Online demand for 360 surpasses PS3 ... Wii beats both

by Justin Murray { Dec 4th 2006 at 10:45AM }

It would seem that much of the buzz Sony built for the PS3 launch is dying down; no doubt due to the system's MIA status from virtual store shelves. In a recent study, the Xbox 360's online demand has surpassed that of the PS3; the Wii has -- not surprisingly -- passed up both of them on the list of most online interest.

According to Compete.com, the interest in the Xbox 360 in major online retail outlets passed up the PS3 on November 25th, which is the same time Amazon.com offered up the $100 Xbox 360. Since October, interest in all three consoles grew at an increasing rate, but only the PS3 has suffered any sort of decline. Online demand for the PS3 is on a decline since the unit launched, most likely attributed to the fact people can't find them.

The method Compete.com used to obtain this information is a bit of a mystery. However, the data could show the dangers of trying to utilize a product's scarcity to drive demand. A hard to find product can drive the desire to have it, but make the product too difficult to find and people will just give up; which makes the competition -- who has ready supplies -- very happy.

Tags: 360, Nintendo Wii, NintendoWii, PlayStation 3, Playstation3, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Spartanyogi @ Dec 4th 2006 11:23AM

I've paid attention in my three economics classes, done pretty well, and for the life of me I can't understand any of the rationale behind this artificial demand thing and not supplying enough consoles. There are people that want to buy your console...why are you not selling them one? They'll still want a console, so they'll just buy the alternative. You sell them a console, they buy accessories, they buy games, they spend money on your company. They want to give your company money.

The Wii launch is the first launch that actually makes sense to me.

MaX PL @ Dec 4th 2006 10:57AM

playstation is just about dead. i feel sorry for all those who actually spend $599 for a PS3. weaksauce.

Hoffer @ Dec 4th 2006 11:51AM

I frequent a tech heavy, non-gaming site everyday. There are threads on there for the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360. Everyday, about 200 posts get made to the Wii and 360 threads. I bet over the last 10 days, there have been maybe 5 posts in the PS3 thread. Right now, the PS3 just isn't interesting. One person on that board owns one and there really aren't any games worth buying a $600 system for.

White Cloud @ Dec 4th 2006 11:11AM

The only problem I see with that graph is that it's been made with the data from Compete Members. From what I can gather it's the number of clicks they have made on these websites, not general people.

Gamer G @ Dec 4th 2006 11:11AM

Early adopters are only interested in having the new tech before anyone else. If they cant get one in the first month or two they wont bother.

In two months time the PS3 will be left with a $600 price tag, still only one half decent game, it will be the wrong side of Christmas and its rivals will in all likely hood be announcing price cuts.

DOA? Its looking likely

AG @ Dec 4th 2006 3:06PM

Considering that the PS2 had just as rough a launch as the PS3 and things can only look up from here for the PS3, I seriously doubt the PS3 is dead. People do want to buy the system at 600, its just they don't have enough supply at the time.

I forget where the survey was done, but their was about 10 million people who said they were willing to put up 600 for the PS3 I read about recently.

Many people who have had a PS2 and have waited this long for a PS3 are not going to suddenly decide that they can't wait a few more months so they will buy an Xbox 360 instead. Say what you want Xbox 360 fanboys, but the PS3 is NOT DEAD.

Iscariote @ Dec 4th 2006 12:04PM

I still don't understand why Microsoft isn't making price cuts right now. I already own a 360, but if MS is making $75 profit on every 360 right now, why not drop the price $100 and start putting nails in Sony's coffin?

Bluecup @ Dec 4th 2006 11:25AM

Lets have a quick look at Google Trends

http://www.google.com/trends?q=Wii%2C+Xbox%2C+Playstation&ctab=0&geo=all&date=2006-11

Even using just the word "Playstation", Wii has over taking them all in the last few weeks.

Apollo Creed @ Dec 4th 2006 11:31AM

The Wii is appealing to their hardcores along with chicks, and the 360 is becoming the choice for enthusiasts.

Boo! No surprises yet, I want something to shock all of us, like "Nintendo 64 sales surpass PSP for December" or something.

Zac @ Dec 4th 2006 11:31AM

Artificial demand is a tool to pump up the price on a product. A conspiracy theorist would say that recent shortages in console launches were to help move pricey systems. Someone who lives in the real world wouldn't though.

Freakhead @ Dec 4th 2006 11:31AM

News is when PS3s stop selling at stores. The fact
that more folks want a 360 because there are like 0 PS3s in stock is not news. IT's
common sense.

Pete C @ Dec 4th 2006 11:32AM

Spartanyogi, it's not artificial, Sony just dropped the ball in manufacturing. The lack of blu-ray laser diodes was highly publicized, and even their blu-ray partners were not able to produce as many stand-alone BD players.

Brian O'lyaryz @ Dec 4th 2006 11:34AM

I'm surprised no one has called Justin Murray a nintendo "fanboy" yet. Good job commenters. Good job. ::thumbs up::

rjg @ Dec 4th 2006 11:35AM

'...most likely attributed to the fact people can't find them.'

That, and the 367,000 ps3 fanboys have all gotten a ps3 now.

Marty @ Dec 4th 2006 12:10PM

@Bluecup - Nice link, if anything, the Google Trends graph confirms that this report is true... the interest in the PS3 dipped way down after launch day. Google Trends also suggests that all three are hitting a slight incline again.

Javi @ Dec 4th 2006 12:38PM

I'm glad the demand is decresing, maybe that way I'll be able to score a PS3. I don't care if everybody is talking shit about it. I played resistance online at my friends and it rocks. Just because I have a 360 doesn't mean I don't want to play PS3 games, its plain stupid for gamers to not want variety, can someone explain that to me. I drink Coke so Pepsi sucks balls and it should be taken out the market.

Saint Jouten @ Dec 4th 2006 11:25PM

wii60 ftw!

Vincent @ Dec 4th 2006 11:50AM

Of course the demand was high, when it was 100 dollars. look at the demand drop off after people cant buy it for 100 dollars anymore. i mean, if it was 100 dollars, Iwould buy one. but now that it’s not, I’m not going to.

Zach @ Dec 4th 2006 12:07PM

The 360 at this point is a better system than the Wii. The Wii has Zelda, which is a fantastic game and one of the finest ever made, but the 360 has such an excellent library of titles like Gears of War, Oblivion, and the upcoming Mass Effect.

The Wii will, in time, develop a very strong library of games as Nintendo continues to develop new entries in their most popular franchises and develop new franchises, and as third-party developers make quality games. The PS3 is dead right now, and won't be worth a purchase until the release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which may be ported to the 360. If this happens, many games, including myself, will no longer have a reason to purchase a PS3.

kinshadow @ Dec 4th 2006 12:11PM

"why not drop the price $100 and start putting nails in Sony's coffin?"

Because they don't have to. People choose 360 vs. PS3 (most are putting Wii in another camp). There are no PS3's this X-mas, thus no reason to drop. I'd expect a 360 price drop either mid or late next year when PS3 starts getting volume. They might even throw in a a new model with 100GB drive and HDMI.

SuicideNinja @ Dec 4th 2006 12:27PM

I think the old "supply and demand" tactics will ultimately result in failures in the future.

The new monkey wrench in the equation is the internet. If you can't find what you want at the store, where do you immediately look next? The internet.

If consumers can't find what they are looking for offline or reasonably priced online...then consumers will find similar products from a different company. This is further exacerbated since the internet also allows for quick comparisons, reviews, and tech education. If a product seems to have a lot of negative reviews online and the necessity/usefulness of the tech (per dollar) is questionable, it doesn't bode well for the product's future.

That's probably part of the reason the PS3 ebay prices have dropped so dramatically. The PS3 is already too expensive as-is...so people aren't looking to ebay.

The positive commentary around the Wii vs the negative commentary around the PS3 is likely to blame as well.

That is...unless the real truth is...interest in the PS3 has fallen through the floor. I don't know if I believe that yet, but it's not outside the realm of possibility.

MikaelP @ Dec 4th 2006 1:28PM

I would like to remind everybody that playstation and ps3 are two different search terms. In google trends playstation seems to drop alot while the term PS3 don't! http://www.google.com/trends?q=Wii%2C+Xbox%2C+Ps3%2C+Playstation&ctab=0&geo=all&date=2006-11
I hate deciding to choose...I mean...Wii doesn't have 5.1 sound, 360 makes alot of noise and ps3 is expensive as hell (and Gears of War beats all games when it comes to graphics :( )
I wished I could borrow a PS3 and play Final Fantasy to my hearts content when it's released.

saboola @ Dec 4th 2006 1:28PM

@14. I still don't understand why Microsoft isn't making price cuts right now.

Because it's still selling quite well. Why lower the price when people are still happily paying it? Microsoft is a business, not a charity.

Rushli0n @ Dec 4th 2006 12:42PM

I just think it's funny when you look at the Wal-Mart flyer with all of their X-mas deals and there is an entire section devoted to the Wii, accessories and games.

As for the PS3...they don't even mention the system besides like 2 games, since they don't have it to sell.

I'm sure other retailers will pull the PS3 out of their catalogue's as well since they know by now they will not be getting many more before the holidays.

BillDoE @ Dec 4th 2006 1:48PM

I hope this means alot of PS 3 scalpers get stuck with their wares ;) I already know one gamer that got one and was trying to sell it days later because they weren't happy with it.

NeoteriX @ Dec 4th 2006 12:47PM

"I've paid attention in my three economics classes, done pretty well, and for the life of me I can't understand any of the rationale behind this artificial demand thing and not supplying enough consoles."

Because the only people who say that are conspiracy theorists that know nothing about economics.

Limiting supply only helps someone when the market price of the product can fluctuate freely--something like cars where dealerships can charge well about MSRP for a hot car in high demand. However, since all PS3s are locked at MSRP, the only people reaping the low supply and high demand are the ebayers.

Matt @ Dec 4th 2006 7:58PM

Where is the Wii in ready supply? They've been sold out everywhere :(

UnmaskedHero @ Dec 4th 2006 2:28PM

Javi, people wouldn't like Pepsi if the makers of Pepsi constantly hyped up their soda, saying it will blow away Coke, and make Coke seem like you're drinking piss... and then when they release their new Pepsi, it actually barely tastes as good, but charges more... 33% more.

Hinkmania @ Dec 4th 2006 1:03PM

@#5 Except in Calgary, Canada. They seem more interested in Xbox, at least marginally. :-O

Jackson Pritt @ Dec 4th 2006 1:38PM

"Where is the Wii in ready supply? They've been sold out everywhere :("

I got mine this last Sunday at a Target in San Francisco, CA. Had to camp out for a while (2 hours) to get it. Basically I think Target is supposed to be getting new Wii units every other Sunday (maybe EVERY Sunday, but not sure) for the forseable future. Not huge shipments, but if you show up a little bit before they open (8am) you should be able to pick one up.

I spent 2 hours in line with some of my friends and had a great time. Tons of people showed up (around 120-150) and everybody was really friendly. I think they had 90 units at the Target I was at.

gtpunch @ Dec 4th 2006 1:34PM

Future Shop in Canada celebrated the PS3's launch day by bundling the 360 Pro for CAD$400 - allowed me to end up with six titles, 4 controllers, a year's subscription to a proven online service, all for less than the price of a PS3.

Badison @ Dec 4th 2006 1:50PM

I agree with Matt's comment above. I've had trouble finding any supplies of Wii in NYC. With the exception of a few stores in china town of course where it can be found for $400 (they always do this though, ha ha).

I understand there is a greater supply of Wii's trickling down, but you still cannot walk into any store with ease (around here) and get one at retail. A few stores told me they got more 1 week after (more being less than a dozen) which sold out immediately. Quite frustrating, in my opinion, but I guess this is the way of high demand goods?

redspear75 @ Dec 4th 2006 2:37PM

Of Course People LiKE the PS3 m0re. iT rocks the HoUse cAuse it HAs aLL tEh beST GaMEs cArpBoX 360 dOeSn't eVen do tRue HiGh ReZ. HAAAA wHat iS that TeH 360 BoX can oNlY do 720P LOL WhaT a JoKe. DoN'T even start me on the N64 1.5 it isN't evEn LaST GeN leT aloNe NeXt Gen. WhAT ZelDa? How aBoUt GenJii 2 and GuNDam tHose aRe ReAl GaMes for ReAL GayMers.

SiX AXiS=599 Us DoLlArs= FTW!

ShortFinal @ Dec 4th 2006 4:30PM

I really hope that you aren't serious, and you're just being overly-sarcastic.

Jc @ Dec 4th 2006 4:47PM

Can we say flip over the crab and attack it's belly for massive damage @ redspear75? Yes, let's do.

Matthew Ryan @ Dec 4th 2006 3:13PM

Wii FTW

Kish @ Dec 4th 2006 7:52PM

I don't know AG, most people (including me) who were willing to pay 600$ for what sony was promising have been turned off. We wait a year and find out it was mostly lies? On top of that they are losing their exclusives. Things are not looking happy for sony. I'm guessing most a huge chunk of those 10 million have become disallusioned. Sony will have to earn them back now, they can't just ride of PS2's success.

While the PS2 did have a rocky start, it didn't have the stiff competition the PS3 does. The Xbox had some impressive games, but was mostly meh, and, well we all know how gamecube turned out (though double dash and smash bro have probably gotten more time in on them than other games combined in my apartment). The PS2 also had a year's head start to set itself up before it had any competition. Please don't try to pretend this is the same situation. That argument just doesn't hold water.

But as far as I'm concerned they have taken the PS3 in the wrong direction. I'm hoping this generation will scare Sony back into shape, and PS4 (or whatever it will be) will give us back some of our playstation goodness. Remember Sony, you aren't going to replace our computers. Heck you probably won't replace our DVD players. Make us a great consol Sony! No more marketing bull crap.

Please sony, come back. No more marketing bull crap.

Stupid blue ray. Stupid STUPID blue ray. You killed sony.

Shagi @ Dec 4th 2006 5:05PM

The Wii is weak. Give it a month you'll be dying to get your hands on a PS3 or 360. Theres no way that box can sustain any ones interest for longer than a couple months.

Can't wait to see the Nintendork fanboys faces when the Wii starts out strong then innevetably ends up in last place this generation.

Andy @ Dec 5th 2006 1:15AM

hey #32, what's to say that your not a Sony Fanboy, huh? Talk about other fanboys!

Ian @ Dec 5th 2006 3:20PM

Of course the Wii is in the lead, you can't find them instores. With the 360 you have plenty availible in stock and no worries about going to BB or Walmart to get one, but for the Wii (or PS3) you have limited quanties and most sold (probably) online with ebay and bundles and such. I have a feeling the Wii's momentum won't carry over to 2007 because the lack of games it will have till next fall.

Izzy-B @ Dec 5th 2006 7:43AM

Obviously it's true that the recent declines in the have come from supply lost and bugs. Once bugs are gone and supply goes up ... demand will go up. Eventualy PS3 will have to go one sale.

@1/MaX PL

You very stupid for saying PS3 is dead. PS3 hasn't even been out for a mounth. Yet there supply hasn't gone up. I can't understand your stupidity by making such an early very high prediction this early. PS3 hasn't even launched in Europe yet. When you think about it PS3 shuoldn't sell the most because of it's high price, but it will make the most money and make more gamers happy with shooting game and sports games. I can't understand how someone can say PS3 is dead when it's just at birth. If someone can give me a resonable reason why PS3 is dead that would clear everything up.

Game Artist @ Dec 4th 2006 7:09PM

I think the drop in numbers is as much the fact that the ps3 hasnt lived upto sony hype as actual supply problems. The majorty of consumers who aren't fanboys look at the launch lineup and arent blown away over the 360.

ChrisL @ Dec 4th 2006 7:50PM

"I forget where the survey was done, but their was about 10 million people who said they were willing to put up 600 for the PS3 I read about recently."

9 million of whom were kiddies who didn't really have $600 to spend but were going to beg mommy for it come xmas.

jchensor @ Dec 4th 2006 6:45PM

Spartanyogi:

The advantage of the intentionally shortage (which I don't think is something Sony is doing intentionally) is simply for creating awareness. By shorting your supply, you make the item noticeable. You get news items, it pops up as number one requested item on eBay and Amazon or whatever, poeple see long lines at stores and ask, "What is that for?" and hear the name PlayStation 3. It's a long term investment, really. Sony is obviously not going for short term gains in ANY way, shape, or form. They are investing in this system in the long run. So by creating a machine that will last years, by creating awareness for their system's branding, they may be aboe to overcome weak beginning and have strong lasting effects. It's a risky strategy, but it's the one they seem to be sticking to.

Shagi:

I do understand that you are heavily Sony biased, and that's great. Sony needs its defenders. There are more Nintendo/Wii fanboys here thatn you can shake a stick at. But I do implore you that, if you are going to make as bold of a claim as:

"The Wii is weak. Give it a month you'll be dying to get your hands on a PS3 or 360. Theres no way that box can sustain any ones interest for longer than a couple months."

Please offer up some support. I'd love to hear it. Explain why the Wii will be different from the DS. Give us real-life examples of how this theory of yours is plausible. Do you see the Wii similar to something like My Pet Rock? Teddy Ruxpin? What? I am deathly curious to see what the basis of such a claim is. I do not think it's unfounded. I think it is grounded in a very strong realm of realism. I just wanna know why.

teehee @ Dec 4th 2006 9:15PM

http://www.google.com/trends?q=Wii%2C+Xbox%2C+Ps3%2C+Playstation%2C+porn&ctab=0&geo=all&date=2006-11

porn > gaming

true story :)

Pixelbox @ Dec 4th 2006 8:25PM

sigh... and this is a surprise to anyone? Even Sony supporters would agree that the Wii the hot-ticket item this Christmas.

Christmas is about the whole family... it makes total sense that the party-friendly Wii would have the most interest at this time of year.

mike @ Dec 5th 2006 12:31AM

Christmas is about the whole family... it makes total sense that the party-friendly Wii would have the most interest at this time of year.

--

PS3 has no games. And it's boring. At least 360 has some RPG's coming out. And Geometry Wars. Oh well, NIntendo rules in portables and consoles, as usual. The only company making profit is the one that focuses on gaming.

That's the way it should be.

wasim @ Dec 4th 2006 10:04PM

hey ps3 is the clear winner this next gen.........just becuase it is scarce doesnt mean the demand is low......MS sold just 480k in NOV much shorter than their expected figures of 700k..........ps3s are sold out all over and would remain so in christmas.

with BD i could watch real HD movies.....360 doesnt allow and with it being way less powerful than ps3...march is when ps3 totally destroys its competition.......cant wait for LAIR,VF,MOTORSTORM, F1,HEAVENLY SWORD....

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/xbox-360-sales-below-expectations/ ....hahah look at garbage 360 now.....what a shame!!!!

it is dead in JAP and europe by the way. GO SONYYYYYY