360: Success, failure, or other?

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:17 am

This 360 discussion reminded me of an article I'd read (pre-ship of the 360 in June 2005) on J Allard in Wired that I found archived here: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.06/xbox.html

It's an interesting read, particularly the part that described Allard's roadmap for the first Xbox. Also of interest is the closing reference to "first to 10 million" units sold. I've seen numbers (damn lies and statistics) that possibly put the 360 base at 6.5 million or so. While the race is far from over, Allard has to like the way the current "next-gen" race has been unfolding.

-G7

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:13 am

GameSeven wrote:This 360 discussion reminded me of an article I'd read (pre-ship of the 360 in June 2005) on J Allard in Wired that I found archived here: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.06/xbox.html

It's an interesting read, particularly the part that described Allard's roadmap for the first Xbox. Also of interest is the closing reference to "first to 10 million" units sold. I've seen numbers (damn lies and statistics) that possibly put the 360 base at 6.5 million or so. While the race is far from over, Allard has to like the way the current "next-gen" race has been unfolding.

-G7

Where do you get the 6.5 million from? The last numbers I saw were at 2.5 million for the US, and less than 1 million for Japan. Does the rest of the world really account for 3+ million?

I would think they are less than pleased right now. The 360 is on a slower pace than the first Xbox was. Plus, they are still getting trounced by the PS2.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:33 am

matthewk wrote:Where do you get the 6.5 million from? The last numbers I saw were at 2.5 million for the US, and less than 1 million for Japan. Does the rest of the world really account for 3+ million?

I would think they are less than pleased right now. The 360 is on a slower pace than the first Xbox was. Plus, they are still getting trounced by the PS2.

That's why I qualified my reference to the number, but what I referred to was here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360#Sales

-G7

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:51 am

So here is an alternate source discussing something closer to the 2.5 mil installed base in the states as you suggest: http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?optio ... 1&Itemid=2

It proposes that the installed base in the US could exceed 5 mil after the holiday season. This could put the worldwide base closer to the numbers I saw earlier in the first quarter of next year, but we shall see...

-G7

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:59 am

The Xbox 360 won't fly off the shelves until there's a major price break. It happened with the PS2, the original Xbox and it will happen to the PS3 as well.

I do agree with Microsoft's assessment that this Holiday should be great for them. When everyone looking for a PS3 can't find them anywhere the 360 should make a good alternative.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:27 pm

So I've been waiting for a box to be shipped to me for my dead 360 since calling Monday and thought at worst it would have been here today, the customer service guy told me that with the whole process of shipping the box and the work on the system I should have my system between a week and a half to two weeks.

For those that have had their systems repaired, how long does this whole process take and where is their service center located?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:51 pm

Sorry for the rant........but,

In the grand scheme of things, do gamers really care that much about whether it's successful or not? Could it be those who don't have the 360 yet are trying to justify their decision for not buying one?

If you like the 360 and get enjoyment out of the games and online features, then it's a success to you. If you don't or you've had problems with the 360, then your probably not so happy .

I could care less that the PS3 is going to blow the 360 out of the water in Japan. I don't live there, nor why should I care.? I know there are still going to be quality games for the 360, and just because the PS3 sells a few million more systems than the 360, I should be disappointed? Quite the contrary.

I do think the PS3 is going to be quite successful and will most likely overtake the 360, but in all honesty I just don't care. I'm having a blast with the 360, and down the line if there's ever a price break I'll probably pick up the PS3. Heck, I might even trade the 360 in one day. I don't have any brand loyalty.

The only ones who should care one way or another is MS or Sony. We, the gamers should just enjoy the ride of two great quality systems. If you base your decisions on which system is most successful, then you'll be missing out on some great games and features of the system that's in second or third place. Whether that be the 360, the PS3, or the Wii.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:48 pm

sportdan30 wrote:In the grand scheme of things, do gamers really care that much about whether it's successful or not? Could it be those who don't have the 360 yet are trying to justify their decision for not buying one?

I'm going to have to rant back on this one...

Why can't someone just simply be interested in what the sales are? Why do have to try and tie it into justifying not getting one or wanting it to fail? I find it interesting to see the sales of both consoles and games. I used to find the Billboard top 200 albums interesting too, but I didn't do it so I could watch for Michael Jackson's fall.

It's insulting that you'd think I started this thread just to try and justify my decision not to get a 360 yet. Sales has nothing to do with it. My decision not to get a 360 yet is based on the following:
1) Most of the games I own for the XBox (and still play) are not BC.
2) None of the next gen games is worth spending $400 for a system and $60 for the game on. Many of the current sports titles (2k7 being the exception) seem to be better on the Xbox than the 360.
3) I am waiting at least until the new builds after hearing about all the system failures.

If you don't care about sales, then keep playing your games and don't bother posting in these types of threads. I can still enjoy gaming while also taking a peek from time to time at the sales, and thinking about what it means in the industry.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:59 pm

Matt -

The new Smackdown vs Raw looks very good.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:36 am

Danimal wrote:Matt -

The new Smackdown vs Raw looks very good.

That just might be the game that gets me into the next gen. I'll get there eventually, its just taking me a while

I really wish MLB the Show was not a Sony exclusive. If they had that on the 360 I'd have one right now. That's the only pull the PS3 has on me at this point.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:50 pm

Vader -

In my experience, MS is pretty good about getting you a 360 in the mail the same day or the next day after receiving your box. For my second refurb, I actually called them when I did not hear anything back and it turned out that MS had mailed my 360 back but did not send me an email.

Their email system is a mess. I got my refurb in the mail on Monday Sept 11. I received an email from MS tech support on Friday Sept 22 saying that my 360 was in the mail.

I am in Georgia, and it takes about 4 days for UPS to get something to me from the warehouse in Texas. Same goes for the time to send it from here to Texas.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:04 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
In the grand scheme of things, do gamers really care that much about whether it's successful or not? Could it be those who don't have the 360 yet are trying to justify their decision for not buying one?

If you like the 360 and get enjoyment out of the games and online features, then it's a success to you. If you don't or you've had problems with the 360, then your probably not so happy .

I could care less that the PS3 is going to blow the 360 out of the water in Japan. I don't live there, nor why should I care.? I know there are still going to be quality games for the 360, and just because the PS3 sells a few million more systems than the 360, I should be disappointed? Quite the contrary.

I do think the PS3 is going to be quite successful and will most likely overtake the 360, but in all honesty I just don't care. I'm having a blast with the 360, and down the line if there's ever a price break I'll probably pick up the PS3. Heck, I might even trade the 360 in one day. I don't have any brand loyalty.

The only ones who should care one way or another is MS or Sony. We, the gamers should just enjoy the ride of two great quality systems. If you base your decisions on which system is most successful, then you'll be missing out on some great games and features of the system that's in second or third place. Whether that be the 360, the PS3, or the Wii.

Great post!!!

....I agree 100%

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:59 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Sorry for the rant........but,

In the grand scheme of things, do gamers really care that much about whether it's successful or not? Could it be those who don't have the 360 yet are trying to justify their decision for not buying one?

If you like the 360 and get enjoyment out of the games and online features, then it's a success to you. If you don't or you've had problems with the 360, then your probably not so happy .

I could care less that the PS3 is going to blow the 360 out of the water in Japan. I don't live there, nor why should I care.? I know there are still going to be quality games for the 360, and just because the PS3 sells a few million more systems than the 360, I should be disappointed? Quite the contrary.

I do think the PS3 is going to be quite successful and will most likely overtake the 360, but in all honesty I just don't care. I'm having a blast with the 360, and down the line if there's ever a price break I'll probably pick up the PS3. Heck, I might even trade the 360 in one day. I don't have any brand loyalty.

The only ones who should care one way or another is MS or Sony. We, the gamers should just enjoy the ride of two great quality systems. If you base your decisions on which system is most successful, then you'll be missing out on some great games and features of the system that's in second or third place. Whether that be the 360, the PS3, or the Wii.

Giddy Up

I will say this...its gonna be tough for me to see commercials for the new MLB: The Show for the PS3 and not want to run out and get a PS3. I just love that game and to see it with better graphics/animations/features :O Might have to pull a PK and sell a bunch of stuff to finance a PS3.

Phototropic · Post by **Phototropic** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:01 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Sorry for the rant........but,

In the grand scheme of things, do gamers really care that much about whether it's successful or not? Could it be those who don't have the 360 yet are trying to justify their decision for not buying one?

If you like the 360 and get enjoyment out of the games and online features, then it's a success to you. If you don't or you've had problems with the 360, then your probably not so happy .

I could care less that the PS3 is going to blow the 360 out of the water in Japan. I don't live there, nor why should I care.? I know there are still going to be quality games for the 360, and just because the PS3 sells a few million more systems than the 360, I should be disappointed? Quite the contrary.

I do think the PS3 is going to be quite successful and will most likely overtake the 360, but in all honesty I just don't care. I'm having a blast with the 360, and down the line if there's ever a price break I'll probably pick up the PS3. Heck, I might even trade the 360 in one day. I don't have any brand loyalty.

The only ones who should care one way or another is MS or Sony. We, the gamers should just enjoy the ride of two great quality systems. If you base your decisions on which system is most successful, then you'll be missing out on some great games and features of the system that's in second or third place. Whether that be the 360, the PS3, or the Wii.

I agree to a point, but some of the concern is justified. When it comes to getting the games I want and having a long shelf life, yeah, I want MS to do well. I had a great time with my Dreamcast up until it fizzled. Granted I don't think we have to worry about MS folding up shop, but there are still reasons to root for your console of choice to be successful.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 1:28 pm

Walmart Canada is having an anniversary sale for the 360. For $400 US you get the Premium console plus PGR3 and NHL 2K7. I am sure south of the border there's a similar sale with a different game but it sounds good to me.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 1:36 pm

There seems to be more and more of these deals. I think Best Buy or Circuit City was giving a $30 gift card with the system.

Frys had $430 deals with a game.

Is MS giving these retailers some money to do these deals? Margins are non-existent on consoles so otherwise, they'd be paying out of their own pocket. Could be loss-leader strategy but it's not even 1 year old.

Maybe they will just have a general bundle, like PGR since it's an older game.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 2:07 pm

I think most 360 buyers would like peace of mind that their machine might last more than three months rather than a bundled game. I still seem to read a "My 360 died" thread or post at least two or three times per week either here or at OS.

That, combined with lack of anticipated slush fund proceeds, has chilled my desire for a 360 for now. It will be the old-fashioned black Xbox for me for at least the near future.

Take care,
PK

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 3:05 pm

Add me to the list of 360's that "died". Just sent it back today. I'm hoping that whatever problem causes the issues has been identified and any new unit being released today is solid. The 1st generation of a console always seems to have issues. MS all but admitted a screwup when they announed (about a week or so ago) that any 360 manufactured in 2005 (with or without the extended warranty) would be fixed/replaced. I'm kinda hoping they just send me a new unit altogether.

mixdj1 · Post by **mixdj1** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:19 pm

I just sent back my third system to the repair center today. The second system was DOA and definitely another customer's defective unit sent to me by mistake but that didn't make me feel any better about it. All three systems were manufactured in 2005 so I'm hoping I get a new 2006 model with greater reliability back this time.

I actually broke down and picked up a core from E.B. to use until they get my system back. It was manufactured in August of 2006 and seems less noisy than the previous models I've had. Now I just have to decide if I sell the core when mine gets back, sell the repaired/replaced one, or just put it in the wife's office so she can have a $300 Zuma machine.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:08 pm

mixdj1 wrote: I actually broke down and picked up a core from E.B. to use until they get my system back. It was manufactured in August of 2006 and seems less noisy than the previous models I've had. Now I just have to decide if I sell the core when mine gets back, sell the repaired/replaced one, or just put it in the wife's office so she can have a $300 Zuma machine.

I was so tempted to pick up another core over the weekend and sell the one that comes back from service but I held off, 360 withdrawal sucks.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:45 pm

vader29 wrote:I was so tempted to pick up another core over the weekend and sell the one that comes back from service but I held off, 360 withdrawal sucks.

That is what I did...I didn't trust what MS would send back to me. When mine broke, I went and bought a new one and then sold the replacement...only lost about 40 bucks on the transaction...but the piece of mind was worth it. Plus, I could get a new replacement plan on the new unit, which I couldn't on the old one. The withdrawl helped with the decision as well...lol.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:08 pm

I called and purchased a one year service contract for $24.95. I never did take out the warranty when I bought the 360 initially. I suppose maybe I didn't need to buy the service contract if in fact MS will allow free service on all 2005 units.

I haven't had any issues with mine, but I like having the peace of mind. Going a week or two without the 360 these days is no big deal to me. However, I'd prefer to have an in store warranty.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:52 am

I think we're finally starting to see the "system sellers" that we all have been waiting for with SC:DA, the new and much improved TW, NHL (for me, i know it's not for everyone) and the new Rainbow Six which looks ridiculously good. I would also bet that COD3 and Gears of War will follow suit. And all right around the release of their competitors new systems. Hmmm.

Not to say there haven't been SOLID titles up to this point, but I'm in true 360 gaming heaven right now.

fanatic · Post by **fanatic** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:45 pm

10spro wrote:Walmart Canada is having an anniversary sale for the 360. For $400 US you get the Premium console plus PGR3 and NHL 2K7. I am sure south of the border there's a similar sale with a different game but it sounds good to me.

So we're still talking $499 CDN right? With two bundled games? That's a pretty sweet deal considering they are two titles I would love playing. I still however, don't understand why the $400 US price has been converted to $499.

For example, the $250 Wii is $280 CDN. Much more realistic in terms of price difference.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 1:57 pm

fanatic wrote:
10spro wrote:Walmart Canada is having an anniversary sale for the 360. For $400 US you get the Premium console plus PGR3 and NHL 2K7. I am sure south of the border there's a similar sale with a different game but it sounds good to me.
So we're still talking $499 CDN right? With two bundled games? That's a pretty sweet deal considering they are two titles I would love playing. I still however, don't understand why the $400 US price has been converted to $499.

For example, the $250 Wii is $280 CDN. Much more realistic in terms of price difference.

Nope that was for $450 CAD which reflects today's currency. That was 10 days ago or so, I am not sure if they still have the same package now. But for people that don't have a 360, I thought it was a great deal.