Brandname didn't save the N64. It saved it from the pitiful sales of the GameCube, and Nintendo fans saved the GameCube from not selling anything. The same basic idea will happen to the PS3. It will sell well. Most likely 50 million. Because of brand. If Sony doesn't get their act together, PS4 won't sell as well as that though.
And I don't see what's different about it. The whole idea of business is to come in and sweep away customers. Brandname will effect some people, which is why you try to show why you are better than them. But brandname a lone won't save a system, since most gamers care about games, price, and quality of hardware.







