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thismeintiel on 14 February 2012
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reviniente said:
thismeintiel said:
reviniente said:
thismeintiel said:
reviniente said:

The problem is, as I understand it, that VGC uses hard data provided by services like NPD to adjust their own numbers. Thing is, this two last NPD reports (Dec '11/ Jan '12) have been found questionable by several analysts and even VGC has decided to postpone said adjustments until they get a hold of what the hell's going on. I myself have no idea, by how many units the PS3 won 2011, if in fact they did, considering sold-through only.

Why throw in Dec '11?  I don't recall any analyst questioning those numbers and VGC has already adjusted to those numbers.  It's Jan '12 that people are questioning.  Though really, I find it quite ridiculous.  People have been using NPD for years, now all of a sudden, they can't be trusted?  People just need to face it that this gen is coming to a close.  The Big 3 know this, that's why they are getting ready for the next gen.

You don't find a December that's below November, and by a substantial margin at that, with no new hardware, rather odd? How 'bout software that, considering the install base, goes down in numbers and revenue to '04 levels? Doubting this info might not be that ridiculous if you ask me.

Black Friday went on longer in 2011 than it has in the past.  At some stores it started at 10 PM Thurs, and most others only 2 hrs later at 12 AM, when it normally starts early Fri morning (~5 or 6 AM).  This meant that A LOT more people came out for Black Friday, when many would have normally skipped out on it.  This caused more people to move there Holiday shopping to November, when usually they do it during December.  It was something I actually predicted, so it didn't really surprise me too much. 

As for the 2004 thing, that's a ridiculous comparison to begin with.  In January 2004, the PS2 was only about to turn 4 years old, while the Xbox and Gamecube were turning 3.  This year, the 360 will be turning 7, while the PS3 and Wii will be turning 6, so sales are naturally going to be dropping now.  Plus, there weren't any big titles in January to push SW sales any higher. 

Hmmm... Interesting. Do you expect, say February through May to be just as depressed YoY?

If January is anything to go by, probably.  Though, they may not be as bad YOY, since people will be getting back tax refunds in the US and may be more likely to do some console shopping.  Of course, MS may also finally do a price cut to help boost sales.  I don't see its affect lasting too long, though, as the 360 already has a $199 SKU.  A PS3 drop to $199 later this year would probably do more, but even that I don't expect to make a HUGE difference.  It's just that time in this gen.