360: Success, failure, or other?

[matthewk]

I always enjoying seeing the monthly NPD sales numbers, and the EA loses thread sparked this thought: Can the 360 be considered a success or failurer at this point, or somewhere in between?

First, the numbers:
June, 2006 Hardware Figures
1.) Nintendo DS - 593,000 (+307%)
2.) PlayStation 2 - 312,000 (+35%)
3.) Xbox 360 - 277,000 (+25%)
4.) PlayStation Portable - 221,000 (+39%)
5.) Xbox - 24,000 (- 8%)

GameCube and Game Boy Advance numbers have not yet been released.

Installed Hardware Userbase
1.) PlayStation 2 - 33,978,596
2.) Game Boy Advance - 32,490,952 (February 2006 and June 2006 numbers not included)
3.) Xbox - 14,445,092
4.) GameCube - 11,150,628 (June 2006 numbers not included)
5.) Nintendo DS - 5,187,240
6.) PlayStation Portable - 4,711,961
7.) Xbox 360 - 2,002,601

So the PS2 is still spanking all other consoles in sales. The PSP isn't that far away from the 360, which surprised me a bit. Now, keep in mind that any hardware shortages were over before June. I've seen 360s readily available all through June.

The overall numbers show that the 360 has just over 2 million after a little over 7 months on the market. Assuming the initial release sales bump is offset by the shortages, they are looking at about 4 million after 1 year. The original Xbox took a while to get rolling, but after 4 1/2 years it's sitting at 14.5 million. The 360 looks to be on abot the same pace right now, but a lot can happen (both good and bad) during the next few years.

All things considered, I would call the 360 a minor dissapointment in terms of sales so far. They have the only next gen console on the market, and yet the 5+ year old PS2 & DS arer ahead of it, with the PSP breathing down it's neck.

Personally, the 360 has been a moderate dissapointment for me. I have yet to get one, due to the lack of near complete backwards compatibility and a lack of any "must have" 360 games. So far it's like Xbox 1.5, which is not enough for me to spend $400 when I already have an Xbox.

[Leebo33]

The 306 is an utter failure.

[Kazuya]

I think it's been fine for me, with the occasional long gaps between good games that I would expect from a new system. I also have been lucky and didn't get a lemon, so I might not have the feelings of someone who has been through a few of them would.

You can't really compare the sales to the other consoles, the PS2 is only $129 right now... basically an impulse buy. I do know that they are way behind their own projections. If they don't pick things up, PS3 will smoke them and their 1 year headstart will be evaporated within six months of the PS3's launch. Bill Gate$ shot off his mouth saying they were going to have 10 million Xbox's in the hole by the time the PS3 launched... don't think you're going to make it, Bill...

[AJColossal]

Personally, the 360 has been a moderate dissapointment for me. I have yet to get one, due to the lack of near complete backwards compatibility and a lack of any "must have" 360 games. So far it's like Xbox 1.5, which is not enough for me to spend $400 when I already have an Xbox.

How do you know if it's a disappointment if you don't have one?

I have a feeling that your opinions about 360 would be different if you had one. Sure, there are some people who bought one and were not blown away, but I have been very happy with the purchase. New Xbox Live features, Live Arcade, GRAW, COD2, and Oblivion have all been experiences that I wouldn't have on the current gen that would have been greatly missed, and I prefer everthing about NBA 2K6 and NCAA Football over the current gen versions.

[bdunn13]

"How do you know if it's a disappointment if you don't have one? "

I think he was asking if its a disappointment from the perspective of Microsoft.... ala the sales numbers ect.

[snaz16]

The 306 is an utter failure.

Sorry to have to correct you but its " an utter failurer"

[AJColossal]

"How do you know if it's a disappointment if you don't have one? "

I think he was asking if its a disappointment from the perspective of Microsoft.... ala the sales numbers ect.

No, if you re-read the quote he says it's a personal disappointment.

[Dave]

I'm going with "other" and saying wait until this time next year. At this point, there are so many questions for the next generation that it seems impossible to say who will come out as the winner. IMO, any of the three have a shot at selling the most consoles.

For the 360 specifically, there's nothing on it that drives me to purchase it. Sure, there are a few titles here and there that look interesting, but not enough to shell out $450-$550 to play them.

[10spro]

The best part for me is the Live Marketplace, too little for a next gen console, although I do look forward to the next Madden and NHL series based on the videos I've seen. Other than GRAW and COD 2, the only other game I really had fun with was Topspin 2. Expected better games for sure.

[Danimal]

Those 360 install base numbers are much smaller then what i have seen reported in numerous articles on Next Gen and other sites. I also wouldn't expect a $400 consolse to out sell the PS2 when I can pick up a PS2 bundle for $130 with a game.

However to me personally I think the 360 is an incredible console and I have no interest in a PS3, it offers me nothing gaming wise i can't get on a 360. when and if it does I might consider one.

I also find this thread a bit funny. Isn't it the rally call of many fans that quantity doesn't equate to quality? There by something which sells less can still be a quality product?

I understand the thread topic is about the success of the system, but your post meanders its way into talking about how the system is basically Xbox 1.5 at this point you're discussing quality of the system. I'm not sure how anyone could use sales numbers here to measure the quality of the 360.

The marketplace and Xbox Live are strong and growing. The games lineup is getting better all of the time. I think MS over estimated their success but to label it a failure is really reaching in my opinion.

[bdunn13]

"How do you know if it's a disappointment if you don't have one? "

I think he was asking if its a disappointment from the perspective of Microsoft.... ala the sales numbers ect.

No, if you re-read the quote he says it's a personal disappointment.

In that case, its been worth it for me for NCAA alone. I was playing a friend of mine online last night one live that lives about 90 minutes from me. However we seldomly get to see each other. It was a freaking blast. We were both freaking laughing like crazy playing NCAA just by watching the Mascots do some crazy stuff.

The only other game I own right now is PGR which I don't play anymore. I am looking forward to Saints Row and Dead Rising. The Dead Rising trailer had me laughing pretty hard too. That game just looks hilaroius.

[matthewk]

The 306 is an utter failure.

DOH!

Looks like my spelling is a failure.

[matthewk]

"How do you know if it's a disappointment if you don't have one? "

I think he was asking if its a disappointment from the perspective of Microsoft.... ala the sales numbers ect.

No, if you re-read the quote he says it's a personal disappointment.

Actually, I did both. First from a sales perspective, than from a personal view.

Why can't I be dissappointed by it without owning one? I've read lots of reviews and impressions on the games I would be interested in, and frankly, they haven't sold me on it. In fact, hearing things like Madden had no playerr editing and NCAA makes you purchase alternate uniforms turned me off more than anything did to turn me on to buying a 360. Games like COD and Oblivion may be great games, but I don't care for those genres of gaming. The arcade sounds interesting, but BC offsets that with me. I can get ROMs on my PC for any old game, but I can't play 2k5 on any console other than the old Xbox.

Anyways, I really meant this to be more of a discussion about the sales than personal preference.

[wco81]

I've heard it claimed that X360 sales are behind where the original Xbox was at the same point after launch. But it's been less than a year and some big games like Gears of War, Halo3 and GTA are still due.

PS2 uptake in the first year was certainly higher, despite PS1 being around the same price the PS2 is now.

It wouldn't be surprising if X360 sells slower than Xbox because the systems and games are more expensive.

But the X360 should be better positioned for price cuts after die-shirnk on the chips so that should help sales.

If the PS3 was priced at parity, the X360 would be in trouble.

But the price and cost advantage should make things interesting by the end of 2007.

Still, it's interesting that the MS execs. who managed the Xbox and X360 projects went on to work on Zune, a new product. Are they being complacent about the success of the X360? The irony may be, a $300 or $400 music player designed to compete against the iPod will surey compete for the same Holiday spending dollars as the PS3 and yes, the X360.

[XXXIV]

Its a failure...I realy cant stand Xbox Live.

[JRod]

Everyone is forgetting the fact that the market is far more crowded then it was when the PS2 launched. What did we have the Dreamcast, the PS1 and a N64.

I think this war is going to be a lot like TV ratings. Thirty years ago the nightly news and other prime time shows could pull in 30 or 40 percent shares regularly. That's not so hard when you are competing against 2 other stations instead of 200 more networks.

In this go around you have the PS3, 360, PS2, Xbox, Cube and Revolution. The winning margin this time around will not be as great as the PS2/Xbox numbers.

[ddtrane]

My nextgen gaming experience (Madden, NCAA, NHL2K6, Top Spin 2) hasn't been anything that I couldn't get on the XBOX or PS2. But the XBOX Live Arcade has made my 360 purchase worth it. I Bought TW 2006 and Burnout Revenge and realized that the nextgen really brought nothing new to the table as far as gameplay goes, but the Arcade and d/l demos and videos more than makes up for it.

At first I was sad, but I really like my 360, but not enough to get rid of my trusty XBOX.

[Sport73]

The console race marches on, and put within the context of what's to come, I think the 360 holds up quite nicely.

Reports consistently affirm that the PS3, despite brand recognition and Japanese support, is over-priced and fails to offer gameplay or visual experiences beyond what the 360 can do. Its price-point and the inability to produce it in mass quantities assures that the PS3's figures will be no better 7-months-in than the 360.

The Wii, on the other hand, is 'revolutionary' and competitively priced, and looks to be the odds-on favorite to steal the lead in the market...UNTIL, people realize that the graphics are not next-gen and the honeymoon with the new controller wears off.

That leaves the 360. Moderately priced (with a price drop to come), best-in-class graphics, industry-leading online performance and community, XBL Arcade for old-school gaming, HD-DVD add-on for those who want it, and a great and growing library of true next-gen experiences.

Who knows how the race will play out, but I would say that the 360 is a success in the US & Europe, with solid prospects for future growth, and an utter failure in Japan where it can't gain any traction.

The PS3 will rule Japan, based primarily on Blu-ray adoption and Japanese loyalty, split Europe, and fight a tough fight against the 360 in the US for second place to the Wii.

The Wii will win Japan and the US, but lose in Europe.

The 360 will be second place in both Europe and the US, but lose massively in Japan.

All in all, expect the numbers in 5 years to look much different than they do today.

As for me personally, I LOVE my 360 and can't imagine why anyone would not opt to enjoy a full year of next-gen experiences like COD2, GRAW, Fight Night 3, NCAA 2007, and more...I'm intrigued by the PS3, but likely won't pick one up at launch. I'll be at the front of the line for the Wii, drawn in by the unique controller and the hope that I can turn my wife on to games...

The 360 and Wii together seem like a better option than the PS3 alone for about the same price.

[LAking]

Sales wise i would vote "other". It's just too early to tell. It has certainly not been a failure but i think the goal for the system is to end up the leader in the console market and only time will tell if it succeeds.
Personally i love my 360. I have NBA 2k6, NHL 2k6, perfect dark, table tennis, FIght night, and GRAW. Of all those games the only one that's disappointing is NHL. GRAW is awesome. NBA plays a superb game of basektball and has enough graphical luster to stare at. Table Tennis, while not deep, is very fun and looks fantastic. FIght Night is mostly the same as older version but it looks amazing as well. When i bought the 360 i didn't expect to see a ton of great games this early. THat's just how it is with new consoles. I know that i'll get my share of sports games over the years and the occasional great game in between, just like every console i own. I can't wait to play Dead Rising. That game looks insanely fun. As long as there is a solid game such as GRAW, Oblivion, or Dead Rising that comes out every few months along with the annual sports games i'll be happy. The investment was well worth it. And i LOVE playing in true high def. Graphics can finally rival that of my PC.

[Dave]

Everyone is forgetting the fact that the market is far more crowded then it was when the PS2 launched. What did we have the Dreamcast, the PS1 and a N64.

I think this war is going to be a lot like TV ratings. Thirty years ago the nightly news and other prime time shows could pull in 30 or 40 percent shares regularly. That's not so hard when you are competing against 2 other stations instead of 200 more networks.

In this go around you have the PS3, 360, PS2, Xbox, Cube and Revolution. The winning margin this time around will not be as great as the PS2/Xbox numbers.

I really don't see much of a difference in the market. The PS2 launched before the XBox or Gamecube and had to compete against the PSOne, N64, and Dreamcast (two prior gen consoles and whatever you want to call the Dreamcast). The XBox360 launched prior to the PS3 and Wii and has had to compete against the XBox, Gamecube, and PS2. The only difference is that it isn't the successor to the previous gen's #1 console.

And let's not forget that for all of its software deficiencies, the Gamecube didn't lose by much to the XBox. But both *sses were absolutely handed to them by the PS2.

There are still only three consoles in this generation.

[XXXIV]

Why would any of us care about the sales?...You guys own stock?

All three will be around for the full cycle.

What makes it a success or failure is personal...as in your own personal enjoyment.

[LAking]

Why would any of us care about the sales?...You guys own stock?

All three will be around for the full cycle.

What makes it a success or failure is personal...as in your own personal enjoyment.

Very true. As long as none of the consoles completely fail like the dreamcast and they stop manufacturing the hardware and developing the games then it really doesn't matter much. I don't see how either Sony or MS will completely fail. I'm sure EA and 2k sports will be making their games for both systems' entire life spans. And each system will have its share of killer games like Halo and MGS. As long as your confident that the console you pick is going to produce the kind of games you enjoy than you should be set, no matter who ultimately sells more units.

[kevinpars]

The 360 has been a moderate success for me personally. I did have to deal with a returned console, but that went reasonably well. I have been somewhat disappointed in the sports games, but that is more EA's and 2K's fault than MS.

I have enjoyed some non sports games like Oblivion, COD and Condemned but nothing as compelling as Indigo Prophesy - the last non sports game I played on the xbox. But it looks to be a good fall - between Dead Rising, Gears and COD3 and the sports games, I can't see myself feeling envious when the PS3 comes out.

[bkrich83]

The 360 has been a moderate success for me personally. I did have to deal with a returned console, but that went reasonably well. I have been somewhat disappointed in the sports games, but that is more EA's and 2K's fault than MS.

I have enjoyed some non sports games like Oblivion, COD and Condemned but nothing as compelling as Indigo Prophesy - the last non sports game I played on the xbox. But it looks to be a good fall - between Dead Rising, Gears and COD3 and the sports games, I can't see myself feeling envious when the PS3 comes out.

I have gotten my money's worh with the 360. Between NCAA, GRAW, Oblivios, Over-G Fighters, Top Spin, NBA 2kCOD, etc, plus the market place, I can't imagine ever going back to the current gen consoles.

[Inuyasha]

Wayyyyy too much for both consoles these days. If they stop production for xbox/ps2, it'll be interesting to see how many people will buy 360/ps3 at the current prices. I am talking more about the avg consumer than the hardcore gamer. I dont think many avg consumers are willing to buy consoles 400-600 dollars.