The Japanese Console Market

[shams]

There was always a "general" fear that the Wii would struggle in Japan - as it would be overshadowed by the DS.

While it launched strong, and had a pretty good year (as said - 4m sales is NOT bad) - I wonder if it (and all other consoles) will continue to slow, while the DS continues to dominate.

In many ways, the best thing Ninty could do in Japan is further link the DS & Wii devices. I think it could be a significant boost when they launch the "DS demo channel" on the Wii.

The Wii needs WiiFit - a truly evolutionary "game", and one that will definitely appeal to the Japanese psyche. The PS3 really needs a next-gen FF (or MGS) - something really different, and lifting the perception of games to the next level.

People have basically become bored - games are too derivative, people want something REALLY different out of a next-gen console.

WiiSports is the perfect example. Its a truly different piece of software - and has sold almost 2.2m in 12 months. Its selling at a *60%* attach rate - which is completely astounding, for non-packed in software.

Basically - most people are buying the Wii to play WiiSports - a different/new game.