Do games sell systems, or do systems sell systems?

[Peench]

We've all heard the reality that consoles are manufactured and sold at a loss and that the profit is made up for in game sales. While this may have held true in prior generations, I think this generation is harder to pigeon-hole.

For example, the Xbox 360 has sold well because there are many great games for the system so far. On top of that, Halo 3 is about to be released and that will surely sell more Xbox 360 systems. Given the failure rates, however, would the system sell itself even without the games? Are there enough features that people would buy one even if there weren't great games available?

The Nintendo Wii has sold like hot cakes because it is different. The graphics are mediocre, but the gaming experience is great. There have been a few super fun titles released, but most people play the ones that came in the box. So does this mean the system is selling itself?

Then there's the PS3. If the surveys are correct, the PS3 has sold mostly due to its ability to play BluRay movies. While a couple of games have been solid and very playable, there hasn't been the "killer" game that would have, in years past, been the system seller. Yet the PS3's still sell. Does that mean the system is selling itself?

I don't know. I do not think it is clear in this generation that games sell systems anymore. It seems to hold true for the Xbox 360, but then the Wii and PS3 without as many "killer app" games have sold well as well. So how do we measure it? Does it still hold true? Let us know what you think.

[grife]

I would say most systems must be able to stand on thier own merit, but once the initial interest wears off for the uniqueness of whatever, the games must be the driving force behind the further system sales. a killer app for the PS3 will guarantee it a sales boost, however given the obvious siding on price point it will still not sell as well as a wii or 360 with an equally killer app.

[BrewCityUpstart]

I'm inbetween. Had I known the 360 would've frustrated me as much as it did, along with its failure rate, I never would've bought it. The main reason why I'm glad I did get it is because I have a lot of friends here that I'd take a kick in the chops for.

[Quo]

Same here, in between. I think the main reason I bought the 360 was for Live and all the improved features over the OG Xbox version. The games, though, have been awesome.

I'm no videophile, so without significantly better games the PS3 has nothing new to draw me in. I'm totally satisfied with the 360 (other than the failure rate, which they are trying, however lamely, to address).

[Desi Cuse]

Games.

[Christian Hometheater]

Games hands down. As much as I like the PS3 as a system the 360 as of now is a better system becouse of games.

[Levai]

I think it's still a hard question to answer at this point in time. Certainly the initial newness of a console is going to sell systems in the beginning phases of its cycle, but if software isn't there to support the hardware it's hard to see a system having long term success.

There is a interesting observation to be made about this cycle however. With systems offering other features than just games there's definitely a new dynamic there. I know I've thought hard about a having a PS3 for a cheap blue ray player. Even though more people are starting to adopt HD technology it's hard to believe that that feature alone would interest the average consumer.

Personally, I have a hard time understanding Nintendo's success. When I get over the "wow what is that thing" aspect of the Wii it seems like I'm left feeling a bit empty. Don't get me wrong I love Nintendo but there's a huge lack of third party support right now and remakes of Nintendo IP's are only going to satisfy me for so long. Plus where is my solid online play, I know they have some sort of online plan but I've yet to see any break-though games that really make me excited to buy a Wii and game online with my buddies.(Maybe...just maybe if Super Smash Bros is really good....)

[namehater]

i think its in between, i think lack of games hurts the sales (ps3) but when i purchased my 360 back in april 06 there wasnt really to much out either, i bought it just because it was a promising system

[D_Litch]

Games and the word "Wii" sell consoles.

[AlphaQ GehaD]

Originally Posted by D_Litch

Games and the word "Wii" sell consoles.

Yeah but PS3 ryhmes with WII!


Well i believe GAMES is a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE part of selling a system. If that wasn't true Than Microsoft (Being the Geniuses they are) wouldn't have forked over 100 million just to get exclusives...Especially half of that going to just Rockstar alone for exclusive DLC. The PS3 sales mostly came from people thinking that the PS3 was gonna have a hardcore lineup like it had for PS2. But Nope the 360 decided to come out first and at the end of the OG BOX's life it started gaining speed, so it just handed the torch to its older brother and kept on chugging. While the PS2 was chugging all along it stopped to take a break before the PS3 came out and now the PS3 has to start all over again and gain back its rep. In due time im sure the PS3 will make its comeback just like the OG BOX did. But for right now Games is whats pushing a system, Because what is the point of buying a system with lame games?

I mean if we had a choice between two consoles that are almost the same specs one had Barbie Horse adventures and the other had CoD4 which one would you get...people who play games dont really want to see into the future, Im not gonna buy a PS3 now in hopes for 5 block buster games that are gonna come out in 1 or 2 years. Ill buy a system that already has 4 block buster games out and 7 more to come.

[namehater]

I just Wanted to make a Post with randOm letters in Caps.

[Causedawg 83]

I would say it's a combination of both, which is probably not really what you're looking for, but I'll tell you why.

I grew up with a nintendo/super nes/nintendo 64 attached to my hip, so I consider myself a big nintendo fan (I still have all the old systems and lots of games). However, I skipped the Game Cube because I was more interested in the quality graphics and games the X-Box could handle, and with my first game (Halo), I never looked back. I've been a loyal X-Box fan ever since, and probably always will be, because, as Grife said, I am now driven by the game selection and have no interest in the games available with with Playstation or Wii. Well, that's not completely true, I do miss the opportunity to get into new Metroid, Mario, and Zelda games that come out, but that's about it.

Also, controllers make a big difference. Many younger people tell me that the X-Box controllers are too big, but I wont settle for anything else because I'm used to them, and my hands fit them perfectly. Playstation controllers are too confusing and small for me, and a lot of my X-Box fan friends agree with me on that.

To sum it up, X-Box perfectly combined a few blockbuster games, with a good selection of other hit titles (mostly geared towards adults), great graphics, and a controller that fits an adults hands, and that's something I believe that neither Wii nor Playstation have ever acheived. So those are the things that I think sell the X-Box.

[grife]

Originally Posted by Causedawg 83

To sum it up, X-Box perfectly combined a few blockbuster games, with a good selection of other hit titles (mostly geared towards adults), great graphics, and a controller that fits an adults hands, and that's something I believe that neither Wii nor Playstation have ever acheived.

wait, the original controller? I hope not not even my buddy who is 6'5" liked those damn things.

[Peench]

I loved the original "Duke" X-box controller. I never switched to the Type S. In fact, I still have 2 of them with my Xbox.

[chip2828]

I think that games sell systems in most cases. For informed or semi informed gamers they'll know what games are coming out so naturally they'll see what they want and make a wise informed choice. For peoples moms who are looking for a christmas gift for there kid; who knows? I guess its the marketing campeign and how much money said parent has to spend.

[Causedawg 83]

Originally Posted by grife

wait, the original controller? I hope not not even my buddy who is 6'5" liked those damn things.

Yeah, the Controller S. I loved that thing. Although I'm only 6'2", I've got large hands. I had three spare controllers, and they were GIGANTIC, but the S Controller was great for me. I think the current controllers are the best though.

[grife]

ok yah the S controllers were fantastic, definitely one of the most comfortable around.