Aielyn said:
$99 < $150. It's really that simple. While the PS3 will remain more expensive than the 360, the Wii will be cheaper. Those wanting a "HD system" will be as willing to buy a 360 as a PS3 due to price, at least, but those just wanting a cheap system will go for the Wii more strongly. Also, I should emphasise that a $99 Wii would sell strong to the end of the year. I made no predictions about what happens once the Wii U gets released - indeed, I'd suggest that a $99 Wii would sell strongly up until the end of the year (those buying the Wii U at launch will mostly already own a Wii), and then weaken. I can't see the Wii getting past 110 million without further price drops, because come 2013, it's not going to be selling very strongly at all, even at $99. You're right, the Wii has been affordable for years... those who haven't bought it yet, though, are probably the ones that thought that $250 was much too expensive, and that $150 after six years of waiting is still too expensive. $99 is getting into the reasonable range for such people. The issue for the PS3, however, isn't affordability, it's choice. No doubt you're questioning me saying that the 360 will be cheaper. I'm not referring to the $99 "deal" that they're offering. I'm referring to the fact that MS isn't going to allow Sony to have the cheaper console. MS can afford to lose money on their consoles and not even bat an eye, while Sony are in a tough financial position. If Sony cuts the PS3 price, expect a price cut for the Xbox 360 within a month. |
Nope, it really is not. The Wii's price is not an obsticle to entry and the system is closer to market saturation. The gimmick that once drew in large numbers of casual gamers has been replaced by the Kinect. The release schedule is barren and Nintendo does not support legacy hardware. A $99 Wii would be nowhere as near as popular as a $150 PS3.
