Sony's CEO: Wii is a game device
by Randy Nelson 
{ Jul 15th 2008 at 5:30AM }
According to Bloomberg, Stringer made the statement last week while attending the Allen & Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho ... far away from his home in England, where Wii is obviously going for a lot more than in the US. Actually, it's £179 with Wii Sports. PS3 is £289 and, according to Stringer, is "still the best way to buy a Blu-ray player." (Note: In addition to Blu-ray movies, PS3 also plays games.)
[Via Wii Fanboy]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
J.Goodwin @ Jul 15th 2008 5:35AM
Including Final Fantasy XIII, "Day and date" with the Xbox 360 version.
That's a coup right there.
Dale Massey @ Jul 15th 2008 5:47AM
The problem with Sony is that they're an entertainment company, and their CEO is obviously pushing the PS3 as being profitable to their interests...
Sony have more movie studies than game studios, and movies have a quicker and greater means of profit than games.
No wonder he's still pushing the thing as a Blu-Ray player... but they need to get their priorities right if they ever want it to compete with the 360 and Wii in the USA.
(Dont mean to seem biased, I own all three consoles)
Derick @ Jul 15th 2008 5:47AM
games plural?
lolwut
MGS4 is only 1 game...
Purple Haze @ Jul 15th 2008 6:52AM
Do people honestly think that because FF XIII is coming out on the 360 that the PS 3 is screwed? It probably won't come out for about another year or two anyway, and it's not like Japan doesn't matter.
Dale Massey @ Jul 15th 2008 7:46AM
The only place where FXIII could benefit the 360 WAS Japan.
FXIII will sell more copies in Japan than in the US or Europe, and all of these copies will be on the PS3.
It wouldve made better "business sense" for FXIII to be exclusive to PS3 in US and Europe, with it being multiformat in Japan - the territory Xbox has yet to build a market in.
Josh @ Jul 15th 2008 8:00AM
So it's better business sense to release the game on 360 in Japan where there's *no* preexisting market, than to release it in NA and Europe, where there's a *huge* preexisting market?
Dale Massey @ Jul 15th 2008 9:05AM
Well, yeah.
Lots of people in Japan may have been holding off buying a next gen system so they can play FFXIII.
If they have the option of the cheaper 360 to the more expensive PS3, a lot of people wouldve bought the cheper system to play that game.
And if someone buys the system to play FFXIII, it gives the consumer a reason to look at the already existing back cataolgue of 360 games, and possibly push them to buy some more first party titles from Microsoft, possibly recouping the money it cost Microsoft in "persuading" Square-Enix to release the game on their system.
Dale Massey @ Jul 15th 2008 9:06AM
Well, yeah.
Lots of people in Japan may have been holding off buying a next gen system so they can play FFXIII.
If they have the option of the cheaper 360 to the more expensive PS3, a lot of people wouldve bought the cheper system to play that game.
And if someone buys the system to play FFXIII, it gives the consumer a reason to look at the already existing back cataolgue of 360 games, and possibly push them to buy some more first party titles from Microsoft, possibly recouping the money it cost Microsoft in "persuading" Square-Enix to release the game on their system.
Anam @ Jul 15th 2008 9:51AM
That might make more business sense for Microsoft. But Square-Enix is the one making the game, and from their perspective, it makes zero business sense to release the game on 360 in Japan.
Paul (PSN: heypaul) @ Jul 15th 2008 11:11AM
I think you guys are missing the point. Microsoft didn't get FFXIII to try to win back Japan. They did it so Sony couldn't win back America.
Derick @ Jul 15th 2008 1:31PM
Why the hell did you all reply to my comment with all this?
I was trying to be inflammatory.
Shutthehellup with all yer logic and industry know-how.
requiemvalorum @ Jul 15th 2008 6:06AM
I agree with Dale Massey.
The PS3 will never compete with he Xbox or even the WII as long as it is being marked as a Blu-ray player.
For gods sake, Microsoft don't market the 360 as a DVD player.
If Sony want the PS3 to survive (which for some strange reason seems to be less and less likely) they need to pull their finger out and realize that they have a Games console on the market
Giroro @ Jul 15th 2008 11:29AM
It's like Sony forgot that they named it PLAY Station 3
VoiceofHarold @ Jul 15th 2008 6:09AM
Statements from Sony higher ups over the past couple years lead me to believe that company is the babbling, crazy old man of console gaming these days.
FOXHOUND @ Jul 15th 2008 8:29AM
His name is Mr. Stringer. ;]
meist3r @ Jul 15th 2008 6:24AM
Sorry but that guy looks like the very last person on earth that should say anything about video games. He might as well be the board leader on Halo 3 but from the looks of it he doesn't know jack shit about what people do here. I wonder what he played and for how long, playing ten minutes of Wii Sports does in no way justify or qualify him for such a stupid comment. He clearly doesn't know what he is talking about (or he is so ashamed about the lack of success for the PS3 so far that he just won't say it).
I don't even get it, his company makes a console that is three times as expensive as the Wii and didn't do well anywhere near the expectations. To announce that the most successful competitor in the race has a "expensive niche product" is ridiculous in this situation. But thanks, I had a good laugh.
NATO_Duke @ Jul 15th 2008 10:26AM
So, when we get older we automatically forget about games? I didn't know we were in your private version of Logan's Run. Shall all of us over 20 go to the suicide chamber for your pleasure?
Listen, he's the CEO of Sony - wtf are you the CEO of? You say "...looks of it he doesn't know jack shit about what people do here." Well, I would think that running Sony gives him a tad more knowledge than average Joe consumer. Besides that, it gives him a good perspective on talking about the competition - since he actually competes with Nintendo while the rest of us act only like we are involved.
I rarely defend a Sony comment, but I think you are stretching with your attack. Shame on people for voting you up.
meist3r @ Jul 15th 2008 10:41AM
@NATO_Duke:
First off: You obviously didn't get the sarcasm in that post. And then again: Just because he is the CEO of a large company that doesn't give him an insight into what a specific branch of the business is all about. Most gamers spend large parts of their life studying the markets for their own advantage and out of pure passion and curiosity. How many CEO's actually have that time or passion for their job. I never heard of this guy before when it came to games and/or Sony so where exactly is his qualification better than mine or that of average Joe? Usually it's quite the opposite. These big-whigs don't understand their core markets at all and just react with their (indeed quite excellent business experience) to what their staff is reporting to them. What I'm saying is that this guy is not a gamer, not a game dev, not a marketing person for games and not anywhere near the demographics that I regard as capable of judging the games market. So he (regardless of his professional standing) is incompetent to state things about competitors like they were facts. Fact is: his company is doing worse than Nintendo and if there is a niche product it's the PS3. Sure there probably are people his age out there that know a shitload more about games than I do, but apparently not this guy. Look his profile up on Wikipedia, he's the one responsible for the rootkit DRM and such shit. It's a business guy with a business attitude talking business bullshit about a passion topic. That just disqualifies him in every imaginable way.
's your turn.
Ethan @ Jul 15th 2008 6:28AM
Yes, ps3 is the best value Blu-Ray player. But that's because there is no Blu-Ray player that is good value, including the ps3.
Oh and Stringer's Welsh.
E.J. @ Jul 15th 2008 6:38AM
"an expensive niche game device"?
When your own console is the highest-starting-priced unit in the market with a special format that really hasn't been embraced by the mainstream, you shouldn't make statements like this. Sir Howard, you're a smart man and this makes you look foolish.
I have to admit, though. I bought Batman: Gotham Knight on Blu-ray last week.
Vidikron (FU) @ Jul 15th 2008 10:01AM
He's right though, but the costs are hidden. Now with the Super Waggle add-on we'll have to buy 3 devices just to assemble a single fully functional controller. We don't know how much the add on is going to cost, but that will likely push the cost of a complete controller up to, and possibly over, $80. And keep in mind that this is the "party" machine... most people need multiple controllers for the Wii. Then, for some games, you need to buy the Balance Board. Like those VC games? Well, better buy a Classic controller. Want a hard wired connection? Well, better buy the overpriced USB adapter. And they still haven't given us a solution to the storage problem. When they do that will be more money for a lot of people right there. The Wii is a money pit of cheap overpriced technology.
meist3r @ Jul 15th 2008 10:12AM
@Vidikron: Say what? I bought my Wii and it came with a full controller set and even a game. A Dualshock Controller is 60€ here. A Wiimote + Nunchuk is 60€. I don't see the difference, except the Wii controller can be used with every computer that has Bluetooth and it does pointing. I get more for my money with that. Yes of course multiple controllers are more expensive, of course game addons cost tons of money. I don't hear you complaining about a 200$ RockBand setup though.
The idea is that when you meet with friends and play together they have consoles themselves or are willing to spend 60 bucks as a one time investment for gaming sessions. I can't quite follow your argumentation. The new addon won't cost more than 20 bucks and will probably come with a game. Who in the hell needs a wired ethernet connection anyways? Why bother with the 20-30 dollar ethernet connector (+cable) if you can get a wireless router or access point for less than that. If you want to see the price issue you will.
But let me tell you this: What you didn't mention is the hidden fucking cost with the 360 or PS3 ... talk about the thousand dollar cost of a decent HD TV set, why don't ya? A 1500$ Blu-ray game console easily puts the 80$ Wiimote to shame. If you really add stuff that you think you need to play this game ... consider all factors please.
meist3r @ Jul 15th 2008 10:17AM
@Vidikron: Say what? I bought my Wii and it came with a full controller set and even a game. A Dualshock Controller is 60€ here. A Wiimote + Nunchuk is 60€. I don't see the difference, except the Wii controller can be used with every computer that has Bluetooth and it does pointing. I get more for my money with that. Yes of course multiple controllers are more expensive, of course game addons cost tons of money. I don't hear you complaining about a 200$ RockBand setup though.
The idea is that when you meet with friends and play together they have consoles themselves or are willing to spend 60 bucks as a one time investment for gaming sessions. I can't quite follow your argumentation. The new addon won't cost more than 20 bucks and will probably come with a game. Who in the hell needs a wired ethernet connection anyways? Why bother with the 20-30 dollar ethernet connector (+cable) if you can get a wireless router or access point for less than that. If you want to see the price issue you will.
But let me tell you this: What you didn't mention is the hidden cost with the 360 or PS3 ... talk about the thousand dollar cost of a decent HD TV set, why don't ya? A 1500$ Blu-ray game console easily puts the 80$ Wiimote to shame. If you really add stuff that you think you need to play this game ... consider all factors please.
Vidikron (FU) @ Jul 15th 2008 10:34AM
They all come with a controller, that's not even a good point. And your point about the Wiimote and a PC is shaky at best. Almost no one uses their Wiimote with with their PCs and value of doing so is very limited in scope. If you're going to go down that road you may as well bring up all the media capabilites of the PS3... those are more useful to more people than using a Wiimote with a PC. And Rock Band? Please. You can buy that for all the systems, so why bother bringing it up? And, no, I don't own it.
And, yeah, I'm a bit pissed about the new add-on. It's going to push the cost of a complete controller well above the cost of the controllers for the other systems. And, great, it may come packed with a game. Too bad most people need more than one. And, again, most people are going to want at least a Classic controller if they buy any VC games.
As for wired vs wireless... I always used wired if possible. Wireless blows. I don't use it for my PS3 or Wii even though both come with it. I just think it's absurd that they couldn't even include an ethernet port on the system.
"But let me tell you this: What you didn't mention is the hidden fucking cost with the 360 or PS3 ... talk about the thousand dollar cost of a decent HD TV set, why don't ya? A 1500$ Blu-ray game console easily puts the 80$ Wiimote to shame. If you really add stuff that you think you need to play this game ... consider all factors please."
You don't have to have an HDTV for any of these systems... and even if you opt for one, you certainly don't have to buy a $1500 TV. Please also consider that most people that buy an expensive HDTV are going to use it for more than just games.
meist3r @ Jul 15th 2008 10:56AM
@Vidikron:
Why do you keep contradicting yourself?
And your point about the Wiimote and a PC is shaky at best. Almost no one uses their Wiimote with with their PCs and value of doing so is very limited in scope.
-Compared to the PS3 controller at least there is some at all.
You can buy that for all the systems, so why bother bringing it up?
-It was you who went down the "controller add-ons are too expensive" road
And, yeah, I'm a bit pissed about the new add-on. It's going to push the cost of a complete controller well above the cost of the controllers for the other systems. And, great, it may come packed with a game.
-The classic controller is a rip-off piece of junk and you have to be out of your mind to buy one of those instead of going for a GameCube controller, just saying. What you still can't admit is that you get more for your money from that controller than from any other. I don't like the prices either but at least it does pointing, bluetooth, has internal memory and speaker and so forth. The PS3 controller is the same controller the PS2 had but with some accelerometers and no cord... great innovation for more money don't you think. And if you count the EyeToy or microphones as controller add-ons there will be a couple of 80$ controllers out there pretty soon. It's not just the new Nintendo add-on that is outrageous.
As for wired vs wireless... I always used wired if possible. Wireless blows. I don't use it for my PS3 or Wii even though both come with it. I just think it's absurd that they couldn't even include an ethernet port on the system.
-This is a matter of taste, I highly prefer wireless because I don't have to worry about cable lengths, I can place the device where ever I want and it doesn't clog up ports on my router. You're right about the hard wired ethernet port, they could have done that but then again, there Japanese ... why bother with 20th century technology.
You don't have to have an HDTV for any of these systems... and even if you opt for one, you certainly don't have to buy a $1500 TV. Please also consider that most people that buy an expensive HDTV are going to use it for more than just games.
-Yes but NOT having an HD TV defeats the purpose of these consoles. What's the justification to buy an HD console with an HD player if all you'll ever see is SD? Don't you think that's one of the reasons why the SD Wii is so popular? Many people don't have HD TVs and don't want them as long as their old set still works. So they're obviously not buying something that is useless. That's like buying a race ready Ferrari despite you know just as well that you can't drive more than 20miles/h in your neighborhood. Some games like Dead Rising for 360 are even unplayable on SD because you simply can't read any of the text. Same goes for other titles. The 1500$ figure was meant to include PS3 and TV set plus a game or two, and sure people usually buy a TV for many other things. But selling us a beefed up Blu-Ray player that happens to play games is the same concept don't you think? Your point was "the cost of the TV is justified because it is used for more than gaming" what Sony does is "The price of the PS3 is justified because it does more than gaming" ... it's exactly the same argument. I want a dedicated games console to be marketed that way, everything else given the current situation is just audacious.
vidGuy @ Jul 15th 2008 7:08AM
And the PS3 is an expensive way to watch a movie and play FFXIII.
Goity @ Jul 15th 2008 7:18AM
But PS3 is a very mainstream, multifunctional device, whereas the Wii is all based on motion controls, which while being a fairly large niche (even if many are stupid - see charts for this - Wii Fit? Wii Play? Big Beach Sports?) is still very much a niche device that caters to a specific function. And for the value you get, arguably one could say the Wii *is* expensive.
This may sound a bit clichéd, but I do own a Wii (I even own Wii Play :S), and have had one since launch, so I'm not *that* biased.
Evan @ Jul 15th 2008 7:56AM
Or, perhaps the PS3 is the niche device that caters to a specific function - the PS3 is all based on pushing buttons with your thumbs! The Wii is the multifunctional device because it supports multiple ways of controlling it - swinging, pointing, balancing, AND pushing buttons.
Goity @ Jul 15th 2008 8:11AM
Sixaxis much? Keyboard support? Clearly if you'd have though about what you wrote you'd have realised you were mistaken and not posted.
Or perhaps you've never actually played a PS3?
Blue @ Jul 15th 2008 8:24AM
Going to have to disagree with you on this one. A niche is usually very narrowly defined, and so for many years, I would argue videogames were a niche product, appealing mainly to boys (and later men).
You could argue that the Wii only appeals to a niche of the traditional videogamers, but since it appeals to what appears to be the rest of the population, from young to old, if anything, it's less of a niche device than the PS3.
MariosInferno @ Jul 15th 2008 8:53AM
"But PS3 is a very mainstream, multifunctional device, whereas the Wii is all based on motion controls, which while being a fairly large niche (even if many are stupid - see charts for this - Wii Fit? Wii Play? Big Beach Sports?) is still very much a niche device that caters to a specific function."
Wow, color me confused. Are you comparing the way you play the games or are you comparing the prime functions of the console? Before you call people stupid, it may benefit you to get your own argument correct.
"And for the value you get, arguably one could say the Wii *is* expensive."
Ok, perhaps it's a bit early for you to be posting.
Shaq-Fu @ Jul 15th 2008 9:04AM
What? I think the niche market of "Everyone above the age of 3 who has two arms" is FAR vaster than the "movie buffs willing to pump up their resolution an extra 360 vertical lines". The PS3 is a very niche device that has one specific function that sets it apart. I bet the majority of people who own a PS3 either own below 5 games for it or use it exclusively as a Blu-Ray player. And do some math;
Wii=$250 Game=$30-50
40 GB PS3= $400 Game=$60
Thats a $150 difference for the console, then anywhere from $10-30 for games. There are only so many times I can go over to my friends house and play WarHawk or help him through MGS 4. Whereas Brawl, Mario Kart,Medal of Honor, and Smarty Pants keep him and others coming back again and again. Its also funny that you bring up the SIXAXIS, seeing how HUGE of a success that was for Sony. And a little FYI, EVERY CONSOLE HAS KEYBOARD SUPPORT.
"Not that biased"? Looking at your comment history you do nothing but bash the 360 and DS. Sounds a *little* bit biased, if you ask me. Just because you own a console doesn't mean you don't suffer from "teh bias".
Goity @ Jul 15th 2008 9:29AM
The price difference is less important here in the UK, where games for both the Wii and the PS3 are generally the equivalent of $80, and the Wii is the equivalent of $360 here, so it's pretty expensive for a lot of people already.
I actually know more "casual" gamers with PS3s and more "hardcore" gamers with Wiis, which is pretty bizarre when I think about it. And it's certainly a niche, as it's focused on motion controls, really a subdivision of common console gaming. A successful one, but still a niche.
As for your comment about games? Ridiculously subjective. There's only so much you can do in Wii Play before it gets dull, and you can only play Super Mario Galaxy through once, whereas things like Super Stardust HD and Super Rub a Dub (no, seriously) do have great replayability with friends. There are games for both with replayability. And success or not, sixaxis is still a control method for ps3, as is keyboard, so it does have a wide range of ways to control it.
As for the DS? I have no problem with it. In fact, one of my most anticipated games this year is FF4 DS. I just don't like the way Nintendo is marketing it to the Animal Crossing / Nintendogs (another game I accidentally bought...) crowd.
kaneda @ Jul 15th 2008 10:05PM
You keep using that word, "niche". I do not think it means what you think it means.
Shadow El @ Jul 15th 2008 10:20AM
"you can only play Super Mario Galaxy through once"
But what about Weegee? T_T
Goity @ Jul 15th 2008 10:25AM
Kaneda: It's in reference to this Stringer quote, duh. And the Wii is a pretty narrowly targeted product, that targets a very specific means of play, as opposed to the more commonly mainstream style that's been used since at least the '70s. Therefore, it is a niche product.
kaneda @ Jul 15th 2008 10:08PM
It was a movie quote Goity. And by "narrowly targeted product, that targets a very specific means of play" are you referring to the wiimote, the nunchuck, the pointer, the classic controller, or one of the other hundred accessories?
Further more, regarding the narrowly targeted audience, the Wii's target audience is 5-70. Have you seen any of the commercials or the games available? Does your 5 year old niece own a ps3? Have you heard of senior citizens creating bowling leagues based on 360 bowling games? Not only does the Wii have the largest target audience of the 3 current gen consoles, it also has the most units sold. If there is a niche console to speak of, it is not the Wii.
Jcarpio @ Jul 15th 2008 7:33AM
And this is why the PS3 is getting killed by Nintendo this gen. Quite simply Nintendo is just a games machine. In relative terms it's an inexpensive one at that.
I don't really understand why that's a problem.
I mean isn't that what the 100 million console selling PS2 is? "an expensive niche game device"
This just validates how they've lost their way in this generation.
kaneda @ Jul 15th 2008 11:10AM
You are absolutely correct. I really don't understand how anyone could call the Wii niche. If the Wii is niche then so too is every other video game console. Just because PS3 plays bluray (now THAT is a niche market) in addition to games doesn't make it any less of a niche than the Wii, the most commonly owned console of this gen consoles.
Me and two of my friends own 360s or PS3s. But my sister, my parents, my wife's grandparents, my niece and my boss all own Wii's. So tell me again which is niche?
Evan @ Jul 15th 2008 7:44AM
He can spin it however he wants, it doesn't change the fact that Nintendo is raking in the profit, and Sony is not.
Abobo @ Jul 15th 2008 7:46AM
Pot: "Kettle is black"
DBuck_Eye @ Jul 15th 2008 8:19AM
Does anyone else think Sony might pull a repeat of E306 this year? It was right around this time of the year that they started to make stupid comments.
Wiinterfang @ Jul 15th 2008 8:25AM
Wow today's E3 is starting hot.
Markez (MKWii 4339-2878-5120) @ Jul 15th 2008 9:56AM
"According to Bloomberg, Stringer made the statement last week while attending the Allen & Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho"
A certain other website reported this last week when it happened...
Mjkeller @ Jul 15th 2008 8:35AM
Holy Jesus, Howard Stringer looks like a corpse.
Rocketboy @ Jul 15th 2008 8:38AM
Wow, and all this time I've had my Wii Video Game device in my house and I didn't know what to use it for.
Hum, video games, I wonder what the PS3 is for if Video Games are so bad?
MariosInferno @ Jul 15th 2008 8:39AM
You know...they're "NOT" competing with Nintendo, but, damn...they sure like to talk about them a LOT.
Stringer = latest Sony Exec to go bat-sh*t crazy.
Note to Sony...shut the f**k up.
Dwag @ Jul 15th 2008 8:42AM
Pretty happy about both E3 press conferences being today maybe we'll see who was better.
This dude is stupid they probably gave him CEO until a right man for the postion makes him step down, The Wii expensive? I think not. The PS3 screwing early adopters? I think yes.
horngreen @ Jul 15th 2008 8:49AM
"It's an expensive niche device"? Really? What would a machine that plays high def DVDs nobody seems to want be?
ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 15th 2008 8:50AM
What an idiot...