360 outsells Wii in U.S.? What the ...

[Dodece]

@super_etecoon

I hope you haven't garnered the opinion that I am saying that the console is in ready supply. That I most assuredly know is not the case. Some people undoubtedly are still having a hard time seeing them, and more importantly when they are not on the shelves they cannot compel a spur of the moment purchase. That said I am relatively sure there were enough Wii consoles on the market to have outsold the 360 if there was a serious concerted demand.

Casual consumers don't go hunting as much as they seize the opportunity. They are not put down by deferring a purchase another week, or even another month. There is this perception that the only thing stopping Nintendo from selling half a million units every week is the fact that they do not have them on the shelves. I seriously doubt any console will sell over a hundred thousand a week in North America for a couple more months.

Last week proves nothing of popularity other then who was more motivated last week. Hardcore consumers having finally trudged through the holidays depleting ready cash. Finally having the available cash put it down to buy a hardcore console which they have probably wanted for a few months. Meanwhile the casual console which saw a flurry during the holiday season is less in demand.

Casual consumers have a lot on their minds, and gaming is probably not high on their lists of must resolve issues. They spent a huge wad of cash on the holidays, and are in a lethargy. They have taxes coming up, and either have to pay out, or are happy enough to wait for a refund. They have the additional heating bills, and have to look towards unexpected expenses. Finally no more big expenditures on the kids.

Two very different mindsets while you might get me to make a large purchase in January it would only be something that I really wanted, or really needed to have. A lot of consumers are in this place, and honestly this week its the hardcore people the type of people that really had to have something that won out. I wouldn't say its a trend here during a break in the storm.

Anyway I am sure there were at least a hundred thousand Wii consoles on the market as I am sure there are a quarter million 360s, and I am sure there are probably a million PS3s. Supply constraints can hurt, but not fifteen thousand units worth of sales hurt.