Maxwell M.:
Early this morning, Nintendo announced that it would be dropping the price of the Nintendo Wii in North America from $149 to $129. This is, presumably, to cash in on the bargain hunters during the holiday season and make way for the release of the Wii U on November 18th of this year. This was almost immediately followed by Microsoft's announcement that it would be dropping the price of its Xbox 360 bundles by $50, to $249.
Sony just cannot seem to catch a break. Nintendo has held the total market share in North America for the entire generation, while the 360 has been able to outpace the Playstation 3 console in North America for the last 21 months straight. While the worldwide total puts the 360 and the PS3 neck-and-neck, the PS3 is very far behind in North America. Sony saw an opportunity to release a new, slimmer SKU of the PS3 last month, bundled with the critically acclaimed Uncharted 3 for $269. Armed with a slew of first party exclusives due out this fall, Sony seemed set to take the Wii U head on, priced just under the cheaper of the two Wii U SKU's. But these price drops may prove to be detrimental.
Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.
i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.
its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.
They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.
They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid
The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.
And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.
Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.
THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.
The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?
There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.
Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.
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No, a price drop usually comes when a new system is launching. The Wii U caused the price drop of its predecessor. I'm sure there may have been one with the new PS3 model, if there was no Wii. But, it's due to the Wii U. It's only a $20 drop. blah Not that I need another one. But, it's a good system for Christmas gifts. Also, I didn't care for the George Foreman look of the new PS3 model. Good thing I'm set on the PS3s in my house, as well.
Translation: now is a better time than ever to pick up a new console (if you happen to need one).
Sounds like smart business strategy as usual from the likes of Microsoft and Nintendo. Both corporations are known to hold it down during the holiday season. This will be no different as I expect to see maximum sales from both brands when sales data is released.
A price cut for the Nintendo Wii entertainment system will give the platform a proper send off into the sunset for the remainder of the year. Delivering a fine push to the current generation finish line in the wake of release of the Nintendo Wii U entertainment system.
I see the Xbox 360 delivering strong sales as well with their own 50 dollar price cut. Especially combined with the soon to be released industry leading first person shooter exclusive HALO 4. And the highest rated racing simulator Forza makes a comeback as well to compliment the price cut.
Low affordable pricing strategy is key during the holiday season.
Rated E For Everyone
Oh my god 20$-50$ price cuts what shall Sony do!