240°

Who Will Be The Second Place Console This Generation?

Depending on who you ask, the current generation first got underway when the Wii U launched in November of 2012, or else the race finally started when all the consoles came to market in November of 2013. Regardless of which date you choose to go by, one thing that’s clear is that even though this generation is just getting started, the Big Three have already sharply defined their respective positions for global sales. Sony has so far made few critical errors in terms of pricing and marketing, and they’re sitting in the #1 position both worldwide and in many of the bigger markets for games. Microsoft is sitting at #2 thanks to some serious PR, pricing and policy blunders leading up to launch that killed the momentum they were previously enjoying as America’s favourite console.

Read Full Story >>
cgmagonline.com
Concertoine3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

I think MS has more potential than Nintendo. I mean the Wii U, even with a market much bigger now than 2001, is selling worse than the gamecube. Even then, MS' first console on the market beat the gamecube. However those two consoles are perfect examples of why "places" don't matter. The Xbox was a commercial failure and the Gamecube was a small success. These companies need to make money, and Nintendo has more potential to make profit because of the crazy dedication to their software, and the little to no loss on hardware.

The one thing Nintendo has over MS is the Japanese market but they don't care enough about consoles for it to matter. People act like the Wii U has been outselling it forever but it was only after the biggest exclusive for it this year.

I love the Wii U, though. I think it will be remembered fondly.

Ezz20133548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

All shall fall for the Mighty Ouya
http://cdn.gifbay.com/2013/...

ape0073548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

edit : sorry guys i though the article was (who will be 3rd place)

Infamous2983548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

@Ezz2013 that gif was hilarious xD. Time to open my bubble wallet :).

InTheLab3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

God dude I hate to nitpick but the GC was a commercial and critical failure. Nintendo made no money off the GameCube for 3 years before they finally reduced cost enough to make money on each sold....which still wasn't enough to break even.

People continue to say that the GC and even the N64 were profitable and that is a flat out lie perpetuated by people who where not there to witness the nonstop price drops and stores with shelves filled with Cubes and 64's.

As for the topic, MS will catch the WiiU this year or early next. Unless Nintendo finds the casuals that won them last gen, they will pull up the rear and everyone will magically forget that the WiiU is losing Nintendo money and call it a success 10 years from now.

There's just too many games not coming to the WiiU for it to be anything but a secondary console with PC/ps4/XB1 the primary.

ABizzel13548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

I'd bet on XBO, but honestly it really depends on who drops their price first, or the lowest.

Nintendo needs to cut the price of the Wii U to $250 or less ($229) in March 2015 (American income tax season). Because I guarantee you MS is going to have a $349 XBO no later than April 2014 if their WW sales don't stay steady after their WW release.

If MS sees their numbers fall back down towards the 70k mark, that price cut is happening, and they're going to try and suck up all the income tax money, but if Nintendo gets it first then they're set for at least 1 more year ahead of the XBO.

However, it's inevitable. Nintendo's strongest market is Japan which is the smallest market of the big 3, and MS strongest market is NA which is the biggest of the big 3. The XBO has already outsold the Wii U in NA, and outsells it weekly by about 13k units, meanwhile the Wii U sales in Japan (8.5k) aren't enough to break even with the lead MS has in the US each week.

EU (the Wii U's worse performing region) has ironically been the Wii Us saving grace against the XBO. But when the XBO launches in more regions that sales cushion the Wii U has will likely be terminated.

So ultimately the XBO should take 2nd place, but Nintendo can put up a good fight if they're willing.

Concertoine3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

@InTheLab

Although i'd like to actually see ANY data regarding the profitability of the gamecube before i agree with you, my point still stands.

The Gamecube was MORE of a success than the Xbox, despite coming in "third place", because the Gamecube didn't lose the company anywhere near as much money as the original Xbox.

Also i'd gladly challenge you on the Xbone outselling the Wii U by end of this year or early next. I believe it will eventually catch up but Nintendo's holidays are always much better than MS'. The Wii U's second christmas almost outsold MS' first.

BullyMangler3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

hahahahaha haaaa!!!!! . .

If you guys seriously think that the console with the most (sales) is the one in the "lead" when it comes to G A M I N G then .

ahhhh! . ahhhhhh! haaa haaaa! haaaaaa haaaaaaa!!! . .

PS4 in the lead with the most sales.

wiiU in the lead with better higher quality, more CHALLENGING, more IMAGINATIVE more HARDCORE exclusives.

and neither Bayo, nor Zelda, nor Metroid for wiiU are even out yet, and already, already Nintendo DOMINATING the Gaming Culture ! .

ho ho .

choujij3547d ago (Edited 3547d ago )

Considering the Wii-U is currently in second and the rate they've been selling the last few months, Xbone will need to pick up steam in order to pass the Wii-U over the next couple of years. After all, didn't Wii-U just last month outsell Xbone world wide? You can't catch up unless you're selling more.

Since the PS4 is the preferred platform for multi-plats, Xbone doesn't have nearly as much going for it this gen as opposed to last gen. So for second place I'd put my money on Nintendo, cause their exclusives stay put and don't end up on PC or other consoles.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3547d ago
ape0073548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

yep xbox one almost reached the wiiu sales without its big guns(SM3DW and MK8) and without having an extra year to sell

i believe halo MCC will stir lots of sales

Insomnia_843548d ago

1.PS4
2.WiiU
3.Ouya
4.Vita
5.Xbox One

mrpsychoticstalker3548d ago

Hahahhahahahha only in your dreams. Lol

Fanci3547d ago

@Insomnia Hold it down on the fanboyism

greenlantern28143548d ago

Yes most likely MS. Nintendo could learn something from MS about marketing. Although Wii U could keep it interesting as they find a place as people's second console.

sAVAge_bEaST3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

please. NO.. I would sincerely hope that Nintendo takes no Pages, from the M$. Astro.Turfing/Marketing Ways.

just be your self.. Nintendo.

We remember our youth, and want to pass it on. 2 future youths... watch the sale's boost this holiday.

rainslacker3547d ago

I agree on the marketing, although I can say that Nintendo does have a couple of compelling games coming, namely X(or whatever it's called now), and I guess Bayonetta 2(less compelling) if they ever get around to releasing it. Then of course they have their staple franchises. A bit disappointed with the next Zelda game so far though.

One nice thing about Nintendo is they do make some games which break from the norm and sameness that we see on the other two.

I think Nintendo just set themselves up well to be a secondary console once someone chooses their primary, and they are doing a lot better now than I assumed they would.

greenlantern28143546d ago

@sAVAge_bEaST. I want Nintendo to be themselves to when it comes to making games however You cannot denie that MS markets there product better. The fact that XB1 has an advertising campaign and the
Wii U's is virtually non existent says I am right

k-dillinger3548d ago

i think its safe to say its gonna be Nintendo worldwide appeal opposed to Microsoft just america once the games like zelda and smash bros its pretty much over for xbone

Magicite3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Probably NOT Playstation console.

But with current pace both xbox and wiiU might become worst selling consoles from their respectful owners.

assdan3547d ago

I'm pretty sure it's the xbox one.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3546d ago
Ezz20133548d ago

I used Logic and analyze it with science
those will take the 1st and 2nd place

1.Ouya
2.Vita

DigitalRaptor3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Not completely.

Realistically, the only things that will stir the Xbone above the Wii U are Halo and Gears. You're forgetting that Wii U is yet to release strong titles like Zelda, Smash Bros, and the plethora of Mario games that never fail to push their consoles.

Then again, MS has the huge third party multiplats and Nintendo don't, so that could be a factor. It could go either way.

BiggerBoss3548d ago

Nintendo would have to really step up its marketing for that to happen. MS goes hard on advertising and has a secure hold on the US market (compared to the Wii U of course). I think the Ps4 will be a good amount of marketshare ahead while the Xbox one and Wii U are much closer in sales, similar to the 6th generation

kickerz3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Yup it goes
1. Xbox one
2. Wi U
3. PS4
And yes I've been to the future, so what I say is fact.

Retroman3548d ago

Happen to run into Doc. an Marty future boy?

kickerz3547d ago

Haha yup, I asked him why we havnt got hover boards yet in 2014, he said something happened to the space-time-continuum last time he traveled back in time. Couldn't give me details though.

ChickenOfTheCaveMan3547d ago

You should not have wasted your opportunity in the future by going there high as a kite. Easiest gen to predict.

1.PS4
2.X1
3.Wii U

And the gap between the positions will be large, biggest being between the X1 and Wii U.

lizard812883547d ago

That is what I would say. Nintendo has better exclusives, while the xbone's will just wind up on the PC. Then it just comes down to third parties, which you could just buy on the PS4.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3547d ago
Metallox3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Does it matter? Xbox One is selling enough to get the multiplats. Wii U on the other hand carries the horrible relationships that Nintendo has with other publishers and it's underpowered. But is starting to sell better, so perhaps it could get some third titles, and it's even more possible considering the fact that publishers are still making games for last gen.

I don't think we should look who finishes in second place, we should just expect good sales for all platforms so we can get more games.

Vegamyster3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

The Xbox One isn't on a path right now to outsell the Wii-U at this point, the reason the Xbox One is getting multiplats is because that specific audience who came from the 360/PS3 buys 3rd party games, the Wii never got into that install base since it was aimed at a different market. If Nintendo had gone after that audience and had better relations with 3rd parties then they'd be getting those games on the Wii-U. Thing is Nintendo doesn't seem to care at this point and they need to improve those relations and their online infrastructure, hardware doesn't really have anything to do with it since the weaker 360/PS3 are getting 3rd party games that the Wii-U isn't.

Dunban673547d ago

Eventually XB1 will outsell the Wii u and in the end it will not be close

Both consoles have struggled so far but XB1 has 3rd party support and an exec team that has already shown they wil not sit back and do little or nothing while their sales don t meet expectations - Nintendo did very little until the latest e3 to help their cause and even then they addressed issues that should have been addressed at launch or close - once the games start rolling in for XB1 and PS4 they will both see a consistent increase in sales

stuna13548d ago

The one people buy second!/s

Pinkdolphinyfg3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Funnily enough people are already declaring a winner this early even though the ps3 had an even bumpier start than the xbox one last gen and still managed to close the gap. I mean look at the ps3 in 2008. They had lost Final Fantasy and Gta as an exclusive, price was insane, other than mgs4 they had no big exclusives whereas Xbox had hits like Halo 3 and gears of war, money hatted the Cod 4 beta which was a surprise hit, party chat was a big feature, developers across the board hated the cell etc. Yet both consoles ended up selling 80 million with only a 1-2 million difference.

sashimi3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

Huge difference is Xbox brand is simply not as strong as the Playstation brand. Ps3 had EU & JPN, X1 does not. Its already lagging behind in its major territory which are US & UK. 360 had most of the superior multiplats advantage which X1 does not. PS3 first/2nd party paved the way, MS simply does not have the internal studios to carry Xbox like Sony did with the PS3.

I wouldn't expect much from tier 2 countries, they are tier 2 for a reason. If X1 couldn't even beat PS4 in the US where it sold the lion's share of the sales are we suppose to expect the rest of the world to carry the sales of such a American centric consoles?

some people may say its too early yet look at the WiiU. Beside X1's launch sales its been selling pretty poorly post launch.

I mean sure X1 can always turn around and sell better but from this point in time all signs point to PS4 being the console leader.

OrangePowerz3548d ago

While Sony recovered from a poor start despit the one uear head start the 360 had they didn't actually get that far ahead. Also realistically speaking the 80 million 360 unit's don't really reflect the numbers of users. A lot of people bought a new one when their original 360 died before MS extended the warrenty or traded up later when they introduced the model that had an HDMI port because the first model didn't have one. While it might look like MS did great the Xbox brand isn't that hugely popular.

Also MS only had the US and UK market while Sony had the others. Right now MS doesn't even have those and even if they regain the lead there that won't be enough as we have seen in the past and it's not likely that they get any of the Sony strongholds.

Dunban673547d ago

Xbox sold more software than the ps3 last generation and if you include digital sales they almost surely sold more software than the Wii last gen- so to say their sales numbers weren't t as legit as Sony s or Nintendos is not backed up by any real evidence

I only own Nintendo consoles but depending on the metrics used, the Xbox easily makes a case as last generations winner - considering it was only their 2nd generation they have been impresive up to their 3rd generation were they squandered a ton of their progress they had made w Don Matricks huge destruction of brand and value

DigitalRaptor3548d ago (Edited 3548d ago )

PlayStation is the stronger global brand. The PS3 caught up cause it was always going to. It came out 1 year (1.5 years in Europe) after the Xbox 360, which got an 8 million unit lead in that time. Had both consoles released simultanously, PS3 would be leading by approximately 10 million units.

Consider that the PS3 was last-gen's whipping boy for so long with all the disadvantages under the sun:
- $600
- awkward and unclear marketing
- barebones online network
- the "no games" stigma
- inferior multiplats
- hard to develop for
- gaming media 'doom and gloom'
- losing NPD monthly

Sony tripped on their own arrogance last-gen, and that was Microsoft's ONE-AND-ONLY chance to trump the PS3, and they failed. PS4 is market leader and has every advantage that X360 had last gen, and none of the disadantages to go with it. Xbox is the weaker global brand, and Xbone has less games, less power, less value, less potential to offer new experiences (VR) and less good will with gamers and developers.

I'm a bit tired of people considering that Xbone has a chance to surpass the PS4, especially after all the latest news. It won't and never will outsell a Sony console in a generation. PlayStation is close to where it was in PS2 era, and you don't surpass a console like that. Just a reality check.

Show all comments (112)
160°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7214h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle1h ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Cacabunga35m ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

purple1013h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos2h ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

XBManiac2h ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1011h ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Show all comments (11)
150°

Sony Patents To Prevent You From In-Game Harassment By Reading Your Emotions

A new patent recently published by Sony wants to gather biometric data of gamers to track whether one is being harassed using AI tools.

Profchaos1d 3h ago (Edited 1d 3h ago )

I hope this is one of those patents that never comes to fruition.

I already dislike the fact you can pay a significant amount for a online service buy associated games and content on said service and get banned from that service over potentially a misunderstanding the bans are already handed out for flimsy reasons

I'd rather see money invested in a ban that simply removes the offensive players ability to communicate with unknown players allow them to continue party chats with friends but not with Joe blow on cod.

exputers23h ago

Agreed. Blizzard recently banned a college Overwatch 2 player who's dependent for saying "shit." Pretty harsh.

Profchaos8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

How rediculas really. You can't say a word that's allowed in most PG films and prime time TV but the game is based around killing the enemy team using guns, explosives etc.

It's just backwards.

just_looken10h ago

What your talking about is called block list

In 2006 a spaceship dropped of the playstation 3/xbox 360 i say that that generation was the last great gen with game functions/tech that has yet to comeback

Anyhow the playstation 3 if you block listed a id they could not talk to you in chatroom with either text or voice. But that was pre mind fucked 2018 when people were more human than sheep.

But hey gta 6 is coming out billion dollar budget without a single player custom character creator and without singeplayer coop off/online something saints row 1-3 had on the xbox 360.

z2g19h ago

Take my social security and bank account numbers too! Here’s a picture of my wife and our address.

phoenixwing19h ago

Cmon where's the pictures of your children. Don't hold out on them.

H919h ago

At this rate I feel Sony will eventually sell a room to play games in it where they can monitor your every breath

jambola15h ago

I genuinely get a bit worried sometimes when a friend says something that could be offensive In a party
Because I have no trouble believing some bans would happen when in a private party for saying something wrong

SegaSaturn66918h ago

I want them to censor erotic content by measuring my groin temperature so i dont get too distracted while playing black ops 2.

Popsicle18h ago

Terrible idea. Not only do I not consent to providing my biometric data, the potential for mishandling biometric data is almost a certainty. Positive stress and negative stress can produce similar changes in biometrics. Interpreting the precise emotion a person is feeling is not only invasive but could be easily misconstrued. I hope this never comes to fruition.

Show all comments (14)
300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 10h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 8h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 5h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN22h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies20h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 10h ago (Edited 1d 10h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 8h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic18h ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows9017h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

Profchaos1d 10h ago (Edited 1d 10h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 9h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 9h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 6h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 8h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 7h ago (Edited 1d 7h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 8h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

Show all comments (21)