Sony PS3 Picking Up Steam: Xbox 360 loses its mojo
Posted by Daniel in BLOGROLL, MARKETING, MEDIA
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is still a very popular games console but as it ages its becoming clear that the next-generation games console has some major weaknesses compared to the Sony Playstation 3.
When we look closer at Microsoft’s strategy for the Xbox 360 its clear that this needs addressing if the 360 is to get its mojo back. The Sony PS3 has been consistently been chipping away at the 360’s lead in both hardware and software sales in the US.
The PS3 looked like it had no chance when it launched thanks to the Xbox 360 having a hold on the next-gen gamer with better games, and a better online strategy. Microsoft also cornered much of the gaming market by taking some of the largest franchises.
The Xbox 360 has Devil May Cry, Grand Theft Auto, and now Final Fantasy! But the PlayStation 3 still has these games, and with Microsoft backing the wrong optical format (HD-DVD), how many discs will Fantasy XIII take up when it hits the Xbox 360?
Microsoft has some amazing racing franchises, but none of these compare to the power that Gran Turismo brings to the Playstation 3. Halo makes the 360 a system-seller, but MGS4 is still a PS3 exclusive. Gears of War 2 is an amazing game, but Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 look just as good in terms of online play, scale, and graphics.
Playstation’s Home could be the secret weapon that gives the PS3 an edge that it needs in online play. LittleBigPlanet is another point for the PS3, and its one of the most anticipated casual games ever.
If you live in the United States, then you will tend to focus on U.S. gaming sales but remember that video games are an international business. Microsoft has been ruling the U.S. gaming market, but is struggling in other markets. The Sony PS3 does good business in Europe and Japan, how can Microsoft improve in these markets?
We have seen sales spikes for the 360 in Japan and Europe, but this is when there is a launch of big-name titles, otherwise the 360 fails to impress. Microsoft depends on US sales.
Microsoft has one system that does well in one market. The 360 simply has to step it up outside of the United States.
Now Microsoft may have fixed the Red Ring of Death problem, but most gamers still do not trust the hardware. You hear about this in game stores, forums and even the casual gamer. Most gamers have had a 360 go back or know someone that has.
The hard drive of the PS3 is getting larger with each new system, and the real advantage is that anyone can swap out his or her drive for a larger one. Sony even suggests this, and supports the PS3 owner with DIY tutorials on the upgrade. Microsoft can’t begin to match this and with game downloads an increasing factor, more storage is needed.
While Xbox Live is better than Sony’s PSN, how much better is the question. The fact that Sony’s online offerings are free makes a big difference to many gamers. Why should you pay for online pay when you can get it free on the PS3?
Microsoft has no competition for the PSP-PS3 connection; consumers want to own both the Playstation 3 and Sony PSP thanks to so much cool functionality. You get a great media experience. Video sales and rentals work seamlessly with the PSP, and the Blu-ray drive adds more multimedia functions to create an amazing package.
How should Microsoft fix these issues? The problems are there and things are not getting better for Microsoft. The fact is, competition is much stronger now and this is a great thing for gamers.
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