Thunderdome 2015 » Printable Version of Topic

Forum: Games
Topic: Console Wars 2006
started by: Leisher

Posted by Leisher on Nov. 29 2006,13:32

The early word is that Microsoft has the lead (and with a year long head start, they SHOULD), with Wii in second, and the PS3 bringing up the rear.

Looking closer at the numbers though, this Christmas is key for Microsoft. Apparently, they expect to sell a lot of units this holiday season, although, they should've introduced a price reduction to offset the other new consoles.

The Wii is way better than expected < according to early reports and consumers. >Although, it does appear to < have a problem. > Be careful with that remote and check halfway down that page for a video. What is the deal with TV stations always finding the idiot for their "man on the street" interviews? (FYI: I still hate the MSM, they don't report anything without spinning it, even console releases.)

The PS3 is sucking up the joint. They're not selling as many as expected and even their ebay value has dropped dramatically. I guess nobody gives a shit about BlueRay and they shouldn't. At least not for $600 to play fucking video games when a PC can be purchased cheaper and can do much, much, much more.

The last Game Informer has a list of exclusive games for each console, and the PS3's list is pretty pathetic. Sure it's a listing of like 30 games, but only one "Final Fantasy" had any real name value. (GTA is now multi platform.)

The 360 and Wii lists were larger and had big name value. Sony is dropping the ball big time. First they force bullshit hardware upgrades on console customers (the whole point of consoles is "cheap and stupid"), then they charge a ridiculous price with promised high end game prices ($100?), and they lose all their good exclusive titles to the 360. Great job Sony. Way to piss away the market lead.

Posted by Leisher on Nov. 29 2006,13:35

Doing a bit more reading, reports EVERYWHERE, that the little strap that helps keep the Wiimote (I hate that) safely in your hand breaks rather easily. Many people are putting these things through their TVs.

Lawsuits pending?

Posted by Malcolm on Nov. 29 2006,15:16

(Leisher @ Nov. 29 2006,15:35)

QUOTE

Maybe. I'd be willing to forgive their incompetence if they get the motion sensor & shit working to a reliable & decent quality. I still look forward to the day when I can stab something w\ a stabbing action instead of hitting the X- or Y-button.

Posted by TPRJones on Nov. 29 2006,17:04

I keep seeing some commercial for a Wii FPS game that shows the guy using the controller like a sword hilt, and it looks mighty awesome. No idea what the game is, though. I'll try to remember to make a note if I see it again and find it online for more info.

Posted by TheCatt on Nov. 29 2006,17:40

(Leisher @ Nov. 29 2006,16:35)

QUOTE

Playing the games like that is a choice... PennyArcade showed you only need little motions.

Posted by Vince on Nov. 29 2006,17:50

(TheCatt @ Nov. 29 2006,19:40)

QUOTE

Playing the games like that is a choice... PennyArcade showed you only need little motions.

That may be, but I'd have to say it's pretty obvious that Nintindo didn't only intend for it to be played with little motions (otherwise why have the strap in the first place). My 360 plays with "little motions" and has no strap.

And even if they did intend for it to be played with little motions and placed warnings everywhere... do you think that'd stop lawyers and bottom feeders from suing?

Posted by Cakedaddy on Nov. 29 2006,17:53

Perhaps Wii's number are up there because they did a better job of getting them to the market? I believe both systems are selling out as fast as they are shipping them here. Nintendo is just getting more into stores. I wonder if the wii would still be outselling the PS3 if there were enough of both systems to satisfy demand.
I bet all things being equal, the PS3 would be outselling the Wii as more people want the PS3.

The Wii is turning out to be way more fun than I thought it would be. I wanted my son to hold out for the PS3, but he bought the Wii. It really is a lot of fun to play with. Had it at my parents house for Thanksgiving. Fun was had by all.

The controls take some getting use to. But you can learn how to make them do what you want them to. My early experience was that it just didn't do what I wanted it to. But like anything else, you develope the skill to make it work. The Wii sports games are becoming more fun because we are getting better control of our characters. Side note though, that slashing game you see on TV, I think is called Red Steel. It's getting horrible reviews saying it's buggy and just a crappy game over all. FYI. Zelda is played with the slashing motion though. He has a sword and to use it, you slash.

I want to replace the wrist strap with something stronger. The one that's included is VERY thin and weak. About the thickness of dental floss, but the strength of a few pieces of thread. Dental floss would probably be about 7x stronger. We've lost control of controlers two times now. One stayed on the wrist, and the other, which was missing the strap at the time hit the floor after the hand holding it collided with a near by peice of furniture. So, no tv accidents yet. As far as law suit. . . People sue for anything. But really, you'll be suing someone cause your an idiot, not because of a faulty product.

And by the way, I'm not a Nintendo nut or anything. This is all just my opinion and observations. I wasn't too geeked about the Wii when he got it, but it's slowly winning me over as being a fun system to have.

Posted by Cakedaddy on Nov. 29 2006,17:59

And yes, little motions work. A flick of the wrist will swing the bat and pitch the ball just as fast as a full wind up and swing. But, the games are just more fun when you play 'for real'.

The strap serves little more purpose than keeping it attached to your wrist if you want to let it dangle for a bit. It's by no means a safety device. Bad move on their part to not put a better strap on it.

Oh, another fun game is Rayman: Raving Rabbids. Games are. . . different. You have to do different actions with the controlers to get the character to perform different tasks. It ends up having you do some pretty funny/wacky things. Those that can not pat their head and rub their belly at the same time will do poorly in this game. And your arms/wrists will be tired after playing.

Posted by Vince on Nov. 29 2006,20:56

(Cakedaddy @ Nov. 29 2006,19:53)

QUOTE

I agree with this, but I also have to wonder how much of the "Holy shit! They want HOW much?!?" factor is in there on the PS3.

Not a deal breaker for probably most, but it's gotta be a factor, I'd think.

Posted by Malcolm on Nov. 29 2006,21:13

(Vince @ Nov. 29 2006,22:56)

QUOTE

(Cakedaddy @ Nov. 29 2006,19:53)

QUOTE

No shit. If I'm going to end up spending four figures for hardware & software, then I may as well buy a PC.

Posted by GORDON on Nov. 30 2006,00:43

(Vince @ Nov. 29 2006,23:56)

QUOTE

(Cakedaddy @ Nov. 29 2006,19:53)

QUOTE

I bet it's more of a deal breaker than you think. Gramma only has a few hundred for a console for little Timmy... she aint gonna choose the PS3 and neglect her pills for osteoperosis, arthritis, and restless leg syndrome for the month.

Posted by WSGrundy on Dec. 02 2006,14:38

I don't think the PS3 is in any real trouble yet. This is playing out as it always does for both Nintendo and Sony.

The PS3 has the same crappy launch lineup that the PS2 and PS1 had and it didn't hurt them. Also the Wii is doing the same thing that the N64 and Gamecube did which is come out of the gate selling really well.

The N64 was killing the PS1 in the beginning and I believe the Gamecube had the best launch sales of any console at that time and both Nintendo console got their ass kicked.

I don't think right now is really all that important. It is year 2 & 3. Which is when the PS3s large number of developers starts pumping out games and the Wii owners are getting their 1st and 2nd new Nintendo games since launch.

I don't think lack of software hurts right now anyway because most people who buy consoles right at launch are just doing it to get the newest and best machine. Nintendo usually gives you one great game a launch but that is about it.

I do think the MS is fucking up somewhat. They have a year lead and second gen software should be coming out and it keeps getting delayed. 360 has one big game out for the Xmas season which is Gears of War, which for your 2nd Xmas season sucks. Halo 3 should be out now and if not that then Halo 2.5 which was canceled. They still have time because Sony won't have anything major until next Xmas but it seems like they are just sitting around twiddling their thumbs.

Posted by Vince on Dec. 03 2006,09:25

(WSGrundy @ Dec. 02 2006,16:38)

QUOTE

I do think the MS is fucking up somewhat. They have a year lead and second gen software should be coming out and it keeps getting delayed. 360 has one big game out for the Xmas season which is Gears of War, which for your 2nd Xmas season sucks. Halo 3 should be out now and if not that then Halo 2.5 which was canceled. They still have time because Sony won't have anything major until next Xmas but it seems like they are just sitting around twiddling their thumbs.

I agree. They need a KotOR. That sold more Xbox consoles to more people than any other title (speaking about folks I've spoken to, not any stats I've read). Bioware has Mass Effect coming out that's looking really good at this point, but it's not due out until early next year ('07).

Right now I have 4 titles for the 360. Oblivion, Saints Row, Prey and Legos Star Wars II.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 03 2006,12:03

I'm still a bit surprised at the popularity of the Wii. At least a dozen people were lined up at a local Circuit City 3 hours before the store even opened.

Posted by WSGrundy on Dec. 03 2006,13:34

(TheCatt @ Dec. 03 2006,12:03)

QUOTE

I'm still a bit surprised at the popularity of the Wii. At least a dozen people were lined up at a local Circuit City 3 hours before the store even opened.

That's Nintendo fans for you. They are the most diehard and loyal. The new Zelda game could kill you and Nintendo fans would line up to buy it.

Problem is that after the die hard fans who are willing to wait months for another new game they hit a wall in sales because the casual fan isn't so patient.

Posted by Paul on Dec. 04 2006,07:43

If anyone has a Wii, I hear you get a < free 90 day warranty extension for registering online >.

Posted by Leisher on Dec. 05 2006,07:12

QUOTE

Where'd you get those facts? The PS2 sold like crazy when it came out. The "standing in line for days" started with the PS2 launch. The cube didn't sell for shit. It might have at home in Japan, but it'd do anything here. The PS2 sold something like 30 million units to the Cube and X-Box's 12 million. It was a blowout last time.

QUOTE

I don't think right now is really all that important. It is year 2 & 3. Which is when the PS3s large number of developers starts pumping out games and the Wii owners are getting their 1st and 2nd new Nintendo games since launch.

I don't think lack of software hurts right now anyway because most people who buy consoles right at launch are just doing it to get the newest and best machine. Nintendo usually gives you one great game a launch but that is about it.

Well, you can't say that lack of software doesn't hurt the PS3 and then turn around in the next paragraph and say it does hurt the 360. I know it's the 2nd X-Mas for the 360, and yeah, they should have more games out by now, but perhaps they're holding them all for the PS3 2nd year? Perhaps they feel it would be better if they fight them when more of their units hit the market?

Besides, it's not the software that's out that is the problem, it's the exclusive software that's the problem. Like I said, the only major name hitting PS3 and no other console is Final Fantasy XII and I've heard rumors that might just be a release thing and it'll head to the 360 later.

The whole PS3 launch just reeks of arrogance by Sony. They felt that they had the whole market cornered and could've released a turd with PS3 stamped on it and people would buy it. That's why I'm rooting for them to do badly. Let them examine their efforts and make a bolder push to win back their fans.

If Microsoft is holding off until next Christmas so they can really take the fight to Sony, I don't think it'd be a bad strategy. Say next Christmas MS announced a huge price drop along with the release of exclusives like Halo 3. What would Sony do to counter? Their console is too new to match the price drop, and what big name games do they have to release?

Should be interesting to watch, particularly with the other sideshow MS has going on where they're trying to puch PC gaming again and link the 360 and PC worlds.

Posted by Leisher on Dec. 05 2006,07:50

QUOTE

I agree. They need a KotOR. That sold more Xbox consoles to more people than any other title (speaking about folks I've spoken to, not any stats I've read). Bioware has Mass Effect coming out that's looking really good at this point, but it's not due out until early next year ('07).

Right now I have 4 titles for the 360. Oblivion, Saints Row, Prey and Legos Star Wars II.

Do you work for Bioware?

Halo, by far, sold more X-Box 360s than any other game.

Believe me when I say, that is a sad fact. Halo, IMHO, is one of the most overrated games ever.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 05 2006,08:09

Wii last week: $380
Wii this week: $435

Playstation 3 last week: $1100
Playstation 3 this week: $950

Posted by Vince on Dec. 05 2006,17:14

(Leisher @ Dec. 05 2006,09:50)

QUOTE

Do you work for Bioware?

Halo, by far, sold more X-Box 360s than any other game.

Believe me when I say, that is a sad fact. Halo, IMHO, is one of the most overrated games ever.

I'm sure Halo has sold more, I just don't know anyone that bought an Xbox for it. I've known a couple of people that played KotOR at a friends and decided they were going to pick one up somewhere for that specific game.

Bioware should be paying me, shouldn't they? I think Bioware's done some really good stuff. Whenever they have a new release I give it a whirl, because they've exceeded most people's expectations with every release. With the exception of the OC in NWN :;):

Posted by WSGrundy on Dec. 06 2006,23:11

QUOTE

Talking about the launch. The PS3 sold like crazy too but it wasn't an impressive launch number because they didn't have that many to sell. Same thing as the PS2, sony cut the launch numbers for it as well and Nintendo had a million Gamecubes ready and sold them all very quickly at launch. Same thing as this time, Sony has almost no console for sale and Nintendo has a crapload and so they always have the highest launch numbers but lose out in the end. Which is why the current situation of lots of Wiis selling and not many PS3s sold isn't anything for sony to be worried about. This is the way it has gone before.

QUOTE

Well, you can't say that lack of software doesn't hurt the PS3 and then turn around in the next paragraph and say it does hurt the 360.

Yes you can. Lack of software at launch means nothing because every launch lineup is weak or lackluster where as weak software line up in your second year and going into your second Xmas is a bad thing. Two different time periods.

QUOTE

Besides, it's not the software that's out that is the problem, it's the exclusive software that's the problem.

Agreed, 360 is fucking up because it is the start of the 2nd year and they only have one of the big name games out.

QUOTE

I know it's the 2nd X-Mas for the 360, and yeah, they should have more games out by now, but perhaps they're holding them all for the PS3 2nd year?

Possibly but how into a console are people going to be if 3 years later the good software is just showing up. I think they could be kicking ass in the US right now if they were giving more people a reason to buy.

QUOTE

The whole PS3 launch just reeks of arrogance by Sony. They felt that they had the whole market cornered and could've released a turd with PS3 stamped on it and people would buy it. That's why I'm rooting for them to do badly. Let them examine their efforts and make a bolder push to win back their fans.

It is total arrogance. The head of sony has said several times when asked about the price and such that he thinks people are going to want to work overtime just so they can have a PS3. The low launch numbers are is just sony being sony. I think they just want to get the console out and then just play PS3 commercials 100 times a day until they can get production up and running.

QUOTE

Their console is too new to match the price drop, and what big name games do they have to release?

Don't know what they have yet but seeing as how they have kicked everyones ass so completely the last 2 times around I would expect that at E3 they will drop some major games for the following Xmas. PS3 has way too many developers and they still have a lot of developers who give them exclusives so I will wait until next Xmas before my opinion about anything other then a sony victory changes.

This is just playing out the same way the last two launches did with the only difference being that MS is in Sega's place.

Posted by Leisher on Dec. 07 2006,07:43

QUOTE

Wii last week: $380
Wii this week: $435

Playstation 3 last week: $1100
Playstation 3 this week: $950

Hmmm, more units released, but higher demand versus fewer units released and lower demand. Yeah, why would Sony worry?

QUOTE

Informative, but not what I asked. I said "Where'd you get the info?"

The reason I'm asking is because I remember the Gamecube being a complete disaster last time around. I don't remember it ever having a lead in sales. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, it was getting beat here in the states by the X-Box until later in it's run when bigger name games came out.

QUOTE

"Well, you can't say that lack of software doesn't hurt the PS3 and then turn around in the next paragraph and say it does hurt the 360."
Yes you can. Lack of software at launch means nothing because every launch lineup is weak or lackluster where as weak software line up in your second year and going into your second Xmas is a bad thing. Two different time periods.

No you can't. Why have a strong lineup if your competition doesn't have a strong lineup? Besides the 360 has already had a few exclusive hits and EVERY majot title the PS3 has...how can you say they're lagging? Every major name that comes out for the PS3 will hit the 360 at the same time with the sole exception of Final Fantasy XII.

QUOTE

"Besides, it's not the software that's out that is the problem, it's the exclusive software that's the problem."

Agreed, 360 is fucking up because it is the start of the 2nd year and they only have one of the big name games out.

You must work for the NYTimes the way you took that sentence out of context.

That statement was about Sony losing all of their exclusive licenses to Nintendo and Microsoft, not about the 360's current titles.

QUOTE

First of all, you imply there's nothing good for the 360 now. You're wrong. Secondly, every third party title will hit the 360 and Wii the same time it hits the PS3. MS nor Nintendo can push those third party people to release their games sooner. Third, when Halo 3 hits there will be a surge of 360s sold. Ditto for the inevitable price drop. There is another huge thing that you're overlooking with the 360, but I'll get to it later.

QUOTE

True, I mean, it worked for the Dreamcast and those PSPs are selling waaaaaay beyond expectations (I hate how sarcasm is lost when you type something).

QUOTE

Yes, and Atari used to kick Intellivision and Colecovision's ass too. Then the C64 kicked everyone's ass. Then the PC did. Then Nintendo dominated the industry for years. Then Sega came along and took over. Now they're gone and Sony leads the way.

Things change. I'm not a mark for MS or Nintendo or Sony. I'm simply pointing out what is going on in the console wars at the moment. I have owned pretty much every system (No Colecovision, Sega 32X, or PSP) that has ever come out, including the last three from the companies I just listed and I'm sure I'll own all of their new ones at some point.

QUOTE

This is just playing out the same way the last two launches did with the only difference being that MS is in Sega's place.

No, that would imply MS was on top of the console wars at some point.

See, the reason I'm concerned for Sony is that they're way too confident in their position in the market. This is traditionally a market where the leader is someone new every few years. Their current two competitors couldn't be more different.

You have Nintendo who caters to kids and families and has brought in a revolutionary new controller that gives people a little more interaction with their games making them more fun to play. Let's not forget that they have exclusive big name titles in Zelda, Mario, and Metroid that people buy systems just to play. Plus, they have the Gameboy in all its variations which the PSP failed to knock off the hill.

Then there's mega giant Microsoft. They entered the console wars pretty much because they're trying to conquer everything. But a funny thing has happen to Microsoft with the development and release of the 360, they noticed the PC again. Now they're pushing the PC for its gaming abilities and developing games, utilities, controllers, etc. to work with both the 360 and PC and merge the two worlds.

So where does that leave Sony?

What happens if MS successfully makes the public aware that a console is a stripped down PC? Nintendo already has the kids and families.

And that's the whole point of what I said initially. Sony had just better be careful of being too arrogant or it'll end up like Sega.

Oh, and read that article I linked in the first post. Sony didn't reach their goals on units, nor is customer feedback that positive about the systems. Plus, many people bought Wiis instead of the PS3 due to supply. You said Sony just wanted to get the system out and worry about production later? Explain the brilliance in driving customers to your competitors.

QUOTE

Bioware should be paying me, shouldn't they? I think Bioware's done some really good stuff. Whenever they have a new release I give it a whirl, because they've exceeded most people's expectations with every release. With the exception of the OC in NWN

I love Bioware's stuff except for the whole finale of KotOR 2 which was complete ass. I am looking forward to Mass Effect though.

Posted by WSGrundy on Dec. 07 2006,16:56

QUOTE

Hmmm, more units released, but higher demand versus fewer units released and lower demand. Yeah, why would Sony worry?

Would sony rather have sold a billion units at launch day sure but seeing as how they have had slow starts every launch and been in last place in the console race with everyone of their systems and yet still completely crush the others systems I don't think that sony is lying awake at night about the current situation. If this wasn't history repeating itself I would be worried for them. If I cared who won.

QUOTE

Informative, but not what I asked. I said "Where'd you get the info?"

ign, gamespot, and the 8 billion press releases that Nintendo and Sony put out after the initial launches.

QUOTE

The reason I'm asking is because I remember the Gamecube being a complete disaster last time around. I don't remember it ever having a lead in sales. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, it was getting beat here in the states by the X-Box until later in it's run when bigger name games came out.

Not a complete disaster, Nintendo was still the most profitable software company 4 out of the 5 years of the gamecubes life, Konami beat them out one of those years I believe. They got their asses kicked in console sales but that isn't Nintendo's main focus.

The numbers that get released have the Xbox beating the GC in sales quite easily in the US. The only reason the overall sales are close is because the Xbox does so poorly in Japan.

The PS2 couldn't get enough consoles out at launch and the Gamecube could. Launch numbers mean nothing, there are enough Nintendo psychos out there to buy up a 1.5 million Nintendo units in the first month or so but after that they always fall off. With the amount of stuff Sony puts into their consoles I doubt if they will ever be able to get a large number of units out to have the #1 launch of a system. Haven't been able to do it yet.

QUOTE

Why have a strong lineup if your competition doesn't have a strong lineup?

I don't know maybe to cement your lead, maybe to give a reason to someone to buy your system now and not have money for another system later. Why not take advantage of a the competitions weakness.

If you release games now you won't have any game for next year to compete with?

QUOTE

Besides the 360 has already had a few exclusive hits and EVERY majot title the PS3 has...how can you say they're lagging?

Not saying they are behind the PS3 in software. I just think they are wasting a golden opportunity to put the screws to Sony. Dead Rising is a great game, I will buy Viva Pinata but people aren't going to look back at 2006 as the year of Dead Rising and Viva Pinata. They may/probably will look back at it as the year of Gears of War but one super hyped and big named game seems a little weak and to be wasting a good opportunity.

QUOTE

Every major name that comes out for the PS3 will hit the 360 at the same time with the sole exception of Final Fantasy XII.

And Gran Turismo, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy spin offs, Jack and Daxter, Lair, Metal Gear Solid, Dragon Warrior 9, God of War 3, Kindgom Hearts 3, and the stuff that is still under wraps until E3.

QUOTE

True, I mean, it worked for the Dreamcast and those PSPs are selling waaaaaay beyond expectations (I hate how sarcasm is lost when you type something).

The Dreamcast didn't take that approach at all and it hasn't hurt sonys consoles yet so I don't see any reason for them to be pissing their pants if the same exact thing is happening.

QUOTE

I'm simply pointing out what is going on in the console wars at the moment.

And I was simply giving my opinion that I don't think what is happening at the moment is any indication of of what is to come since this moment has happen twice before and the ending was different then the beginning.

QUOTE

No, that would imply MS was on top of the console wars at some point.

There not currently in the #1 position for next generation consoles?

Saturn came out early and was the leader. PSX was released with small quantity and the N64 was released last and sold really well and takes the lead. Saturn dies, PSX starts getting consoles into the stores and releasing tons of games, and N64 starts delaying games and has few titles. PSX crushes both Saturn and N64 in sales.

Dreamcast is released first and sells well and is the early leader. PS2 is released in small quantities and the Gamecube has million systems ready for launch and takes the lead in sales. Dreamcast dies, PS2 gets more consoles in the stores and starts releasing tons of games, and Gamecube starts delaying stuff and has fewer titles. PS2 crushes both Dreamcast and Gamecube in sales. Xbox also pops up and embarrasses Nintendo too.

Xbox360 is released first and sells well and is the early leader. PS3 is released in small quantities and the Wii comes out of the gate selling very well and that is where we are.

All I was saying is that this has played out before and the problems sony is experiencing are nothing new and the success the first console out and Nintendo are experiencing are nothing new either.

Is sony going to kill everyone again I don't know but I don't think the current situation is any real indication of trouble.

If I were to guess I would say 50% of consoles are PS3, 40% are 360, and 10% for the Wii. That is nothing but a guess based on how well I think the 360 will do in the US this time around and the overestimating on Nintendos part on how much Mom and Dads are going to want to play the Wii.

QUOTE

Let's not forget that they have exclusive big name titles in Zelda, Mario, and Metroid that people buy systems just to play.

What happens if MS successfully makes the public aware that a console is a stripped down PC? Nintendo already has the kids and families.

All of those could be factors. I think you are giving Nintendo software a little too much credit though. Those games have been out before and didn't affect Sony.

QUOTE

Sony didn't reach their goals on units, nor is customer feedback that positive about the systems. Plus, many people bought Wiis instead of the PS3 due to supply. You said Sony just wanted to get the system out and worry about production later? Explain the brilliance in driving customers to your competitors.

The PSX and PS2 didn't reach its goals either and there were all those fun DRE issues with the PS2 at launch and the fact that some early PS2 couldn't play 2nd generation games. There were all those Gamecubes on the shelf when the PS2 was sold out also.

As far as explaining the brilliance, I can't do that because it doesn't make much sense to me on the surface to bring out a console and then not have any available to purchase but that strategy can't have hurt them that much because it has happened before and they are selling their 3rd console.

Posted by Cakedaddy on Dec. 08 2006,00:27

You guys talk too much.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 08 2006,05:23

Holy crap. I've ordered 5 Nintendo Wii's online from various stores. 3 orders were cancelled within a day due to "stocking issues," the other I cancelled myself due to it being a bundle. The 5th one was a bare system from JC Penney that I ordered 11/20. It was supposed to ship 12/4. Last night they called me and told me that the order was cancelled because Nintendo didn't provide as many as they had thought they would get. Fuckers.

My PS3 60GB arrives today though. Then off it goes to eBay.

Posted by Leisher on Dec. 13 2006,12:51

< Sony kicking much ass and winning the public's respect. >

Posted by Vince on Dec. 13 2006,16:13

I was reading the other day that the 360 is doing better in sales than either the PS3 or the Wii. While I understand there are big constraints on availablility on the two new arrivals, I still found it pretty impressive that the 360 was doing so well over a year after its release.

I also hear that Microsoft is actually expecting to make money on the units early '07 (rather than licensing fees).

All in all, I'm impressed with how well they've done getting into the market.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 13 2006,17:46

*Edit* Now with sourcey goodness

< Source >

Sales for Entire Month of November:

Console Sales (units)

* DS: 918k
* PS2: 664k
* Game Boy Advance: 661k
* Xbox 360: 511k
* Wii: 476k
* PSP: 412k
* PS3: 197k

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 13 2006,17:54

I really think XBox should have dropped the price $100, or maybe $50 and include a game for the holiday season. They've got production/inventory, why not move it?

Posted by Cakedaddy on Dec. 13 2006,19:54

They are probably holding out for the 'fail over' dollars. Can't get a Wii or a PS3, I guess we'll get the 360 so there's something under the tree. . .

Posted by Vince on Dec. 13 2006,20:01

(Cakedaddy @ Dec. 13 2006,21:54)

QUOTE

They are probably holding out for the 'fail over' dollars. Can't get a Wii or a PS3, I guess we'll get the 360 so there's something under the tree. . .

That's my guess. I'd be surprised if we don't see a modest drop after the season.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 28 2006,06:33

< Console Sales Year To Date >

XBox 360 - 7.74m
Wii - 3.19m
PS3 - 1.18m

Posted by Paul on Dec. 28 2006,08:30

< Sony makes the PS3s lock up on purpose. >

Also, they have a bridge to sell you.

Posted by WSGrundy on Jan. 05 2007,19:25

Updated versions of the 360 are on there way, not sure if that would make you hold off if you want one but the new one is set to include.

- HDMI connection
- 360 runs at a much cooler temp
- 120 to 160 GB HD
- fixes previous crashing issues

Posted by Vince on Jan. 05 2007,22:03

Friend of mine bought a PS3 before Christmas. Said it was just sitting on the shelf at the store.

Makes me wonder if the stories of the huge demand for these things may be a bit over blown.

Posted by TheCatt on Jan. 06 2007,05:25

Those stories ended in November/mid-December.

They are all over the place now. Bestbuy.com has had them in stock for 3 days straight. No one cares.

Posted by Paul on Jan. 08 2007,10:22

< NSFW >
PS3's get more action than the guys who buy them.

Posted by Cakedaddy on Jan. 12 2007,09:46

Circuit City has had the 20gb (at various stores in my area) and 30gb (on line) PS3 systems in stock for almost a week now. The Wii bundle which includes a bunch of games is still sold out.

Not quite what I expected to see.

Posted by Paul on Jan. 22 2007,13:15

I don't check out consoles at stores, but I got stuck at a Target on Sunday while my wife shopped, so I thought I'd see what was in stock.
The Wii shelf was bare while the PS3 shelf was 3/4 full.

Posted by Cakedaddy on Jan. 22 2007,13:32

I saw PS3s sitting in a Sam's Club, no Wiis.

Posted by TheCatt on Jan. 22 2007,13:52

We finally had 4-person tennis on the Wii.

We need a bigger living room.

And a new lamp.

Posted by Leisher on Jan. 23 2007,05:58

Read an article about the numbers of consoles sold versus the number of premiere games sold for each console.

The point of the article was to show that due to the low sales of games for the PS3, they believed many PS3s were bought simply for resale on eBay.

Sony needs to do something fast to turn the ship around or just abandon the project ala the Sega 32X.

Posted by TheCatt on Jan. 23 2007,06:25

2 years down the road, I think the PS3 will be fine. It's just an expensive machine without killer games, and with tech that's too advanced for a lot of peeps.

In 2 years, prices will drop, more people will have HD TVs, and there will be more and better games.

Posted by Leisher on Jan. 23 2007,07:27

I don't think it'll be fine at all.

Consoles fail all the time. Nintendo's Gamecube started off slow and people thought it'd take off once better games came out for it, but that didn't happen.

The problem is that the PS3 has nothing that sets it apart from the crowd outside of the Blu-Ray technology. Ironically, that Blu-Ray technology is the main reason why they won't be able to drop the price to a more competitive level.

All the biggest name games that are being released for the PS3 are coming out the same day for the 360 and/or the Wii.

The PS3 has the highest price, they've sold the least amount of units, developers hate it, they've lost their exclusive games, etc., etc., etc.

Unless you want Blu-Ray, why would anyone buy it?

Posted by Vince on Jan. 23 2007,16:17

And Blu-Ray's the new Beta... :;):

Posted by TheCatt on Jan. 26 2007,12:58

< Microsoft lowers XBox 360 forecasts >

Maybe the PC's winning... who knows.

QUOTE

Immediately following yesterday's earnings release, Microsoft revealed that it's cutting back its original Xbox 360 hardware shipment forecast for the fiscal year ending June 30 from a range of 13 to 15 million units to just 12 million.

Posted by WSGrundy on Jan. 27 2007,07:28

(TheCatt @ Jan. 23 2007,06:25)

QUOTE

I agree with catt. In the end I believe PS3 will be the worldwide leader, just not by the same margin it has been in the past.

I think the 360 will sell the most in the US with the PS3 2nd and the PS3 will sell the most in Japan with the 360 in 3rd. The difference in sales numbers between the PS3 and 360 in Japan will make up for the lower numbers in the US.

IMO

Posted by Vince on Jan. 27 2007,12:12

True, but the game market (not console) is driven by US sales. If the console is doing poorly in the US, then it isn't going to attract the game developers and that'll only hurt.

I think Sony's in trouble. Not "out of the market" trouble, but I think in another year they'll be far from where they were 3 years ago.

Posted by GORDON on Jan. 27 2007,13:06

(Vince @ Jan. 27 2007,15:12)

QUOTE

China's emerging middle class will change everything, possibly.

Posted by WSGrundy on Jan. 27 2007,14:18

(Vince @ Jan. 27 2007,12:12)

QUOTE

For the time being the biggest game developers are in Japan and I think they still look to make what the Japanese will like first and then hope it translates and sells well in the US.

As more and more US and Euro game makers enter the market the influence will shift to the US but right now I think Japan still calls the shots overall.

The Xbox is changing that though.

Posted by Vince on Jan. 28 2007,10:25

(GORDON @ Jan. 27 2007,15:06)

QUOTE

China's emerging middle class will change everything, possibly.

Possibly. If they can get a grip on their blackmarket problem.

Posted by Leisher on Jan. 31 2007,13:21

< More bad Sony press AND DirectX 10. >

Posted by Vince on Jan. 31 2007,20:01

I really think the PS3's in trouble.

Posted by Paul on Feb. 01 2007,10:12

So when is Halo 3 coming out, thereby driving the final nail into Sony's coffin?

Posted by WSGrundy on Feb. 03 2007,09:40

(Paul @ Feb. 01 2007,10:12)

QUOTE

So when is Halo 3 coming out, thereby driving the final nail into Sony's coffin?

The same day the PS3 gets released.

In other words no one has any real idea.

Posted by TheCatt on Feb. 03 2007,10:04

(WSGrundy @ Feb. 03 2007,12:40)

QUOTE

(Paul @ Feb. 01 2007,10:12)

QUOTE

So when is Halo 3 coming out, thereby driving the final nail into Sony's coffin?

The same day the PS3 gets released.

In other words no one has any real idea.

Huh?

Posted by WSGrundy on Feb. 03 2007,12:11

(TheCatt @ Feb. 03 2007,10:04)

QUOTE

(WSGrundy @ Feb. 03 2007,12:40)

QUOTE

(Paul @ Feb. 01 2007,10:12)

QUOTE

So when is Halo 3 coming out, thereby driving the final nail into Sony's coffin?

The same day the PS3 gets released.

In other words no one has any real idea.

Huh?

Halo 3 was a launch title for the 360 then it was promised the same day that the PS3 was going to be released. Since then the date has changed a couple more times so until the game goes gold any date you are given should be taken with a grain of salt.

Posted by Malcolm on Feb. 17 2007,13:14

I want Sony to wither up & die. They've gone insane.

Posted by TheCatt on Jul. 06 2007,04:54

Sony dropping their price to $500 for the expensive one. Still throwing in 5 Blu-Rays with purchase.

Somehow, still dont care.

Posted by Leisher on Jul. 06 2007,05:45

Meanwhile, Microsoft is going to spend 1.2 billion to fix all the faulty 360s out there.

Posted by Malcolm on Jul. 06 2007,06:18

Staying a couple years behind this curve works famously so long as I've got an abundant supply of nerd associates who stay up to date for me. Probably will end up getting a 360 someday, but sure as fuck not before the end of the year.

Posted by GORDON on Jul. 06 2007,11:12

(Malcolm @ Jul. 06 2007,09:18)

QUOTE

If any of y'all have a PS2 or 360 you'd like to sell, hit me up.

Posted by TheCatt on Jul. 10 2007,05:06

Posted by Leisher on Jul. 14 2007,00:46

Sony lowers PS3 by $100.

< Psych! >

Posted by GORDON on Jul. 14 2007,09:43

Wow. They must seriously be hurting by the PS3.

Posted by Leisher on Oct. 18 2007,11:06

< PS3 price drops again. >

Think Sony will finally admit the $600 price tag was a bit too much and too arrogant about their position in the market?

P.S. It's STILL more expensive than the 360 and the Wii.

Posted by Malcolm on Oct. 25 2007,22:25

Waiting till after Christmas to start shoppin' 'round for three siddies.

Posted by WSGrundy on Oct. 26 2007,09:40

(Malcolm @ Oct. 25 2007,22:25)

QUOTE

Waiting till after Christmas to start shoppin' 'round for three siddies.

If you are waiting that long then you may want to wait a little longer for the improved 360s that will be coming out in Aug.

Will run cooler, quieter, use less power, and fix the ring of death issues according to non MS tech analysts.

Posted by Malcolm on Oct. 26 2007,10:14

Ring of Death? Dare I even ask?

Posted by Paul on Oct. 26 2007,10:28

(Malcolm @ Oct. 26 2007,10:14)

QUOTE

Ring of Death? Dare I even ask?

< The Red Ring of Death >

It's why MS extended their warranties.

Posted by WSGrundy on Oct. 26 2007,10:32

(Paul @ Oct. 26 2007,10:28)

QUOTE

It's why MS extended their warranties.

Everyone now gets 3 years now matter when they bought it. 3 years from the day a purchase. So if you buy one now you are probably pretty safe.

For me since I have so many PS2, GC, PC, DS, Xbox games left to play I figure I will just wait till the better systems are released and they are cheaper with better games.

Posted by Malcolm on Oct. 26 2007,10:46

General hardware failure? Quite the ominous message.

Posted by WSGrundy on Oct. 26 2007,10:53

The general consensus was overheating and the new heat sinks that all new 360s SHOULD have not just the HDMI ones have taken care of the biggest problem but there were are few other issues that the new motherboard and CPU will take care of.

Posted by TheCatt on Dec. 05 2007,13:25

< Wiiiii!!!! (NWS) >

Posted by GORDON on Dec. 05 2007,16:43

Damn, those are some boobies.

Posted by Paul on Feb. 22 2008,07:51

< I thought this was cute. >

Posted by TheCatt on Feb. 22 2008,09:01

(Paul @ Feb. 22 2008,10:51)

QUOTE

< I thought this was cute. >

Awesome.