DFC: Microsoft, Nintendo have "golden opportunity"

by Blake Snow { Jul 19th 2006 at 11:30AM }

DFC game analysts continue to explore the industry ramifications if Sony fails to deliver on its PS3 promise. From the article: "[T]wo things are clear: 1) the high price of the PlayStation 3 is going to slow overall industry growth, especially for software and 2) if Sony does not change its current strategy for the PS3 the system will probably end up in third place in installed base. Microsoft and Nintendo have been handed that golden opportunity and both companies have a chance to make their systems the market leader."

The article notes that the console remains the largest segment in the gaming market but "its importance is clearly declining." This suggests that companies with diversified gameplay offerings are poised for better long-term success. Joystiq's internal analyst declined comment citing spite for not receiving a golden ticket himself.

[Thanks to all that sent this in]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

AK @ Jul 19th 2006 11:39AM

Waiting for the
"Analyists don't know anything"

Probot @ Jul 19th 2006 11:43AM

#1, here it is.

It's hard to put much stake in what analysts say. For one thing, it's too early to know anything. Second, they don't have a history of being right. Plus, they aren't held accountable for being wrong. And lastly, they don't know anything more than the average gamer. We are not their target audience; they are geared towards investors that don't pay attention to the video game industry.

That said, this report doesn't say anything that hasn't been said. Sony has no where to go but down: the price is too high to expand the market as it currently stands, and they don't have the yearlong lead they had last generation. Nintendo has no where to go but up; they have the lowest price of the three consoles and they have a clear messgae to non-hardcore gamers. Xbox 360 has solid existing support and a strong brand.

Jeff @ Jul 19th 2006 11:46AM

Why do people continue to give credence to video game industry "analysts"? These are the same guys that predicted the DS would be dead in the water by now and the PSP would be the market leader.

I can't even remember a prediction from any analyst I can think of - DFC, Gartner, Pachtner - that turned out to be accurate. The game industry continues to mystify and baffle these guys. Have they not even bothered to look at the sales charts lately? The Xbox 360 isn't even #1 in any territory with no other current-gen competition on the market yet - how's it going to be #1 or even #2 when Sony and Nintendo actually launch? And does DFC honestly think the PS3 will remain at $499 and $599 forever?

I'm not saying the PS3 will be #1 immediately, but third? Please. These guys need to get off the crack pipe.

georgedakota @ Jul 19th 2006 11:46AM

I have been saying this since i heard the price and a comment from a developer who stated that the games on 360 will look near identical to ps3. Sure anaylists are always right but common sense would dictate that sony is not going to just win this war unless they change something quick.

DBX00 @ Jul 19th 2006 11:48AM

There's no point in making that argument, because anyone in the financial services business wouldn't use DFC as proof for any company valuation multiples or earnings estimates. If Merrill, Goldman, JP Morgan, or any of the other top tier investment banks were making statements then I'd be a little concerned for Sony. These guys play on conflict (as they consisting have for years) to sell research reports, but that's the BUSINESS they are in today.

JimmyHACK @ Jul 19th 2006 11:55AM

BLARDY BLARDY BLAR

yawn

Baboon @ Jul 19th 2006 11:55AM

Before I get into the serious discussion, does anyone else think Miyamoto looks a bit like Charlie? (only Japanese of course) :P

Joe P @ Jul 19th 2006 11:59AM

Somebody put this prediction onto the refrigerator, alongside all the other recent wisdom that's been way off. Then when the PS3 has blitzed the competition and M$ is hurrying to end this cycle after 3 years and introduce the X720, go back and ask all these expert analysts for comment.

As far as the 360 having a "strong brand", or such a great price point, not to mention a year head start, all these advantages still can't seem to get the thing off the shelves. Are these same analysts the ones that gave us 15 million, or 12 or 10, or whatever the latest adjusted projection is for 360 sales in the first year?

Advanced @ Jul 19th 2006 12:03PM

Not a bad read. I thought this comment was interesting...

"Under this budget (for a total HD setup), a PlayStation 3 is a fairly small line item in what is a $6,000+ take out a home equity line of credit project. Kutaragi is right, for this consumer the PS3 is a bargain. However, we must ask how big that consumer base is and if these are the type of consumers shopping for bargains"

I think the biggest question is who is their target audience? The Tech Heavies won't buy it for a stand alone Blu Ray player.... considering all of the recent problems Blu Ray is having (Can't do 2 layers, inferior picture to HD DVD). The casual gamer will not pay $600...... My take is .... Sony better have a launch game that will smoke anything on the 360 or they are in big trouble.

Franky Digital @ Jul 19th 2006 12:05PM

"And does DFC honestly think the PS3 will remain at $499 and $599 forever?"

Actually, if you read Kutaragi's comments in the last press release, he makes a similiar conclusion: with the different breeds and upgrades to the PS3, it will never see the price drop to a level of the PS2/PS1. Instead, they will be phasing out old in store units with newly upgraded ones for similiar pricing.

So no, by the current plan that Sony has, it won't drop significantly.

J B Cougar @ Jul 19th 2006 12:14PM

A $600 machine won't expand the market? Puh-lease! I plan on buying at least 3.

And, even if the analysts are wrong in the end ... I find it pretty hilarious that a bunch of commenters on Joystiq think they have the industry chops and experience to put these analysts "in their place." Who knew all I needed to become a quoted, paid, professional analyst was some heavy log-in time in the Joystiq comment forums!?

existonfile @ Jul 19th 2006 12:14PM

The PS3 is definately fighting an uphill battle in the next gen war. The 360 is already out there with games that look identical or better than what Sony is showing (Gears of War, FTW), xbox live is a proven system with lots of content and hype (60% attach rate), Nintendo has a stranglehold on their home market of Japan (DS), and with them only releasing 1 million units for launch... it's not looking good for Sony. Who knows though, Resistance might be the next Halo, Blueray may become the next DVD, and $599 might not be a stretch for most people. For me though, it's a Wii on day one (innovation!), with a 360 at the first price drop (all my friends already have one + Halo3).

vakerorokero @ Jul 19th 2006 12:22PM

"A $600 machine won't expand the market? Puh-lease! I plan on buying at least 3." holy shit! you could buy a car with that kind of money! I guess that not everyone is in the saudi oil industry like you my friend.

Probot @ Jul 19th 2006 12:24PM

"Who knew all I needed to become a quoted, paid, professional analyst was some heavy log-in time in the Joystiq comment forums!?"

The thing is, when reading articles like this, it does seem that way. There's really nothing interesting or new in this article.

However, we all should be aware that this is just a summary of their 600 page report. And again, that report is geared towards investors that don't pay attention to video games. They need someone to explain everything for them.

Most gamers don't. So posting it on Joystiq is more a window into what investors are being told than to what will actually happen in the industry.

nootau @ Jul 19th 2006 12:28PM

I am shocked that people really have no clue about the numbers of people who actually have $600 to spend on the PS3. hell, I make alot of money, and i found it hard to shell out $399 for my xbox 360! Do sony fanboys really think that there are enough people who have this kind of money to make Sony bigger than third? If there isnt a price drop within the first 2 years, sony will be third, thats just it. Unfortunately I'll have a PS3 (and a wii for that matter) because there are games i want to play and i can afford it, but i am not under the illusion that i am in the majority lol I'd say 4 million of us "unforteunate" PS3 purchasers tops! (at the current pricing).

MosquitoControl @ Jul 19th 2006 12:34PM

"The Xbox 360 isn't even #1 in any territory with no other current-gen competition on the market yet - how's it going to be #1 or even #2 when Sony and Nintendo actually launch?"

The 360 was #1 in the US last month. Was the PS2 #1 six months in? I can't say. But it didn't have the competition the 360 has. The PS2 came out alone - the DC and N64 were already DOA. The 360 is competing against the PS2, which is a third of the price.

If vgcharts.com is right (which is questionable) The PS2 sold 3.7 million in the US in the first 10 months. The 360, if it keeps its current pace, will be at about 2.7 million. So it's down. But it had a much smaller holiday season due to major shortages. It only managed about 300,000 last December, and lots of people (myself included) couldn't even get one until April. While that wouldn't make up the difference, the 360 would be at least close to PS2 sales without that shortage.

#3 is very possible. Maybe not probable, but you'd be kidding yourselves to say not possible. After the bad E3 buzz? Yes, only hardcore gamers pay attention to E3, but it's hardcore gamers that are more willing to cough out that much cash...

Baboon @ Jul 19th 2006 12:44PM

What people need to realize reading this summary is that DFC is only running predictions on the market. They are not making a recommendation as to which system you should buy, a prediction as to which one will have the best quality games, or a statement about which one is the best piece of hard ware. They are illustrating Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo's best case scenarios for interested investors. In that respect, they really need no knowledge of how to play video games, or criticize them. They just need to be able to research what sells well and apply those principles to the future consoles. While, just like the weather, the exact results are impossible to predict, DFC is trying to provide as accurate a Forecast as possible. So if you are an investor, while you shouldn’t take it as absolute truth, it is ok to use this forecast in your plans.

crono141 @ Jul 19th 2006 1:01PM

I like the part where they quote kutaragi saying that the PS3 is more computer than game console, and that they are going to constantly be upgrading it and selling new versions as technology increases.

mr_joneses @ Jul 19th 2006 1:13PM

DFC was hardly the first the predict problems for Sony with the PS3:

http://www.abiresearch.com/abiprdisplay.jsp?pressid=649

And that's just the analysts. Insiders have been talking about the price and lack of clarity on their online gaming since E3.

DojoRacoon @ Jul 19th 2006 1:25PM

I'm interested to see how this all turns out. It should be a test to how important brand loyalty is. I don't really care much for Sony's products. In my experience they aren't particularly well built. But alot of people seem to be willing to pay a premium for the name alone. Does this translate to the consoles though? I mean it seems like you go into a game store and the volume of the PS2 games dwarfs everthing else. I thought that was the thing about the PS2. The sheer volume of games gave it a head start and made it appealing to the average gamer. I mean with the exception of the Nintendo franchises and a select few Xbox exclusives there isn't anything you can't get for the PS2 that you can get from the other systems. From what I've heard there is a distinct possibility that the PS3 will not have that number of games due to high production costs and the difficulty to port between the two real next gen consoles. I won't pretend to know how it turns out but I am watching very interested.

cap-n-crunch @ Jul 19th 2006 1:36PM

The battle is sonys to lose. Even if ps3 beats the 360 and wii in sales,there's no way it will hold the market share the PS2 did. I think even Sony fanboys understand that.

Lee Mahi @ Jul 19th 2006 1:38PM

well, i am a hardcore gamer with xboxs, gamecubes and psps and everything else that buys things at launch. well i followed the e3 thing on forums and joystiq and downloading every video in gametrailers and im convinced that ps3 is going to fall victim to bad games.

i mean, the heavy hitters i saw were assassians creed and mgs4. and i dont think they are gonna hit the launch. i think untold legends and some iteration of FF are gonna go against the xbox. if #9's comment about the blueray is true then its all downhill for it.

all the games i saw on gametrailers (ps3) were not realistic at all, i mean graw is like the nicest looking game out there and nothing on sony's table gave me any indication that it was gonna look better that that. i was freakinn impressed at assassains creed and i would have got a ps3 for it but then i heard it was thinking of going to 360 and i said" ahw yes! dont have to buy the ps3." and all the polls are up for wii in the country so yeah. then....gta4 isn't theirs either so what up? what game right now on the ps3 exclusive would compell u to buy a ps3? i got nothing. i like mgs4 but personally i like splinter cell better. rainbow 6 is for both of them. scratch that.

man i want to try out the wii already...:)

SickNic @ Jul 19th 2006 2:02PM

Probot,

Can the average gamer write a 800 page analysis on the video game industry? Although I agree that not every analyst is 100% correct, the DFC have obviously done their homework before they came to these conclusions:

The Online Game Market: 800 page report

Market Leaders in the Video Game and Interactive Entertainment Industry: 750+ page report.

Worldwide Market Forecasts for the Video Game and Interactive Entertainment Industry

The Game Market in China: 350 page report

Overview of the Video Game and Interactive Entertainment Industry

I' not about to read all of these huge reports, but I'd have more faith in the DFC's conclusions than some disgruntled fanboy on a forum or on blog site's comments...

sonofnone @ Jul 19th 2006 2:18PM

cap-n-crunch - I completely agree that the battle is Sony's to lose.

The question then becomes, "What can Sony do?" One answer is to think out of the box, or in the case, IN the box.

Call me crazy, but I bet you if Sony included a complete copy of any of their games with the PS3 - both skus - and kept the price exactly where it is the demand for the PS3 would go through the roof.

Would Sony lose money upfront? Yep, but they'd build a consumer base that much quicker and gain that much more of the market, not to mention some much needed love from the gaming community.

Pretty Obvious @ Jul 19th 2006 2:20PM

Not only will the PS3 come in last place this gen. This will be the console that puts Sony out of business or into some serious bankruptcy. They are banking on Bluray to take off and for this thing to be a trojan horse in getting bluray to peoples homes.

Only problem, with that $600 price tag that aint happening. Secondly by the time theres a price drop its gonna be to little to late to play catch-up. Sony fanboys should wake up already and smell the steaming hot pile of sh*t thats being layed out in front of them.

J B Cougar @ Jul 19th 2006 2:28PM

"Call me crazy, but I bet you if Sony included a complete copy of any of their games with the PS3 - both skus - and kept the price exactly where it is the demand for the PS3 would go through the roof."

I don't know. I think if they did that all it would mean is that people would get like $10 additional bucks back when they trade in their PS3's for a Wii or an Xbox 360. And yes, that was slightly sarcastic, but not really.

Baboon @ Jul 19th 2006 2:29PM

@sonofnone

The problem with that is Sony is ALREADY losing a ton of money on each system. I don't know if you would be able to convince Sony share holders that any of Sony's games are gonna be good enough to establish the console on their own to allow any high a loss in their loss-lead strategy.

Probot @ Jul 19th 2006 2:30PM

@SickNic

The average gamer would never read an 800 page report. The average person wouldn't. I doubt the average investor really would.

Have you ever read a business report? It's full of crap like this:

"After reviewing the information and in light of the relevant information found within the context of the conclusions, we feel that there is definite need for some additional research to more specifically pinpoint our advertising and marketing attempts."

It's not hard to fill 800 pages with that kind of writing.

However, I never said they could. I said that nothing in this article is new to the informed gamer, and I believe that to be true.

I'll repeat what I said earlier:
"That report is geared towards investors that don't pay attention to video games. They need someone to explain everything for them.

Most gamers don't. So posting it on Joystiq is more a window into what investors are being told than to what will actually happen in the industry."

Joe P @ Jul 19th 2006 2:56PM

SickNick: "Can the average gamer write a 800 page analysis on the video game industry?"

Yes. Having read a few of these, it's amazing how so much space can be taken up saying so little. These so-called analyses are generally so full of conditional language and bet-hedging as to make them utterly meaningless. "We think such-and-such might happen, but there are many variables, so it might not."

As for all the M$ fanboys who continue to harp on price point - as that's pretty much the ONLY thing they have to harp on given the 360's rather dismal performance to date - why don't we start talking about TCO (total cost of ownership)? M$ says (in the voice of Ray Liotta): "You want a console that's got more than a 3 year lifespan? Screw you - pay me! You want to play games online? Screw you - pay me! You want to watch HD movies? Screw you - pay me! You want games with more that a DVD worth of content? Screw you - and pay me again when I release my next-next-gen console!"

Darth Pixel @ Jul 19th 2006 3:16PM

Analysts are outsiders.

They talk to insiders in an attempt to collect the facts that will help them formulate an opinion.

This doesn't work.
Indeed, there is no insider who has any interest in giving away facts.

vidGuy @ Jul 19th 2006 3:25PM

The PS3 will sell like mad for the first 3 to 6 months. Ebay will have dozens listed for upwards of $1000. Once all of the early adopters and die-hards have it, though, sales will hit a brick wall. Less PS3 players means less developers making games. The relative lack of 3rd party support and must-have games will secure third place, just like for the GameCube.

Wii sales will take off, and developers will latch on to it. By Summer 2008, Nintendo will have the largest game library. This will help sell the console just as it did for the PS2. Being number one or number two in 90% of gamers' hearts will win Nintendo the console war.

The 360 will gain a good deal of marketshare. It will win in sales in the US, though will continue to sell poorly in Japan. It will have equal or better exclusives than the PS3, and will share games with the PS3 without any degradation in graphics... but will have better online play. The 360 version of most ports will be the one to own.

---------
Will Sony have a surprise attack up their sleeves, though? Hear me out... most of us are impressed by Sony's machine, but refuse to pay their announced price. What if they sold at $349 and $449? I'd bet that sales would overshadow both competitors. Of course, based on the estimated cost to Sony of each console, they'd lose $4 billion in hardware sales THE FIRST YEAR (estimated 10 million consoles sold at $400 loss). I don't think they are willing to do that.
---------
The only mistake I could see Nintendo making is selling the console without a bundle at $249. Rumors are stating a solid $199 launch, though, so I still expect amazing sales. If they sell a $249 package with a game, extra controller(s), and an SD card, they'll have the best deal around.
---------
After the 360's troubled launch, Microsoft has made all the mistakes I think they'll make this generation. Now all they have to do is sit back, watch PS3 stumble after the first 6 months, and be there with a strong game lineup and PRICE DROP to collect all the rest of the gamers.
---------

Just an "analysis" from a gamer. Take it as you will.

MosquitoControl @ Jul 19th 2006 3:32PM

"As for all the M$ fanboys who continue to harp on price point - as that's pretty much the ONLY thing they have to harp on given the 360's rather dismal performance to date "

1) You do realize that using a dollar sign for "MS" went out like five years ago, right? It makes you look dated, spiteful, immature, unintelligent and anything but clever.

2) I already covered how the 360 is selling. It's not too far off of the PS2. Considering the PS2 had NO competition and a stronger library thanks to the PS1 still being alive, and considering the first 5 months of the 360 are a wash due to shortages, particularly the crucial Christmas season, the 360 really isn't doing poorly at all. Could it be doing better? Yes. Will the PS3 have sold as many units in its first 8 months as the 360 has? It'll be interesting to see, won't it?

Dux @ Jul 19th 2006 3:36PM

I think too many people underestimate Sony.I think, that when the PS3 luanch starts to come closer and closer, more and more people are going to start psycing out, and get hyped up.Just like when PS2 came out, I think the PS3 is going to be THE KOOL thing on the block. Im kinda going out on a limb saying this since Sony isent looking to promising, and since I really want the Wii and 360 to give the PS3 a REAL run for its money, but people said the DS was going to be a blowout, and look at it now. The PS3!

ymmv @ Jul 19th 2006 3:43PM

The problem with the PS3 is that its offering the wrong features for the wrong price at the wrong time and this is all because of the included Blu-Ray drive. Blu-Ray is something only a handful of consumers currently want or need, yet Sony expects everyone to pay a premium price for the PS3 for. Even worse is that the current format war between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray has spoiled interest in the format even for people who'd otherwise be interested in a next gen video format. All this means is that Blu-Ray is not a feature that will sell a lot of PS3s, even though Sony desperately hopes that it will. All it will do is drive the price of the PS3 through the roof and make it a highly risky financial gamble.

In a couple of years when (or rather _if_) Blu-Ray has become the dominant next gen video format and the price has come down to $200-250, the Blu-Ray drive in the PS3 will become an additional feature that people actually want to see in a console. The problem for Sony is that it will take at least three years before it can cut the price so drastically and all that time the Wii and 360 will be more attractive options for new console buyers. The Wii will offer a new gameplaying experience with last gen visuals for a low low price, while the Xbox 360 will be able to do next gen games with PS3 visuals for a lower price.

Blu-Ray is going to kills the PS3s market dominance for at least three years, and when it finally starts selling in large numbers it's too late to recapture the crown because the market has shifted too much.

Clint @ Jul 19th 2006 4:03PM

I think Sony will sell as many PS3s as they can produce at Christmas time. It is very important for them to have millions of the things ready to go! I can't wait!

The main thing that I love about the Playstations is they play all the old games. I hated it when I owned other consoles and the old games wouldn't work. This is a very big selling point for Sony. Microsoft's lack of backwards compatibility is going to bite them in the ass. People hate it when they buy a product that isn't supported. Look how they dropped the original Xbox completely. I have a friend with the original Xbox and he is very pissed!

Eric @ Jul 19th 2006 5:13PM

*singing* I've got a golden Wii-cket! (That one's not soo good, I know, but I had to)

Darth Pixel @ Jul 19th 2006 5:45PM

My forecast:

- Microsoft stops referring to the "HD Era", as they have been beat by Sony at that game.
- PS3 puts 10M Blu-ray players in the market within 12 months.
- Movie studios see Blu-ray as unstoppable and start preferring Blu-ray.
- Gamers and consumers start to see PS3 as the best value. "It's just an $200 for the coolest Blu-ray player around."
- Retailers have better margins on PS3 and start to push PS3 more than Xbox 360 and Wii.
- Developers, who want to reach the biggest market, are inclined to sign exclusive deals with Sony.
- Piracy plagues Xbox 360, while PS3 remains relatively immune.
- Publishers start to prefer PS3, since piracy is less of a concern and doesn't not eat into their margins as much.
- Wii comes down to earth when third-party support happens to be weak and when gamers realize it is just a souped up GameCube.
- Microsoft's shareholders force the company to scale down their ambitions and Xbox 720 is delayed until Sony announces PS4.

MrD @ Jul 19th 2006 6:29PM

Wow, Darth Pixel. Way to show your fanboyism.

$200? I think it may be a very long time before we see a PS3 Priced around $200. By that time, one of the other two consoles will likely have marketshare dominance, and Sony will have to wait until PS4 unil they can try to get it back.

Darth Pixel @ Jul 19th 2006 6:43PM

#38

I am just another analyst. Show some respect. :)

And, obviously, I meant "an extra $200".
Because $600 for a next-generation console + a Blu-ray drive is a great deal no matter how you dice and slice it.

Finally, the fact that you object to my comment and not #31 shows that you are a fanboy yourself.

I just enjoy trading extreme BS for extreme BS.

Let's the BS fly!

someguy @ Jul 19th 2006 6:58PM

I think everyone who says the word fanboy in a post from here on out should be considered for losing a star. I've noticed that that word is being flung around too easily, and completely ruins any intelligent discussion. For example:

"38. Wow, Darth Pixel. Way to show your fanboyism."

I stopped reading that post after that sentence. I think more people should do the same.

MrD @ Jul 19th 2006 7:32PM

The only reason I responded to you is because of the $200 comment (I must have just read it wrong). But the last two comments on your list is why I said the fanboy bit.

Really, there are only a few things we know for sure, like how Sony won't be able to keep the marketshare they had for the PS2. Also that Japan is one of the primary regions for games, so Microsoft can't reach the marketshare they truly want without good Japanese sales and developer support (It's funny how before the 360's release, Microsoft fanboys said that the Japanese have chanced their minds about Xbox with the 360 and would be a key part in it's success, and now they're saying that Microsoft doesn't need Japan for marketshare dominance since it didn't catch on in Japan). Nintendo is also in a vice. Coming in with inferior processing power and other system specs, they have to prove that the control scheme and games make up for it with new ideas and "innovation."

Really, it just seems that Nintendo is in a better position at this point, but everything could change.

Darth Pixel @ Jul 19th 2006 10:12PM

MrD, Nintendo and their fans are on a sugar high.
Yet, reality is creeping in.
How long before you feel silly waving your arms like a demented monkey in your living room?
How long before you realize you can't play the major versions of Halo, Gears of War, Splinter Cell, Final Fantasy, PGR3, MGS4, Final Fantasy, God of War, Warhawk, Dark Sector, The Darkness, Unreal Tournament, etc., etc., etc. while you wave your arms in your living room?
How long before you realize your Wii doesn't work well with HDTV, doesn't work well with the 16:9 aspect ratio, doesn't work well with your high-end hi-fi system?

It will take the monks of gaming to be so virtuous and to keep being excited with Wii.
I fully understand why they decided not to keep the Revolution name. Clearly, Wii is nothing revotionary.
Let's hope Nintendo's franchises keep renewing themselves.

Nintendo's King @ Jul 20th 2006 9:59AM

1st PS3 or Xbox360
2nd Nntendo Wii
3rd PS3 or Xbox360

Why the PS3 and Xbox360 might be in 1st or 3rd well this is it

PS3 has more power than the Wii & Xbox360.(For 1st)

PS3 is !TOO! much money and might not sell all when it comes out.(For 3rd)

PS3 backward compatibility with the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, and that every PS1 and PS2 game that observes its respective system's TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) will be playable on PS3 at launch.The PlayStation 3 does not include interfaces for legacy PlayStation devices such as the DualShock controller and PS1/PS2 memory cards. It is not known at this time whether USB devices for PlayStation 2 will be compatible with PlayStation 3. PlayStation 3 can use Memory Stick media to store save data for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software.[20] It is not confirmed whether current PlayStation and PlayStation 2 save files can be used on the Playstation 3.(For 2nd or 3rd)

The Boomerang" or "Batarang" controller was officially abandoned for the PS3.(For 1rd)

Sony has stated that because of the motion sensors, the rumble capability of the previous controllers will not be included, reasoning that the vibration interferes with motion-sensing.(For 3rd)

Sony has stated that they took Nintendo's motion sensors controller.(For 1st)

Xbox360 has more power that the Wii but not alot of power than the PS3.(For 2nd)

Xbox360 came out !TOO! .(For 3rd)

Xbox360 has good games.(For 1st)

Xbox360 can not sell in Japan and Sales data
Bill Gates stated that by the time the Wii and PlayStation 3 ship in November 2006, nearly 10 million Xbox 360 units should be sold. Microsoft has also stated it will ship around five to five and a half million Xbox 360s its financial year 2005/06, ending 30 June 2006. This an upgrade from the original prediction of only 4 and a half to five million.
Total number of Xbox 360s shipped:
Total: 5 million units (as of the end of June 2006)
Quarterly Data
Q4 2005, 1.5 million units
Q1 2006, 1.7 million units(For 3rd)

Xbox360 Backward compatibility is achieved through software emulation of the original Xbox hardware. Emulated games offer graphical enhancements because they are rendered in 720p resolution with anti-aliasing enabled rather than the Xbox standard of 480p. Some games also benefit from an improvement in the rendered draw distance, possibly due to the system's greater memory bandwidth. However there are also games that do not perform well in emulation; these often exhibit a lower framerate on the Xbox 360.(For 2nd or 3rd)

Xbox360 is going to have HD DVD in the future.(For 1st)

Nintendo Wii is less money. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii Backward compatibility with the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx 16 (Wii Virtual Console) and, Nintendo GameCube. (For 1st)

Nintendo always have fun games. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii The Wii Remote, Nunchuk ,Wii Zapper and, Classic Controller. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii have less power than the PS3 and Xbox360.(For 3rd)

The Wii Remote is also able to sense movement and orientation. Sensors in the Wii Remote allow it to sense linear motion along three axes, as well as tilt.The controller features has an optical sensor, allowing it to determine where it is pointing. This can cause some detection problems when bright or fluorescent lights are in the area, requiring the controller be calibrated to the sensor bar. This is presumably because the controller uses the LEDs in the bar as a reference point.This allows players to mimic actual game actions, such as swinging a sword or using a flashlight, instead of simply pushing buttons. An early marketing video showed actors miming such actions as fishing, cooking, drumming, conducting a string quartet, shooting a gun, sword fighting, and performing dental surgery.(For 1st, 2nd or 3rd)

The current design of the Wii Remote uses two AA batteries as a power source, which can power a Wii Remote for 60 hours using just the accelerometer functionality, and 30 hours using also the pointer functionality.( 2nd or 3rd)

Additionally a small internal attachment (a dongle) to be sold as an add-on to the console will allow Wii to play DVD-Video. (For 1st)

Up to 480p and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii will have no HD. (For 3rd)

There is no indication that the Wii has the high-speed port of the original GameCube, which means that unless otherwise indicated, the Game Boy Player (which required this port) will not be compatible with the Wii.(For 3rd)

Nintendo Wii will support wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS. The connectivity will allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games.The Wii will also be able to update and expand DS games. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii has more Third party developers than the PS3.(1st or 2nd)

Nintendo's King @ Jul 20th 2006 10:07AM

1st PS3 or Xbox360
2nd Nntendo Wii
3rd PS3 or Xbox360

Why
the PS3 and Xbox360 might be in 1st or 3rd well this is it

PS3
has more power than the Wii & Xbox360.(For 1st)

PS3 is !TOO!
much money and might not sell all when it comes out.(For
3rd)

PS3 backward compatibility with the PlayStation and
PlayStation 2, and that every PS1 and PS2 game that observes its
respective system's TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) will be
playable on PS3 at launch.The PlayStation 3 does not include
interfaces for legacy PlayStation devices such as the DualShock
controller and PS1/PS2 memory cards. It is not known at this time
whether USB devices for PlayStation 2 will be compatible with
PlayStation 3. PlayStation 3 can use Memory Stick media to store save
data for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software.[20] It is not
confirmed whether current PlayStation and PlayStation 2 save files
can be used on the Playstation 3.(For 2nd or 3rd)

The
Boomerang" or "Batarang" controller was officially abandoned for the
PS3.(For 1st)

Sony has stated that because of the motion
sensors, the rumble capability of the previous controllers will not
be included, reasoning that the vibration interferes with
motion-sensing.(For 3rd)

Sony has stated that they took
Nintendo's motion sensors controller.(For 1st)

Xbox360 has
more power that the Wii but not alot of power than the PS3.(For 2nd)

Xbox360 came out !TOO! Early.(For 3rd)

Xbox360 has good
games.(For 1st)

Xbox360 can not sell in Japan and Sales
data
Bill Gates stated that by the time the Wii and PlayStation 3
ship in November 2006, nearly 10 million Xbox 360 units should be
sold. Microsoft has also stated it will ship around five to five and
a half million Xbox 360s its financial year 2005/06, ending 30 June
2006. This an upgrade from the original prediction of only 4 and a
half to five million.
Total number of Xbox 360s shipped:
Total:
5 million units (as of the end of June 2006)
Quarterly Data
Q4
2005, 1.5 million units
Q1 2006, 1.7 million units(For 3rd)

Xbox360 Backward compatibility is achieved through software
emulation of the original Xbox hardware. Emulated games offer
graphical enhancements because they are rendered in 720p resolution
with anti-aliasing enabled rather than the Xbox standard of 480p.
Some games also benefit from an improvement in the rendered draw
distance, possibly due to the system's greater memory bandwidth.
However there are also games that do not perform well in emulation;
these often exhibit a lower framerate on the Xbox 360.(For 2nd or
3rd)

Xbox360 is going to have HD DVD in the future.(For
1st)

Nintendo Wii is less money. (For 1st)

Nintendo Wii
Backward compatibility with the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis,
TurboGrafx 16 (Wii Virtual Console) and, Nintendo GameCube. (For
1st)

Nintendo always have fun games. (For 1st)

Nintendo
Wii The Wii Remote, Nunchuk ,Wii Zapper and, Classic Controller. (For
1st)

Nintendo Wii have less power than the PS3 and
Xbox360.(For 3rd)

The Wii Remote is also able to sense
movement and orientation. Sensors in the Wii Remote allow it to sense
linear motion along three axes, as well as tilt.The controller
features has an optical sensor, allowing it to determine where it is
pointing. This can cause some detection problems when bright or
fluorescent lights are in the area, requiring the controller be
calibrated to the sensor bar. This is presumably because the
controller uses the LEDs in the bar as a reference point.This allows
players to mimic actual game actions, such as swinging a sword or
using a flashlight, instead of simply pushing buttons. An early
marketing video showed actors miming such actions as fishing,
cooking, drumming, conducting a string quartet, shooting a gun, sword
fighting, and performing dental surgery.(For 1st, 2nd or
3rd)

The current design of the Wii Remote uses two AA
batteries as a power source, which can power a Wii Remote for 60
hours using just the accelerometer functionality, and 30 hours using
also the pointer functionality.( 2nd or 3rd)

Additionally a
small internal attachment (a dongle) to be sold as an add-on to the
console will allow Wii to play DVD-Video. (For 1st)

Up to 480p
and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector.
(For 1st)

Nintendo Wii will have no HD. (For 3rd)

There
is no indication that the Wii has the high-speed port of the original
GameCube, which means that unless otherwise indicated, the Game Boy
Player (which required this port) will not be compatible with the
Wii.(For 3rd)

Nintendo Wii will support wireless connectivity
with the Nintendo DS. The connectivity will allow the player to use
functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs
for Wii games.The Wii will also be able to update and expand DS games.
(For 1st)

Nintendo Wii has more Third party developers than the
PS3.(1st or 2nd)

MrD @ Jul 21st 2006 3:08PM

DarthPixel, it has been said countless times that minor movements of the wrist can be used, so if someone gets tired (if they do decide to wave their arms wild like a monkey), they can sit down and use small movemets instead while getting the same results. Also, naming exclusive franchises for other systems really isn't a way to back up bashing a certain system (and Final Fantasy is coming to Wii. Even if you say it isn't a real one, most Final Fantasy fans say that FFXI shouldn't be considered part of the main series either). Also, there are games for Wii that utilize the 16:9 ratio.

The winner this time around is whomever has the most games, and the most hardware sales. It looks like the PS3 and Wii will fight for that, since the 360 was plagued by shortages, and that won't be the case with the other two.

Also, it doesn't really matter who wins, each system will have great games. That's why I don't see why people swear themselves to any certain console, or swear off any certain console. It's rediculous, really.