280°

Microsoft Knew They Had A “Chance” Against Sony When PS3 Price Was Announced

When Sony announced the pricing of the PS3 at E3 2006, Microsoft knew that they had a “real upside” with the Xbox 360.

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wccftech.com
corroios2834d ago

Microsoft hit the jackpot with the 360 cheaper and launch year before the PS3. The console, for that time, was a powerhouse, we got a huge transition from SD to HD games.

The problem was that they didnt learnt nothing with the 360 and the transition for the Xbox One was a nightmare. They launch a underpowered machine targeted at the casuals with Kinect, expensive and the launch conference was a nightmare.

They lack killer software and the old formula just doesnt cut anymore.

Cindy-rella2834d ago (Edited 2834d ago )

Microsoft decision rushing the xbox 360 to launch a year ahead of sony caused the rrod epidemic which haunts them to this day because a lot of people dont trust the built quality of xbox. Some people can talk about microsoft having a warranty program that fixed broken systems but in a lot of cases people were changing multiple xbox 360s in a short period of time and the exchange program was a nightmare for some people in certain countries. A lot of people dont want to buy another xbox or xbox one because of rrod situation on xbox 360.

Z5012833d ago (Edited 2833d ago )

@ moldy
I'm not a troll and i still question the build quality of xbox systems.

"Fool me once"....

bouzebbal2833d ago

MS rushed 360 and they weren't very sure of what they wanted their console to look like and offer.
They started releasing a low ass 360 lacking HDMI port and wifi sensor, then they updated the SKU once all these things were finally decided.
I agree they had a good chance against PS3 due to exclusive games in the first year and especially the lower price, but they gave up supporting it the right way around 5 years ago where all that counted for them were Gears Halo Forza every single year.

freshslicepizza2833d ago (Edited 2833d ago )

@Z5013
"I'm not a troll"

you are certainly not a fan of the xbox even ignoring the past build quality of the xbox 360.

"and i still question the build quality of xbox systems."

then that is your problem.

"Fool me once"

so did you buy a ps3 or ps4 since the ps2 and ps1 had disk read error issues? sony even settled out of court for the ps2 disk read errors. do you go online on playstation network after they had to shut it down for weeks because of a security breach? which in the end sony admitted was not as secure as it should have been. normal people move on, those who have hidden agendas keep bringing up the past even if if has no relevance to today.

DarXyde2833d ago

moldybread,

You said: "now sony is risking losing that rebuilt faith with the ps4 neo becasue some may question why come out with a ps4 neo when the ps4 has been such a well thought out system and perfectly executed."

So explain to me how that works out for Microsoft. Let's say, hypothetically, consumers do not take well to Neo because it's a mid-cycle upgrade. How does that benefit Microsoft, who will also upgrade mid-cycle? Why would it benefit one and not the other when the approaches are very similar? If neither will feature exclusive titles that you cannot find on the current models (VR withstanding, which requires you to invest in Scorpio and a PC VR headset anyway) why would anyone be bitter? That sounds like a PC enthusiast buying a high-end GPU and maybe six months later (scaling time for PC reasons) a much better card is announced by the same company.

If the price is right and a trade-in program is in place, I have a hard time believing people will be that bothered.

One more thing... historically, Sony releases hardware revisions. Literally, every platform Sony releases sees revisions. If you don't know this by now, you are a fool. Let me offer some perspective: The original PS2 had many complaints of disc read errors and PS3 had yellow light of death. People often upgraded with no trade-in incentive. People who never even had any issues with their original consoles. Plays the same games. Just pretty much takes up less space. In PS3's case, it was even missing backwards compatibility, yet the slim sold swimmingly. Heck, they even made a SUPER Slim when the original slim runs phenomenally. Why is that? Do you really think that'll upset PlayStation fans in mass quantities? I doubt that will even upset Microsoft fans on the level you're suggesting.

It's important to note that Neo and Scorpio are different in this regard because they're very much expected to be MORE expensive than the original units, but they're also more powerful. Additionally, the original units are already pretty reliable and will feature all of the same games. There's literally no need to upgrade unless you want better performance. And even then, if Sony offers a trade-in program (which they likely will), it's likely cheaper out of pocket than the original PS4 should you take advantage of that.

You worry about Sony destroying their consumer faith? Microsoft literally destroyed consumer faith in the same generation they earned it with Xbox 360: great heavy-hitters but hardware problems then a software drought later on. THAT is far more worthy of concern. I think they've learned their lesson, but to express "concern" for one in the way you describe but not the other is, frankly, asinine.

Trez12342833d ago (Edited 2833d ago )

Moldy your Microsoft defence is a little crazy at times. I had to buy another 360 after sending my 360 arcade twice to get fixed, saying that makes me a troll?
The built quality wasn't good and that's the truth.

And then you go on talking about Sony arrogance etc....have you been asleep this gen? Microsoft been lying, spinning to a level where Sony or Nintendo for that matter wouldn't dare because they'll be crucified. Where's that 6x xbox one aka cloud? Where that investment on first party? ( all we see is third party deals and the usual first party ip's from the 360 era). Titanfall can only possible on xbox one they said..right?

I can go on and on. What I'm trying to say is its easier to point a finger at the other company, just have a good look at your darling company without those shades and I guarantee you , it's not that rosy.

freshslicepizza2833d ago

Some of you guys have trouble reading. I never defended the rrod issue on the Xbox 360, I said there is no reason to keep questioning the hardware since. Same thing with Playstation consoles, that was then this is now. So stand by my comments that those who won't buy the new consoles because of past consoles many years ago are just trolls who refuse to move on.

I am also supportive of both Neo and Scorpio. I have always been. The reason I mentioned Neo is because Sony has such a loyal fanbase who don't like the idea of midcycle console upgrades. That is not the same as slim systems by the way.

rainslacker2833d ago

To be fair moldy, I've never been a fan of MS built hardware even before they released the first Xbox. Anything I ever owned that they built ended up crapping out within a year.

OGXbox was pretty solid though, but the 360 just reaffirmed it's better to let others be the beta testers. X1 seems pretty solid to me though, so credit goes to them for that.

darthv722832d ago (Edited 2832d ago )

From my perspective... 360 was very much like the sega genesis. It was MS 2nd system after their attempt at gaining on the popular previous gen leader. It launched a year earlier and by the time the ps3 launched, it had the chance to have a lower cost to increase sales.

Ultimately (like genesis) it did manage to take market share away from the previous leader while building a name (and following) for itself.

Then we have the xb1 which would be akin to the saturn. Launching at $100 more than the ps4 (like saturn did to the ps1) and being under powered (again like saturn did to the ps1).

Its like MS was following the sega play book step by step. Which could mean that scorpio would end up like dreamcast. A system that started strong, never got a fair shake and died all to soon only to be revered to this day as a true rock star system.

If that does happen.... we could very well see ms games on other systems. Only time will tell.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2832d ago
_-EDMIX-_2833d ago

What could you learn from a chance given by your opponent based on something you have no control over?

Microsoft issues in regards to the software Department existed last generation as well.

And I personally do not believe that the reason why the Xbox One is selling the way it is is based on being underpowered.

The PlayStation 2 was the least powerful the Wii was the least powerful Xbox One is merely not selling because it does not have enough compelling software to move units consider I own a 3DS clearly it's not as powerful as a PS Vita clearly it's not as powerful as a PlayStation 4, but it offers software that I wish to play. at the end of the day Gamers want a platform to play good games what does it matter the power? That isn't really as relevant to Consumers they want games.

I don't believe the power difference from PlayStation 4 to Xbox One is really the real reason on why it's not selling.

Errorist762833d ago

Imho also the lack of dedicated support in the second half of its lifespan was disappointing. Even more disappointing they didn't really learn from it with the One.

nix2833d ago

MS' big mistake was to not have any new IP in the end years of 360. PS3 was still churning out new exclusives on its final years but MS was just doing the same IP.

A nd then their intro to Xbox1. That was the nail.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2832d ago
jcnba282833d ago ShowReplies(1)
lelo2play2833d ago (Edited 2833d ago )

Microsoft Knew They Had A “Chance” Against Sony When PS3 Price Was Announced... but later on they royally screwed up the Xbox One launch. They learned absolutely nothing from the X360 and PS3 launch.

If they don't price the Xbox Scorpio just right next year, it will be another screw up by Microsoft.

The_Sage2833d ago ShowReplies(4)
arkard2833d ago

So then they turned around and made the same mistake Sony did one generation later?

andrewsquall2833d ago (Edited 2833d ago )

Not really. Sony banked on bluray which is the absolute norm even in Xbox camp now. Sony's big mistake was putting PS2 components into PS3 making it very expensive. They removed these a year later after launch (only 7 months after the console launched in Europe) and were able to drop the price by 200 quid.

Quite ironic the thing mostly that hurt PS3 in the beginning, is the thing that people are screaming is a "game changer" on Xbone..... and after 2 years into the console's life too when its even more irrelevant.

Its not quite the same as the worse games console reveal in history now is it? :)

IIFloodyII2833d ago

It wasn't, PS2's were very cheap back then, Sony's big mistake was the Cell, great tech, but far too hard to work with and too expensive. It's why the technology flopped outside of the PS3.

_-EDMIX-_2833d ago

@llflood- absolutely completely agree I believe they would have done so much better with a more simple streamlined architecture.

x86 is doing amazing for them right now

rainslacker2833d ago

Blu Ray lasers and the CELL were the expensive parts of the system. Keeping the PS2 emotion engine wasn't super expensive in relation, but it's one of those "every little thing adds up to a lot" scenarios. Sony was selling the system at quite a substantial loss at the beginning there, and even after the revisions removing BC, it was still selling at a loss for a couple years due to the CELL, although BR diodes came down in price within the 2nd year to something reasonable.

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20°

SteelSeries Reveals Arctis Nova Pro White Edition

Looks like a great headset and it will be interesting to hear how they sound. From the makers of Arctis, the most awarded audio line in gaming, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today introduces an all-new white version of the award-winning Arctis Nova Pro series headsets.

230°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest17h ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN6h ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan3h ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

KicksnSnares16h ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv727h ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5h ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion7h ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer7h ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15h ago(Edited 5h ago)

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer11m ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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320°

Square Enix Declares $140m Loss Amid Game Pipeline Shakeup

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth publisher Square Enix has declared a $140m loss based on a shakeup of its internal development pipeline.

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techraptor.net
Furesis14h ago

What are they doing over there? Sounds like they canceled something big. I read a rumor a while back about ff9 remake . Here "Final Fantasy IX has gone through a very challenging development, the game is still in progress but may undergo changes drastic enough that we won't hear about it for a couple of years."
This could be one of the reasons if the rumor is true. That was Silknight i don't know how credible he is but it's something and it would make sense.

-Foxtrot13h ago

I hope IX is still on the cards

Just a straight up remake which they expand a little bit nothing over ambitious

If IX dosent happen then VI and VIII will never be thought of.

Kakashi Hatake2h ago

6 and 8 were way more p popular games despite today's cult following of 9.

TiredGamer11h ago

What are they doing? Sales are falling and the costs are out of control. Big releases need to be absolute sales home runs now, and Final Fantasy sales have stagnated.

Now we know why Square didn’t fall over themselves to remake the original FF7 all these years ago. It certainly wasn’t a license to print money, at least not with what the expectations were. Each of these full on remakes drains an enormous amount of company resources for a razor thin profit margin.

TwoPicklesGood11h ago

Breaking the game up into multiple parts was a mistake IMO.

blackblades10h ago

The loses came from cancelling games nothing else.

shadowT13h ago

Do not miss Final Fantasy 16. Great game!

raWfodog13h ago

I'm waiting for them to release the complete edition bundle, but it's definitely on my list.

PhillyDonJawn12h ago

Wth is going on with the gaming industry?

mandf12h ago

Corporate investors taking everything

TiredGamer11h ago

Not rocket science. Compare sales numbers, development cycles, and budgets to the previous gens. We are all collectively burning up the industry from the inside out. Expectations are ludicrously high now for every release and sales are dropping for even the most prestigious of series.

We used to be satisfied paying $50-60 for a game that took 1/100th the budget and staff to make. Now gamers feel cheated if they have to pay the same for a game that took 100x the budget. We may be reaching the end of the line for this model of gaming.

wiz71918h ago

@tiredgamer I think your point is one that ppl don’t understand and you hit it on the nose .. some gamers don’t want to take accountability but it’s some of the gamers fault the industry is where it’s at .. we as gamers set the standards for the industry not the shareholders , ppl forget that the shareholders and the industry want and need OUR Money. Both the Xbox and PlayStation are seeing a drop in hardware , the industry is very stagnant right now.

Tacoboto9h ago

Speaking to Square:

Turns out their mismanagement wasn't related to the western studios they dumped to Embracer, but their own fault.

With regards to Xbox - a good way to kill your brand is to pull support on high quality titles and only dump B and C-tier titles to it

With regards to PC - Epic Games Story exclusivity for any duration and piss-poor optimization will hurt you.

With regards to FF Pixel Remasters - y'all messed up by barely releasing them on physical, like wtf that was free money!

And lastly, you don't help a franchise by releasing a mainline title that undermines every title that came before it. FFXVI was a DMC-like with bottom-of-the-barrel side quests and I can't imagine that helping Rebirth at all considering its marketing is directly tied to how big that game is.

Tacoboto8h ago

Sony is getting their best titles and with the most polish, so what about it? Nintendo gets their top properties too, for titles that can run on Switch hardware.

It's the other fanbases that get the second- and third-class treatment from Square. If that's due to agreements with Sony, that's not a Sony issue but a Square one for accepting those terms. Sony is doing its best to look out for Sony.

TiredGamer12h ago

The industry implosion is continuing. Sky high budgets, prolonged development windows, stagnant sales numbers, and falling currency values (inflation) are wreaking havoc on the legacy industry. AAA games will slowly become the rarity.

CS712h ago

Sad. Rebirth was one of my favorite games in a long time. Should have sold more.

CrimsonWing6911h ago

Oh I’m with you. What’s worse is they can say, “Well we tried to make this amazing game and spend all this money on, but not enough people showed an interest. So no more of these since we can’t take a hit like that.”

The industry is going to take a dramatic shift. Mark my words on this.

rpvenom10h ago(Edited 10h ago)

I think there is quite a large portion of individuals like myself who held out on buying it on PS5 because I can get it on PC eventually. To be able to mod the game and also have custom graphical settings to my liking

gold_drake1h ago

same

but im not sure if it matters at all. im sure they made sony pay a hefty sum for the 3parter to come on ps5 exclusively. so watever they made in sales, might have come bk in profits for square, but i dont know
and we dont know what "underperformed" even means for square.

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