Microsoft can win this generation

[Dodece]

Yes it is possible everything is technically possible. Had this generation taught us anything its that the unexpected is fully capable of happening. Before this generation Nintendo was considered a dead console brand. Sony was considered a unstoppable juggernaut, and many thought the 360 would do worse then the original box. Basically nothing has gone as expected. So the possibility most definitely exists.

Basically the 360 isn't too far out of the race at this point they are only five million behind Nintendo at this moment. So catching up is possible all they need to do is find some way to really increase their sales, and for whatever reason they need Nintendo to start losing sales. That is actually possible if the novelty of the Wii begins to wear thin on consumers, and Microsoft can maintain a ample gaming steam roller going.

Microsoft needs to do three things. The first thing is keep the price of their console compelling. The lower the price the more consumers can buy the product. The second secure more high quality exclusive games for their console. Not only to make their console more attractive, but to deny them to the competition. Third maintain a strong advertising presence in all markets.

Right now in the near term I think Microsoft has its best chance to really run up sales and swipe the steam from competitors by making late April and early May their break out months. Right now it looks like their pricing will be very strong at that point, and they will have Grand Theft Auto. What they also need to do however is pour it on right after that launch. Hit the market with four or five other really good titles in a short time to create a powerful impression upon consumers.

I have said it before Microsoft should not only advertise Grand Theft Auto at this time, but they should also allocate some significant funds to advertise some of their older games, or games they haven't gotten around to advertising, or even advertise upcoming games for this year. That would create a strong impression upon undecided consumers.

Their Live silver plan is free. Their Live gold plan is not free. The problem isn't that Gold costs you as much as it provides no additional value for consumers beyond online play which is traditionally free if not superb. I would like to see more bonuses in play, and it becomes less of a issue. Give consumers a free game of their choice annually, give a free movie annually. Provide a couple free game expansions. Some free strategy guides would be wonderful as well. Live needs a little more girth beyond just online play.