While I can't disagree with this thread from a purely financial perspective across this entire generation, I think there are factors that are difficult to measure. To name a few by example; last generation the gamecube was my first console and later the ps2. This generation Nintendo lost a sale to me early on, and while they may have gained a new market, I am almost certain that market will be temporary and it will have cost them steady consumers in the future.
The same can be said for Microsoft's actions in the last two years chasing that same market at the expense of their core consumers. While Sony has also pursued this market, they have not done so in a manner that alienates their existing market. To me, Sony, moreso than the other two companies, have learned to appreciate their consumers (likely the direct result from the backlash of the $600 price tag).
Unfortunately, the effects of their actions will not entirely be felt toward the end of this generation since the lost ground was simply too steep to make up. I do not feel that Sony is in such bad shape for the coming generation or that MS and Nintendo are in any better shape. Honestly, I believe the ground that Nintendo and MS gained will be a double edged sword for them as many of those who purchased their console will have been left with a sour taste and more hesitant to purchase other consoles from them in the future.
Furthermore, their recent actions in maintaining the price of the Vita and PS3 hopefully demonstrate that Sony will not drive themselves into the ground with pricing in the future. This is a valuable lesson to be learned and will ensure that even if Sony doesn't return to dominance they will still remain quite relevant.
How do you breathe again?
