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Only 29% of core gamers to purchase next-gen console at launch
The latest report from research firm NPD Group reveals that just 29 percent of core gamers are planning on buying a next generation console as soon as they become available. Those aren’t exactly the sort of numbers that Microsoft and Sony were probably hoping to hear but if recently releases from Nintendo and Sony in the form of the Wii U and PS Vita are any indication, they could be pretty accurate.
NDP Group polled more than 6,000 people in the survey but only 887 qualified for their definition of a core gamer. Core gamers are described as players over the age of nine that play games for five or more hours per week on an Xbox 360, PS3, PC or Mac. Furthermore, they must play at least one game that fits into any of the following genres: play action, adventure, fighting, flight, massively multi-player, racing, real time strategy, role-playing, shooter or sports game.
In January, Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai said sales of the PS Vita were on the low end of expectations and just last month, the company announced plans to slash the price of the portable gaming system by as much as 33 percent in Japan. Sony said the move was a result of feeling increased competition from free and cheap games sold on smartphones and tablets.
I would venture a guess that a lot of the success of next generation consoles hinges on the initial launch price. If Sony and Microsoft are dead set on launching at a price point that’s deemed too expensive, odds are it’ll be some time before they are able to make strides on the new platforms.
User Comments: 36
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HiDDeNMisT said:
I know im getting the PS4 and the vita. Not sure tho about the new xbox 720. Maybe a few months after it comes out.
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I hope microsoft knows I cannot afford a new xbox if it costs any more than $225ish and doesnt come with enough space to begin with...
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1 person liked this |
I always think of the first adopters of new tech to be the guinea pig sheeple type who have more money than sense.
As previously mentioned the consoles have their problems in 1st gen, its an expensive beta testing. How does a machine last left on over night in a dusty corner cabinet type area of the lounge. A few PS3's and a butt load of Xbox360's died.
As much as I want to have the latest console... I feel its way too soon for me. I don't want a PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox, Xbox360, Xbox720, all in one room. But the backwards compatibility failure winds me up no end. I WANT to play some of my older games because they are classics, and will always remain brilliant and nostalgic. But I don't want to have to buy new HD versions, then new 4K versions.
And backwards compatibility has to be one of the most essential freaking additions to the new consoles, if you are going to do this stupid one code crap to prevent second hand sales. It means the product I have bought is too useless to sell on, so I have to keep it, and either play one the old console or pay out a 2nd or 3rd time for a game on the next gen.
For me I will wait a year or two. Unless I get enough money to get a sheeple mentality.
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The WiiU is disappointingly not a next gen console. it is the catchup to the 360 and PS3. It is actually weaker than both of them still
Sure it is.
Nintendo leaves the petty Resolution and framerate game to Sony and M$. Nintendo leads by innovation with hardware.
The Wii has outsold both the PS3 and Xbox360 by a LARGE margin. I expect the Wii-U to do the same.
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The WiiU is disappointingly not a next gen console. it is the catchup to the 360 and PS3. It is actually weaker than both of them still
Sure it is.
Nintendo leaves the petty Resolution and framerate game to Sony and M$. Nintendo leads by innovation with hardware.
The Wii has outsold both the PS3 and Xbox360 by a LARGE margin. I expect the Wii-U to do the same.
I don't see that happening this gen. A lot of the people who got a Wii were people who aren't regular gamers and probably a lot of them only played one or two games but were not heavily invested. Those people won't be in a hurry to get the newest from Nintendo. In fact, a lot of them are probably clueless that the WiiU is a new generation of console, they might think it's just a tablet add on. That's if they've even noticed the WiiU at all.
Most likely only regular gamers will pick up a WiiU and then only after it has games that people really want to play. Nintendo faithful will pick it up sooner but it won't get close to Wii sales.
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JC713 said:
Sure it is.Nintendo leaves the petty Resolution and framerate game to Sony and M$. Nintendo leads by innovation with hardware.
The Wii has outsold both the PS3 and Xbox360 by a LARGE margin. I expect the Wii-U to do the same.
A remote with a small touchscreen isnt what I would call innovative. The wii u is more expensive than an xbox and has less memory and a smaller ecosystem.
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kebab2000 said:
Sony and MS needs to clarify a few things first. Especially with all the stories going 'round about NOT being able to lend out titles and so forth. The older 360 will still be on sale 5 years from now because the 720 ain't sellin'
lol
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1 person liked this |
LOL they care about Core gamers now. I was in the understanding they were abandoned with the release of the Kinect and such.
PC = Core gamers
Consoles = Family fun time
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JC713 said:LOL they care about Core gamers now. I was in the understanding they were abandoned with the release of the Kinect and such.
PC = Core gamers
Consoles = Family fun time
As much as I dont want to agree, I have to lol
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avoidz said:
Well if the current price point of $1000 in Australia for the PS4 (just the console, no games) is true, I can't see too many first-gen buyers on day one.
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JC713 said:Well if the current price point of $1000 in Australia for the PS4 (just the console, no games) is true, I can't see too many first-gen buyers on day one.
there are plenty believe me. some game preorders on amazon like Tomb Raider is going for 99 here in the USA
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