What Sony, Microsoft must do to win in North America

by Conrad Quilty-Harper { Feb 24th 2006 at 6:30PM }

From the same Forrester report we've been blogging about for the past few hours comes an analysis of the next-generation console war and what Microsoft and Sony need to do to win the battle for North America. Differing from the Japanese and European markets, North America is looking like a relatively even playing field. It's here that the battle between the next-generation consoles will be the most obvious.

If Microsoft wants to topple the PlayStation's dominance in America it's got to do a couple of things. Firstly, the company has to capitalize on the early success of the Xbox Live Marketplace by allowing more Internet delivery of content. In other words, Microsoft needs to prepare to bust open its Trojan horse and enable full game downloads via Xbox Live. Downloadable movies, MP3s and similar content couldn't hurt either. Secondly, Microsoft needs to push its Media Center Edition connectivity feature to the forefront of the home entertainment niche. Vista's built in Media Center functionality should help Microsoft in this respect.

If Sony wants to hold onto its crown and deflect the Xbox 360 it needs to make its own products and departments work more effectively together (we'd say the same thing for their PR teams). With the Sony PSP, PlayStation 3 and Sony Ericsson cellphones, Sony has the opportunity to increase multi-platform sales by allowing games to persist across its platforms. The report offers the example of seamlessly transferring a customized Killzone squad from the PlayStation 3 onto your PSP. This standardized networking has great potential in strengthening game franchises. That means Sony has to kick its habit of creating pointless media formats (ie stop with the proprietary formats already!).

More from the Forrester report:
PC market healthy, shows signs of growth
Consumer attitudes to gaming are slumping
Sony's PlayStation brand strongest in the industry

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

john @ Feb 24th 2006 6:38PM

I think we're coming up to Nintendo's turn at leading the market, even if its by a small margin.

bv @ Feb 24th 2006 6:40PM

For any of the consoles to "win", the average everyday consumer needs to interested in purchasing them. Xbox Live is a little to "hardcore" i would say for the average person. These are game consoles first and foremost. The major reason someone will want to purchase one of these units is to play games. The reason someone will choose a "next gen" system over a "current gen" system tends to be the only visible factor that will differentiate the two: the graphics. Xbox 360 has fallen short in this department with its current launch titles. The graphics are underwhelming compared to current gen titles like resident evil 4 or god of war. Hence, i think the majority of consumers will wait for the Playstation 3 to see what the quality of graphics will be like. The only reason the 360 is selling now is because its the only "new" item out there and the hype is high. Playstation 3 showed alot of beautiful screens at E3 and i think thats what consumers expect come the PS3 lauch. Although saying that graphics sell the system seems like im skimming the surface here, its the truth and its the reality of why game systems evolve, to provide better graphics plain and simple.

SargeMonkey @ Feb 24th 2006 6:48PM

All they really need to do is not suck. Release a good solid console, with a variaty of games, of high caliber. And avoid the kiddy, gimicky crap. Microsoft already messed up, 360 power supply is ill desinged. Amoung things. Big N has yet to show much, but they have one hell of a gimmick, or in other words a light gun. Sony has done little. They basicaly improved the PS2 exept the controller is a little weird. but looks very erganomic.

In my opinion, the PS3 seems to be the top dog agian, the 360 seems more like XB 1.5 and the revolution seems... not so revolutionary. I don't know wether the Revo will be on top, the PS3 or 360 but it looks like a repaet of last gen.

Jago @ Feb 24th 2006 6:57PM

"And avoid the kiddy, gimicky crap."

"Big N has yet to show much, but they have one hell of a gimmick, or in other words a light gun. "

Can we say uninformed bias? The Revolution controller is more then just a point and shoot controller. But then again you would know that if you had actually read the details and current information about it.

Funny how you seem to jump on the Sony bandwagon and say that they might win again yet both Nintendo and Sony have showed no real solid concrete info on their games or systems.

Man with the Dogs @ Feb 24th 2006 6:59PM

Yeah Xbox live isn't going to shift those 360's, I bet 90% of gamers don't even have a high speed internet connection.It's mainly an adult console just like Microsoft wanted it to be ?.The PS3 better be $400.00 or less or i can see Nintendo walking this war with little effort.

untitled @ Feb 24th 2006 7:09PM

This is not going to get pretty...

Gillean @ Feb 24th 2006 7:15PM

where is the nintendo love? I still think Nintendo can capture a good enough audience to be successful. Microsoft sounds like they are trying to create an audience to sell to. So far they haven't captured me. =P

Captain Obvious @ Feb 24th 2006 7:20PM

Well, I agree with all the hype from MS about the Marketplace. It didn't seem like that great of an idea --- until I got my 360 and started looking around. Two words - paradigm shift. It's coming. GW:RE is an amazing little game. Every game I've downloaded, I've thought "It's just a few bucks, why not" and there goes the money flowing out of my wallet. It's brilliant, so brilliant, that the money will keep flowing to them. Add the fact that a lot of indie developers will get to publish their games on XBL that otherwise wouldn't get published because of the structure of traditional marketing and retailing. GAMERS win. The future is in downloading, and if N and Sony don't realize it, I can't see how they can compete. Sure, it might take an hour to d/l a game, but watch some tivo while the xbox is doing it. I can't stop singing the praises of the marketplace; once you try it, you'll see it, too.

Ryan @ Feb 24th 2006 7:22PM

This is really funny to me, because no-one (for whatever reason) factors Nintendo into this competition. Many people will disagree with what I'm about to say -- I'm prepared for that, being this is a video-game blog -- but in the "next-gen" race, the house of Mario is showing the most potential. Look at the current news: declining interest among consumers, a declination in market, as a whole... these things (and all they imply) are what Nintendo has been shouting from the rooftops since GDC of 2005. Like it or not, the entire industry is about to feel Revolution's influence/impact on what a "game" really is, and what it truly can be.

BTW, I'm no fanboy, nor do I care if I'm accused of being such. The fact of the matter is that I'll be at all three press conferences this year at E3, where the real magic will take place (and I'm not talking about Sony or MS's showing).

kev @ Feb 24th 2006 7:23PM

for sony to stay on top, they need to sell the PS3 before 2007, which shouldn't be too hard of a goal

dan s. @ Feb 24th 2006 7:24PM

The people who can afford a 400 dollar plus system most likely have high speed internet.

It's ridiculous to speculate like this when there's little info about 2 of the 3 systems.

And I think people will be surprised by the downloading stuff idea. You don't have to go anywhere, you get what you want right away, and you don't really realize how much money you're spending. Look at the itunes store.

Man with the Dogs @ Feb 24th 2006 7:49PM

I think you're wrong .Just because someone can afford a $400.00 console does not mean they want to fork out $50.00 a month for High Speed internet and pay for Xbox live on top of that.Most gamers just want a game console the online thing has been blown out of proportion and exaggerated.The state of the economy means that only people with a disposable income can enjoy online gaming .Last time i looked the economy of the USA was Fuct.You can't win a console war with only 10% of gamers online.It's simple maths.You may have a lot of money and friends with a disposable income that removes you from the rest of us and maybe you don't get to see how millions of ordinary Americans live.

Jago @ Feb 24th 2006 7:54PM

Actually (depending on where you live) high speed internet (ie DSL) can run you around $25-30 a month which isn't that bad considering there are STILL people paying $15-20 for dial-up.

"Last time i looked the economy of the USA was Fuct."

You must not have looked for a while b/c unemployment is below 5%, the stock market is doing very well the recovery from the impact of 9/11 was rather fast.

Pretty Obvious @ Feb 24th 2006 8:02PM

Broadband penetration has gone up in the US contrary to how fuct you think our economy is. I think Micorosft knows this, and that is why they invested so much into Xbox Live and why Sony is trying to catch up to them.

When all three consoles are launched then we will start to have a good idea on who played their cards right.

I automatically rule Nintendo out of the question because controllers do not make a system next-gen. After all, whats stopping Microsoft or Sony from releasing a controller later on for the PS3 or 360 that can do what the Revolution can?

mcloki @ Feb 24th 2006 8:05PM

The online gaming thing is way overblown. It makes news because it makes money. How good are Microsofts retention rates going to be when the free XBL time is up? Big N has a chance except the math doesn't work. $250 for a Rev plus $800 fro a BlueRay player vs $500 for an PS3. But they will be the second console in the market.
Sony can still kill themselves. They've been shooting themselves in the foot for the last two years. Rootkit.MP3, others But they can comeback. Look at LCD's.
It should be an interesting E3. That's when the gloves will be off. If Sony enters late to market then they could be dead. Not because their system is bad it because people will have no money left.

Jago @ Feb 24th 2006 8:16PM

It's Pretty Obvious you have no idea what you are talking about b/c you have had no experience with either the PS3 or the Revolution. The ONLY reason you favor the PS3 is b/c you have seen some of the "pretty pictures" it can produce. If that is all you care about then...well...have fun playing the same old games where nothing changes.

"I automatically rule Nintendo out of the question because controllers do not make a system next-gen."

That's nice but it is still considered next gen b/c it is the next generation of gaming. In the case of the 360 and PS3, they consider to be super powerful hardware while Nintendo sees it a different way and A LOT of people are taking notice...whether you like it or not.

Tony B @ Feb 24th 2006 8:22PM

You have to remember a lot of people who post on here are single guys with a disposable income .A lot of people are out of touch with the Middle and lower class of people and have no idea how little money people have to live on.I have not seen any DSl for less than $40.00 a month in my area and that's for the low bandwidth .Sure you can pay $29.99 but it's only for a few month then it jumps back to at least $40.00 a month.Most Dial up is now $9.99 but if you're rich then you wouldn't know that because you went on DSl years ago.Economy means nothing if you are lower down the ladder.

bounch @ Feb 24th 2006 8:27PM

"its the truth and its the reality of why game systems evolve, to provide better graphics plain and simple."

I disagree. This may be the case for some people, but I believe game systems evolve, like nintendo is showing with its new revolution console, to give people new experiences through the hardware they provide. (a la a new method of control)

"The online gaming thing is way overblown. "

I also disagree with this statement. Online gaming is the future and it has not yet reached full form. Notice how nintendo is going online for the first time with its console? See how PS3 is now (rumored) having a big infastructure thing like XBOX live?

Online is getting big because it is a hell of alot more fun than most singleplayer experiences.

I'll use for example, my most recent game, Fight Night Round 3.

Typically, I would not pick this up. The career mode is eh at best and computer controlled opponents are mediocre at best in terms of ai and fun playing them.

Sure, you could argue to play other people. but sometimes it's not enough playing the same person over and over... Not everyone has 50 people over their house constantly willing to play games, this is where online comes in and rocks the house. Especially games like MMOs, or multiplayer games requiring more than 4 people. Theres a reason the MMO market is doing so well (assumption lol)even though there is generally a cost per month, and to negate that last fact, look at the success of Guild wars.

online is fun.

Jay @ Feb 24th 2006 8:34PM

"I automatically rule Nintendo out of the question because controllers do not make a system next-gen."

Would you be saying the same if Nintendo had invented mind control in games? with a band you put around your neck or whatever. Course not. the gap, the bridge between players and the system is not important at all!

I like how people are trying to downplay the huge ace up Nintendo's sleeve. It's amusing. It's very very amusing.

bv @ Feb 24th 2006 8:41PM

bounch,
If your statements are true than why would Sony and Microsoft invest in such new and current hardware like Sony's cell or Microsoft's triple core? Surely you dont need that kind of power to play online right? Even the revolution has this fabled hollywood processor in its new system. The upgrades in hardware alone show that these systems are being marketed as visual powerhouses, not online hubs (although thats a plus).

Ombre @ Feb 24th 2006 8:41PM

I'm curious. What exactly defines a "next-gen console"? Graphics? What it can do? Power? I see a next-gen console as simply the next line of consoles, in which all 3 are. Nintendo's said that they're entering a "new generation" lead by the Revolution controller. I can agree with them, since we were lead into a new-gen with analog control and full 3D camera. That's the generation we're in right now. The Rev controller will take us into the next "new-gen" if it gets off the ground - which it seems like it will.

And as it's been said many times before, Nintendo's in a different boat from Sony and Microsoft, but still in the same "battle". Sony's and Microsoft's approach to the next generation is simply to pack more multimedia functions into a piece of plastic, rather than working on how to change the experience that games cause, as well as to perfect it. We're not close to perfection as far how the player experiences the game, but we'll eventually get there - provided the industry survives long enough. The games industry can't ride for too long on better, shinier graphics. Other upgrades need to be made.

The gaming experience involves sight, touch, and hearing. Smell and taste aren't involved, but perhaps not yet. To get the perfect experience, all senses must be used. But for now, it's just audio, visuals, and feeling. Visuals (graphics) will eventually get to photo-realism, leading to the end of the "graphics war". Audio too, though that depends on one's sound system. The only feeling we get from playing games now is simply pressing buttons and getting a rumble every now and then. That's one step to get immersed into the game, and now we need to take another step, which is exactly what Nintendo is doing.

The name "Revolution" is only fitting in the fact that it's abrupting the existant "graphics war" - who can make better-looking graphics on their console and games than the competition. Obviously that's what Sony and Microsoft's aiming for. And the Revolution aspect is also why Nintendo is getting too big on power or graphics, though they'll still provide good visuals since that helps with the experience.

If people accept this idea of thinking, I'm sure Nintendo will pull themselves out of the consoles slump they were in this generation. Next-gen starts when all consoles are out. New-gen starts when major things are changed or added.

Jago @ Feb 24th 2006 8:46PM

"Online is getting big because it is a hell of alot more fun than most singleplayer experiences."

That isn't 100% the case...sometimes developers will rely on online multiplayer as the saving grace. Some of them can't make a GOOD single player experience so they hope that people will play their game online instead. This isn't always the case but take a took at game reviews where they say "oh the single player is lacking but the multiplayer is just fantastic!"

I've been noticing more and more comments like that lately all over the place.

John @ Feb 24th 2006 9:02PM

I bet they will unleash full blown downloads of movies mp3's and games when vista goes live in November, (exactly one year from launch, remember the original live launched one year from launch)...With these features, I think Sony is up against a formidable opponent. Remember, software makes the system, and Microsoft is the only software company in the arena.

GrumblyStuff @ Feb 24th 2006 9:04PM

The problem with the full game downloads is that it basically force Microsoft to admit their system is $400. I'm sure they'd love to go that route anyway. When you buy a new game now, you just take your old ones, pop them in their cases, and insert the new. Oh, what fun it will be to buy a new hard drive everytime the old one gets full because MS sure as hell won't buy the game back and good fucking luck trying to sell the one you bought.

As for the PS3 strat, I don't know what the hell the article is talking about. All they need to do is get the system finalized and get third-party devs documents on how to effectively ultize the Cell. They already got the name brand. What gaming is today (Is that a Playstation?) is what Nintendo used to have (Are you playing Nintendo?).

Kris @ Feb 24th 2006 9:47PM

I dont know if anyone here knows this or not but Nintendo's "Revolution" (the idea, not the system) is not the controller thats just a cool new feature (btw they will have a normal controller for other games and those who cant handle the revmote, not to mention attachments, Shotgun anyone) anyway the revmote isn't the big revolution that Nintendo is talking about they have yet to reveal there biggest secret yet which will be unvailed at E3... check this out: http://digg.com/gaming/Nintendo_s_Final_Secret

Murc @ Feb 24th 2006 11:36PM

Over half of the US has a broadband connection, and that number is higher in other countries...So thats no longer an issue...In fact, I dont no one person anymore with dial-up.

As for the full-game downloading...I dont see it happening for awhile...until they release a much larger HDD, since with the current HDD you could only fit like 3 games on it.
From early on pics MS showed some concept pics of a 40 and 80gb hard drive...and it you have an 80 then you can certianly DL games with that much space...however, I wouldn't be suprised...just by the fact how big and cheap HDD's are getting if they release a 160 or something, just to capitalize on the DL game feature.

Personally...I am going to buy a 360, I'm just waiting for someone to hack it which will let me use it as a PVR...since I dont have a vcr, and I dont want to pay monthly for tivo. ;-)

Dirk Dorkelson @ Feb 25th 2006 12:16AM

A lot of people seem not to understand how Xbox Live works. To join Xbox Live and go online is totally free. You only have to join if you want to play games against other people. But if you want to download demos, you pay nothing. If you want to buy games from the marketplace, you pay only for the game, not the $50 a year Xbox Live Gold fee.

And #26, regarding your comment about having to keep buying new hard drives. It's my understanding that once you download a game from the marketplace, it's yours forever. You can delete it off your hard drive and then download it again later without paying for it twice. It's amazing what these "computers" can do.

Jensen @ Feb 25th 2006 2:18AM

"Visuals (graphics) will eventually get to photo-realism, leading to the end of the "graphics war". Audio too, though that depends on one's sound system."

Graphics will always be able to be improved, but it will take bigger and bigger steps in hardware to notice improvements. But we are nearing the point where better graphics won't allow new gameplay. Nintendo knows this, so is trying to innovate in other areas.

Audio is all pre-recorded, so unless it is dynamically simulated, it doesn't have much room to improve.

SuicideNinja @ Feb 25th 2006 3:21AM

What I find amusing about this whole thing, is Sony is probably going to NOT produce what they are claiming with the PS3. Reading up on how disappointing the PS2 was compared to the claim is rather interesting, especially how it wasn't notably different to the Dreamcast. What's better is Sony is essentially using the same marketing strategy this time, and people are STILL falling for it. Even with all this history that can be found on the internet. Sure, the internet was available back then, but more people are using it regularly now.

Not that the "Emotion Engine" doesn't currently put out to these claims thanks to years of painful development. Burnout, God of War, and Resident Evil all look and play well. It only took 5 years for it happen. Hopefully the developers actually are having an easier time developing for the PS3 this time so we don't have to wait half a decade to see results that somewhat match their claims.

I think people that knock the 360 are being unjustly over-critical, and are still hoping the prerendered PS3 E3 demos will hold true to gameplay (though not likely; they did the same thing with the PS2). If you play a game such as Need for Speed: Most Wanted side by side on PS2, Xbox, and the XBox 360, you can tell that there is a big difference in graphics (gameplay is essentially the same, although the feel on the 360 is a bit better). We have all the systems in the same place and three TVs in the living room, so this is easily seen. However, I will admit that the 360 is running component in 1080i, the Xbox is using component (non-HD), and the PS2 is using S-Video (Monster Cable). Going back to the Xbox or the PS2 version sucks. I think gamers' impatience is just demanding that the future comes faster, leaving them ignorant to obvious improvement.

Anyway, to win North America, Sony or Nintendo just need to keep pushing their product. Those brand names have mindshare with consumers in the console world. Microsoft still needs to get more of that mindshare because many consumers just haven't played or aren't familiar with the XBox line. Microsoft has made strides as far as advertising goes; hopefully it works to their expectations.

Personally, I won't be rushing out to get a PS3 because it won't live up to the hype for a while, if ever. Not that the Xbox 360 did, but the system is great overall and I'm very happy with it. Hopefully the PS3 will be comparable and not full of the annoying way Sony likes to setup their electronics and software. Since Nintendo doesn't really play the "power game", we already know that we'll like the system. Their first party games are generally a hit with their console. They just need to show consumers that their games aren't just for kids.

I'm rooting for Microsoft and Nintendo this bout, because Sony seems to have lost the gaming aspect in my mind. Everyone complains about Microsoft and money, but it seems to me that those in charge of the XBox line are actually interested in gaming, as opposed to the Playstation management who is too busy smack-talking and shoving their product down your throat to care about gaming.

Rabid Pancake @ Feb 25th 2006 4:45AM

North America here, I demand a herum of women to have misadventures with to find out which one of them I truely I love. This is the only way that I will buy a X-Box 360. Sony simply releasing their console will win me over.

don_sf @ Feb 25th 2006 7:29AM

innovation may be a new idea, but no body knows if its a good idea.

some might think that this is a rubbish idea, why would you wanna wave a magic remote around? or some people might just cant wait to play it.

personally i think it will be a bit like psp and ds. on my ds i love that mini game in mario called sort and splode, any one played it will know it can get addictive. and the other thing is metroid prime hunters demo, absolutly no one can say that the controls are bad:

r1 or l1 to shoot, d pad to move and stylus to aim - that has got to be one of the best way to play games. you will never have an experience like that on the psp, ever. but then when your playing gta on your psp, you think the ds can never give you this.

rev will success if its easy to use, extremely easy to access menus and that.

for ps3 to succeed it doesnt really have much to do. but as long as you can plug it in the socket, and start playing with your wireless controller - thats it.

xbox 360 makes it like you HAVE to have broadband and xbox live. i know people who have 360 but dont use live, it doenst appeal to everyone. some people just wanna play on their own or with their friends when they come round. i dont like 360 but i finally found something good about it, the chrome dvd cover you get with the premium version.

Jed Merrill @ Feb 25th 2006 11:20AM

I used to think Xbox 360 had a chance at winning in North America, but I think Nintendo will eclipse them, if narrowly. Sony will play third fiddle, at any price over $399. I don't think Americans are ready for higher priced consoles than that, and wouldn't pay $399 now if it were not for Microsoft paving the way with its $299/$399 create-perceived-value campaign.

While Sony will likely come out ahead of Microsoft worldwide due to strong sales potential in Japan, Nintendo has their best shot since their monopoly days at regaining market share. They don't even have to beat Microsoft in America to do it.

Kelvin @ Feb 25th 2006 12:37PM

Many people who have posted have forgotten what this thing is about. It�s about how to win north america. Not, which console will truly be next generation. Or how revolution is gonna be the next step in gaming. So here it is, ps3 will win as long as the pricing is reasonable. According to what I understand the ps3 will be one of the cheapest if not the cheapest blueray player around, as well as being one of the first. That means that people who don�t care about games will simply buy a ps3 because it has the next step in video playback.
I agree with people a bit that online gaming is important. Some people here dont reliase that DSL is gonna get cheaper. So people will automatically upgrade. However this does not mean that people will simply pay for xbox live gold or sony HUB. So the online war will take a bit longer to tell. However again, I do not believe that any of the next generation consoles will win based on online service. Maybe the generation after, but this console war will not be won based on online service.
So based on the fact that were talking about who will win, i dont think nintendo have a chance at all. Think about it for a moment. Did you reliase what the 'casual' gamer thought of the controller. They though it was a wireless remote and therfore there was negative responses. Casual gamers couldnt care if the rev is actually revolutionary. nintendio fail to simply get 3rd party develpoers on side and therfore will lose on out on games that casual gamers want like gta. Plus guess what people, casual gamers care about graphics, and the ps3 will most likely give them what they want, rev will no way in the world be able to compete, and since causal gamers care about graphics that�s a big chunk of gamers that will refuse the rev. casual gamers like madden and GTA. ps3 will give them to gamers in there best forms. Im not saying that the ps3 is the best console, I�ve never used it. But in terms of who will win America and most probably the world. Ps3 hands down.

Ps I find it so funny how everyone says the rev is gonna be the next step in gaming. Have you ever used it? do u actually know how easy it will be to play the average game on it? Yeah the nintendo games will be great. But then what, do you think konami,namco and especially EA games will work well on the console, or even develop good games for it? People need to look at the wider picture. Nintendo have made some seriously bad decisions with rev which will cost them dearly next console war, such as the lack of hd support and lower graphics. Nintendo have tried being unique for 2 generations now, and its lost them both wars. You believe more 'revolution' will suddenly change it.

And to other people, the big n have patented the pad so sony and microsoft cant copy it. So if its successful and takes the world by storm you wont see a slew of copycats on ps3 and 360. nice move nintendo.

Jed Merrill @ Feb 25th 2006 12:47PM

Nintendo does have the best chance of winning this generation, though I don't see them taking much more than 50% of the market worldwide (more likely in the 40's.) It will also take them a year or so to catch up with the 360 installed base. Even with similar sales to what X360 has had in the US, it should catch up because of the strong interest in the console in Japan and a larger than usual percentage of early adopters based on price and innocation. No one seems to be taking a wait and see about the games approach this time--everyone wants Rev at launch, unlike PS3 and X360.

Kelvin @ Feb 25th 2006 1:00PM

I belive you are highly ill informed and are basically saying that everyone you meet on the net wants a rev.

Causual gamers do not want the rev at all, and there has been no surge for rev except for among the fanboys. But blogs like joystiq do not show this because most casual gamers wont post here, or anywhere infact.

Benny Ben @ Feb 25th 2006 1:27PM

HEY #32 if casual gamers in America cared about graphics then gamecube and xbox should have cleary been number1 or number 2 u moron. Fact is casual gamers dont give a rats shit about graphics, all casual gamers want is a mainstream console to play most of thier mainstream games like madden or GTA and every other garbage EA and Taketwo puts out. LOOK at GTA graphics is crap but casual gamers ate that game up because its fun. DO you think casual gamers care about hidef gaming or about next gen optical drives for blu ray rom , or do you think casual gamers care about wireless controllers most of them dont, most casual gamers dont even know what blu ray rom is. GO to NYC and ask lots of the people in the hip hop culture and ask them what next gen console the want they will all say ps3 or go to california and ask the skaterboarder and surfer dudes and ask them what console they want they all will say ps3. Ps3 is not even out yet and its already more popular over the xbox360. I think casual gamers will stay away from nintendo once again the revolution controller will alieante casuals unless there is a mariokart which is the only game casual gamers will play from nintendo. Lots of casual gamers have no intrest in the xbox360 unless halo3 launches so microsoft is facing the same problems with nintendo about the casual gamer, only hardcore gamers will buy a rev or 360 or both hopefully non gamers will by a revolution like nintendo promised. FOr the ps3, if the ps3 launches for 299.99 the ps3 will win in America but win at a huge lose for sony. I dont think AMerican casual gamers are ready for high priced consoles, if the ps3 is 399.99 sony will loose some casual gamers and it will allow nintendo and microsfot to gain some ground, unless sony persuades casual gamers to hold on to thier ps2s until 2008 so the price of the ps3 can come down at 299.99 level. BUt a pse at 399.99 sony can dominate but it wont be as big as ps1 or ps2. IF the ps3 is 499.99 i can see hardcore playstation fans buying it but for the casual gamer a console more the 400 dollars will totally alieante them and can lead to the console market crash in North America. YOu also have to take into account the people that want the ps3 is also hurting sony because they all buy apple ipods dell pcs kodak easyshares gameboys samsungtvs and so on and not buyign sony products except for playstation so sony cant affored to loose money on the playstation like it did in previous generations. 500 dollar ps3 will hurt many casuals that they might have to wait a couple of years just buy it at 299.99 plus alot of lower income people want a ps3 and not a 360 or a rev price of a ps3 might be thier entire rent money or half. YOu also have to take into account if the blu ray rom fails as a next gen drive against hddvd and DVR then forget about ps3 being a success as next gen drive machine. You also have to remember taht the future of movies and games is digital distribution or the steve jobs model. APPLE took alot away from sony taht i fear blu ray wont win. Just hope apple dont launch a console in America because it will kill the playstation the same way how the apple ipod killed sony walkman and minidisc. Just hope the ps3 is not 399.99 or 499.99, but for me as a hardcore gamer im buying a xbox360 this spring and a revolution for the holidays.

Benny Ben @ Feb 25th 2006 1:44PM

Sorry i ment that post to be for number 33 not 32. number33 seems to be a huge playstation fan but biggie.

Jon @ Feb 25th 2006 5:01PM

I believe Sony is going to win only because there console seems over all the best. The Xbox 360 is not really that Next-Gen, when I played some of the first games for it, they looked like High-Def xbox 1 games. I'm not on anyone's bandwagon. I used to have an Xbox last generation but I'm moving to the PS3 because it has many more bells and whistles. Also they have a long line of developer support. The revolution controller looks very cool, but I don't think that they have enough developer support. Also the revolution's graphics most likely will not be comparable to the xbox 360 or PS3.

howzy22 @ Feb 25th 2006 8:20PM

Kelvin, your theory on the N.Rev failing bcoz it wont appeal to casual gamers is great and all, but i think your missing one major point.

Nintendo isnt aiming to appeal to the casual gamer, they want to NON-GAMERS of the world, of which far out number casual gamers. Sure they'll make their attempts to capture casual gamers, but so far most of the talk has been capturing non-gamers with games of mass appeal, just as has been seen on the DS with Nintendogs and in Japan with brain training.

If Nintendo can tap into the non-gaming consumers and get them interested in what they have to offer, then Nintendo have cracked a huge market and could be set to grab the larger market share of the 3 consoles.

Of course its all theory, no-one can really know whats going to happen.The proof is in the pudding and in a few years from now we'll finally get to see the way the next gen console race is shaping up :)

Robert Feinburg @ Feb 26th 2006 1:51AM

To tell you the truth, I believe that if microsoft and sony are pushing people to buy a system that are both the "same" then I think that nintendo has something good with their system. My first reason is this that if all the xbox 360 and ps3 is just a xbox and ps2 but with better graphics and a better online service then you can get these systems with just those features or you can get the revolution that can play different types of games or even games being played on the revolution better than the other two, then gamers will get the revolution because its different. Besides nintendo is the only one out of the three that is getting non-gamers and girls to play their games and the nintendo ds is proof that they are doing this. My second reason is the price of these systems, I think $400 and up is getting to high for a system to play games. I don't care how many features they add to these systems that are non game features that the main reason to buy these systems is to play games nothing more. I didn't get a 360 to watch videos and listen to music on the 360 from my computer. I got it for the games, and I have to say that I do like the xbox live service also. But I think the xbox live alone is not the "MAIN" reason to get a 360. When I got the xbox 1, I got the systems for halo and halo 2, I have the xbox 1 back before xbox live was realeased so it was for the games. With the gamecube I got that for smash brothers, another game, and the ps2 for socom, and GTA.

Now I don't know which system will sell the most but if the xbox 360 and ps3 is just a $400+ system with subpar to ok games (BTW call of duty 2 is a good game but you can play it on the PC) then at lease the revolution will have a good chance to be the best. This year E3 will be all about nintendo, I don't care what you say that oh its about sony and the ps3. Nope, this will be all about nintendo, whether its for the good, the bad or the ugly because people want to see how the revolution will be like.

Daniel @ Feb 26th 2006 12:28PM

It's going to be the 360 and the PS3 duking it out over the majority of market share, with Nintendo getting by with good enough margins to keep rollin'.

Once 3 or 4 major, AAA titles are released for the 360, along with some of the upcoming arcade classics (SF2) on Live, you'll see the 360 begin to really move. Oh, and not to mention the fact that in about two weeks every store with have the actual console in stock!

PS3 will catch up pretty quickly once it's released.

All of the console manufacturers and major developers will get things going at E32006.

TD @ Feb 26th 2006 1:30PM

Most likely Sony will win the next gen simply because of the power of the playstation brand. The first two playstation consoles have each sold more than 100 million units, unprecedented sales in the gaming industry. For the past two generations, Sony's nearest competitor sold 1/4 of what they sold. Sony knows how to create a great game console and they have been doing it for years. Unless Sony really fucks up there is no way anyone will knock them out this generation.
However, I see microsoft making some big gains this generation. The 360 has already become just as well known as the original xbox. Microsoft is fixing many of its mistakes from the previous generation and is looking to possibly become the industry leader in future generations. Whether you want to admit it or not online gaming will be increasingly important as gaming becomes more widespread, and xbox Live is the best online service right now. Also, Microsoft seems to be focusing on getting a much better, and more diverse game library for the 360, one that will appeal to even the Japs. The xbox live marketplace could play a big role since people will be able to download great games for a cheap price. And lets not forget that this is microsoft we're talking about. They have the money and power to do whatever they want. Bill Gates could personally fund the 360 and still have plenty of money.
As for the Rev, I honestly think it will be the same as the gamecube. Its just another Nintendo console with the same games that appeal to Nintendo fanboys and younger gamers (12 and under). The controller is different but its just a controller. It won't revolutionize games. Games are about the gamer interacting with a virtual world. Its what he does in that virtual world that matters not the device he's using to interface his thoughts and what is happening on the screen. The controller is a gimmick, just like those arcade games that let you ride a motorcylce while you play a motorcycle game. Its fun for a short time but at some point you realize that the actual game sucks.
It is really all about the games. A controller should just be easy to use and ergonomic. It will not have much effect on how fun a game is, unless its really awful and prevents gamers from playing the game the way they want. Mind control sounds cool but when that is inevitably developed it will not change gaming, just like the Revs controller will not. The Rev's success will depend on how good the games are, just like with the PS3 and the xbox 360. Graphics are part of that but genuinely fun gameplay is the most important thing. Its what sells consoles to hardcore and casual gamers alike.
Everyone who is arguing about which console will be the best is simply arguing about who has the best hardware. Graphics vs. price vs. online ect. We really have no idea until we see the games that are available. The truth is every console war has been won by the console with the games that appealed to the largest number of people. The hardware has an effect on what games can be made on a console but thats it. Price is somewhat important but I really dont think that its going to matter much in this generation. Consumers will see that they have a choice between two $400 consoles with the latest technology (and one with an expensive blu-ray plaeyer) and an underpowered $200 console. You get what you play for. But like I said before it will be the games that make the difference. And unless Nintendo comes up with a remarkably different strategy then what they've been using since the SNES generation ended, they will lose again (although they will probably remain profitable).
For the record, I am getting my xbox 360 in a few days and I'm planning on getting a PS3. I seriously doubt I will get a Rev unless Nintendo does a complete 180 and starts making some good games again.

Jago @ Feb 26th 2006 2:23PM

"Oh, and not to mention the fact that in about two weeks every store with have the actual console in stock!"

Hmm...I'll believe it when I see it. Just b/c Peter Moore says something will happen doesn't mean it is true. He is a PR guy and is expectted to greatly exaggerate and lie his ass off

"I seriously doubt I will get a Rev unless Nintendo does a complete 180 and starts making some good games again."

You must not be looking very hard or you must be expecting every game to be overly violent, gritty and uber-realistic.

Neal @ Feb 26th 2006 3:05PM

The person's comments two above this one are exactly that: comments. This kid's (or guy's) veiw of the gaming industry is skewwed into his perspective. He seems to think that the playtation (I don't capatalize that word)will win the next generation. ALL of sony's (un-capatalized) games are 3-rd party. The ps3 will cost 500$, so only that rich weirdo will be able take advantage of his parent's money and buy everything he want's. I remain nuetral on the matter of Microsoft. I support Nintendo and plan to support it as long as it is in existance. I just hope that 3-rd party developers can that Nintendo's controller IS great, and give them the support they deserve.

TD @ Feb 26th 2006 3:42PM

"You must not be looking very hard or you must be expecting every game to be overly violent, gritty and uber-realistic."

No im just looking for some good games. The only games on gamecube that interest me are metroid prime, the new zelda (if its good), super smash bros, and maybe fire emblem (none of these games can be described as gritty or realistic). I would've said RE4 but it came out for the PS2 so I got it on that. The Gamecube had very few good games that couldn't be played on xbox or PS2. Youre a fool if you think the Gamecube has a strong library of games when compared to the PS2 or xbox. Nintendo really needs to get its head out of its ass. It didn't even deliver on its tried and true franchises this generation. And actually they do need a few gritty/realistic games.

Jago @ Feb 26th 2006 3:59PM

"It didn't even deliver on its tried and true franchises this generation"

Really now...

Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime 2
Donkey Konga
Dnokey Konga 2
Mario Kart: Double Dash
Zelda: Wind Waker
Super Smash Bros. Melee
F-Zero GX
Waverace: BlueStorm
Super Mario Sunshine

...but then again everyone has their own opinion on what good games are.

Despite being 3rd in the US they were not THAT far behind the Xbox either and that was with lackluster 3rd party support. In addition to that they were the first one to start making money on their console...and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. If they ever do withdraw from the console market it will be b/c of their own free will. They are no where near where Sega was in the late 90's.