PS3 sales slump over Christmas – Wii and Xbox 360 rise
Is it me or was 2008 meant to be the year of the PS3? Maybe I’m dreaming this but I distinctly remember both Sony and the press predicting that the last year was going to see the Playstation 3 become the console to own. It hasn’t happened, and new figures show that the PS3 has in fact had a terrible Christmas, with both the Wii and Xbox 360 kicking its ass.
You only have to look at the monthly sales figures to see that the PS3 is struggling to gain mainstream acceptance and the sales that come with it. The original Playstation and the PS2 both entered the market and gained widespread support really early on. But for some reason the PS3 hasn’t had such a rosy start to its life.
The Playstation 3 was launched at a high price two years ago and has remained the highest-priced console of this generation throughout the past 24 months. Couple that high price with two very healthy and attractive alternatives to gamers in the form of the Wii and Xbox 360 and you can quite easily see the problem Sony faces.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, early sales reports suggest that the PS3 has had a lousy holiday season. Sales of the Playstation 3 reportedly fell 19 percent in December 2008 compared to December 2007. Couple with the Wii doubling its sales and the Xbox 360 enjoying a healthy 8 percent rise, this suggests a lot of parents making the choice to ignore the Sony console in favor of buying their offspring (or hubby) one of the alternatives. Analysts are now claiming Sony may not even hit their 10 million sales target by the end of the fiscal year in March, 2009.
Price has got to be a huge factor and as much as Sony want to make its games division a profit-making entity, carrying on with this head-in-the-sand mentality and keeping the price as high as it is has no future. As the WSJ reports, due to Blu-ray players seeing a sharp decline in price, it is now entirely possible to buy an Xbox 360 and standalone Blu-ray player for less than the price of a PS3. That’s really not good for Sony’s chances of turning this situation around.
I think the PS3 has been squeezed out by the dual menaces of a rival (the Xbox 360) that can offer just as good graphics and a similar online experience and a rival (the Wii) that offers innovation and gameplay over anything else. A price cut must be forthcoming followed by more effort to differentiate the PS3 from its rivals and increase the reasons mainstream gamers have to purchase a console. If these don’t happen then I can’t even see 2009 being the year of the PS3. 2010 anyone?
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December 29th, 2008
Ill get this over with…
We all knew that the high price of the piece of shit station blah… blah… overpriced…. blah blah… killzone 2 is overrated… blah blah… Sony is the devil… blah blah…
who didnt see this coming…
also Dave… could you give me some killzone 2 beta codes??
December 29th, 2008
I imagine with the Economy the way it is, there must be less people than before who, like me, see the price of a console as a secondary factor when choosing what to play. Or perhaps those people already have their consoles. Either way, without a significant price cut, the PS3 will never have a year to claim as their own. Money is too big of a factor, and it seems that many consoles are being purchased for other people (children, spouses etc) by people who see their checking account balance emblazoned menacingly upon every purchase.
While the argument that an Arcade 360 + a budget BD player seems valid on the surface, a bottom dollar player WILL NOT have the features or ability to upgrade for future BD tech of the PS3. Those players cost a hell of a lot more than a buck fifty.
A compelling point for someone who doesn’t care about tech: the majority of consumers, apparently.
December 29th, 2008
Sony’s years 2007, 2008 soon 2009, 2010… PLAYSTATION 3 has so many hot games coming out that most people won’t be able to resist the temptation and they will give up to Sony’s demanding price is just too of a system not to own. Yes Xbox 360 has been selling better and Wii for now the competition is far from over Sony will win the war. In 2009 most Xbox 360 games will be dual disc or triple disc while PS3 one which means PS3 will be the best choice for the developers and publishers to make more money and better games. Microsoft doesn’t ever tell you the true about the actual money the Xbox brand is bringing bragging ain’t shit if is just a myth to sell to developers and fanboy gamers. In the end Sony will have to lower the PLAYSTATION 3 another $100 like in mid 2009. If Microsoft keeps lowering the prices they won’t be any profit for them well maybe from the sorry online service aka Xbox Live and Arcade. As for Wii 2009 is the breaking point people will start to realize that old crappy technology sucks. Microsoft had to learn the hard way with the continuous RED LIGHT OF DEATH on the latest models. The PLAYSTATION 3 won’t ever continue the PlayStation trend on always being the greatest selling video game console in the world but is bringing a new which better the greatest exclusives the greatest reliability the greatest most powerful technology the greatest jaw dropping mind blowing graphics and the #1 movie player Blu-ray Disc. Microsoft might not be able to continue with the making of Xbox 3.
December 30th, 2008
Well, you can buy a Bluray player now for less than $200! Who needs a PS3 for Bluray player at $399!
December 30th, 2008
Ivan… spare us the long sentence… please… all you need to write is… “I LOVE MY PLAYSTATION”… its simple… its short… no need for that huge sentence…
if you do it… maybe kev and CAD will too (with their respective systems)… keeping my fingers crossed….
December 30th, 2008
Well I’d like to hear Sony come out and say it again. That 2009 will be the year of the PS3 because at the end of the year it will be so funny when the 360 and the Wii will be out on top again.
December 30th, 2008
2008 Was good to us.
darkwhitehair:
Get a life you need one.
CAD:
Wow you ignorant.
December 30th, 2008
Dwh : Beta codes aren’t given out on this site lmao. Its not that kind of website. You want IGN, Gametrailers or eurogamer. Also Killzone 2 beta ended about 4 weeks ago.
We all knew that PS3 was going to suffer this holiday. Damn cheap wives and gilfriends.
December 30th, 2008
It may have not been the year of the ps3 as far as consoled sold, but it certainly was the year that the ps3 got the best games out of all three systems.
December 30th, 2008
If LBP is what you consider To be the best game then I’ll be LMAOL. And the other was Metal Gear Solid 4 the Movie. Yeah right.
December 30th, 2008
Gods of war is about the only thing I’ll want to play on the PS3 and maybe killzone but my trigger finger is quite satasified.
December 30th, 2008
It’s a shame because Gods of war is going to loose so much money being exclusive to the PS3. Oh well, it’s not enough to justify a purchase of the PS3. One game does not cut it.
December 30th, 2008
Not only do I consider it, but others that review games for a living do as well. Those are also only two games out of many. IGN has the ps3 in the lead with the best games of 2008.
Talking about how much money GOW will LOSE is similar to talking about how much Forza will lose being exclusive. Its a moot point as the studio and IP’s are owned by their respective publishers.
December 30th, 2008
wow..sounds like just yesterday you guys were predicting the ps3 would drive sony to profit heaven.
and now a word from reality:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10129785-17.html
love this part the best:
“There’s no secret that Sony’s console is priced too high. And although Sony zealots try to pretend that it offers more value and it’s the “Cadillac” of the video game industry, it’s abundantly clear that what consumers want — an affordable console — isn’t something they find in the PS3. Value or not, consumers want to save money.”
kinda reminds me of bourne, dwh, dirk, ivan and the other ps3 guys…..
have a great day!!
ps…to sony: Told you so!!!
December 30th, 2008
phranc – actually, losing money has a way of losing jobs. it does matter to those devs who want to work on a second game.
December 30th, 2008
Ivan_PSP,
As fluent, prosaic, insightful, and accurate as ever. You are a shining light in the galaxy of PS3 fans, and it reflects in your enlightening thoughts so artfully put forth here.
PS3 does have a lot of exclusives scheduled for next year, but only one that most gamers are familiar with and would really desire: God of War III. Killzone 2 is a solid second. I’m going to have to agree with CAD here on whatever comes out next year (unless we see almost all the exclusives turn out to be Triple-A, and maybe not even then): “it’s not enough to justify a purchase of the PS3″ when the 360 will be coming out with the same amount of multiplats and it’s own exclusives (even if it is not as many).
Most people will be able to resist the temptation and not give in to Sony’s demanding price (just like they did this year), as Blu-Ray is still not that big of a deal, and is the only real differentiating factor between the two outside of a few exclusives. Dual disc releases will not change this, and I doubt even triple disc releases, which will really only be necessary for a minority of games, if at all.
Developers and publishers make more money on the best selling system, and all three systems (or more) if they can pull it off. Any extra shipping manufacturing costs are outweighed by the cost of a Blu-Ray disc compared to a DVD disc, let alone the extra sales it sees on the other system. And what source do you use to make the claim that “most 360 games will be dual or triple disc in 2009″?
“bragging ain’t shit if is just a myth to sell to developers and fanboy gamers.”
Sounds like Sony before and immediately after launch. And how is Microsoft “bragging”, or do they even have to at this point?
“in the end Sony will have to lower the PLAYSTATION 3 another $100 like in mid 2009.”
This contradicts your first sentence:
“PLAYSTATION 3 has so many hot games coming out that most people won’t be able to resist the temptation and they will give up to Sony’s demanding price is just too of a system not to own.”
“continuous RED LIGHT OF DEATH on the latest models.” Like Jasper? Source please.
“mind blowing graphics” There is not that much of a difference.
“The PLAYSTATION 3 won’t continue the PlayStation trend on being the greatest selling video game console in the world… and it is the #1 Blu-Ray disc movie player” Spot on. Congrats.
December 30th, 2008
@kev.
GOW is in its third iteration. Your point again?
The Gears of War Franchise should be on the PS3 also. Lots of people want it and would buy it for their ps3’s. They are losing money by only having it on the 360.
December 30th, 2008
‘it will be so funny when the 360 and the Wii will be out on top again.’
I think you mean the Wii, and only the wii.
They can’t both be on top…
December 30th, 2008
phranctoast,
How about the best games overall, even excluding the year the 360 came out earlier in?
The PS3 has a ways to go to catch up. MGS4 did a lot for it’s reputation, and so will God of War III and KZ2. Of course there are other potential titles promised for next year, but I think what CAD was getting at is that those who do not already have a present gen console will not be familiar enough to differentiate next years titles for the PS3 versus what the 360 has overall, including multiplats. Those that already have a 360 will be hard pressed between multiplatform titles and it’s own exclusives to justify spending yet another $400 on an unnecessary extra console that they may not even have time for.
5 extra 8.5-8.9 IGN rated titles did not make a difference for PS3 this year, and 10 or even 15 will not make much more of one considering there looks to be over 200 total releases next year for 360 and it already corners 50% of all three’s top rated titles overall.
If the difference is not extreme and it is not marketed well, these type of consumers will probably still want to save $100 for the same basic experience.
I would agree with the author in saying that 2010 would be the year PS3 gains the most ground back vice 2009, but the verdict is not yet out, and only time will tell whether Sony can finally deliver on it’s old promises.
PS3 will do fine next year, but it will probably not be the phoenix rising some people keep predicting it will be every year.
December 30th, 2008
Lets stick to 2008 as that was what spurred the post.
I think you give too much credit to CAD with his statement. His statement is like me saying there are no games that interest me next year coming out on the 360 when I don’t know all the games. It’s fanboyish at best.
Next year should be big with GT5 coming out. I personally couldn’t care less about simulation drivers but others love the series.
KZ2 just need to be properly advertised.
The exclusive Rockstar game may be the next coming of a new GTA like franchise.
December 30th, 2008
Oh I know the games and CarlB has made a list before but all you guys toot is Killzone 2 and Gods of War 3, is that it? I know there will be something else but really CarlB Is right about my thinking. Why spend the $ on PS3 just for 1 Game when 360 will have so much more including the Multiplats which most times look better on the 360. I had a good laugh the other day when my Friend from NY and I were online in a Party and he was playing Madden and I was playing Gears. Anyway he was a PS3 supporter but slowly he’s seeing the light. He’s finding that Live is much better and then the thing that made me laugh even more was when he could notice the difference between the PS3 Graphics for Madden and the 360. He said the 360 version of madden was much clearer and better visually and easier to read. Just another Multiplat that looks better for the 360 story.
December 30th, 2008
Tomb raider underworld is running at a higher resolution on the ps3 than the 360.
http://www.ps3informer.com/playstation-3/games/tomb-raider-underworld-technically-superior-on-ps3-009646.php
Last years Madden or this years?
December 30th, 2008
Sticking to 2008, I stand by my original statement in saying that those few extra titles did not make the difference for PS3 this year, and may not next year.
You may be right about CAD, so I will let him speak for himself here. What his statement did make me think about was the people who have not bought a present gen console yet. Assuming they buy one, these few extra exclusives coming out may still not make a difference next year. And I mean few in relation to all 1st and 3rd party titles coming out next year for 360.
For those who already own a 360, they will have a good selection of games too keep them more than enough busy, and the same can be said for PS3 owners.
What may also be a factor is when and if Sony stops making PS2’s. The PS2 base is a segment of the market where I think they may see a jump in sales.
PS3 and KZ2 both need to be properly advertised, but will it happen? I don’t know.
The exclusive Rockstar game could be the next coming of that GTA like franchise, but only time will tell.
December 30th, 2008
Depends on the game.
If the wii cost $400 (and i didn’t already own one) and the Big N put out a highly rated awesome looking zelda. I would put $400 down for it.
Oh and its called God of War. Not fooking gods.
December 30th, 2008
SW,
I’m guessing you would be in the minority there (nothing wrong with that).
December 30th, 2008
ohh my dear CAD…. so sweet and innocent…
well let me explain it to you… after playing games for a long time… you expect games to mature… in story… in gameplay…. in overall experience… the same way GTA 4 had matured from their antics in GTA 3 series… its a natural progression… however… some people still like their copy paste storyline…
they like just pure action with no plot points… as a movie buff… I love MGS 4… yes I love the long cutscenes… and I love the codec dialogues… and I also love pure action games like Resistance and Gears of war where there is no decent story…
I love them all… its undestandable if you dont like it… because you arent familiar with the MGS games… if you were… you would have finished MGS 4 by now… even Im not familiar with the MGS universe… I went to wikipedia and read the story of the previous games… they are wonderfully weird…
in the end… many games on the PS3 are an acquired taste… many games on the 360 are also an aquired taste… doesnt make them bad… but it does make you look like an idiot when you comment on them being crap… even though its universally praised…
December 30th, 2008
Microsoft to lay off 15,000 workers on Jan 15th.
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11142&Itemid=1
December 30th, 2008
CarlB – Thats because I’m here for the games and not the systems
December 30th, 2008
Carl B
Even those who are sitting on the sideline and have not jumped in yet, the 360 still is the better option. Better and more games. Arcade Titles, XNA Titles, Better Graphics on Multiplats, Movie & TV Downloads, Demos, Upconverting DVD Player, Stream content from your Comuter to the TV, LIVE, and the 360 is cheaper. The cheapest PS3 competes with the Elite. Really what is the need to buy a PS3 for. 2-3 Exclusive Games? I don’t think so.
December 30th, 2008
lol CAD….
you could switch ps3 and 360 in that post and it still makes sense.
And I would take PSN titles over live titles in a heartbeat. There is nothing on Live that competes with Wipeout HD, Warhawk, or Ratchet and Clank Quest for Booty. Live has that stupid size restriction. They had to bump it up for Castlevania Syphony of the Night and…..Ps3 has that title as well.
Your best argument is price, yet you made the most sense when you said the cheapest ps3 competes with the elite, which isnt entirely true as the elite lacks a built in blu ray player.
December 30th, 2008
Again I purchased my ps3 based on the shape of the gamepad w/ gta4 and mgs4. So yes CAD, some people do buy the machines because of very few titles because they enjoy playing games and not being a fanboy retard to one particular machine.
Also ‘Stream content from your Comuter to the TV’. Which you can also do on a PS3… But of course because of sheer ignorance or green tinted glasses you didn’t know that. Its ok.
For the record, both machines are pretty lousy for streaming media to a TV. If you really want to do that buy a fucking cheap pc and turn it into a media ctr. At least then you get PROPER codec support for useful video formats. The lack of MKV support and Divx/Xvid support on both machines (the 360 i *think* got most of the divx and xvid stuff sorted) is pathetic for supposed ‘centre of the living room media machines!’.
December 31st, 2008
SW,
Probably in the minority here in that you would spend $400 on a Wii to play 1 game: “a highly rated awesome looking zelda.”
Also probably in the minority here in buying a console (for more money?) based on the shape of a gamepad for two games.
The point is, the vast majority of buyers next year will probably not have those things on their minds as a major factor for their purchase.
CAD,
I was never arguing against you, and part of what you said is what I stated: The 360 has more highly rated games overall at this point and is less expensive, so a few exclusive titles will probably not make a difference to the price conscious consumer next year who has yet to purchase a console. A significant price reduction (April or whenever) will. For those that have been loyal PS2 players up to this point, there is still a good chance a significant portion of them will move on to PS3 and stick with the brand.
The PS3 has “better and more games” this year than 360, and is likely to up the pace next year as well. This can only help sales for it, but it still may not enough to catch up to 360 next year.
“Better graphics on multiplats”. This is becoming less of a factor as it was early in the PS3’s life, as far as I am aware.
phranctoast,
Agreed on the PSN titles if they keep it up with Suikoden and other old PS1&2 titles, but they have yet to release PS2 titles like XBox is with Originals, or put back in similar emulation for bc. Maybe this will happen next year.
CAD also has a point with the demos standard on Live. Hopefully Sony can fix this as well on PSN.
For the “stupid size restriction”… well, I think that has something to do with the Arcade entry level purchasers. I imagine the size will increase once again next year.
Not enough people care about Blu-Ray yet to make a difference. Maybe by the end of next year, though doubtful.
December 31st, 2008
Ive seen the shape of the gamepad used to distinguish which consoles people prefer (maybe not buy). Fighters tend to go with the ps3 controller as the 360 controller is terrible in that respect. FPS fans seem to like the layout of the analogs not being so close to together on the 360 controller. I prefer my triggers to be closer to my index finger and not set back as an actual trigger.
At the end of the day it’s simple preference.
Thats funny as when I talk about PSN being superior to Live I dont even think about PS1 or PS2 titles (excluding the SOTN with size restrictions). Although I really would like to see ICO on PSN as I never got to play it and its not incredible easy to find without paying through the nose.
Standard demos for all live games is nice. While this isn’t a standard on psn, it almost might as well be as most psn titles have a demo.
December 31st, 2008
The looming slump/recession means everyone will be lucky to even get close to – or at best match nevermind exceed – this years sales numbers.
PS3 just had an awful year, next year other events conspire to ensure it’s not getting any better for them.
December 31st, 2008
“not buy” is key there. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just not the majority (that I know of).
When you talk about PSN being superior to Live, what do you think of?
December 31st, 2008
the original psn titles that came out compared to the original live titles that came out. You cant compare Wipeout HD to dig dug.
There are a couple of titles on live that are better than their arcade crap. Castle crashers being one. Braid and N+ another.
when comparing these type of titles psn comes out on top. Quality over quantity. Most arcade titles are shovelware garbage.
It is odd that psn in Japan has such a huge quantity of ps1 games while hardly anything have surface on the NA psn.
December 31st, 2008
Sony just recently cut manufacturing costs of the PS3 by 35%. At this point, a price cut is imminent. I think there sales will pick up after that. That’s the main thing holding it back at this point. Sony also has a ton of great first party exclusives being released in 2009. I think the will end up doing very well for themselves by the end of next year. Hopefully they won’t loose too much more ground before the price cut.
December 31st, 2008
phranctoast,
You do realize you are comparing a full PS3 game to to an arcade title, right?
Sticking with just XBLA and PSN games rated over 8 on IGN:
XBox 360
Portal: Still Alive Shooter 9.2 10/20/08
Castle Crashers Action 9 08/27/08
Ikaruga Shooter 9 04/07/08
Braid Platformer 8.8 08/04/08
Undertow Shooter 8.7 11/20/07
Assault Heroes Action 8.7 12/12/06
Rez HD Shooter 8.6 01/29/08
Duke Nukem 3D Shooter 8.5 09/24/08
Roogoo Puzzle 8.5 06/03/08
Assault Heroes 2 Action 8.5 05/12/08
N+ Platformer 8.5 02/22/08
Every Extend Extra Extreme Shooter 8.5 10/16/07
Alien Hominid Shooter 8.5 03/01/07
Aces of the Galaxy Action 8.4 06/02/08
Switchball Puzzle 8.4 11/08/07
Bomberman Live Action 8.4 07/19/07
Pac-Man: Championship Edition Action 8.4 06/06/07
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 Shooter 8.3 07/30/08
Omega Five [UK] Action 8.3 01/09/08
Kingdom for Keflings, A Simulation 8.2 11/21/08
Golf: Tee It Up! Sports 8.2 07/09/08
Small Arms Fighting Action 8.2 11/27/06
Soulcalibur Fighting 8.1 06/27/08
Doom Shooter 8.1 10/03/06
Cloning Clyde Action 8.1 07/19/06
Meteos Wars Puzzle 8 12/11/08
Banjo-Kazooie Platformer 8 11/05/08
Samurai Shodown II Fighting 8 09/15/08
Carcassonne Strategy 8 06/28/07
Jetpac Refuelled Shooter 8 03/29/07
AstroPop Puzzle Action 8 04/26/06
Zuma Deluxe Puzzle 8 01/04/06
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved Shooter 8 11/21/05
PS3
WipEout HD Racing 9 09/23/08
Last Guy, The Action 9 08/27/08
Super Stardust HD Shooter 8.7 07/02/07
Echochrome Puzzle 8.6 05/02/08
Lumines Supernova Puzzle Action 8.5 12/19/08
PixelJunk Monsters Strategy 8.5 01/29/08
Calling All Cars! Action 8.5 04/25/07
PixelJunk Eden Platformer 8.4 07/31/08
Super Stardust HD Solo Shooter 8.2 04/17/08
Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer Shooter 8 12/15/08
GTI Club + [UK] Racing 8 12/03/08
Snakeball Party 8 01/16/08
Results:
360: 33
PS3: 12