As the big release dates for the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii draw ever closer, it seems analysts are starting to take bets on which console will win the race and which will fall short of the mark.
According to David Cole from DFC Intelligence, the PlayStation 3 might just lose the race entirely.
Cole’s report doesn’t make it look good for the PS3. Cole from Gamasutra, "While it has always been clear that Sony’s dominant market share was destined to decline, there now appears to be the distinct possibility the PlayStation 3 could end up third in market share behind both the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.”
Cole admits the prediction could be wrong, but cites some compelling reasons for hedging bets against Sony. These include the PS3 pricing, poor justification for that pricing and lack of a wow factor in comparison to the Xbox 360 and Wii.
“Our concern is that 1) Sony’s hands may be tied in regard to price cuts and 2) Sony drastically underestimated the competition. The price of the PlayStation 3 does not exist in a vacuum and consumers will clearly look at the competitive alternatives. Right now both the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are looking like much better alternatives than they did a year ago. Core PlayStation franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and others are starting to appear on other systems. In short, we have seen absolutely nothing that would justify a $200 price difference.”
Cole’s report also makes some recommendations to help put Sony on top. The biggest one is to drop the console’s pricing as soon as possible.
None of this should come as a big surprise to gamers, even die hard Sony fans. The PS3 looks like it’s going to be an awesome machine and that gamers will get some serious bang for their bucks. Those who want to get a Blu-ray player and a gaming console at the same time will do well to buy a PS3. Despite this, though, the console looks like it will enjoy the same bumpy start the Xbox 360 did last year – especially considering a lack of great release titles.
All analysis aside, which console wins and which one loses will fall completely in the hands of the makers. The machine with the best games, the best price and the best options will likely win. Die hard fans will go with their favorite no matter what. The market that remains is the undecided and here is where features, price and titles will matter. The console that gets these folks wins the game.
Related:
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