Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pachter expects 360 price cut at E3, PS3 and Wii to follow suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/pachter-expects-360-price-cut-at-e3-ps3-and-wii-to-follow-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/pachter-expects-360-price-cut-at-e3-ps3-and-wii-to-follow-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/pachter-expects-360-price-cut-at-e3-ps3-and-wii-to-follow-suit/#comments Gaming industry analyst Michael Pachter has updated his predictions about the console price cuts he anticipates will occur this year. A Wedbush Securities update distributed this morning said, "We expect Microsoft to announce a price cut at this year's E3 Expo in June, and expect Sony and Nintendo to rapidly follow suit." Until then, Pachter expects that consoles sales will steadily decline, with the 3DS providing enough juice to bring things back into the positives in April.

The report predicts that Microsoft will likely capitalize on the success of Kinect by dropping the price of its core Xbox 360 bundle to "under $300," adding "we are confident that by holiday 2011, all three consoles will be at least $50 cheaper than they are today." Why, with that kind of money, we could almost buy a new fuel cell for our spaceyacht's hyperdrive!

Oh, right -- the report also predicts the invention of spaceyachts. We meant to mention that earlier.

JoystiqPachter expects 360 price cut at E3, PS3 and Wii to follow suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011michael-pachtermicrosoftnintendopachterplaystationprice-cutps3sonywiixboxMon, 07 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Xbox 360 outsold PS3 two-to-one in December; Nintendo reveals numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/pachter-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-two-to-one-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/pachter-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-two-to-one-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/pachter-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-two-to-one-in-december/#comments Wedbush Securities games industry analyst Michael Pachter's magic crystal ball predicts another month of Xbox 360 dominance in the NPD charts. His latest report to IndustryGamers says to expect sales of Microsoft's console to be more than double that of its biggest competitor, the PS3, for December. Prognosticating that the Xbox 360 sold 2.5 million units last month, he's betting on a 91 percent boost in sales over November for Microsoft. As for the PS3, Pachter figures it sold 1.2 million units in December, a 12 percent dip compared to its performance in November.

As for actual real numbers, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata revealed in an interview with Nikkei (via Andriasang) that the Wii sold over two million units in December. The DS reportedly performed on par with the same period in 2009, which would be somewhere around three million units.

JoystiqPachter: Xbox 360 outsold PS3 two-to-one in December; Nintendo reveals numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmichael-pachtermicrosoftnintendopachterplaystationps3saleswiixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: 254K Wiis sold in September, 312K PS3s]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/pachter-254k-wiis-sold-in-september-312k-ps3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/pachter-254k-wiis-sold-in-september-312k-ps3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/pachter-254k-wiis-sold-in-september-312k-ps3s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the NPD deeming the unwashed masses unfit to receive hardware sales data, we've been forced to procure the company's data through other means. Microsoft executive Aaron Greenberg made it easy yesterday, announcing the Xbox 360 sold 483,989 units in September, which is up 37 percent from the same time last year. Meanwhile, the other console makers were to be a bit shy -- and now we know why. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter revealed in his investor note today, sourcing NPD's data, that the Wii and PS3 sold 254K and 312K units, respectively. That's a 45 percent drop from the same time last year for Nintendo and a 37 percent hit for Sony.

Pachter notes it's hard to ding the PS3 in a sales comparisons to last year, as it was flying high after receiving a major boost from that $100 price drop. However, for the Wii, he says the console continues to struggle due to "gamer fatigue" and "lack of high-profile releases."

JoystiqPachter: 254K Wiis sold in September, 312K PS3s originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Michael-PachternintendoNPDPachterplaystationps3saleswiiFri, 15 Oct 2010 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: NBA Elite 11 delay to cost EA 1.1 million sales this year; NBA Jam no savior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/pachter-nba-elite-11-delay-to-cost-ea-1-1-million-sales-this-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/pachter-nba-elite-11-delay-to-cost-ea-1-1-million-sales-this-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/pachter-nba-elite-11-delay-to-cost-ea-1-1-million-sales-this-ye/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a recent investor communique, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter noted his belief that Electronic Arts would lose 1.1 million sales due to NBA Elite 11's delay and reduced the company's holiday quarter earnings estimate by $60 million. Also, because the sports sim will miss the beginning of basketball season with its 2011 release, he predicts that by the end of the company's fiscal year next March, Elite 11 will have only sold around 500,000 units -- if it doesn't succumb to the "possibility of being canceled."

Pachter's note briefly mentions the standalone versions of NBA Jam as "not a true substitute," so we followed up with the analyst extraordinaire to find out why he believes EA's other NBA game can't make up the difference.

"The standalone versions on PS3 and 360 might sell well, but I question whether they will be priced as $60 games, when the company had previously said it was giving them away with NBA Elite." He continued, "More likely, they'll be discounted to $50 or lower, and gamers will still balk at the price, given that it was going to be bundled with NBA Elite -- and likely will be, if the latter game ever comes out. So I'd say another 200,000 units, maybe."

As for the Wii version, he explained that the game was coming out anyway for the console, so the lack of NBA Elite may give it a "very small" bump of 100,000 units.

JoystiqPachter: NBA Elite 11 delay to cost EA 1.1 million sales this year; NBA Jam no savior originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMichael-Pachtermicrosoftnba-elite-11nba-jamnintendopachterplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: First Activision-Bungie game 'well along' in development, will sell at least 10 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/pachter-first-activision-bungie-game-well-along-in-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/pachter-first-activision-bungie-game-well-along-in-developmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/pachter-first-activision-bungie-game-well-along-in-developmen/#comments Though firm details about the terms of the Activision-Bungie partnership are still awfully slim, industry analyst extraordinaire Michael Pachter has given his two cents to Gamasutra about the financial potential of the merger, which should result in Activision earning a great deal more than two cents.

First, Pachter suggests this is a publishing partnership instead of a mere distribution agreement, which will increase Activision's profit margins from around 10 percent to anywhere between 15 and 20 percent on all of Bungie's titles. He estimates that, should the developer's future titles be as popular as its Halo franchise (which typically sold 10 million units a piece), they could sell as many as 15 million units by virtue of Bungie's new multiplatform ambitions. According to his calculations, Activision stands to make $65 million off the first successful Bungie title should it match the success of the Halo series.

The time to test Pachter's calculations might be closer than you'd think -- he reports that the first Bungivision product, which is set in an "action game universe," is "well along in its development." We're not sure how "well along" said title actually is, but we'll keep our ears perked up for an announcement at E3. An announcement for Guitar Halo. There, we said it, alright? We were all thinking it, and now it's out there.

JoystiqPachter: First Activision-Bungie game 'well along' in development, will sell at least 10 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanalystbungiebungivisionbuyouthalomichael-pachterMicrosoftpachterpartnershipXbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Pachter gets his own show, unbuttons his shirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/michael-pachters-gets-his-own-show-unbuttons-his-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/michael-pachters-gets-his-own-show-unbuttons-his-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/24/michael-pachters-gets-his-own-show-unbuttons-his-shirt/#comments We frequently see the words produced by gaming industry superanalyst Michael Pachter -- however, a new piece of programming on GameTrailers gives us the rare opportunity to hear them straight from the man himself. Yes, a new video segment titled "Pach-Attack" gives the technoprophet his own soapbox from which he can voice his opinions and say his sooths, all presented in crystal-clear HD video.

We've embedded the inaugural episode of Pach-Attack after the jump. If you happen to check it out, you'll need to keep reminding yourself that the casually-buttoned gentleman you're viewing isn't actually Don Johnson.

Continue reading Michael Pachter gets his own show, unbuttons his shirt

JoystiqMichael Pachter gets his own show, unbuttons his shirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdon-johnsongametrailersindustrymichael-pachterpach-attackpachtervideoSun, 24 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Netflix on Wii won't matter as much as on other consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/pachter-netflix-on-wii-wont-matter-as-much-as-on-other-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/pachter-netflix-on-wii-wont-matter-as-much-as-on-other-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/pachter-netflix-on-wii-wont-matter-as-much-as-on-other-console/#comments Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter doesn't think the announcement of Netflix streaming on Wii is that big of a deal in growing the rental service's customer base. Pachter's perspective is that "fewer than 20 percent" of the US's 26 million Wii owners are connected to the internet, which is a necessary component to stream movies through the service. In comparison, he believes over 75 percent of Xbox 360 and PS3 users are caught up in the internets.

IndustryGamers reports that Pachter expects "some traction" from the Wii announcement, but that it won't "jump start Netflix activations." He believes the Nintendo console's installed base will "embrace the Netflix service only gradually." With so many consumer electronics receiving the Netflix streaming service, Pachter does believe it'll "allow Netflix to maintain its prior pace of subscriber additions as new customer additions from the Xbox 360 installed base begin to slow."

JoystiqPachter: Netflix on Wii won't matter as much as on other consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-pachternetflixNintendopachterWiiWed, 13 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter predicts another Xbox 360 price cut in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-predicts-another-xbox-360-price-cut-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-predicts-another-xbox-360-price-cut-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-predicts-another-xbox-360-price-cut-in-2010/#comments If you read the first installment in the latest installment of "Pachter Predixx," you already know that the analyst's new report praises the PS3 for its resilience during these troubled times. According to the report, the PS3 saw an 85-percent year-over-year sales increase in November, while the Wii and Xbox 360 suffered sales declines. This reversal in fortune leads Pachter and his Wedbush associates to a surprising conclusion: "We think that the PS3 will again outsell the Xbox 360 in November and December, prompting a price cut some time early next year."

Pachter adds that while Microsoft "has the ability to lower price yet again," it probably won't do so until "it begins to lose significant market share to Sony." As with all conjecture -- even when delivered by professional conjecture conjurers -- we suggest considering Pachter's educated guess as just that: a guess.

JoystiqPachter predicts another Xbox 360 price cut in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>industrymichael-pachtermicrosoftpachterpredictionsprice-cutsalesxbox-360Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Modern Warfare 2 sold 6m units in Nov.; PS3 hardware sales skyrocketed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-modern-warfare-2-sold-6m-units-in-nov-ps3-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-modern-warfare-2-sold-6m-units-in-nov-ps3-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/pachter-modern-warfare-2-sold-6m-units-in-nov-ps3-hardware/#comments Though the November NPD sales report won't be released until later this week, gaming industry analyst (and possible soothsayer) Michael Pachter has predicted November's biggest players in the gaming hardware and software markets. Unsurprisingly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is the highlighted title in his report -- not only does the report claim the game sold around 6 million units last month in the U.S. (for about $350 million), it credits the game with pulling the industry out of a downward spiral that it's followed for seven of the past eight months.

The report also awards a large gold-star sticker to the PlayStation 3, which is predicted to have sold 700,000 units in November, an 85-percent year-over-year sales increase. Despite the two upswings, Pachter's report ends on a decidedly dour note, stating, "as 2009 draws to an end, it is clear that it will end as a horrible year for video game publishers." Pachter suggests that sales will drop off once more in December. Happy holidays, gaming industry professionals!

JoystiqPachter: Modern Warfare 2 sold 6m units in Nov.; PS3 hardware sales skyrocketed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2hardwaremichael-pachterMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2pachtersalessoftwareXbox-360Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Project Natal will cost $50, 'Sphere' no more than $100 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/pachter-project-natal-will-cost-50-sphere-will-be-over-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/pachter-project-natal-will-cost-50-sphere-will-be-over-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/pachter-project-natal-will-cost-50-sphere-will-be-over-100/#comments
Over at IndustryGamers, everyone's favorite video game predicterer (we're still working on that one) Michael Pachter has taken the reigns of the site and offers his own extensive diatribe on the future of Sony and Microsoft's upcoming new tech: Project Natal and the PlayStation Motion Controller (rumored to be called Sphere). Pachter's assertion is that price will be Natal's biggest selling point and Microsoft will try to expand upon its market of established Xbox 360 owners by offering the device for $50. For Sony's doodad, Pachter says the company is "trying to create an answer to the success of the Wii."

Pachter even likens the future state of a Natal-enabled Xbox 360 to the current state of the iPhone -- with features like Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Facebook inside Microsoft's box and its intuitive interface, he says casual or non-playing members of Xbox 360 households will become interested. And then when it's bundled with all new Xbox 360s, he says that'll expand Microsoft's reach even more.

For the motion-controlled competition, Pachter says he'd be surprised if Sony's asking price was over $100, and stresses that both Microsoft and Sony need to keep "the consumer's cost relatively low in order to achieve broad penetration."

[Update: Corrected Pachter's belief that the motion controller would be no more than $100. We sincerely apologize for the misinterpretation and the consequent misinformation.]

JoystiqPachter: Project Natal will cost $50, 'Sphere' no more than $100 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookiphonelast-fmmichael-pachterMicrosoftnatalnetflixpachterplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalspheretwitterXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The internets present: Michael Pachter FACTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/#comments
Joystiq admittedly went a little crazy with stories involving Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter recently. But, how can the internet blame us? The man is such an important figure. Not only to the video game industry, but to the current state of humanity. Inspired by Harmonix's Alex Navarro, the facts of Michael Pachter's importance were spoken across the Twitterverse and compiled by one Jared Newman. A small sampling:
  • When Michael Pachter gets the Red Ring of Death, he sends Microsoft a coffin.
  • Publications often misrepresent Michael Pachter as a "Wedbush Morgan Analyst." No company can contain Michael Pachter.
  • Michael Pachter willed the Dreamcast to its destruction. No one can cast dreams except Michael Pachter.
  • There is a little-known seventh ESRB rating: P. It stands for Pachter. P-rated games can only be played by the awesome.
  • Michael Pachter has learned to suppress the pon farr. He's that logical.
We hope these facts help clarify his importance. Those looking to learn more can always search Twitter for #pachterfacts. Some facts show a lack of refinement, created by jealous heathens, but many will bestow the importance of this one man. If you know more facts, please feel free to add them below. Inspiration will get you kudos, crassness will get you a one way ticket off Joys- Pachstiq.

JoystiqThe internets present: Michael Pachter FACTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metamichael-pachterpachterpachter-factspachterfactsWed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Nintendo is benefiting from global recession side effects ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/#comments
Normally when Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter whips out his crystal ball and starts getting the vapors, he doesn't have time to turn on his minirecorder and take down the futurespeak channeled through his body. Luckily for us (and you!), he not only recorded it this time, but also wrote it down in the form of the 2009 Interactive Industry Report! We delved through the beast of a document this afternoon and found an interesting segment regarding the Nintendo Wii relying on "slower adoption rates of current generation technology" (read as: high-def displays) to help boost sales.

Pachter writes on page nine of the report, "The global recession served to benefit Nintendo at its competitors' expense," referencing Microsoft and Sony as having slower console sales this generation due to HDTV functionality built into the systems. He argues that consumers who might purchase the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 are more likely to buy the Wii not only because of the lower price point, but because of the subsequent HDTV purchase price. "Expect most consumers to defer purchasing a PS3 or an Xbox 360 until they have purchased an HD monitor," Pachter explains. Though we're not convinced that the same folks who would be purchasing an Xbox 360 or a PS3 would be running out to buy a Nintendo Wii in every case, we digress. What say you, Joystiq Biomass?

JoystiqPachter: Nintendo is benefiting from global recession side effects originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbusinesshdtvmichael-pachterNintendopachterwedbush-morganWiiWed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Mobile games are a fad, EA's emphasis on sector 'misplaced']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-mobile-games-are-a-fad-eas-emphasis-on-sector-mispla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-mobile-games-are-a-fad-eas-emphasis-on-sector-mispla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-mobile-games-are-a-fad-eas-emphasis-on-sector-mispla/#comments
Some people in the video game industry predict the mobile games business could eventually grow to topple the handheld gaming market, Wedbush Morgan disagrees. In its July industry report, analyst Michael Pachter estimates the mobile games industry is currently closer to $2 billion and, even with expected growth, the market may only expand to $4-6 billion in the next three to five years.

In a section titled "Mobile Phone Games are a Fad," Pachter explains that, while 1 billion iPhone applications have been downloaded across 31 million Apple products sold, "it is not evident that more than 20% of these downloads are games." Suggesting the iTunes App Store has generated "under $400 million in game downloads" in its first year. Pachter does predict the mobile game industry will grow at 25% per year for a few years, but will eventually fall as competing devices enter the market.

The report also calls Electronic Arts' emphasis on mobile games "misplaced." EA Mobile has grown steadily over the last few years, but the report estimates the mobile games division is -- along with that of competitors Gameloft and GLU Mobile -- "barely profitable."

According to the report, finger pointing in Apple's camp should directed toward the "open forum" structure of the store and Apple's business model. Apple runs the game download service for an estimated 30% fee, leaving 70% to the game's publisher, the report claims. The section on mobile games goes on to conclude that handheld systems, like the new PSP Go, will "maintain its niche, without significant cannibalization" from the mobile games industry.

JoystiqPachter: Mobile games are a fad, EA's emphasis on sector 'misplaced' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleea-mobileelectronic-artsgameloftglu-mobileiphoneiPoditunesmichael-pachtermobilemobile-gamespachterpalm-prewedbush-morganTue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/top-brands-of-2008-owned-by-nintendo-ea-activision-and-not-so/#commentsWedbush Morgan Securities' 2009 industry report includes a list of the top thirty brands of 2008. The report notes that of the companies whose brands appear on the list, Nintendo, EA, and Activision were the only three with more than one brand to generate over $100 million at retail in the US last year.

And boy, did they. The top brand of the year, Guitar Hero -- perhaps you've heard of it -- was responsible for $992 million in US sales in 2008. The next two brands, Mario Bros. and Rock Band, generated $761 million and $662 million, respectively.

One company is notably absent from the top brands list: "Most strikingly," the report reads, "Sony had no top 30 brands for the third year in a row." Microsoft had two brands on the list (Gears of War and Fable) and Nintendo had four (Mario Bros., Wii Fit, Wii Play, and Pokémon). See the list of brands after the break.

Continue reading Top brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony

JoystiqTop brands of 2008 owned by Nintendo, EA, Activision, and not Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbrandseaElectronic-Artsfablegears-of-warguitar-heromariopachterpokemonrock-bandwedbush-morganwii-fitwii-playTue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: PS2 software sales to become 'almost irrelevant' in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-ps2-software-sales-to-become-almost-irrelevant-in-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-ps2-software-sales-to-become-almost-irrelevant-in-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-ps2-software-sales-to-become-almost-irrelevant-in-200/#comments
Despite the fact that the PS2 saw a sizable price cut just three months ago, Michael Pachter is claiming that the system is nearing the point of complete insignificance. In Wedbush's "2009 Interactive Industry Report," Pachter explains that he expects "PS2 software sales to decline sufficiently (around 64%) to be almost irrelevant to overall software sales growth, with PS2 software comprising less than 4% of overall software sales in 2009."

Sony's probably not ready to give up on its most cost-efficient console, but as history has proven, nothing gold can stay in the fast-paced, constantly evolving world of video gaming hardware.

JoystiqPachter: PS2 software sales to become 'almost irrelevant' in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>declineirrelevantpachtersaleswedbushTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: WiiHD still coming, Xbox in third by 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/pachter-wiihd-still-coming-xbox-in-third-by-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/pachter-wiihd-still-coming-xbox-in-third-by-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/pachter-wiihd-still-coming-xbox-in-third-by-2015/#comments
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is no stranger to the gaming scene. In fact, it's his job to guesstimate, speculate, and estiguess on all things gaming, and in his latest report (via IndustryGamers), he paints the future for all three console manufacturers.

First up is Nintendo, a company that Pachter believes will remain in the top spot throughout this console generation. Due to the Wii's "low price point, innovative control mechanism, and compatibility with standard definition televisions." Pachter thinks that Nintendo will rest easy atop the gaming mountain. And he thinks the Wii HD is a big part of it, as Pachter firmly believes Nintendo will introduce a HD-compatible Wii at some point, even as early as next year.

Then there's Sony and its PS3. Pointing to Sony's win in the Blu-ray vs HD DVD war, Pachter says the PS3 will capture "significant market share" through this alone, and says the company will take second place. Regardless, Pachter sees the PS3 and Xbox 360 sharing very similar market share at the conclusion of this generation.

Moving on to Microsoft, Pachter believes the company will end this generation in third, largely due to the console's inability to sell in Japan. Pachter downplays the "losing" angle, however, stating that he believes Microsoft will sell twice as many Xbox 360s as the company did the original Xbox, which, granted it actually happens, would be a nice feather in Microsoft's cap.

JoystiqPachter: WiiHD still coming, Xbox in third by 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmichael-pachterMicrosoftNintendopachtersalesWiiwii-hdXbox-360Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Wii price drop coming before the holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/pachter-wii-price-drop-coming-before-the-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/pachter-wii-price-drop-coming-before-the-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/pachter-wii-price-drop-coming-before-the-holiday/#comments Michael Pachter loves low prices. First he does flip floppings around the PSP Go's price and now he's predicting a Wii price drop later this year. He notes that "Wii supply has finally exceeded demand," and that he "expect[s] Nintendo to cut the price of the Wii before [the] holiday." If true, this would be the first price drop since the Wii's release in late 2006.

Alternatively, Nintendo could simply bundle the system with software in order to persuade people to buy the system. Wii Sports was a good enough selling point back in ought-six, so why not a Wii, Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus bundle? Still, Pachter's pretty well known around these parts, so he's bound to be right. Who knows, maybe the price drop will arrive just in time for the Wii HD announcement, right Michael?

JoystiqPachter: Wii price drop coming before the holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-pachterNintendopachterpricedropWiiSun, 14 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter apologizes for comments about PSP Go's rip-off price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/pachter-apologizes-for-comments-about-pspgos-rip-off-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/pachter-apologizes-for-comments-about-pspgos-rip-off-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/pachter-apologizes-for-comments-about-pspgos-rip-off-price/#comments
Michael Pachter has stated he "sincerely" regrets commenting that Sony is ripping off consumers with the PSP Go's $250 price point. In an interview with IndustryGamers, Pachter takes the opportunity at the end to say that he doesn't believe Sony is doing anything nefarious and has "the right to price its products at a point that they think is competitive." He states the company is pricing the handheld to be competitive with the iPod Touch and that the PSP Go "arguably has much more value than the Apple product."

Hmm, as much as we respect Present Pachter's opinion, Past Pachter was a little more on the ball with the consumer's perspective of the PSP Go's pricing. Past Pachter noted, "The $169 PSP-3000 is a profitable device -- the disc assembly, for a UMD, costs more than 16 gigs of flash does. So this new device doesn't cost them as much as the PSP-3000 and they jack the price up $80?" It seems Past Pachter was viewing the product through consumer eyes, while Present Pachter is in business mode and wearing the glasses of the Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter.

Gallery: PSP Go

JoystiqPachter apologizes for comments about PSP Go's rip-off price originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apologymichael-pachterpachterpsp-gopspgosonyFri, 12 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two takes $100 million in 'convertible senior notes,' we poke Pachter to explain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/take-two-takes-100-million-in-convertible-senior-notes-we-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/take-two-takes-100-million-in-convertible-senior-notes-we-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/take-two-takes-100-million-in-convertible-senior-notes-we-po/#comments
Take-Two announced today it intends to offer $100 million of "convertible senior notes" due in 2014. We have not a clue what that means, so we contacted Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, who not only is a master of prognostication, but apparently knows quite a fair share about business (for real!). Pachter explains:
  • Convertible - "Means that the debt can be repaid with stock at the borrower's option."
  • Senior -- "Means that it stands in line ahead of all other debt in the case of bankruptcy -- not likely, but it makes the interest rate lower."
  • Note -- "Is debt."
Pachter explains it appears to him that the company is borrowing for a five year term in order to repay its line of credit, which has a high interest rate. That leaves the line of credit available to take if Take-Two ever needs "cash in the future for operations or acquisitions."

Thanks, Michael!

[Image]

JoystiqTake-Two takes $100 million in 'convertible senior notes,' we poke Pachter to explain originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessconvertible-senior-notesmichael-pachterpachtertake-twoThu, 28 May 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts predict over ten million sales for MotionPlus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/analysts-predict-over-ten-million-sales-for-motionplus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/analysts-predict-over-ten-million-sales-for-motionplus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/analysts-predict-over-ten-million-sales-for-motionplus/#commentsBoth Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter and EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich expect the Wii MotionPlus peripheral to achieve sales of around ten million units in the US and Europe. The two just disagree on how long it will take.

Pachter believes that the sales will happen early on, driven by bundles of early MotionPlus compatible software: "I think around 20 percent of Wii owners in the US and Europe will have bought Wii Sports Resort, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 or EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis," Pachter told Edge, "so that's around eight million." He added, "I think another two million will buy MotionPlus with new consoles."

Divnich thinks three million units will sell through this holiday season, but it will take an additional year to achieve the ten-million-plus level of sales. "For the Wii MotionPlus, we currently expect the install base to reach over 11 million units by the end of Nintendo's next fiscal year in March 2011, a 15 percent penetration."

Both analysts think Red Steel 2 is a risk that could pay off for Ubisoft. "Red Steel 2 may come along at precisely the right time, around when people are ready for another [MotionPlus] game," Pachter said. "The risk is really more a function of competition, compounded by the risk that Ubisoft could make a bad game." Both analysts believe that Red Steel 2 will be bundled with a MotionPlus.

JoystiqAnalysts predict over ten million sales for MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sports-grand-slam-tennisjesse-divnichmichael-pachtermotionplusNintendopachterred-steel-2tiger-woods-10WiiWed, 13 May 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter sees potential in EA Sports Active, dismisses Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/pachter-sees-potential-in-ea-sports-active-dismisses-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/pachter-sees-potential-in-ea-sports-active-dismisses-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/pachter-sees-potential-in-ea-sports-active-dismisses-spore/#comments Wedbush Morgan diva analyst extraordinaire Michael Pachter, the man who finds the idea of Apple buying Electronic Arts "retarded," is confident about EA's gaming lineup -- particularly on the Wii -- and is raising the company's stock expectation to $27 (currently $20). Using the royal We, His Analytical Lordship was particularly impressed by EA Sports Active and Tiger Woods, which He sees becoming "blockbusters" on the Wii.

Of course, Pachter can't show his love without asserting his authority with a beating. Warhammer and Spore were graciously cut with love by the soothsayer. He remains skeptical about Warhammer Online's potential, stating that with 300,000 subscribers the game is probably only making about $10 million in profit (which didn't save many staff members) and estimates the game would break even in operating cost if it dips to about 250,000 subscribers. Pachter also isn't confident about EA's attempts to turn Spore into a franchise, noting that that the game "sold about as well as a typical SpongeBob game." Yeah, that's got to sting a little.

Update: Pachter let us know he writes his reports with Edward Woo. So, our loving crack about the royal We wasn't accurate. There goes our image of Pachter in full Elizabeth I garb. So sad.

JoystiqPachter sees potential in EA Sports Active, dismisses Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-SportsEA-Sports-ActiveEA-VancoverElectronic-ArtsElectronic-Arts-VancouverExerciseFitnessNintendopachterWiiThu, 07 May 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Next console cycle isn't coming until 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/analyst-next-console-cycle-isnt-coming-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/analyst-next-console-cycle-isnt-coming-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/analyst-next-console-cycle-isnt-coming-until-2013/#comments
Compared to last Spring's outlandish software sales figures (fueled by the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and GTA IV), this year's stats aren't inspiring much confidence in gaming industry investors. In fact, many are anxiously awaiting the launch of new hardware to provide a quick sales boost -- but according to industry analyst Michael Pachter, they shouldn't hold their breath: By his estimation, new hardware won't be hitting store shelves until at least 2013.

Pachter said that publishers would be hesitant to adopt new hardware considering their investments in the current console cycle have yet to adequately pay off. There's one exception -- Pachter expects the oft-rumored high-definition Wii may appear some time in 2010.

JoystiqAnalyst: Next console cycle isn't coming until 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-cyclehardwarehdNintendopachtersalesspringWiiSat, 02 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: New GTA in 2010, Lost and Damned could sell 2m this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/pachter-new-gta-in-2010-lost-and-damned-could-sell-2m-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/pachter-new-gta-in-2010-lost-and-damned-could-sell-2m-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/pachter-new-gta-in-2010-lost-and-damned-could-sell-2m-this-yea/#comments
Wedbush Morgan soothsayer Michael Pachter foresees the next console Grand Theft Auto releasing next year and estimates sales of DLC The Lost and Damned reaching two million units by year's end. Pachter feels Take-Two remains a "one-hit wonder" with Grand Theft Auto, that one franchise has been (putting it mildly) immensely successful.

Although Take-Two has yet to announce a new GTA, Pachter believes the next installment in the crime series will pull up to retail next year and likely outsell GTA IV by 50 percent, due to the greater next-gen console install base by next year. Although there are currently no solid numbers to support Pachter's belief that The Lost and Damned DLC will sell two million units this year, we do know a lot of people got on their hogs for biker-based adventure.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned DLC

JoystiqPachter: New GTA in 2010, Lost and Damned could sell 2m this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgta-ivmichael-pachterpachtertake-twothe-lost-and-damnedFri, 06 Mar 2009 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Assassin's Creed 2 to assassinate retail before April '10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/pachter-assassins-creed-2-to-assassinate-retail-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/pachter-assassins-creed-2-to-assassinate-retail-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/pachter-assassins-creed-2-to-assassinate-retail-before-april/#commentsFiled under:


On the heel's of Ubisoft's release of their Q3 earning, industry analyst Michael "Pac Attack" Pachter is predicting that Assassin's Creed 2 should release prior to the end of Ubisoft's 2010 fiscal year that wraps on March 31st. Pachter goes further in his speculation, mentioning that Splinter Cell Conviction will also see a release before 2010 fiscal year's end.

It's funny that Pachter mentions both Assassin's 2 and Conviction releasing during the same time frame, because we have a long standing belief that they'll be so similar, that Ubisoft will combine both games into one. A stealth assassin and an emo-stealth drunkard both in the same space could work ... nevermind.

JoystiqPachter: Assassin's Creed 2 to assassinate retail before April '10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2pachterubisoftTue, 20 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Wii sales surpass PS2's initial 2-year performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/pachter-wii-sales-surpass-ps2s-initial-2-year-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/pachter-wii-sales-surpass-ps2s-initial-2-year-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/pachter-wii-sales-surpass-ps2s-initial-2-year-performance/#commentsFiled under: ,


In what is perhaps his softest attack on credulity yet, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has predicted that life-to-date sales of Nintendo's Wii console will overtake the PlayStation 2's two-year sales when it comes time to tally December's NPD-compiled North American sales results. In other words, Pachter believes that the Wii has flown off shelves faster than the PlayStation 2 did in its first two years of existence. The gall of that young upstart! (The Wii, not Pachter.)

While Nintendo's astonishing performance in November may render Pachter's bet a safe one, trumping the massively mainstream PlayStation 2 is nonetheless what we in the business call "a big deal." If December's NPD results reinforce the analyst's claim, it may even fuel his assertion that 2009 will offer more Wii hits from third-party developers -- albeit in the form of "mainstay" fare. Still, if the Wii is to become the new PS2, maybe someone will give the system its Shadow of the Colossus.

JoystiqPachter: Wii sales surpass PS2's initial 2-year performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NPDPachterPS2SalesWiiTue, 06 Jan 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii sales up 100% over Christmas, says Pachter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wii-sales-up-100-over-christmas-says-pachter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wii-sales-up-100-over-christmas-says-pachter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wii-sales-up-100-over-christmas-says-pachter/#commentsFiled under:

A dry but happy piece of business news to start your week off: Wedbush Morgan's all-seeing analyst Michael Pachter reckons Wii sales in the U.S. accelerated dramatically over the holidays, with Christmas figures "up more than 100%."

According to Pachter, that translates into "around 3 million" Wiis sold during December. As we previously mentioned, the record for U.S. hardware sales in a single month is 2.7 million, a figure set by the PlayStation 2 in December 2002. When the latest NPD figures are released on January 15, it looks like we'll have a new record-holder. Nintendo obviously didn't get the "recession" memo.

JoystiqWii sales up 100% over Christmas, says Pachter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseconomyit-prints-moneymichael-pachternpdpachterMon, 05 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: October hardware sales to indicate industry's recession resistance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/pachter-october-hardware-sales-to-indicate-industrys-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/pachter-october-hardware-sales-to-indicate-industrys-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/pachter-october-hardware-sales-to-indicate-industrys-recession/#commentsFiled under:


Barring troglodytism or a severe case of denial, it's pretty safe to say that everyone knows the US (and, we hear, global) economy isn't doing too hot at the moment. Although the video game industry clearly isn't recession proof, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter does think that October's NPD hardware sales numbers (expected later this week) will show how recession resistant it is.

Pachter believes that all three consoles are going strong into the holiday season and expects an 18% hardware sales increase over last year. If he's correct, he believes investors should take it as a sign that the video game industry will do better than the average business during the recession. If hardware sales go down in October, Pachter believes the recession would then have infected the industry ... and darkness shall sweep across the lands.

JoystiqPachter: October hardware sales to indicate industry's recession resistance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystmichael-pachternpdpachterMon, 10 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Wii extended lead over rivals in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/pachter-wii-extended-lead-over-rivals-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/pachter-wii-extended-lead-over-rivals-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/pachter-wii-extended-lead-over-rivals-in-september/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even though we're all facing FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON and will be trading berries and colored stones for drinking water this time next month, gamers are still buying consoles like they're going out of fashion.

According to sultan of sales figures Michael Pachter, the Wii and DS each shifted a tidy 600,000 units in North America during September, a respectable rise on sales in August. If the analyst's crystal ball-gazing is correct, that means Wii has added another 40,000 to its lead over the Xbox 360.

Pachter's estimations for Nintendo hardware are echoed by new prediction kids on the block EEDAR, who also have Wii and DS at 600k apiece; apparently people are struggling to make ends meet, but not struggling that much. We'll have the super-official NPD figures later this week.

If you "support" Nintendo in the console "race," then you probably already know that the company excels at selling stuff. To catch up on just how much stuff, check out the NPD figures from August, July, June, and every other previous month here.

JoystiqPachter: Wii extended lead over rivals in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbusinessmichael-pachternpdpachterMon, 13 Oct 2008 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter 'absolutely convinced' Wii HD is coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/pachter-absolutely-convinced-wii-hd-is-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/pachter-absolutely-convinced-wii-hd-is-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/pachter-absolutely-convinced-wii-hd-is-coming/#commentsFiled under:

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter believes that Nintendo is preparing the duct tape for a new Wii that will feature high-definition visuals. Speaking in an AFP piece about Wii's bid to appeal to "hardcore" gamers, Pachter insisted that Nintendo needs to overcome the technical gulf that exists between its console and those of rivals.

"A Wii HD would really position Nintendo well, which is why I'm absolutely convinced there is a Wii HD coming," stated Pachter, who thinks the console needs to shed its "toy for my mom" image. Ouch. If you're currently experiencing déjà vu, that's probably because Pachter made this exact same prediction more than a year ago, when he estimated a Wii upgrade to be "two to three years" away.

For the record, we non-analysts at Wii Fanboy still think that's too soon for an upgraded version of a system that continues to fly off shelves -- and developers seem to agree.

[Via videogaming247]

JoystiqPachter 'absolutely convinced' Wii HD is coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysthdmichael-pachterpachterwii-hdTue, 07 Oct 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter talks Wii supply, forecasts August earnings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-talks-wii-supply-forecasts-august-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-talks-wii-supply-forecasts-august-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-talks-wii-supply-forecasts-august-earnings/#commentsFiled under:

We all know Michael Pachter has no problem tossing his two pennies around, and his estimations for the month of August might surprise some of you. When it comes to sales, the Wedbush Morgan analyst sees Nintendo making around $100 million on software. As for hardware, it's a different story, as a decline is expected.

"Because the U.S. has received only around 1/3 of total Wii production to-date, instead of a more normal 40 percent, there has been a severe shortage of Wii supply here that has yet to let up," says Pachter. He thinks that the supposed production increase won't take effect in North America until September.

See also: GameStop CEO sees no 'end in sight' for Wii shortages

JoystiqPachter talks Wii supply, forecasts August earnings originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbusinessmichael-pachterpachtersalessalesfigureswedbush-morganTue, 09 Sep 2008 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Majesco 'close' to turning a profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/#commentsFiled under:


Of course, as the saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and things that go boom. Regardless, Wedbush Morgan's most outspoken soothsayer predicts that troubled publisher Majesco is "close to returning to profitability." Good for them, we say, though in the face of waning share prices and delisting threats, the company needs more than encouraging analyst comments to help push it to the top of Money Mountain.

Pachter bases his expectations for the publisher on tweaks made to the company's sales and cost management, as well as growth that, according to the analyst, has been managed "prudently." We'll see if the company can meet the firm's expectations of $10 million in revenue for the quarter when Majesco reports its Q3 2008 earnings on Thursday.

JoystiqPachter: Majesco 'close' to turning a profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>majescopachterprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter raises year-end software sales expectation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pachter-raises-year-end-software-sales-expectation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pachter-raises-year-end-software-sales-expectation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pachter-raises-year-end-software-sales-expectation/#commentsFiled under:


Michael Pachter, analyst extraordinaire at Wedbush Morgan, recently shaved his Predict-o-Matic Monkey(R) as punishment for inaccurately guessing the industry's software sales growth this year. Turns out that instead of a mere 19% jump in US sales for 2008, the monkey's dart should have hit the index card marked with "32%" against the wall.

Pachter also tweaked his numbers for Europe, increasing the expectation from 20% to 40% growth. Wedbush Morgan now has a combined expectation of software sales growth in Europe and the US of 36% over 2007's record-breaking figures. Pachter is currently reviewing Predict-o-Matic's return policy.

JoystiqPachter raises year-end software sales expectation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pachterwedbush-morganTue, 02 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Pachter says 'blame Japan' for Sony's PSP mis-management]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/analyst-pachter-says-blame-japan-for-sonys-psp-mis-management/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/analyst-pachter-says-blame-japan-for-sonys-psp-mis-management/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/analyst-pachter-says-blame-japan-for-sonys-psp-mis-management/#commentsFiled under:

Analyst Michael Pachter doesn't see a bright future for the PSP. In fact, he believes that we're nearing the end of the syste's run, due to the paltry release lineup for the remainder of the year. The introduction of the PSP Brite is seen as a sign of weakness, suggesting the redesign will confuse and anger more than excite. "Constant tech tweaks and upgrades might work for telephones, but they're not what gamers want ... it creates confusion, and leaves many users with older models feeling inadequate," Pachter told Das Gamer.

Because everyone needs someone to blame, Pachter offers this advice: "Blame Japan," he says. He believes that Sony is being much too ambitious, handling the PS2, PSP and PS3 simultaneously. "[Japan]'s instructing the US to play catch-up with Microsoft on Xbox Live, step up its online game with Home, offer movie downloads and push the Blu-ray home theater initiative just to begin with. Something had to give. The company has been spreading itself too thin."

Ironically, PSP's strongest territory is Japan, where new releases continue to be announced on a regular basis. While we'd disagree that PSP is on a deathbed, it's obvious that drastic work needs to be done to change the current state of the PSP.

[Thanks, Ronnie D.!]

JoystiqAnalyst Pachter says 'blame Japan' for Sony's PSP mis-management originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-pachterpachterpspWed, 27 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One million Wii sales a month totally possible -- Pachter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/one-million-wii-sales-a-month-totally-possible-pachter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/one-million-wii-sales-a-month-totally-possible-pachter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/one-million-wii-sales-a-month-totally-possible-pachter/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's NPD week, and that can mean only one thing, folks: it's Pachter time. Everybody's favorite silver-haired analyst makes a habit of estimating console sales in the U.S. on a monthly basis -- it's his job or something -- and this month is no different. For July, Pachter is predicting a sell-through of 650,000 Wii consoles, with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 coughing up dust on 275,000 and 250,000 respectively.

So what's new, right? But wait, because it gets better: the Wedbush Morgan dreamboat also reckons that Wii sales could rise dramatically during the second half of 2008, to the point where the thing is selling a million a month -- and all thanks to a stronger U.S. dollar.

Whereas previously Nintendo would ship a "significant portion" of its Wii supply to Europe to take advantage of the stronger Euro (hence making sales more profitable), the dollar recently appreciated against the yen, meaning the company has a good reason to start shipping a greater number of Wiis to U.S stores. "...We expect monthly sell-through to increase by as many as 300,000 units per month, beginning in August," reckons Pachter.

If you can hear quaking, that'll be the competition.

If you "support" Nintendo in the console "race," then you probably already know that the company excels at selling stuff. To catch up on just how much stuff, check out the NPD figures from June, May, April, and every other previous month here.

JoystiqOne million Wii sales a month totally possible -- Pachter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>industrynpdpachterMon, 11 Aug 2008 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts: Xbox 360 outsold PS3 in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/analysts-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/analysts-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/analysts-xbox-360-outsold-ps3-in-july/#commentsFiled under: ,

Prior to the release of the official July NPD video game sales numbers that are set to come out this Thursday, the gaming industry's best analysts have released their console sales predictions and things are looking peachy for Microsoft and the Xbox 360.

Analysts Michael Pachter and Jesse Divnich both agree that, after a bad June, the Xbox 360's July hardware sales will overtake the Playstation 3 thanks to the announcement of the 60GB Xbox 360 and low price of the 20GB model. Pachter is pegging the 360 to have sales in the 275K range compared to the PS3's 250K, while Divnich is a bit more 360 optimistic setting July 360 sales at 325K compared to the PS3's 275K. Whatever July's NPD numbers end up being, we have a feeling that our analyst friends will be correct and the 360 will have had a decent July. Pass the champagne!

JoystiqAnalysts: Xbox 360 outsold PS3 in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystsmicrosoftpachterplaystation-3ps3sonyxbox-360Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Here we go again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/ds-daily-here-we-go-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/ds-daily-here-we-go-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/ds-daily-here-we-go-again/#commentsFiled under:

For the last few months, we've been back and forth on the redesign issue. Will it happen? Won't it? We almost convinced ourselves that we'd hear something at E3, but Nintendo was pretty mum on the DS in general, but for a few exceptions. Now that all that's over, however, we're back in the fray, with all-new rumors of a DS redesign. Michael Pachter is the latest to throw his name into the ring of redesign predictions, and it makes sense that he's said we'll see the new DS debut in Japan, as the DS is as important an accessory there as, say, shoes. But are we ready to start believing again? Are we just setting ourselves up for all new heartbreak and despair?

JoystiqDS Daily: Here we go again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwaremichael-pachterpachterredesignSun, 03 Aug 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: expect a new DS in Japan this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-expect-a-new-ds-in-japan-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-expect-a-new-ds-in-japan-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-expect-a-new-ds-in-japan-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter agrees with some of the other predictions we heard this year: a new DS system is on the way. According to investor notes released by the company, falling demand for the hardware in Japan will motivate Nintendo to introduce the next revision of the DS "before the end of the calendar year."

Nintendo of Japan, if you're reading (and you aren't): we can solve this hardware demand problem without the need for a new console (although Pachter believes the next iteration is ready): just pack Dragon Quest IX, when it comes out, with a DS Lite. It doesn't even have to be an exclusive color.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPachter: expect a new DS in Japan this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarepachterThu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: DS successor could be introduced this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-ds-successor-could-be-introduced-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-ds-successor-could-be-introduced-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/pachter-ds-successor-could-be-introduced-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wedbush Morgan's infamous fortune teller Michael Pachter is at it again, this time predicting that a successor to Nintendo's money-printing DS could arrive as early as this year (via Edge Online). In investor notes, Pachter said, "DS sales are solid worldwide, but are weak in Japan, leading us to expect an introduction of a new device in Japan before the end of the calendar year." Looking at the Japanese hardware sales, the PSP has overtaken the DS almost every week this year with few exceptions.

The logic falls in line with recent comments from Nintendo's Satoru Iwata, who said a Wii successor would come only when the Wii itself begins to slow in sales (read: unlikely for some time). If a new Nintendo portable is to be announced, our best guess would be an announcement at October's Tokyo Game Show. That's assuming Nintendo can swim their way out of that kingdom-sized pool of cash.

JoystiqPachter: DS successor could be introduced this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystdsiwatamichael-pachternintendopachterrumorsatoru-iwataspeculationThu, 31 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Nintendo has not abandoned the core audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/pachter-nintendo-has-not-abandoned-the-core-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/pachter-nintendo-has-not-abandoned-the-core-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/pachter-nintendo-has-not-abandoned-the-core-audience/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Not everyone stumbled away from Nintendo's E3 presser feeling lightheaded and sick to their stomach. Some, like Wedbush Morgan soothsayer Michael Pachter, felt that the presentation was on point, offering an "even more positive view" of the company, while adding belief that Nintendo has not yet turned its back on the 'critically important' hardcore crowd.

"We think that Nintendo focused upon building upon its formidable lead with the mass market," notes Pachter, "and do not consider the lack of major hard core game announcements to be an abandonment of its core." Granted, this is a man who has the ear of investors and not necessarily gamers, and given that the analyst anticipates Nintendo to report revenue of more than $3.9 billion for 2009's fiscal first quarter, with an estimated $17.7 billion expected for the year, try to at least look surprised when his world views don't align perfectly with your own.

JoystiqPachter: Nintendo has not abandoned the core audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcoreDSE3e32008hardcoremass-marketnintendopachterWiiTue, 29 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Do you feel abandoned?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/wii-warm-up-do-you-feel-abandoned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/wii-warm-up-do-you-feel-abandoned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/wii-warm-up-do-you-feel-abandoned/#commentsFiled under:


Despite what Michael Pachter said yesterday, many actually do feel that Nintendo has forgotten their core gamers and are instead shifting the company's focus to more casual titles. But, the question is are you one of these doubters? Do you think that Nintendo doesn't care about making new Zelda and Mario games for you anymore, or are they simply too impressed with how wonderful stuff like Wii Fit does in sales? Do you think that they'll put out other installments in the franchises that we all know and love, but the games will be reworked so as to be unrecognizable when compared to previous iterations? Do you think this is all a big fuss over nothing?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Do you feel abandoned? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcoregaerhardcoremichael-pachterpachterTue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST