Sony picks Wii as running mate vs Microsoft

by Ross Miller { May 16th 2006 at 4:00PM }

It seems supporting Nintendo has become the popular trend among next-generation console makers. After Peter Moore rather surprisingly considered Nintendo Wii as the second console of choice (alongside an Xbox 360), Sony's Phil Harrison shot back by telling GamePro, "I think Peter Moore is exactly right. I think Nintendo will be the second system consumers purchase after PlayStation 3."

As our tipster pointed out, if Nintendo was everyone's second console of choice, wouldn't that make it the top-selling console with the most market share? Regardless, statements like these are sure to put Nintendo's corporate offices in good spirits.

[Thanks, Sense; image inspired by Dueling Analogs; via Gamasutra]

(Update: pointed link back to original source.)

Tags: Phil Harrison, PhilHarrison

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

ger @ May 16th 2006 4:05PM

interesting turn of events, no?

Disposable Hero @ May 16th 2006 4:07PM

Honestly, who goes to somebody's house and just sits outside their window saying "I wish I could hang out with them?".

Rawnblade @ May 16th 2006 4:08PM

Now isn't that heartfelt and inspiring? Like an afterschool special or something.

James @ May 16th 2006 4:08PM

Not only that, but the Wii will be the first console of choice in Japan in the current state of affairs.

Derbeste @ May 16th 2006 4:08PM

Incredibly interesting considering just a few months ago their exec's were stating how gimmicky Wii was going to be.

Now they all want it to subliment their systems.

Irony abounds.

Cameron @ May 16th 2006 4:14PM

Funny that he says the Wii will be the second console to purchase after the PS3. Too bad we've already purchased a 360!

Nate @ May 16th 2006 4:14PM

It will be almost the same as last time...

Wii will be the 3rd best selling console. Behind Xbox 360 and PS3.

I don't know why people think the Wii is all of a sudden gonna change a lot of gamers' minds when it comes to their loyalties....there are way too many Halo, GTA, MGS, and FF fans.

cubbiechris @ May 16th 2006 4:14PM

Who would've thought Nintendo would be in the most desired position? This is better then a soap opera!

Captain Obvious @ May 16th 2006 4:15PM

Actually, just because Wii may be the second console of choice does not mean that it will give it the most market share. You've got to remember that not all gamers can afford a second console, even if it only costs $200-$250. I think a majority of the non-hardcore-gaming public will only purchase one.

FreQ @ May 16th 2006 4:17PM

Ohhhh sure Phil, let me just go ahead and pay 600 for your system and then drop another 250 on a wii. Couple games, couple controllers, couple THOUSAND bucks.

The whole point of Peter's comments were because Sony's system is so expensive that you can get a Wii60 for the same price and have a much more comprehensive gaming experience.

Is there anything that Sony has said or done in the past couple of months that has been an original idea ?

I'll pay 600+ for your console, Phil, when I'm sitting in my underwear eating a hoagie playing Killzone 2 in 1080p. Oh wait, Killzone doen't exist...

32_footsteps @ May 16th 2006 4:18PM

You know, name issues aside, it seems like Nintendo's marketing department is working exactly as it should.

Take a step back for a moment, and consider the full implications of Moore's and Harrison's statements. It's not just that Nintendo is positioning themselves to not directly compete with the other two. Both Sony and Microsoft are basically saying that they're competing with each other and not Nintendo.

How brilliant is that? You've got your two biggest rivals in your own industry publically saying they're not going to go after you. Both are suggesting that their customers should buy your product too.

If I was Nintendo, I wouldn't be sure whether to call for an open bar right now or just start passing out $100 bills to the marketing department for pulling this off.

OTAM @ May 16th 2006 4:19PM

"After consumers get their Playstation 3"

They are selling a $599 dollar console. Me getting a PS3? That's funny,cause I was reading the paper this morning and didnt see anything in it about hell freezing over.

James @ May 16th 2006 4:20PM

The key, as with the DS, was if Nintendo can pull in people that don't own a gaming system.

Given their current successes, I believe they will.

Sense @ May 16th 2006 4:21PM

To be fair, at least according to Nintendo, the Wii is not intended ot change gamers' minds. The point is to reach out to people who aren't gamers at all. Wii purports to have games so simple and fun that even Grandma can play. And I'd say Wii sports alone is enough to at least get non-gamers interested.

And--as the execs are saying--lots of actual gamers will pick up the Wii as a second choice, if for no other reason than curiosity. It's hard for anyone who has been playing games for a while to not be intrigued by the Wii. I'm not saying it will necessarily change the face of gaming, but I'm willing to try it.

Derbeste @ May 16th 2006 4:21PM

@OTAM

That's cuz it never snows in Redmond.

spencer @ May 16th 2006 4:22PM

"If I was Nintendo, I wouldn't be sure whether to call for an open bar right now or just start passing out $100 bills to the marketing department for pulling this off."

I lol'd

Kendal @ May 16th 2006 4:22PM

#6, not everyone has an Xbox 360. Some people are holding out for a PS3. Some are holding out for the Wii. Some people won't buy a next gen system until all three are out and the prices are lowered.

I personally think that whether or not you have "loyalty" to certain franchies (#7) people will still buy the Nintendo Wii.

Most people that I ask say they will either get a PS3 and a Wii, or a 360 and a Wii. It's more rare to find people, like me, that say they will get all three.

I think that the Nintendo Wii will sell really well, better than the Gamecube did in the current gen. Even if it comes in third place compared to the other two, I think it will still outsell the Gamecube.

As for the PS3 vs 360 war, who knows? It's far to early to predict anything.

Always,
Kendal

Eric @ May 16th 2006 4:23PM

The PS3 would sell out just for Blu-Ray in Japan... look at how much HD-DVD Players were sold in Japan when it came out there. Look at how much it sold here too. I don't think I'm worried that it will sell well for the first six months. I think the sell rate would go down after that unless there's a price cut which is highly unlikely just 12 mos after it's release.

tree stem root @ May 16th 2006 4:23PM

Wiith all the great news that the gaming world is hearing about the wii, it will have a ton of support. Plus according to an article I read on bloomberg.com, the cost of developing a game for the wii is relatively cheap in comparison to the other consoles. That means that even if all games are not motion sensitive (as they all probably won't be) the big N wiill still have a ton of games, truly innovative or just plain crazy games to play. Now I know they won't be photorealistic, but they wiill be realistically fun.

Marc @ May 16th 2006 4:24PM

What?

I'm confused. I thought Sony and Nintendo were mortal enemies? Oh well, this works out, I guess.

But, this really makes me re-think Sony. I HATED them because last gen, they stomped out the gamecube and showed no mercy. Now they want to be our friend?

Do you think this could be the end of console wars, or the beginning of a new disaster?

Matthew @ May 16th 2006 4:28PM

The reason they are saying that, is because it's true. I think it's becoming clear that people will either buy Wii as a secondary console, or they will buy Wii as they're only console. Plain and simple. Hater or lover, the Wii looks like a very interesting console. Period.

soco @ May 16th 2006 4:34PM

don't count your chickens before they hatch. what if people start spending more time with the Rev and realize they don't enjoy it as much as they thought they would because the software isn't up to par with demands. it's far too early to start making any predictions about any of this.

the only thing you can say is that right now, the 360 is the hottest selling console in the US. we could look all the way back to the dreamcast to see how much that means, though.

Miles Teg @ May 16th 2006 4:35PM

"Gee, I wish we could hang out with the Wii.."

LOL!

I have to agree with Harrison, ppl who wont be able to afford the PS3 (which everyone is talking about), will buy the Wii instead (which everyone is also talking about). Nobody seems to give a sh1t about the Xbox 360.
I actually think in the 1st 12 months Wii will be the biggest seller with PS3 catching up later when it comes down in price.

Eric @ May 16th 2006 4:36PM

I don't want to step on any Nintendo fanboy toes, and there are lots of them in here.

But I think people are misplacing "Hope that the Nintendo Wii will do well" vs "complete Wii loyalty". I've read a lot of developers saying that they really hope Nintendo pulls it out, but they are all still very wary.

Personally I really HOPE Wii does well(i would even go as far as hoping they pwn both Microsoft's and Sony), but I do not intend to buy one, opting instead for traditional controllers and games that make "pretty".

crono141 @ May 16th 2006 4:36PM

Thus, in a strange irony of events, Nintendo did claw their way back to the top by having the weakest console.

Sweet irony.

Andrew @ May 16th 2006 4:48PM

PS3 owns japan. The reality is despite heavy advertizing and pushes into the market, Microsoft simply isn't making any in-roads into the Japanese market. So as for Japan, I think assuming PS3 as number one, followed by Wii would be safe. In the US however, is more mixed up lately. Personally I like PS3, and am really interested in Wii. The 360 doesn't appeal to me, because although I like shooters, the Sony lineup gives me enough good ones, and I'm fine with out having what I almost consider a FPS/Racing-exclusive console. I know it has many other games, but honestly that aren't that many flagship titles on it that don't flal into those catagories. Ninja Giaden is one, and there are a few others, but they aren't worth an entire console. Also, I'm sold on NOT having to pay for online play. I hate paying monthly fees for a service that should be included in a (now) $60 game purchase. The Wii is gonna do really well, because it's cheap, and it looks interesting to everyone. I do think it'll fall ot # 2 behind Sony however, because the PS2 has show a severe case of brand loyalty present. And regardless of how you feel, I doubt that those loyalists are just gonna flip over to Xbox2 (I like that name better). So, that's my 2 cents.

Thomas Werewolf @ May 16th 2006 4:50PM

Peter Moore should just start saying made-up stuff like, "Microsoft is actively pursuing development of undulating terraformational rasterizers" to see if Sony will respond with "Oh, we're doing that, too, except even more than our competitors."

Andrew @ May 16th 2006 4:52PM

I'd like to follow up that OMG people on Joystiq and Kotaku are simply violently agressive against PS3. Check urban dictionary, and you'll find alot of the same people made entries for "PS3". (I know there are 360 ones, but there are an EXCESSIVE amount of PS3 ones). It seems to me that all the assholes we all complain about on Live all arrived on the internet to voice how much they hate everything else as well. Ugh.....

heretrix @ May 16th 2006 4:53PM

Lol. Not only is sony not content with ripping off XBL, now it has to rip off PR statements as well...

way ta go Sony!

tree stem root @ May 16th 2006 4:59PM

Oh no, I mean developers that don't have enough money to develop for the other companies, and have a game that goes against the grain of FPS, Maddens and the GTAs of this world. Now I'm all for the aforementioned genres, but I just see the wii coming out with games that wiill develop into genres to go right along side the ones mentioned before.

Captain Obvious @ May 16th 2006 4:59PM

I usually try to avoid posting twice on the same topic, but here goes....

Am I the only one that is not thrilled about this whole motion sensing phenomenon? The only motion that I want to make while playing video games is with my thumbs. I want to sit back on the couch and relax. With the Wii, it seems like I'll have to stand up to full enjoy the games. I'm lazy. I work a long day. I get home and spend time with my wife. The last thing I want to do is stand in front of my TV waiving my arms around. I want to hop on the couch or get in bed and play for a little before I fall asleep. Is that too much to ask?

Marc @ May 16th 2006 5:01PM

soco,

apparently you didn't see Nintendo's E3 line.

Kendal @ May 16th 2006 5:06PM

#29, People demand an online service like Xbox Live, therefor Sony is going to provide it. That doesn't mean they ripped it off.

That's like saying "the PS2 came with a DVD player and the Xbox stole it!" It's just stupid. It's also like saying that any console after the NES stole the D-Pad. Or you could even say that Xbox Live stole the idea from Gamespy Arcade (even though Gamespy sucks).

A unified online service has become the new norm to be included on consoles. Just like DVD playback and the D-Pad.

Always,
Kendal

SetupWeasel @ May 16th 2006 5:12PM

With the E3 that Nintendo had, Sony and Microsoft were put in a strange position. Well... at least Sony.

Sony had to say good things about the Wii. They aped the controller as much has Sony would be willing to, and any jab about the relative anticipation for Nintendo's product would have been met with a single finger pointing at the line around the Nintendo booth. All Sony could say is that people would buy the Wii as a secondary console. That way the anticipation for the Wii might look like a sideshow to the November main event.

I'm increasingly convinced that there is a closed-door agreement between Nintendo and Microsoft. Microsoft properties and developers are starting to appear on the DS, and Peter Moore spoke *often* about the Wii at E3. Nintendo's jabs were all directed at Sony and both companies speak of the other with respect.

boots (former bd (former b)) @ May 16th 2006 5:13PM

Actually OTAM... for the record on my personal experience, hell *is* cold (near absolute Zero). I wish it was hot when I was there.

Anyway, some people might even think that what you are getting with PS3 is 2 consoles for one... i.e. you get the functionality of a Wii60 with the PS3 and then some (or a PiiS360).

sean @ May 16th 2006 5:15PM

of course, if half the people buy a ps3, and the other half buy a 360, and all of those people buy a wii as a second console...that would put wii at number one.

glandular @ May 16th 2006 5:17PM

"Am I the only one that is not thrilled about this whole motion sensing phenomenon? "

Nope. There are plenty of people out there who don't care about the next gen in game control. From your posts, its pretty clear you are anti-nintendo not that you have to be not to be interested in the controller. However, Nintendo isn't targeting self proclaimed lazy gamers. They are targeting people who are not completely satisfied with the status quo. They damn near invented this market 20 years ago and its time for a change. If it weren't there wouldn't be record lines for games that could have been done graphically 10 years ago.

Admittedly, some people are satisfied with old style controllers and they will always be good for some games, like the old style joystiq will always be good for pac man. Gamers not ready to embrace new methods of control run the risk of becoming relics is a past era. The beauty of the new Wiimote is that it even embraces alot of the previous relics.

The proof will be in the pudding. Will the 10's of thousands of hysterical fans at E3 prove correct, or the occasional anti-nintendo joystiq posting naysayers?

Mike S @ May 16th 2006 5:19PM

Either way, nintendo wins.

Nate @ May 16th 2006 5:28PM

"Am I the only one that is not thrilled about this whole motion sensing phenomenon? The only motion that I want to make while playing video games is with my thumbs. I want to sit back on the couch and relax. With the Wii, it seems like I'll have to stand up to full enjoy the games. I'm lazy. I work a long day. I get home and spend time with my wife. The last thing I want to do is stand in front of my TV waiving my arms around. I want to hop on the couch or get in bed and play for a little before I fall asleep. Is that too much to ask?"

From a post I made a week ago:

Is anyone else sick of all this "motion" stuff yet?

I mean damn, when I play games it's to chill, have a beer, kick back, and relax.

I play basketball 6 times a week, and occasionally go golfing and/or play football weekly. The last thing I wanna do when I get home is turn on my console and start swinging the controller around the room and getting all crazy.

I wouldn't be surprised if a "virtual tanning booth" was in store, so everyone can get a sweet tan to go with the toned physique they should have from playing these games.

I guess this is all a ploy by the gaming industry to turn gaming "geeks" into "studs"? Who knows? Count me out on this "motion" stuff for the time being.

------Crazy....the exact same sentiments. I mean, I got a fiancee and housework to do when I get home....I go to the gym as well. The last thing I wanna do is get all crazy playing a video game. Even when I'm playing an intense game, I can kick back and relax with the controller, press buttons and it's still calming.

SetupWeasel @ May 16th 2006 5:30PM

"Am I the only one that is not thrilled about this whole motion sensing phenomenon? The only motion that I want to make while playing video games is with my thumbs. I want to sit back on the couch and relax. With the Wii, it seems like I'll have to stand up to full enjoy the games. I'm lazy. I work a long day. I get home and spend time with my wife. The last thing I want to do is stand in front of my TV waiving my arms around. I want to hop on the couch or get in bed and play for a little before I fall asleep. Is that too much to ask?"

You saw a lot of movement at E3. Nintendo is demonstrating how different their controller is. A game you didn't see at E3, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, doesn't have any motion control at all if you believe the reports.

You will see less active games on the Wii. It may take certain companies a while to learn that, like with the DS, you don't need to use every single ability of the system on every single game. I think that the one handed controller will be an absolute boon to the RPG genre. The pointer should make menu navigation far less tedious, and I see no reason that games like that couldn't be played with one hand.

Imagine relaxing on the couch, beer in one hand, Wii-mote in the other, playing a videogame the whole time. It will happen, but you aren't going to see it at E3, because Nintendo is desperate to show why their console is different, and that type of game would have clouded their message.

Multikonsolero @ May 16th 2006 5:35PM

Sony digs its own grave

Danny Boy @ May 16th 2006 5:37PM

Microsoft got there first! Go to hell Sony!

Besides, you can get a Wii and a 360 for around the same price as just a PS3.. Wii60 FTW!

But seriously, I only think Sony is saying this now because Microsoft said it and as everyone knows Sony does like to be the Copy Cat.

Oh and Microsoft are actualy helping out Nintendo in a way, they are letting Rare (Who are basicly part of Microsoft) develop games for the DS.

Lunker @ May 16th 2006 5:37PM

No. 11: "Take a step back for a moment, and consider the full implications of Moore's and Harrison's statements. It's not just that Nintendo is positioning themselves to not directly compete with the other two. Both Sony and Microsoft are basically saying that they're competing with each other and not Nintendo."

A very lucid observation, and one that rings true. There's no real sense of Nintendo "winning" or "losing" because they're playing a wildly different game from what Sony and MS are offering.

If you're interested in gaming with an intuitive motion-based controller, you get a Wii. If you're interested in games that keep a more traditional control scheme but amplify graphics, capability and online options, you pick up a PS3 or a 360. And if you're just interested in gaming -- period, end of statement -- then you're more than likely going to get one from both categories, if not all three systems.

geostar @ May 16th 2006 5:39PM

One thing to think about the Wii controller is that I think it could be a big hit with party crowds. All this interaction and funny moves people will be forced to make will be fun to look at and participate in. Much more fun to look at than todays stony-eyed gamer. You can save the Zelda and Red steel type games for sittin down. Wario Ware, tennis and such would be when the friends come over.

freecajunlove @ May 16th 2006 5:47PM

Anyway, some people might even think that what you are getting with PS3 is 2 consoles for one... i.e. you get the functionality of a Wii60 with the PS3 and then some (or a PiiS360).
Posted at 5:13PM on May 16th 2006 by boots (former bd (former b))

Yes, you get the half-assed functionality of a wii and 360. Why get a PS3 when I can get the best of both worlds using a 360 and wii?

Just like the PSP, SONY attempts to do everything and ends up doing nothing (at a higher price).