capabilities, and the Wii does need some games that take the remote to new places. It will be interesting to see who hits a home run first.
Yes, you are doing a very good job of that.
Exactly how does his statement regarding the named location of a store containing a stock of PS3s own him? Perhaps if you called the store, inquired as to their stock of PS3s, found they had none, and posted the entire conversation/phone number here for the edification of us all he might have. As it stands, we are baffled as to how his answering your question was an "idiotic thing to post".
First, he's put out articles about the matter, which you (assuming you are also the AC he responded to) have yet to do. In fact, you also have yet to describe anywhere that is overflowing with Wiis.
The burden of proof is hardly on him. Even if you both present your anecdotal evidence, he still has three articles relating to smaller sales and in-stock PS3s.
You should follow your own advice.
To top it off, it looks like all of your posts are getting flagged down. It looks like someone with modpoints bears a grudge.
For all the posts that constantly deride Zonk for his positive comments about the Wii and Nintendo, it seems rather two-faced that when he and others post something positive about Sony the "Troll" and "Flamebait" moderations fly.
I hope for all our sakes the meta-moderation system does its job and clears your name, or at least nails the overzealous moderators.
The Wii plays the old Gamecube games perfectly as far as I've been able to tell, and I've got a rather large volume of games for the old NGC.
You need either Gamecube or Classic controllers for it, but it works well.
I won't call the Virtual Console backwards-compatibility, because it's really just emulation. Really good emulation, but emulation none-the-less.
My PS2 is dying, and I gave away my PS1 years ago.
There are a great many games for both I still would enjoy playing, especially if the load times are reduced because of the power of the PS3. Maybe it's not worth $600 just for that, but if I can get that and some good games I'll do it.
For now I'll wait, but later I'll be looking forward to a lot of my old games as well as the new ones.
Dynasty Warriors 3
Azure Dreams
Front Mission 3
Final Fantasy Tactics
Jet Moto 2
GTA3
All worth the time, and all slowly becoming unplayable on my PS2 due to disk read errors. I could just get a new PS2, but I'd rather just wait and get a PS3 when more games come out.
I'd almost wager that it was a blessing more than a curse that the EU had to wait. It'll probably be far easier for people who want PS3s to get them without fighting with scalpers, thieves and fanboys.
Hopefully we won't see any of the riots and other ill news that came with the US and Japan launches.
Reading all the threads for this post, I feel I must point out that "Misinformed" =/= "Troll".
It is true that both Microsoft and Sony have now delivered on their promises, and that Microsoft didn't promise much. However, this does not make the OP a troll.
At the very least the OP is interesting if not insightful. Microsoft has had over a year to expand their library of compatible titles, and the list still remains rather small. While they've fulfilled their promises, it feels as though they did the bare minimum to do so. Meanwhile, Sony has fixed all but the most obscure errors with their backwards compatibility.
Praising Sony for acting more quickly than Microsoft seems justified, regardless of stated promises.
Honestly, I can't agree with the article that he's the man for the job. Reggie's very good at talking trash, pumping up crowds, and being awesome. Basically, he's a good entertainer and businessman. However, these aren't the skills the ESA needs.
The ESA needs someone who is cool, but that's only one of many factors. It needs to be someone new, unaffiliated with any of the big 3, yet someone who can go toe to toe with politicians, the media and write off whackos like Jack Thompson skillfully.
Reggie's an interesting idea, but he's not the man for the job.
I'll second the importance of Wifi.
Something people forget is that most homes A) are not wired and B) have the TV and computer is completely different rooms. Because the internet connection is usually in the same room as the computer, this means stringing long CAT5e around doors, furniture and walkspaces. If I wasn't living alone, I'd probably not bother to string the tripwire all the way from my bedroom to my 360.
Having Wifi capability makes a big difference, if only it were cheaper for my 360.
I read your comment, and quoted a specific section I found error in. Namely the idea that the Wii has anemic launch software in Japan. I believe I provided sufficient evidence to the contrary. The GP did as well. If you'll look at the third image, you will not see any games on the shelf.
Additionally, nowhere in your GGGP post did you posit the question you are now asking. You did make a statement to the effect that the PS3 and Wii are selling on potential alone, but given the evidence presented that statement (at least concerning the Wii) seems to be refuted.
To answer your question, no. Launch software does not determine the overall, long-term popularity of a system. However, it is a determining factor in short-term popularity. You would be hard pressed to make a good argument that the PS3 would not have benefitted from having a complete MGS4 or FFXIII at launch.
Agreed. Unless you have some mystic power that tells you the only game you will ever buy for the PS3 is RFoM it's a somewhat flawed argument to say "$600 just for RFoM". Other games will come, and most people will expand their library.
However, I think the unspoken implication is "$600 just for RFoM right now". Maybe I'm giving the GP too much credit. Still, if RFoM is the only game you'd play on a $600 PS3 were you to buy one now, is this worth not waiting for new games and/or a price drop?
I think the issue here isn't a price cut, but that stores independantly decided to slash prices. This isn't something that normally happens on either shore. Usually retailers are quite happy to sell at MSRP until finally there's an official price drop (however long it may be in coming). In many ways this is unprecedented.
I'm not claiming that a lot of fanboys wouldn't baselessly interpret an official price drop in a similarly negative fashion, but I am positing that there is reason to see this as both relevant and potentially bad news for the PS3.
Things are similar in the Dallas area. My coworkers and I noticed stacks of the things lying around at various retailers when we picked up our copies of WoW:BC.
http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7414
There are two Wii games, Sports and Play, in the top ten software sales last week in Japan. Both are approaching 800k. Additionally, there are another four in the top thirty.
For a system with an install base of somewhere between 1 million and 1.5 million, rank higher than games coming out for the insanely popular DS (with well over 10 million in Japan) and the old standby PS2 is incredible. In face, Dragon Quest is the biggest name in RPGs over there, and even though it came out more recently than Wii Sports the latter title is still the #1 seller from last week.
I think that's hardly anemic, especially with a slew of new titles coming out sooner rather than later. If you don't like what the Wii offers now, there's still plenty coming in a reasonable amount of time. PS3 owners are still looking at more than 6 months for most of their interesting titles, many of which were supposed to be coming at launch.
Regarding Zelda, 352k (using vgcharts.org) is 28% of all Japanese Wii owners. That seems rather respectable.
However, you're also neglecting that there is a Gamecube version which many players (especially die-hard lefties) may have opted for. This is not listed on vgcharts, and I could not find a figure elsewhere.