Nintendo vs MS & Sony... Business wise ...

[Twisted Dave]

Microsoft launched Xbox360 in November 2005.
Nintendo launched Wii in November 2006.
Sony launched PS3 in November 2006.

Worldwide sales figures as of this month:

Microsoft has sold 8.4 Million Xbox360's since launch.
Nintendo has sold 4 Million Wii's since launch.
Sony has sold 1.4 Million PS3's since launch.


Sony's excuse is lack of systems... Nintendo also had less systems than were needed. But they didn't use the excuse.

Microsoft is clearly winning the sales battle ... but with one year headstart... it's expected. What they wouldn't have expected tho, is the huge number of systems sold by nintendo in a fraction of the time. In little over a month and a half, Nintendo has sold almost half the number of Wii's as 360's. Predictions now are that by Christmas 2007, Nintendo will have eclipsed the competition and be sitting quite comfortably in the Number 1 slot.

Sony has still outsold the PS2's original sales figures for the same period. But even so, they've fallen badly into the third place slot. Not a good place for them to be in.

I'm not saying this as some kind of fanboy. I'm saying this because when Nintendo first announced the new system would have an innovation, and not be a power monster.... I knew they'd have something up their sleeve.

When they announced the Wii's control method, I told everyone that I knew in the games industry (I was working full time in the industry at that point, for Electronic Arts), that Nintendo would blow the competition away. Basically it's happened. And I'm glad. Because too many people now, think Nintendo are a gimmick. What they fail to remember is that Nintendo destroyed every single company in it's path back in the 80's and early 90's. The NES was the most successful 8bit console of the time, the Super Nintendo was the most successful console of it's time. The Nintendo Gameboy is THE most successfull console of any type in the history of games consoles. The Nintendo DS, which Sony's head of games division said was a novelty that wouldn't catch on, has sold 35 Million units since launch. It's not been out that long.

Anyways ... I'm quite happy with this. Powerful consoles don't equal better games etc. And I hope to God people are finally starting to realise that.

[Scott McD]

The Gamecube sucked though... ;-)

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by Scott McD

The Gamecube sucked though... ;-)

But actually, it was views like that, that made it sell badly ... the Gamecube was host to some of the worlds best games ....

Metroid Prime
Zelda
Mario Kart
etc

What killed the Gamecube was lack of third party support (brought on by bad business by Nintendo) and narrow minded views such as "Nintendo is for kids" ... which is clearly untrue... Nintendo scored an exclusive deal with Resident Evil on the Gamecube. Hardly a childrens game.

[wyldworx]

too much reading, but my veiw on this is that ms is the market, nintendo and sony have different focal points when it comes to what it specializes in. The politics are applied to act as a catalyst to the whole thing working in the first place. Thanks for the topic

[BiggleJones]

I totally agree with you, Twisted. I haven't really played video games for about 3 years now (I work too much and don't have the time), nor did I care about any of the new systems when they were first announced. But once I played Wii at a stand in the mall, I started wanting it more and more. And not for games like Metroid or Zelda or other time-intensive ones, but just for Wii Sports (and any other golf and boxing games that are to come in future).

I think a lot of people are in the same boat as me. I mean better graphics and faster systems are great and all, but I do think Nintendo will continue to tap into the markets of non-gamers and parents who want their kids to have some kind of physical activity. Only time will tell, I guess

Originally Posted by twisted Illustration

Worldwide sales figures as of this month:

Microsoft has sold 8.4 Million Xbox360's since launch.
Nintendo has sold 4 Million Wii's since launch.
Sony has sold 1.4 Million PS3's since launch.

Pretty sure Microsoft just announced they sold through 10.4 million worldwide, not 8.4 million.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by evildick

Pretty sure Microsoft just announced they sold through 10.4 million worldwide, not 8.4 million.

According to VGCharts Microsoft has sold around 8.4 Million. Don't listen to MS ... The figure's they're throwing will be 'shipped' units ... not sold.

But regardless... my point still stands pretty strong

[BusterBunny]

the wii is ghey........

[flashfire]

wii also costs $250 where the others are $499 and $650 (in canada) Best games are on the 360...wii will never have an epic game like gears of war but will sell well because of the price and novelty. People are too stupid to realize they are getting last gen hardware with a cool controller. Cheap stereos from walmart outsell high end systems....are they better?

[Doctor Dre]

Originally Posted by flashfire

wii also costs $250 where the others are $499 and $650 (in canada) Best games are on the 360...wii will never have an epic game like gears of war but will sell well because of the price and novelty. People are too stupid to realize they are getting last gen hardware with a cool controller. Cheap stereos from walmart outsell high end systems....are they better?

Depends what kind of gaming you like. I know I'd like WIIs better.

[BiggleJones]

Originally Posted by flashfire

wii also costs $250 where the others are $499 and $650 (in canada) Best games are on the 360...wii will never have an epic game like gears of war but will sell well because of the price and novelty. People are too stupid to realize they are getting last gen hardware with a cool controller. Cheap stereos from walmart outsell high end systems....are they better?

Actually I'm too stupid to realize Wii's level of technology. But I'm not an uber-gamer nerd and I dont care if the other 2 kill the Will with Stats.

I've played all 3 and I want a Wii the most. Please continue to tell me how my opinion is wrong...please

[needlive]

I think Nintendo should open for the more-adult-games like Gears Of War, to mainly increase their sales...what do you think?

Just mentioning it because I've read a lot of times that Nintendo's for kids as well as consoles, as well as I've heard about Zelda, Mario etc. so far...and not much of PC-style games

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by needlive

I think Nintendo should open for the more-adult-games like Gears Of War, to mainly increase their sales...what do you think?

Just mentioning it because I've read a lot of times that Nintendo's for kids as well as consoles, as well as I've heard about Zelda, Mario etc. so far...and not much of PC-style games

They will have games like that ... But PC games are PC games. Honestly, if you do a bit more research you'll know that more adult games are in the pipeline. It's not Nintendo that decide what games everyone makes.

[RealityWife]

The Nitendo is half the price and there are way more poor people in this country than there are rich people. Nitendo would have to unload a shit load more units to make the same dollar amount as the more expensive systems.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by RealityWife

The Nitendo is half the price and there are way more poor people in this country than there are rich people. Nitendo would have to unload a shit load more units to make the same dollar amount as the more expensive systems.

Absolutely untrue.

The Nintendo system is the only system of the three that makes profit.

Sony are losing on every system. And so is Microsoft.

So actually, your statement is the wrong way round!

[dynastoned]

nintendo sold so many because it was cheap, new console, and perfect timing for parents to buy there kids something for x-mas. sony is playing slow and like an investment. they know there product is good and over time they will make the $$ nintendo did. plus sony has all the badass games. nintendo only has fucking mario tennis.

[anne]

The wii is going to change the gaming industry. Just wait soon sony and microsoft will be comming out with a controler and games that make you get up and move. I say amen man its about time that people get off the counch while playing games. Very innovative on nintendos part.

[dynastoned]

Originally Posted by anne

The wii is going to change the gaming industry. Just wait soon sony and microsoft will be comming out with a controler and games that make you get up and move. I say amen man its about time that people get off the counch while playing games. Very innovative on nintendos part.

That is very true.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by dynastoned

nintendo sold so many because it was cheap, new console, and perfect timing for parents to buy there kids something for x-mas. sony is playing slow and like an investment. they know there product is good and over time they will make the $$ nintendo did. plus sony has all the badass games. nintendo only has fucking mario tennis.

And just when I thought views couldn't get any more narrow minded ;)

[HomeFry]

Originally Posted by twisted Illustration

But actually, it was views like that, that made it sell badly ... the Gamecube was host to some of the worlds best games ....

Metroid Prime
Zelda
Mario Kart
etc

What killed the Gamecube was lack of third party support (brought on by bad business by Nintendo) and narrow minded views such as "Nintendo is for kids" ... which is clearly untrue... Nintendo scored an exclusive deal with Resident Evil on the Gamecube. Hardly a childrens game.

Um, no. You're not correct.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by HomeFry

Um, no. You're not correct.

Um, yes I am.

Go away fool. It must surely be past your bed time now ... About time for your evening spank from your mum.

[dynastoned]

Originally Posted by twisted Illustration

And just when I thought views couldn't get any more narrow minded ;)

I may be a bit bias but not narrow minded. I prefer to play games like GTA, not kiddy games like mario cart. Wii is a cool system and in my opinion it's been there first cool system since the NES. but id still rather own a sony because i like the controllers and i like the games for that particular console.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by dynastoned

I may be a bit bias but not narrow minded. I prefer to play games like GTA, not kiddy games like mario cart. Wii is a cool system and in my opinion it's been there first cool system since the NES. but id still rather own a sony because i like the controllers and i like the games for that particular console.

You like the Playstation controller... yet you didn't like the SNES... which the Sony Controllers are 90% based on (ed: ripped off from).

Mario Kart isn't a kiddy game. Please go buy a copy and have a go. It's ageless. There's the difference. Your view, you claim, is bias but not narrow minded. Yet by saying the games are kiddy games, when millions of adults play the games IS narrow minded. Seriously, go and play some of them games. You're very wrong. I'm not slagging you off either, I just want you to appreciate quality.

[dynastoned]

Originally Posted by twisted Illustration

You like the Playstation controller... yet you didn't like the SNES... which the Sony Controllers are 90% based on (ed: ripped off from).

Mario Kart isn't a kiddy game. Please go buy a copy and have a go. It's ageless. There's the difference. Your view, you claim, is bias but not narrow minded. Yet by saying the games are kiddy games, when millions of adults play the games IS narrow minded. Seriously, go and play some of them games. You're very wrong. I'm not slagging you off either, I just want you to appreciate quality.

Man I am not going to turn this into a pissing match. I said the Wii was the first good Nintendo system since the NES and now that I think of it the N64. I never said I didn't like the NES infact I was insinuating that I did like it. Also by saying they are Kiddy games I mean PG13 games which most I am not interested in unless it is Madden or Tiger Woods.

Since Nintendo does not have games like GTA. I will not buy any of there consoles. Because those are the type of games I prefer to play.

[edgeprod]

Originally Posted by Scott McD

The Gamecube sucked though... ;-)

My girlfriend is in the other room right now, playing Gamecube games on my Wii.

[Slick]

I actually own all 3 new systems and the 360 is currently the best system of the 3. The Playstation 3 is a kick ass system, it just needs some time to get some original games out for it.

As far as the Wii goes, it is a very innovative system with it's controllers. Like someone else stated though, it is like a generation behind the others as far as graphics go. The system isn't even high-def and on my 40-inch LCD tv, using component cables, it looks like shit compared to the others.

The Wii IS a fun system to play though, the Wii sports, for as basic as it is, is one hell of a fun game when you have a few people over. It's also nice for downloading old games. I know that everyone will tell me that I can get an emulator and play them for free on my computer, but it's not the same as sitting in front of your tv, playing them on a console. Heck, I've been hooked on Ice Hockey for the NES, ha ha ha.

[vvq]

wii is the best. but until they got badass games like gears of war there will always be a portion of the market they just won't capture. they still have that "for kids" image. xbox360 looks to be moving up as the choice system for "mature gamers." Sony fucked themselves. Both the PSP and PS3 appear to be flops in my opinion.

[BlueWire]

Nintendo will ALWAYS be more geared at a younger crowd. Are a lot of the popular titles "kiddy"? .....YES.....Are they timeless games that while kiddy in nature appeal to all ages?..... YES


Sony really did a shitty job....They came out with a system the public perceives as equal to XBOX 360 at best and a year late....

Nintendo did a great job with an innovative new idea that will work well for many of the type of games that are the foundation of their systems.

XBOX 360 put out a great system with more importantly a great lineup. My guess would be that 360 wins the new battle; wii comes in 2nd place but solidifies Nintendo as being "back" in the next gen console market. And Sony has some serious questions to answer to themselves as their cocky attitude may have finally caught up with them

[aico]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of each console. If one is twice as much as another, they only have to sell 1/2 as many, business is about making a profit.

[candyflip]

Originally Posted by aico

Don't forget to factor in the cost of each console. If one is twice as much as another, they only have to sell 1/2 as many, business is about making a profit.

The consoles are not money makers. In most cases, the companies lose money on them. It's all made up in licensing and sales of games.

Another something to consider is the online arena each have brought to the game. Microsoft is clearly the front runner here. Their Live system is the set up to beat. People are willing to pay for the online features, they're willing to pay for old arcade games, hd movie rentals, tv shows and more. Nintendo is focusing on the games, while the other two are trying to do something completly different. They want to own your entertainment center. Microsoft seems to be delivering, Sony seems to be letting down as usual.

Anyone know where I can buy a Wii? Still had 30+ PS3s at Best Buy tonight.

[Jay_StandAhead]

Originally Posted by aico

Don't forget to factor in the cost of each console. If one is twice as much as another, they only have to sell 1/2 as many, business is about making a profit.

Sony sells 1 million PS3, they make: -$300,000,000 USD
Nintendo sells 2 million Wiis, they make: $100,000,000 USD

Nintendo is clearly winning the profitability war, and it's all that matters in the end. Add to that the fact that Nintendo is the best selling publisher in the world, and you'll see Nintendo can't lose this generation.

[Twisted Dave]

Originally Posted by dynastoned

Man I am not going to turn this into a pissing match. I said the Wii was the first good Nintendo system since the NES and now that I think of it the N64. I never said I didn't like the NES infact I was insinuating that I did like it. Also by saying they are Kiddy games I mean PG13 games which most I am not interested in unless it is Madden or Tiger Woods.

Since Nintendo does not have games like GTA. I will not buy any of there consoles. Because those are the type of games I prefer to play.

WOAH Nelly!

For starters ... read what I said ... I said "I'm not slagging you"...

AND .... You said about me saying you didn't like the NES?? Wtf? I never said that. I said the SNES! Super Nintendo.

Re-read my post. You must have skimmed through WAY to quick because you didn't read a word I said!

Now go out and get a Wii...

Oh, btw, the reason GTA isn't on Nintendo consoles, is because Sony held the exclusive licence.... That was business, nothing to do with the 'type' of console....

Adult games ... M rated or whatever .... check this quote out ... From Reggis Fils-Aime, Nintendo bloke....

"The fact is, there will be M-rated content on the Wii console...EA has already announced that they're bringing The Godfather to our console. And we want every single best-selling game to be available on Wii. Whatever that content is."

So, just at least wait and see yea?! :D

[DefaultMan]

Reading these posts and following the video game industry in general I love how passionate people are about their systems but I want to remind everyone that a monopoly would be terrible for the market. I love Sony but the last thing I want is for XBox to fail, if anything I want it to flourish because it would force Sony and their developers to be more innovative. Just something to think about.

[Triple 6]

Originally Posted by DefaultMan

Reading these posts and following the video game industry in general I love how passionate people are about their systems but I want to remind everyone that a monopoly would be terrible for the market. I love Sony but the last thing I want is for XBox to fail, if anything I want it to flourish because it would force Sony and their developers to be more innovative. Just something to think about.

Uh...

You dislike monopolies, yet want the MICROSOFT 360, to 'flourish'?

Thats comedy to say the least ;)

[flashfire]

I dont care who wins what, sunfire sells better than the corvette or the hummer but what do you want to drive?

[aico]

Originally Posted by Jay[neX]

Sony sells 1 million PS3, they make: -$300,000,000 USD
Nintendo sells 2 million Wiis, they make: $100,000,000 USD

Nintendo is clearly winning the profitability war, and it's all that matters in the end. Add to that the fact that Nintendo is the best selling publisher in the world, and you'll see Nintendo can't lose this generation.

LMAO so what you are saying here is that Sony loses 30 Million dollars on every unit they sell? Wow I feel I am getting such a great deal for only $650.

Oh and let's not forget those 50 Million dollar Wii's.

[Enema]

^^ Mate, something is wrong with your head.

[needlive]

Microsoft is ahead in this race but I wouldn't bury Sony...the amazing success they've had with earlier PlayStations advances that PS3 will be up there one day...and nice to see that there is race, in the end the games are the most important...?

[Nubiles]

Genesis does what Nintendont

[Jay_StandAhead]

Originally Posted by aico

LMAO so what you are saying here is that Sony loses 30 Million dollars on every unit they sell? Wow I feel I am getting such a great deal for only $650.

Oh and let's not forget those 50 Million dollar Wii's.

let's see... Sony loses a reported $300/unit. So 1 million PS3, times $300 = 300 millions

Nintendo makes around $50 profit on a wii, so 2 million wiis, times $50 = 100 millions

unless I failed first grade, I'd say these numbers are correct.

[Matt 26z]

In the end Microsoft always wins. Always.

Three years from now Zune will be shitting all over iPod.

[notabook]

Originally Posted by twisted Illustration

Absolutely untrue.

The Nintendo system is the only system of the three that makes profit.

Sony are losing on every system. And so is Microsoft.

So actually, your statement is the wrong way round!

Just a bit of a correction, Microsoft is now making money on every console sold but they did take a hit for a while. PS3 will take a hit for a *long* time, don't see them making money on consoles sold for at least a year and a half.

[Jay_StandAhead]

Originally Posted by notabook

Just a bit of a correction, Microsoft is now making money on every console sold but they did take a hit for a while. PS3 will take a hit for a *long* time, don't see them making money on consoles sold for at least a year and a half.

What's your source for Microsoft making a profit on consoles now?

[Paraskass]

I got bored with my Wii after 3 weeks. So I bought a 360.

[notabook]

Originally Posted by Jay[neX]

What's your source for Microsoft making a profit on consoles now?

Mainly from iSuppli, they did a lot of the ‘initial’ figuring. The ‘original’ 360 premium cost around $550 to make (this was back in nov. 2k5). It was around $520 or so for parts and after manufacturing costs, price went up to about $550 per unit. The two highest cost items were the cpu itself ($105 or so) and the graphics processor ($140 or so). After a year (say nov. 2k6) MS had gotten the price down to roughly $323 for the premium, so they started to make money on each console sold. Sometime this year (either late Q1 2k7 or Q2 2k7) the die-shrink will save Microsoft even more money (20% or more). Dunno if that will equate to a price drop but I'm betting it will.

[aico]

Originally Posted by Jay[neX]

let's see... Sony loses a reported $300/unit. So 1 million PS3, times $300 = 300 millions

Nintendo makes around $50 profit on a wii, so 2 million wiis, times $50 = 100 millions

unless I failed first grade, I'd say these numbers are correct.

I didn't have my coffee yet.