Unfortunately, this situation does not look very good for MS in the region. One of the models was just reduced to the magical 199 price point and the highest model is cheaper than the PS3 40 gig. I would have expected a much bigger increase on this alone. Especially in the only MS-friendly territory of Europe.
It was only two days of the price cut in effect, but most retail sales do occur on the weekend, knowing from working retail myself. Don't most stores have a price-cut guarantee as well? They do in the US. Generally, price drops are very top heavy.
The PS3, MS's unarguably absolute direct competitor, still managed a 6% increase this week, while other consoles decreased in sales. There was no negative effect on the PS3 this week.
Patcher predicted only a 20% long term increase for the European region after the price cut. I thought he severely underestimated this. Now it looks like he may have over-estimated the trend, if he's taking the entire European region into account.
Although GTA4 will be the absolute confirmation of what I said, I think the 360 is just going to try to have to outlast the PS2 in the region, so it's not a complete embarrassment for them. North America now looks like their only stronghold, where the PS3 has been gaining alot of momentum.
"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY." --Hermann Goering, leading Nazi party member, at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials
Conservatives: Pushing for a small enough government to be a guest in your living room, or even better - your uterus.
