I think it has always been clear that the EU market is the true HD console battle ground. The 360 has shown that it can win here in what some would consider Sony territory. The important features that may take the EU for Microsoft for 2010 are...
- A redesigned model. This is important because quality is often considered something that the discerning EU purchaser takes into account. If they believe this new model finally resolves the hardware issues this could see improved sales.
- 4 years are up... A lot of the early 360 users will now be finding that the extended warranty is about to expire.
- It is quiet and finally can nestle under the telly in the living room without causing the missus to ask what that whinning noise is.
- The last one is a punt but Kinect could eat into the casual market. The Wii is on a serious decline in the UK not sure about the rest of the EU but Some have it down by over 35% down on last year, if they get this right and make it appealing they could despite the high price attract the casual market which I think are looking for something new.
Sounds like the same arguments for increased sales in the US and that is because they are. What will be interesting I think if the two areas brand loyalty and quality can challenged by Microsoft. I think the product has the potential cartainly they have more to play for in the EU territory and I am not sure if it is Sony's to lose.
W.L.B.B. Member, Portsmouth Branch.
(Welsh(Folk) Living Beyond Borders)
Winner of the 2010 VGC Holiday sales prediction thread with an Average 1.6% accuracy rating. I am indeed awesome.
Kinect as seen by PS3 owners ...if you can pick at it ...post it ... Did I mention the 360 was black and Shinny? Keeping Sigs obscure since 2007, Passed by the Sig police 5July10.
