Week recap: PS3 misstep; Xbox 360 flat; Wii Fit

Capcom Co. this week said that it will fire the Devil May Cry 4 demo to Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3. The next installment of the supernatural franchise will be sold on Feb. 5.

Midway Games Inc. this week said that it will blast a new map pack for Stranglehold to the PS3. The download will include 10 additional multiplayer maps and new character skins.

Amazon.com this week price cut Namco Bandai Inc.'s Time Crisis 4 for the PS3 to $69.99. The SKU includes the new Guncon 3 gun peripheral.

Wal-Mart stores this week offered a free $50 gift card with the purchase of a 40GB PS3 as part of a Secret In-Store Specials promotion. The 40GB PS3 retails for $399.

GameStop this week price cut Beowulf: The Game for the PS3 to $19.99. The title is based on the motion picture directed by Robert Zemeckis.

SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton told MSNBC this week that the biggest misstep in the release of the PS3 was the launch.

Amazon.com this week price cut the title Lair for the PS3 to $39.99. The flight action game was released in Aug. to U.S. retailers.

Sales for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 fell flat in Japan holiday sales. Total sales were well below rival consoles and handhelds for the week.

[wiizy]

ps3. never had a right step in the first place... nintendo keeps the innovation coming with wii fit casual or not

[hotshot127]

say that to the 2 weeks in november it outsold the 360.lol. ]say that to the games that are starting to look better on ps3 or the games that are coming to the ps3 first (unreal)

say that to mgs4,god of war 3, little big planet.

your funny

[BrianC6234]

The Wii is garbage. PS3 all the way. Only non-serious gamers waste their time with the Wii. It's for casual gamers. Are you a casual gamer?

[Skerj]

LMAO I can play Wii Fit without having a Wii dude, hey what's that? It's Outside!! What's that outside? OMG it's a GYM.

[MK_Red]

Please... WiiFit is an innovation and a right step!?

[ruibing]

The Wii Fit is basically an excuse for lazy kids to bargain with their parents for a Wii so they will exercise more. Rather than doing that, they might as well just buy any console and take a jog before dinner every night which will clear their head and rest their eyes.

[BrianC6234]

What a lame headline. PS3 misstep. There was one sentence about that. Mostly it's about game price drops. You PS3 hater losers can get lives already. I guess you have lots of free time since your Xbox 1.5 is in the shop. Bwahaha.

[lessthanmarcus]

WiiFit will probably get boring faster than Wii Sports did. I'll put some money on it.

[Panthers]

I dont think the Wii has done a single thing innovative. Not one. The controller is a joke. So is wiifit. The Wii needs to innovate where it matters, like online play and games with interesting stories. The Wii doesnt have a single game worth remembering after you have beatin it.

[GIJeff]

But the PS2 ownz the Wii when it comes to motion controls. Eye toy anyone? If the people who like WiiFit even played Kinetic for PS2 they'd have an O in their pants. The PSEye for PS3 is even better than the origonal Eye Toy...

[drewdrakes]

Youre all stupid. Stop crying because the Wii is beating the Ps3. And trying to demoralize Wii owners, and saying theyre casual gamers. I play about 5 hours a day on my gaming platforms, but ya...im casual. I have Zelda and Resident Evil 4, both being better then ANY game on the PS3. They ARE innovative and do bring something new to the table. Good luck with your no games and overpriced console.

This message wouldnt exist if you wouldnt attack other consoles because youre too jealous of what they have and what you dont. I dont even have Mario Galaxy or Metroid Prime, and i know that both of those are innovative aswell.

[InMyOpinion]

I don't need Wii Fit since I'm fit as a mf. Wii Fat would have been more suiting name for it.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

Wii Fat would be a perfect name for that.

[InMyOpinion]

Wii Fat for Europe and Wii Obese for the U.S lol!

[wiizy]

try making sense when you write something. ...its sold 15 million.. and its suppose to fade yet next year great games are coming....your fanboys are in for more disappointment...innovation always win...its easy look at the ds.. i'll keep repeating it....the psp is what a few times more powerful right...but ds caters to everyone and new gamers...same model as the wii and in the end the wii will end up with the best variety and most games just like the ds.....so wether you accept it or not....its going to be a fact...

[Skerj]

Best variety, and more games I'll give you that but those are relative. But how many of them are going to be GOOD? Seems so far the Wii has a crapton of games but the only ones worth playing are from Nintendo first parties seeing as everyone else views it as a money machine so they keep putting crap like Cruis'N and Anubis 2 on it. Same thing happened with the Gamecube man, Nintendo has a fairly strong first party lineup but that won't carry the machine forever.

[BrianC6234]

Are you a casual gamer? Only casual gamers would be caught dead with a Wii. I think you're eight years old. Is your mommy letting you use the computer today? That's nice.

[KeiZka]

Skerj, PS2 and PS1 have also a crapload of more or less crappish games, and also excellent games. Why would Wii be any different?

And I still say, all of you had to start somewhere, as in casual gaming...

[Skerj]

I won't even dispute the fact that the PS1 and PS2 had a ton of crappy ass games but to be honest ALL systems do. Where I think you missed my point is when I said it seems that only Nintendo is carrying the Wii gamewise. There are a few precious 3rd party gems (none of which I want until No More Heroes) but by and large it's first party Nintendo games where it looks like the devs genuinely wanted to make a good game instead of a quick cash in. You can't deny that the other systems trounce it in that aspect as the 3rd party games are some of if not the strongest out the system lineups.

So that's where the Wii is different, if the devs change up and take it seriously then I'll be on board. So far I only see 4 games that interest me that I haven't played elsewhere. Metroid Prime 3 is already out, No More Heroes, Eternity's Child, and Oboro Masamune Youtouden. If Monster Hunter 3 has online then I'll throw that one in as well.

Like I said, the same thing happened with the Gamecube. There were a handful of good 3rd party games and most of those ended up getting ported elsewhere. The first party Nintendo games are what stayed and if they keep on churning the same Mario Teaches Tax Evasion or whatever the hell they're doing next, it's not going to float. I hope they come out with some new IPs instead of playing it "safe" and rehashing the same franchises we've seen done to death. That's what is going to ultimately push this gen.

I've been a gamer since I was born, went to school for it, and made it a career I don't think I ever fell into the "casual" camp but I welcome them just the same as long as they don't cause the Atari effect.

[Polluted]

@KeiZka: Not to be argumentative, but the majority of the people on this site who are over 20 definitely did not start with "casual" games. When I started playing games as a 5 year old on our Intelevision and later on our Sega Master System there was no such thing as "casual" gaming. Those games were bloody hard and they really only appealed to a very narrow audience. Try "Wonder Boy" sometime. You'll see what I mean. This casual gaming business is kind of a new thing.

[wiizy]

lol. whats that outside its a gym..but you're at home answering sony emails...i would be more impressed if you said hey i have a home gym or weights like i do or maybe..you can get a wii and get some exercise..silly self...wii sucks you havent bought it and its still beating your favorite system..so how much value does your opinion have... the ds is the best model. have games for everybody...cause you dont even know what the definition of hardcore gaming is..and i hope you dont say hardcore games means a game with guns in it.. i'll save you that embarassment..

[rofldings]

lol...

[jorellpogi]

You have points but PSP is way better than DS.

[Sayai jin]

The Wii is a fun console. I own one. I play it with my family, but thats about it. We have a blast. After the kiddies are asleep I go down stais to my entertainment room. Where I have my orignal launch Xbox 360 and PS3; not to mention my 4 ARCADE games!!! Some say that if you have a Wii you are not a real gamer. Am I a non serious gamer? To me a ral gamer appreciates good games and hardware no matter what system they are on. Of course you can still have your favorite console, but still appreciate a great title.

Remember next gen is just not about graphics, but innovation, and the one and only "FUN" factor.

I will download the DMC demo on my PS3. Some of my live buddies are anxiously awaiting this demo on the 360.

[BrianC6234]

So I'm right, the Wii is for casual gamers and the kiddies. I'm far from a kid and not a casual gamer so no thanks for me. And I don't have kids. If I liked Nintendo games I might buy a Wii but they bore me so no thanks. I also don't like Nintendo's elitist attitude. People talk about Sony acting high and mighty. Right. They just know how to design a console to last for years. And they talk to the media. Nintendo locks themselves in their ivory tower and ignore everyone.

[vidoardes]

The wii is not just for casuals and kiddies. You are clearly someone who hasn't taken the time to look at the games you can play on it. the 'hardcore' always go on about their retro consoles and retro gaming, and how it makes them cool to play their snes still. Guess what, you can do that on a wii. I own a wii and a PS3 and the wii gets just as much play time. Mario Galaxy is an extreamly addictive game and can be played by all ages. You can get to the end quite easily, so young gamers can play it, but there are plenty of difficult levels and challenges for the 'hardcore' as you like to call it.

You don't like Nintendo's elitist attitude? I don't like your attitude. You act like a jerk towards anyone who differs in opion to you, despite the fact that you are blinded by what you think is cool. Your so worried about what everyone thinks of your gaming choice that you forgot what gaming is about. FUN. Get it?

[FamilyGuy]

I hear you can take one of those $20 Beowulf games into walmart without a receipt and trade it in for $60 (maybe plus tax) store credit. I might try this in just a few minutes.

Im always looking for ways to save...

[Skerj]

Hah that's a gamble dude, if it doesn't work you're stuck with Beowulf. Sure you wanna risk it?

[ruibing]

It's only $20 right? I tried Enchanted Arms for $20 and it was more fun than I had expected.

[MK_Red]

Beowulf is not that bad and it's one of the better movie based games IMO. Not great but not as terrible as some people and sites have said.

[FamilyGuy]

It's only $20 bucks, if i get stuck with it i'll take it back to GameStop with the receipt. The plan is flawless and all ill waste is a little gas since i was on my way the wal-mart anyways and it and gamestop are both right down the street. Maybe ill pick-up Enchanted arms as it also selling for $20 but at Wal-mart.

This plan is win, and im one of the lucky few who got his 80Gb model from K-mart for only $400 with a %20 off coupon ;)
enchanted arms 20, beowulf 60
http://www.walmart.com/sear...

[supermandead666]

Wii Fit will flop everywhere and it will sold-out everywhere in the U.S.A.

[FamilyGuy]

If you think Wii fit will flop you dont know much about "casual gamers"

[BrianC6234]

Casual gamers are trying hard to ruin gaming. I hope we surive this disaster. Casual gamers aren't going to buy many games. The Wii is a fad. It will die soon because casual gamers just can't support an industry. Smart game publishers will stay away from too many casual games. Make games for hardcore gamers. We're the ones who got them to where they are now. We're the ones who keep them in business. Anyone who isn't serious about something is too risky to count on to keep buying.

[Young Capwn]

Wii have no life...

[bootsielon]

I thought Lost Odyssey would do for the 360 a lot more than what Ace Combat, Eternal Sonata and Blue Dragon did for it combined. I guess I was wrong.

[FamilyGuy]

Everything you just said, tell that to the DS. I thought the same thing about it and its been holding its own for years now. i bought a psp and now i mainly use it to play music and isos....

[Skerj]

Beats and Patapon man, best portable games ever!!

[aiphanes]

It is the best PSP game...

[aiphanes]

Has anybody got the online infrastructure to work with BEATS?

Also the new bowling game on the PS3...High Velocity Bowling kills wii bowling...and it works awesome with the Sixaxis conroller...

Here is a Patapon video!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Skerj]

Here's another one http://www.joystiq.com/2007... it has RPG elements too!! It looks soooooo awesome, I didn't think an original music game could be done anymore.

[EastCoastSB]

High Velocity bowling is so much fun.

[MK_Red]

Beats indeed looks awesome. Gotta give it a try.
As for Patapon, the style is incredible but I really can't understand the game. Gonna wait for reviews and more videos.

[whoelse]

This 360 flat in Japan is a preview of what will happen next christmas for the 360 in Europe and America i think.

Its just my opinion but from what is coming out next year for the PS3, the 360 has no lineup that can match it.

[Foliage]

I wonder how many hips wii fit is going to break.

[KingME]

That is the same smack you guys have been talking since the launch of the ps3. Wait for lair, wait for R/C, wait for uncharted. Frankly, I'm getting sick of hearing about what gonna happen when the PS3 gets whatever ever it is you're waiting for.

Give it a rest dude.

[lawman1108]

How are those sales numbers for R&C? how about Uncharted? I don't know what you fan boys are doing but it sure IS NOT buying PS3 games!

[LJWooly]

Why the f(_)ck do you reply to every single comment with exactly the same thing. It's always a short anti-ps3 paragraph and then the 'View Attached Images' button.
Please, for once could you write an intellegent, well thought out argument, then you wouldn't get your bubbles taken away.
Obviously you're not intellegent at all, otherwise you wouldn't need the help of those [absolutely hilarious] pictures. View mine, they're far more relevant.

[FamilyGuy]

I just got back from walmart, i was able to trade it in but they were selling the game for the exact same price :( So i didn't loose any money but i didnt gain anything either. I was also told "you can only return 3 items a year"

@ 16, yeah, it's been said before that this or that game will start the tide but ALL of those games were NEW IPs. GT 5 is a well known and well supported game and it's ONLY going to be coming to the PS3. It's a big deal, what IPs did anywhere near as good on the original Xbox? Even Halo is in its shadow

[The_Engineer]

kuntmask to spin a title against the PS3, the biggest news being a demo is coming SOON to PS3 for DMC:4, yet he headlines it with a reference to a JAck tretton quote about the PS3 launch.

douchebag.

[akaFullMetal]

that headline for the ps3 is really miss leading!! whats up with that?

[ISA_Scum]

Jack, the biggest problem with the system is constant delays. I'm always waiting for games. Recently, I've been happy with Ratchet and Clank, Uncharted and the innovative and fun Eye of Judgment, but waiting for constantly delayed titles like MGS4, HOME, LBP and the info-lacking KZ2 is really starting to get to me.

[DFresh]

Sony all da way.
f*** all the other systems.
Once you have the best you don't need the rest.
Just look what's coming for the PS3 alone in 2008.
Unbelievable breath taking games like KZ2, MGS4, Eight Days, UT3, etc.
Accessories and programs like Home, PlayTV, Rumble Controller, etc.
MS lags exclusive titles for 2008 and now only 2 exclusives than are not on PC.
Wii sucks as a hardcore gamer console but still fun and cool in originality.
All in all I'm in it for the long run and Sony is the only console of the 3 to be part of that true process.

[vidoardes]

Fanboys do make me laugh. What has the Wii got to do to catch a break?

Sell more than double one competitor's consoles, and then a million more than it's closest competitor in half the time?

Oh wait, it's done that.

Provide years of retro gaming across several console for those of us old enough to rember playing them the first time?

Hang on, it does that too.

Bring innovation and fun back into an industry saturated to bursting point with driving simulators and FPS games?

Yup, does that one

Mayby it should be home to one of the highest rated games of all time?

Hang on a second...

Why don't you tell me what it has to do to be accepted by the 'hardcore' as a serious console?

[GIJeff]

My toaster makes me toast, and i like toast more than anything on the Wii. Im not 8, or 80. I like CHALLENGES. not stupid Wiimote gimicks. Give me a break. Wii sells because people are ignorant and want their little kids to "have fun". THE END.

[vidoardes]

Wow, what a well constructed and consice argument, for a 5 year old with ADD that is. I'm glad you replied, just goes to prove exactaly what I was saying. I'm surprised I only got 3 disagrees, I was expecting alot more. Unfortunatly, ignorance seams to triumph over logic in the gaming community these days.

GRPHIX iS da best, wii sxuxxors like ur mum!1!!

Can I join the 'hardcore' now? :D

[wiizy]

you like your toaster.. you better.. especially since it sounds like you need someone around to cook for you...lol.. gimick...why did sony try to copy it at the last second...casual...why is microsoft focusing so much on the xbox arcade and live right now.. please, make sense when you talk....dont just focus on hating.. wii is the best system with the best variety of games now and the future and thats a fact..