Network now...NEWS
Microsoft Claims 3:1 360 to PS3 Black Friday Sales
Microsoft claims to have had "record" Xbox 360 sales for Black Friday, and measured the retail performance against that of of rival PS3.
The firm said in a press statement late Monday that its console outsold PS3 three-to-one on the day after Thanksgiving, a major shopping day in the U.S. that is marked by price reductions at retail.
Microsoft said unit sales were up 25 percent over Black Friday 2007, although the company did not provide hard numbers.
U.S. NPD data for November is due in the coming days.
Sony did not respond to the claim as of press time.
Don Mattrick, SVP of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business said in the statement, "Record Black Friday sales in the U.S., coupled with our existing global install base of 25 million and an online community of more than 14 million Xbox LIVE members, have laid the groundwork for continued global sales momentum in 2009.”
Xbox 360's three-model line ranges from $199 for the hard drive-less Arcade model to the $399 120GB Xbox 360 Elite.
The firm also said that Xbox 360 console sales in Europe have increased week over week thanks to a September price drop. Sales have been "up as much as 400 percent, with sales nearly double year over year and reaching 7 million consoles sold this generation," the company said.
Rumors have been circulating suggesting that PS3 pricing would become more competitive around the end of Sony's current fiscal year in March 2009, although Sony Computer Entertainment America recently told Edge that it has "no plans" for such a price drop.
The standard Blu-ray-equipped 80GB PS3 model currently retails for $399 in the U.S.
Moving On !!
I think we'ver totally kicked the shit out of this discussion (lol)... Let's go talk about something else :P How about we all meet on the other Microsoft topic and kill it. (*Joke :P)
interesting story here.
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Editorial-PS3-Could-Be-Sony-s-Last-Cons...
Personally, i think that article is way off the mark. To build up a brand such as PlayStation for over a decade then decide to drop it just because the newly system (which has only been out 2 years!) is selling less than cheaper consoles.
The price of the PS3 will inevitably come down next year, hence it'll sell more and compete more with the other systems.
Plus the guts of the system are getting cheaper to make (the CPU is already at 45nm and GPU at 65nm within the space of 2 years)
Also, Sony, not to long ago just patented a new controlling device for a next gen system (see below).
Sony dropping out of the hardware market is like saying MS is dropping out of the OS market. It's nonsense.
________
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-patents-ps3-motion-controller
kinda regretting posting that story I just found it an interesting 'what if' point of discussion.
I would respectfully express the opinion that the playstation brand isnt anything like as strong as it used to be which could arguably be attributed to sonys ps3 'strategy'. What good is a brand when your taking these kind of profit sledgehammer shots?
I can't honestly see how an expensive to make, difficult to sell product is pleasing any sony suits.
I also think the microsoft/sony comparison you finish your post with is disproportionate to reality, case in point being the gta4 dlc exclusivivity deal. A game like gta4 which was widely expected to destroy sales records, delivered on that expectation and sony dont believe that exclusive dlc is worth the money?
Even if things don't turn around with the PS3, there will be another PS.
That last statement is incorrect, gaming is not Sony's bread and butter and was not the industry the company built its name off of. If Sega got out of the game hardware market, it's possible that any of the big console manufactures could eventually back out if enough money is lost. Although, it would take massive successive blunders (like how Sega really F'd themselves with all the sub-par hardware between the release of the Genesis and Dreamcast, then with the great Dreamcast system, they made the mistake of having no mechanism to prevent CD-Rs from being playable).
As well, if MS was losing serious money on their O/S products, and none of their attempts at revival worked, there's no doubt they'd axe it. By their nature corporations are not sentimental, they wouldn't keep something that's bleeding cash just for legacy reasons. It's a bad example in the context you presented, since MS does have a monopoly on PC operating systems, and it's unlikely that they'd ever be put in a position where that aspect of the business would be in trouble (from a business standpoint).
"Sony dropping out of the hardware market is like saying MS is dropping out of the OS market. It's nonsense"
I think you've interpreted that wrong.. If was more a flippant comment based on the ridiculous argument that Sony might pull out of the hardware race base on being out-sold by cheaper console .
I see Top_Dollor's point.. I guess what were all saying is only time will tell, lets see what next year brings before we all completely write Sony off . No point getting heated :D.
Yeah, my point was/is that there is nothing to read into the article above (the one MilesMayhem linked). The article is a bunch of bullshit basically. Time to move on people.
Interesting article about the contoller, anything would be better than six axis :D But I doubt if your pets will thank you for it :P
Good Article. William Usher is just expressing the fears of many a PS3 owner, it could also be taken as a rallying cry to Xbox360 or Nintendo owners. But either way I'll wait to hear that news straight from the horse's mouth (So to speak). I'm not saying he's wrong or anything, he's raised some good points, many of which we've be discussing here on Edge for some time.
What worries me is that Blend have not sited information from any official channels, no quotations from CEO's or even low level public relations or marketing people, I'm sure Sony if asked would probably refute this (or not). At this stages it's speculation and scare mongering based on Increased sales of other hardware and the global financial crisis, in my opinion and I would take such speculation with a pinch of salt.
Even if it were true, what has the PS3 owner actually lost. Personally I have 10 great boxed games not to mention those I bought on PSN. I would still play them even if the hardware went out of production, like Dreamcast. I know people who still play Soul Calibre and Power Stones.
There are still lots of games billed for the PS3 next year and if nothing else you've still got a really decent Blue Ray player for under £300. So PS3 in my mind is still a strong system until proven otherwise and it's certainly satisfied my investment in only a few short months.
totally agree, its not to be taken as fact or an attack on ps3 owners. I wasnt gonna post it until i saw in the article itself that they were not the only ones to run that story.
What does have a ring of truth for me is that not only do sony not compete at the moment, they dont seem to want to? strikes me as a resignation or throwing in of the towel.
Of course any hardware withdrawal (in the small chance it happened) could be of benefit in the long term. From a hype and anticipation standpoint you can just imagine the "playstation returns" ad campaign etc. How many xbox's would be sold in the meantime though.
It all depends on your definition of competition, I guess. I don't believe that Japanese companies like Nintendo or Sony feel the need to aggressively market their hardware and have adopted a more subtle approach. That's primarily why in the UK you see 5 Xbox360 adverts (per evening) to Sony's and Nintendo's 1 or 2 and usually for the games that are cross format. I would rather they spend money on investing in the technology than spending it on prime time advertising slots.
I'm purely speculating of course, but I truly believe (and this is only my opinion) that Sony's and Nintendo actions have and will speak louder than words. Dropping the price of hardware to a bargain basement prices (like 360Arcade) would just affirm to gamers especially the hardcore that they do have a problem. They'll need to spend the next year getting good titles in people's homes then consider a price drop (if at all). I personally think £300 for a PS3 isn't bad price considering you would pay as much for just a standalone Sony or Samsung Blue Ray player.
Nintendo have been the real surprise over last year or so. A few years back we were all speculating whether Nintendo would pull out of the hardware race all together, when GameCube didn't meet our expectations. But yet they come back and corner both the handheld and console markets with stunning entries. Wii is great fun and totally inclusive to all gamers and non-gamers alike.
Xbox360 offers a good console at a rock bottom price, it appeals to a wide range of hardcore gamers and casual gamers alike. However Even though their hardware is extremely good, Microsoft marketing style is very aggressive and reactionary. However with the back catalogue it has there is a lot Microsoft can be proud of, The adverse reaction on forums like this, black from us all saying that Microsoft wouldn't last five minutes in the console market.
Xbox was release in 2005 and roughly a year later the PS3 was released in 2006 although in both cases it took a while to filter out to the territories, but if you work it from Global sales alone for length of time they've been on sale, you come up with a surprising result.
It was reported at the end of September 2008 that worldwide sales of PS3 was just under the 17million unit mark (avg. 8.5million units per year globally) and the Xbox360 hovering above the 22million unit mark (avg. 7.3million Units per year globally). Obviously these sales figure are a few months old now but it's interesting that at this stage the PS3 is shifting more units per year than Microsoft, although these figure are open for scrutiny.
There have been surges in sales in various territories since that time. So it’ll be interesting to see the Q12009 reports to see what console has shifted the most units. But it looks are though there isn't much separating the two hardware sets at this stage in there development.
I hope this helps in someway to alleviate the arguments that keep raging about the Microsoft and Sony consoles.
Perceived popularity and actual popularity are two difference things entirely.
I'm not sure about the accuracy of your numbers, but the net result is neither console quite has the dominance necessary to make their console any more 'exclusive' than the other -- with production costs skyrocketing thanks to the massive art costs of hi-definition gaming, it's just not a good gamble to make a game for only one of the two consoles. a 5 million lead on xbox 360, though, certainly makes that console the priority.
I think there's also some caveats with your numbers. Because the 360 is a year older than the ps3, it's rate of units sold per year will be drastically different (since the third year is probably going to be worse than the previous two, depending on market saturation and hype). It's also worth noting that while 360 is selling better overall, PS3 does consistnetly better than 360 in Japan...save the few anomalies this past fall. Though PS3's lead is exceedingly slim in that market...Nintendo's Wii is the unwavering champ of them all.
That the dominant winner of the last generation has fallen so dramatically, however, is definitely the business gaffe of the current generation. There's simply no excuse. However, when looked at differently, the success of hte last generation is still propping up sony currently, as ps2 continues to sell strongly and perform well beyond its expected lifespan, espeically in spite of the gamecube and original xbox. In that way, sony still 'wins,' but its future prospects are dwindling, at least relative to the power it once was. Sony is today what Nintendo was this time ten years ago.
There just the figures I pulled from Wiki (probably not that accurate to begin with), seemed like a good a place as any, just to illustrate the point. i have rounded them up or down accordingly, to keep the sums simple.. Don't see the point in going overboard.
I didn't want to embarress the other consoles by bring the Wii in on it too. 34.5million units globally as of September 2008. (According to Wiki)
You're right about Japan, although sales have slumped, it'll be interesting to see what happens when more japan-centric games get released if they ever do and of course that all important Price drop. I does seem as though things are slow to pick this time round, but if Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are putting 5-7 life cycles on there hardware, there is plenty of time yet for improvement.
Like others, the reliability of the 360 put me off the system. I have a few mates who were on their 3rd and 4th system (one was on his 7th!). Personally, i couldn't be bothered with the hassle, hence why i choose the PS3. There were other reasons for choosing the PS3 i.e. to play games like LBP, Wipeout HD, PixelJunk: Eden, Uncharted, etc. Games you wouldn't see on my other platform of choice...the PC.
Another reason for choosing the PS3 is that i have a great PC, hence i can play superior versions of 360 games like Mass Effect, The Orange Box, Bioshock, Fallout 3, Lost Planet, etc and soon Fable 2 as well as many others to come (as it's inevitable Microsoft Game Studio titles get released on the PC at some point).
So there you have it, i have two platforms of choice i.e. PS3/PC (i'm getting a Wii soon as well) with each one offering something different from the other.
As for hardware sales, all three consoles are selling well enough to hold their own in todays market. Which can only be good for consumers like us.
//Peace
A Serious Gamer !! Nice to see!! Wait for the Hardware changes on Xbox360 and get all three :P You may a well you're only one shy of a full house!!
You know something we don't? I heard Fable 2 wasn't getting a PC release. It would be nice if it did though, same with Gears of War 2,.If looks that good at 720p I can only imagine how it's look 1680x1050 on Dx10 with AAx16.
Yeh thats what I dont get about fan boys. I think it is a mentality mostly stemming from jealousy, for the ones that slag other consoles at least.
So to the fanboys, quit moaning and buy all the consoles. If you have a passion for gaming you owe it to yourself and I guarantee you will have a happier life.
I second that !!
True gamers would bankcrupt themselves if they had too, by buying all the latest consoles and updating the PC kit once a year, that's the price we pay for our passion which borders on obsession in some cases.
I'd rather be obsessed by games, than obsessed about proving who's hardware is better.
Fanboys eh ?!... Some Mothers do 'ave 'em!!
*Sits back and enjoys the meltdown*
I'm amused at how testy PS3 fans have become this past month. I think it's only gonna get worse...
It's like watching a car wreck, isn't it? I know it's in poor taste, but I can't help but look when i see it.
I don't know about the US, but in the UK 360 adverts seem to be on TV a fair amount these days... an awful lot actually and more than I can ever remember.
I think marketing, media presence and price probably has as much to do with pre Christmas sales figures as games, HDD size and whether a console supports 1080p (or not) do.
Sony just can't seem to get this side of their Playstation business right this generation. I am trying to think of any memorable PS3 adverts I have seen recently (or ever, actually).... nope. Not one...
It is simple why the PS3 if failing ask this yourself this question. Why would the average consumer shell out the best part of £300 when they can buy a 360 for £130 or a Wii (god forbid!!) for £180?
I cant think of any reasons that would matter to them. For a gamer, definitely, yes I can see plenty (because we care about things like exclusives, HDD size, HD resolutions and maybe even Blu-ray). But for the casual gamer, which is historically the market in which generations are perceivably lost and won, I cannot think of any reasons to spend £150 more on a PS3.
So until Sony lower the price and get a decent media presence they will continue to lose. They need to realise that they aren't in competition with daft wee globally naive companies like SEGA this time. I honestly think it was always just a matter of time before MS got a decent understanding of the console market and made mincemeat out of their competitors. Nintendo seen sense and went blue ocean with the Wii i.e. chose not to directly compete by offering something slightly different.
Just think If MS didn't have the RROD issue shadowing the 360...
"It is simple why the PS3 if failing ask this yourself this question. Why would the average consumer shell out the best part of £300 when they can buy a 360 for £130 or a Wii (god forbid!!) for £180?"
Certainly makes sence doesn't it!! I bought a PS3, some foolish brand loyaly made me do it...However happy I am with my purchase, I'm a serious about my game with cash to burn I'll get the Xbox Elite and play with that too.
PS3 will get a shift on soon enough and 360 is at the top of it's game even the Wii is doing some interesting and inovative things. I were just getting into gaming now.. What a great time. If only we had VR back and it would be heaven.
All the systems on the market at the momment a pretty good. Wii included. They're just appealling to different people for different reasons. No right or wrong in it :D
I personally like how the Wii has brought non-games into the market, we can all play as a family now and that's great news. Wii Sports last christmas at the mother in laws was awesome. certainly beats sitting around the tv vegitating :D
P.S. Anyone wanting to play some world at war message me mgw8984 PSN ID
OK I can admit when Im wrong I forgot that the original xbox had a HDD so Ill take that back but Im fairly certain that the launch 360 did not have one also the PS3 at launch only had the one SKU which was the 60 gig which I own the 40 gig didnt come out till later due to ppl bitchin about price then the 80 and soon the 160 which Im buyin this tax season just bc I want it I still defend that the PS3 is the biggest bang for your buck and def the most reliable system.
The 360 launched with a $299 "core" (360 with no HDD, no memory card, a wired controller, no games), and a $399 "premium" which had the 20gig, wireless controller, wired headset, composite and component cables, an Ethernet cable, and hexic HD (puzzler XBLA game). I thought the PS3 also launched with two SKUs, but if they didn't and decided as you say after the fact to release a second SKU, that still makes your original statement that the 360 copied the PS3 in any way, shape, or form false. Trophies, movie and game downloads, multiple SKUs, you can almost argue Sony borrowed a couple ideas from MS...
Haha to your last comment. I saw the 160 gig PS3 at best buy the other day, and I have to admit the storage space was a bit enticing, but just wished there was a big enough incentive gaming wise for me to pick it up. When most of the triple A games come out on both systems and I happen to already own a 360, it just wouldn't make much sense to get a PS3. The systems are honestly too similar to own both. I don't think either has a big enough advantage over the other to warrant a purchase of both. If it wasn't for Halo, I probably would have bought a PS3 but that's a big what if. Ironically I've played Halo 3 far less than I played Halo 1 and especially Halo 2. Halo has just lost some of its luster since Halo 2 dominated the live community. Blame it on a large variety of quality games when the Xbox 1 didn't quite have such a diverse library. Ok, I'm just having diarrhea mouth now. I'm done on this thread, my brain hurts.
Oh, and Vader as far as the annual sales in the US, the 360 has outsold the PS3 in 2007 and 2008 (so far) and also in the US the 360 for 2008 is trailing its 2007 numbers at this point in the year by 427,000 consoles. So, not so bad for its 3rd year. And I do believe that worldwide the PS3 enjoys a slight year to year edge over worldwide 360 sales, but by only being ahead by a million or two a year, by the time the PS3 catches the 360, the next Xbox will be out and it won't matter any more. I think the rest of this generation will come down to software sales and 3rd party sales, and the 360 is handedly beating the PS3 and Wii in overall software revenue. I do see the PS3 and 360 being relatively close in console sales by the end of this console generation proper (which for Sony would be a huge disappointment after it dominated the Xbox last generation). Anything short of winning significantly over the 360 this generation should be seen as a failure. To go from being so far ahead to slightly behind or tied...either way, I'm a happy gamer and this is just a fun discussion with no real importance any way. Wife getting inpatient waiting for me...night everyone.
By the way, here's some numbers so you guys don't think I'm just blowing smoke... http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/NPD_Seventh_generation
Are you going to buy a whole new PS3 so that you have a bigger hard drive? Why not just get yourself a Samsung spinpoint, 500gb 2.5inch Sata drive and swap out your 40gb. It's just a quick back up and swap, takes no more than an hour max, with the reformat and restore.
Playstation3 Hardware does offer more processing power the Xbox Hardware. But show me a game that harnesses it, Most of the games so far have been Multi-platform 720p Ports. The only 1080p games are GT Prologue or PSN Minigames (please correct this if there are more). There is nothing out there that is even beginning to push the technology. As soon a developers get a handle on the technology then the flood gates will open (hopefully). If you forget about the RRod problems for a minute and look at that hardware purely on it's usability It could be said that this is happening now with the 360. But it remains to be seen when this will happen on PS3
This is all very similar PS2 in its infancy. In the meantime its worth getting a 360 just for the exclusive titles alone, at the moment the hardware is so cheep now how could you refuse. Microsoft are even under cutting the Nintendos Wii on price (360Arcade not Elite in UK).
I'm only speculating of course, but this could be taken one of two ways, Microsoft are desperate, they know there kit is going out of date fast and there trying to make a fast buck or they genuinely want to give gamers a cheap an efficient alternative to both Sony and Nintendo. Of course Microsoft want to make money, they would just screw everyone over because the want people to purchase their next generation, so I personally believe it has to be the later.
in the meantime, you're several hundred dollars in the hole and a few exclusives shy of the bliss we're experiencing on the 360. hoohaa!
Exactly, with the PS3 you're getting more for your bread. OK, it's £300 (but i don't need essential peripherals unlike other consoles!), but i paid that for the N64 (import), DC (again on Import), and the PS1 on their release.
Plus i know that the system is reliable, very quiet and i'll have it for a long time.
Blue Ray Remote or Bluetooth headset. How about the Six Axis or Dual Shock3 controllers or the eye cam not to mention the HMDI cable, so that's an extra £100 right there and I'd say these were essential if you want to use the PS3 in the way it's been designed. I know this because I have bought all of these for mine.
Another sweeping generalization by Rider_on_the_storm. 360's and PS3 are exactly a like in terms of after market peripherals. Once again the proof of how uninformed you are.
Man, you're like AIDS! There is no getting rid of you.
You're right !! You can slow me down with Drugs.. But I'll get you in the end !! :D (Metaphorically speaking)
Except it's not that reliable, has dodgy updates, and is only quiet compared to the veritable V12 that is the 360.
Listen to Savage over here u must be joking everytime I vist a playstation story on this site theres multiple ps3 bashers I dont mind of course Ill just bash back but dont act like its all one sided
I've owned Multiple consoles such Sony's, Segas, Nintendos, SNKs, Ataris. Multiple handhelds including Lynx, GameGear.. List list is endless. To be honest I'm not interested in dick measuring contest..
Just wish people could see, there is no brand loyalty.. Just entertainment.. All these dweebs and their prejudices to one system or another and for what.. bragging rights.. don't be pathetic. Be happy with what you've got and let people make a free and informed decision.
I'm just a gamer. I go where the games are :D
..
I love how u nick seem to pick and choose what u want to hear. So here are the straight points.
1. The Xbox 360 IS a flawed system many Xbox owners can account to this and many are on there 3rd or 4th xbox , this problem has not yet been completely fixed .
2. Microsoft dropped the first xbox like it didnt exist and will probably do the same w this version just to try and one up the competition like last gen.
3. Microsoft buys there exclusive dlc and some 3rd party companys
4. Paying for online is a joke regardless of the quality ps3 owners can do everything the xbox does online the only difference is its free at no time have I or any of my friends encoutered any serious problems w the online
5.Microsoft has ripped off many of Sonys design ideas since launch it might as well be a ps3 clone HDMI HDD and many others todays 360 isnt even close to the 360 at launch theyve been putting out multiple SKUs just to keep up
"ps3 owners can do everything 360 owners can online."
Really? So while you're playing, say, GT5P, you have full voice chat with all other players? Full voice chat in all games? While playing GT5P, your buddy jumps on the dash and you can voicechat with them while playing the game? You can invite/accept across all games? No need to return to the dash?
Good for you. I thought Sony would of made more noise about including these critical features in their new update (where you must have gotten them), but maybe they're just being modest. Or maybe you're blinded by your Sony loyalty.
"and will probably do the same w this version"
Funny -- that's why I don't have a PS3. Sony was absoltely miserable with their PS2 support, flat-lying about the failed Thompson Drive units in their launch system, and refusingto repair them. MS fixes their systems with an apology and free swag. I like good customer support.
"ripped off design ideas"
Lert's assume that's true -- and furthermore, only MS has ever done this. So what?
"360 today isn't even close to 360 launch"
How so, aside from HDMI port and a reworked motherboard (irrevelant to the argument)? PS3 launched with a promise of full back-compat . . . how are those new PS3e skus doing? How maky card readers/vido out ports does the PS3 have? Did they have? Were they gong to have? Hello?
"buys dlc and companies"
This is a problem? The company spends money to get its consumers content, and you list that as a negative? I should be offended why?
"360 is a flawed system"
No. It has a design flaw, true . . . I've RR'd twice, and MS replaced the unit free within 10 days both times. My PS2 died due to a design flaw, and Sony told me to buy another. But a hardware problem does not equal a "flawed system".
"seem to pick and choose what u want to hear"
yes . . . that would be the sign of a real idiot, wouldn't it? Thank goodness you're around to provide such unbiased, objective information,
How so, aside from HDMI port and a reworked motherboard (irrelevant to the argument)? PS3 launched with a promise of full back-compatible . . . how are those new PS3e skus doing? How many card readers/video out ports does the PS3 have? Did they have? Were they going to have? Hello?
That's been a massive bone of contention to me, I have loads of psOne games and psTwo games that I still want to play . There was going to be backward compatibility in the European territories and because some reason with the Emotion Chipset, could have been a overheat issues although I can't remember now, either way they dropped it. To keep costs down ?
What they meant to say was."Actually we're not going let you play the games you own on the new hardware, but if you want to play them that badly you can get on Playstation Network and buying them again for a nominal free". Syndicate War's, Bishy Bashy and International Track and Field being the most recent examples of this. Luckily the psTwo I own is still in pretty good working order, so at the moment it doesn't really affect me, but I still think it a bit of a con.
We were also supposed to get gigabit lan and various card readers and usb ports (2USB just isn't enough) there was a lot of things Sony didn't deliver on and it was disappointing, But I've got over them now and have just worked around then, it certainly no reason for not getting the PS3, Just like a few hardware issues with the 360 isn't a reason for not getting one.
Okay RRoD is a serious one, but Microsoft have done everything is there power to rectify the problem and make sure the keep there users sweet. There a people on here saying there onto 6th and 7th 360's!! That to me is true loyalty, to stand by your system despite everything. goes to prove that as long as the customer service is good them customers will return no matter what.
"seem to pick and choose what u want to hear"
yes . . . that would be the sign of a real idiot, wouldn't it? Thank goodness you're around to provide such unbiased, objective information,
ROFLMFAO - Nice one !!
Peace Out!!
1. Fair enough.
2. I don't totally agree with this one though. I think they dropped the 1st Xbox as MS said the first Xbox was really just to get their foot in the door (which they did, beating out the GCN that generation). They needed the head start over the 900lb Gorilla that was Sony. This generation I don't think they'll do that considering they have a significant installed base lead.
3. They did, and they have. But that doesn't mean that 3rd parties supporting the 360 so strongly ONLY has to do with $$. The 360 has the best software attach rate (even over the Wii) and the majority of the 3rd party market share. That all doesn't come with just paying people off, that comes with installed base. If the PS3 was leading in installed base, it'd be the same thing just the other way around.
4. Millions of people haven't had problems for paying for live and continuing to do so, obviously 4 bucks a month isn't too much to ask for those who pay, right? Should it be free? Maybe. But if people are paying for it, that means it’s a product worth buying.
5. This one barely warrants a response. The Xbox 1 had a built in HDD, built in high speed network card, DD5.1 support, 480p, 720p, 1080i support (though few games were higher than 480p). A while after the Xbox 1 came out the PS2 released an add-on HDD with FFXI that died nearly instantly and a network card add-on that supported broadband AND 56k dial up...dial up??? Really? And had a terrible excuse for an online component (People actually bagged on MS for only supporting high speed internet, could you imagine that???). The PS2 never had DD5.1 for gaming (movies it worked for, that doesn't count). RARELY did it support 480p or widescreen. The 360 launched with multiple SKUs right off the bat and the PS3 launched a year later and was the first Sony system to launch with multiple SKUs. How on earth can you say the 360 ripped the PS3 off, especially since it came out first??? The Xbox 1 was nearly an entire generation hardware wise ahead of the PS2, offered multiple first's for gaming (online gaming not really though, the SNES had Xbvand 28k modem and the Dreamcast had a built in network card, too). You could argue the Xbox 1 ripped off the Dreamcast maybe, but not the PS3. As far as HDMI, do some research. HDMI itself wasn't finalized in time when the 360 was still in development for MS to include it with the launch hardware, not MS's fault. You really think the 360 only had HDMI support because the PS3 did? What about Sony calling achievements lame, and what about the PS3's 5 USB inputs and 2 USB outputs? The PS3 only has 2 USB inputs compared to the 360's 3. MS is hardly behind the curve when it comes to technology. Is Sony copying MS because the 360 had downloadable movies/games first? Gees Ryda, c'mon.
I mostly agree with NIck here but I feel a need to embelish.
2. I do think MS dropped Xbox 1 the moment 360 was out the door. However there's no reason to believe they will do this again, especially when they're winning out over Sony. Also, everyone is predicting this generation will last longer than previous ones -- this is because we're reaching the end of the curve with technology, video fidelity and production costs.
3. All three companies are guilty of this, what a terribly moot point. MS and Nintendo are getting far superior third party support though for one reason, and it has nothing to do with console quality: massive install bases. Sony can't compete if the consoles aren't selling. It's just business.
5. All the companies rip off from each other. Sony's guilty of this -- remember the original ps1 controller? just a d-pad. Nintendo introduces the analog stick, and suddenly the dual-shock is the standard. Oh, and on that note -- shock? Again, Nintendo introduced the rumble-pack, so Sony had to take that idea too. Hell, we can reach further back if you want -- the d-pad replaced the joystick. Nintendo's innovation! Again, taken by Sony and Sega. Last but not least, though, motion controls! Hijacked by sony with an inferior implementation that we've all but forgotten about at this point.
I owned a ps2 and an xbox. I bought the ps2 at launch and waited for a few years for the xbox -- i ended up buying a refurb on the cheap. It was played quite a bit less than my ps2, less even than my gamecube. I planned on buying the Wii and the PS3 this generation. But sony dropped the ball almost immediately, and my hand was forced -- the 360 was the optimal choice. And so far that's proving true.
Brand loyalty is meaningless if the brand isn't also loyal to you..
This is a mote point considering the Story above..
I too own a PS3. It's disappointing that 360 sales have way exceeded the PS3 in the American territories. But I don't feel threatened by numbers alone, Good games are still being released, that's all that matters.
Hardware faults aside, people are still buying Xbox360 and it makes no difference how hard you stamp you feet or tell all the things that MS copied to make their system more marketable. They're here and here to stay, so get over it and move on.
Personally considering getting both Xbox360 and Wii, in the next couple of months, I want Monster Hunter 3 and also Gears of War 2 as do many of my gamer friend. I can see the merits of all the systems and don't mind paying for them, I work hard so why not? I have friends that which have difference systems. I also wouldn't mind paying a nominal fee to play either, it's not like Xbox Live costs a huge amount in subscription fees. Final Fantasy Online on PC is much more expensive for just one game. I think XBL users are getting a bargain.
If Playstation Network was a subscription service maybe Sony would have dropped the price of the hardware by now, did you ever consider that ?
Also consider the Sony's unwillingness to drop the PS2? Did they learn nothing with psOne? this was the major reason for the PS2 to be such a slow burner.. Luckily though for PS2 is didn't have much in the way of competition at the time of release. Microsoft at least had the balls to ruthlessly drop the 1st Xbox, the result speaks for itself.
However, there is no accounting for innovation, Nintendo have both Sony and Microsoft beat for now, because even non-gamers are getting in on the mix. Shit even my mum's got a Wii Fit and this is the person who I had to write begging letters to as a kid just to get a Sega Megadrive.
In all honesty, I was always interested in buying a PS3 up until they announced the pricing. Once they did that, it was all over. Not only was it individually too expensive for me, but it was indicative of how it would fair in general -- a poor install base when you launch that high, which rseults in poor software support. So many third party exlcusives have jumped ship, and Microsoft has really up'd their game with NXE and new featuers as well as better exclusives...it seems only logical at this point to buy a 360.
Truth be told, I'm angry at sony for messing up. But there's nothing to be done now. I wonder when they'll finally take steps to make up for thier mess-ups on the market...if they even can, now. It seems more likely they'll try to start the next generation prematurely or some such just to reset the game...but I'm not so sure that's possible anymore!
In the meantime, Nintendo's laughing it's way to the bank.
The price of the PS3 does seem to be the hottest topic at the moment and it a shame that such a good system is being left behind
Would you feel any differently if the dropped the price on the 40gb system, now that the bigger capacity models are hitting the stores?
Price here in the UK is still really step for the PS3. But in comparison with the 360Elite there isn't much in it. But in term of 360Arcade models, there is no way the PS3 can compete with that.
I guess it's more about brand loyalty and if you feel that you've been f**ked over by Sony because or poor support or price, that's fair enough. Pricing issues are something that Sony will have to look at as a matter of urgency. Because the last thing we want it to be another Dreamcast.
If they launhced at $300 I would've been on board from the get go. I had no plans to buy a 360. However after the announced launched price of the ps3 and finding a way to get $200 off a 360 via microcente'rs rebates, it seemed like a no-brainer to me, and so far my choice was very wise.
it's too late for sony now, in this generation. Cutting the price now won't make up for the damage it's already caused after two years.
Frankly, I think sony is looking at a much larger picture -- format dominance with blu-ray, and they took the blow against PS3 and SCE to do it. Sadly it seems that gambit may not even pay off as blu-ray fails to compare to previous 'dominant' formats in its install base rate, and digital distribution is building a lot of steam that dwindles blu-ray's usefulness.
You seem to be happy with the compromise you've made. That's all that matters for now though, right?
PS2 was pretty expensive on release here in Europe back in the day(about £450 - £500 not sure of the conversion to $) so I can see quite a few parallels.
What if next year turns out to be year of the PS3, we're only 2years into it's life cycle after all. Plenty of time left for a turn around surely? Is there seriously no hope for PS3? I hope this not to be the case. It's still quite popular here in Europe and still a good cheap efficient way of accessing blue ray.
Going way off topic now.. But f**k it :D
I see your point about Digital distribution, good that games and movies are being distributed this way. Not even the biggest of games challenge the storage capacity of Blue Ray and most movies transmitted down the wire at the moment are Standard definition at best. Having said that 40, 60 or even 120gb of storage capacity is not enough in these consoles to cope with all this new stuff being beamed to us. I've already upto my PS3 to a Samsung 500gb spinpoints for peice of mind. It disappears so quickly as soon as you start downloading.
There just isn't enough bandwidth or storage space open to home users right now to deal with DVD quality let alone BRD quality coming down the wire. I have hundreds DVDs in my collection, there is no way I could put these on solid state without compromising on quality. Maybe one day when I have a 50Tb Raid in my loft. But sadly that's a long way off :P
Both Microsoft and Sony would like you to use there machines and media stations but yet the don't give you the appropriate storage to do so.
Yes the 360 does have some great games but it seems Microsoft has to shell out serous money to keep up the exclusives 50 mill alone for GTA downloadable content not to mention all the others they bought sad really if you really stop to think about it just sad.
MS "reportedly" shelled out 50 mil for GTAIV content, but that hardly means that MS has bought all their big exclusives. The 360 has a substantial lead in installed base over the PS3, it only makes sense for publishers to focus their developement on the 360.
As for your other comment, that analogy doesn't quite work. The analogy would be more like; an arcade unit is a corvette and the PS3 is a corvette, but the PS3 corvette is a convertible with a technology package and leather. At the end of the day you can do what was indended with both cars...DRIVE (fast), but if you want the convertible corvette with a built in HDD for music or a 6 disc in-dash you will pay extra for ultimately uneccesary features that don't relate to the actual purpose of the car itself. And the roads you have to drive on with the arcade corvette are more fun than the straight roads you have to drive in the PS3 corvette (but you can listen to a bunch of music and have to top down while you dive boring roads).
What an awesome Metaphor, quite right too.. Xbox and PS3 are so closely matched. PS3 is trying to be like 360 and vice versa. Sony/MS have been at loggerheads like this since the first Xbox and PS2. Both consoles get the same games with the exception of a few exclusives which MS have bought, but eventually they'll trickle down the the PS3 also.
It's all about price and whether you prefer the MS Beige with green or the Sony black with the silver. MS have a black and green one with more storage.. I'm confused.. :P Sony's brand has a lot to do with it based on the popularity of the PS2, but the biggest mistake Sony have made is resting on the laurels of previous successes and let the other systems catch up.
I'm a PS3 owner, that doesn't mean that I don't see the merits of the 360 or the Wii. and even if Sony pulled the plug tomorrow I would still think I have got my moneys worth and would still play the ten or so games I have for it. Obviously I would have to consider which console to replaced it with, but that not exactly a tough decision. Go with the cheapest, with the most games.
You're right, the consoles at the end of the day play multiplatform games that look identical. Each have some good exclusives that show off the sytem's capabilities a bit more than the multiplatform games do (for the most part). PS3 owners seem to be happy with their purchase, and 360 owners seem to be happy with their purchase. What we need is a game that plays cross platform between the PS3 and 360 so we can all play together instead of fight! (FFXI doesn't count!). Ok, really going now.
Hey rider_on_the_storm, take a day or two off from these forums man, you're getting a little too bent out of shape. Its not your opinions, its the tact (or lack thereof) and the way you present your opinions that just seem like you're pissed about something. Don't take these forums so seriously man (I'd say mate but I'm from the US).
comparing the 360 unit to the ps3 is like comparing a chevy cavalier to a souped up escalade the arcade will sell better bc its cheaper but in time will run like shit and break down in a short period of time while the ps3 has a host of great free features will run forevever and is the biggest BANG for your buck simply stated and simply the truth if you want to argue just look at the historys of both consoles and the testimonials from ALOT of 360 owners.
I can only imagine how many of these "so called sales" are from gamers buying their 3rd/4th/5th or 6th system.