How well will the first week at $400 predict the future for XB1?

[3sexty]

dangerguy said:

jnemesh said:

dangerguy said:
Well, considering the last generation lasted at least 8 years and counting, I'll let you know around 2021.

And for the sake of factual historical data, the PS3 struggled for a long time, losing NPD for at least a couple years in row, but actually ended up surpassing the Xbox 360 in overall sales just recently. And like I always say, what the hell did it matter? Gamers had 2 awesome consoles and a lot of awesome games.

Yes, but last generation, the PS3 had the superior hardware (better build quality, blu-ray drive, rechargable batteries built into the controller, etc)...and gameplay was almost identical between the two platforms on multiplatform games.

This time it's different.  We have a console with good performance, and one that can't usually hit 1080p in most games.  You also have SIGNIFICANTLY less exclusives this time around on the Xbox.  Comparing the poor sales of the Xbox One to the initial launch of the PS3 is just plain dumb.  It's a whole new game, and it's Microsoft's game to lose this time.  You can talk about how well it will do 3 or 4 years from now, but if it continues selling at it's current pace, I am not sure that Microsoft's shareholers will be that patient.  I fully expect Xbox to be killed off or sold off if it continues to be outsold 3:1 for the rest of the year!  Understand that Microsoft's Xbox division has NEVER been profitable, EVER!  MS can only keep losing money on a product so long, and the Xbox's time is just about up.  The lackluster sales of the One may just be the final nail in the coffin.

I'm completely LOL'ing at your response. Here is the reality from each company's end of year quarter results:

Microsoft:

Microsoft has just announced record revenue and profits for Q2 2014 (calendar Q4 2013). On the back of strong Xbox One and 360 sales, and good growth by its commercial licensing divisions, Microsoft managed to bring in $24.5 billion in revenue and $8 billion profit.

Sony:

Sony Corporation reported its financial results for the financial year ending 31 March 2014 Wednesday. With a wide range of products and divisions reporting, and the numbers broken out to provide greater transparency, the stand-out number for many will still be the ¥128.4 billion (approximately $1.26 billion) net loss.

And your "nail in the coffin" phrase was exactly what people were saying in 2006/2007 about the PS3. And I don't understand how it's not different. You had a struggling console that after a couple years, finally turned around and has become huge. And the reality, Xbox One is selling perfectly fine, it's just that PS4 is exceeding expectations. This is a major, long term strategy for MS and they clearly have the cash to do it. After an epic 8 year blockbuster like the 360, they're not going to roll over and give up 8 months in or even 1 to 2 years in. This is a 5-7 year run, regardless of the results.  

Have to admit i lolled hard at this too!  One would have to have been living in a cave to not realise that the xbox has been more profitable in the last 5 years or so.  At a corporate level, its not even a question as to who will be around in 10 years or so..Liquidation is a real possibility for Sony.  Regarding the One strategy new CEO Satya Nadella has only recently strongly confirmed his commitment to the XBox One.  Think about it.  The console is way, way to integrated into the Windows eco system for Microsoft to even ever dream of offloading it or disbanding it.  Yes the PS4 at this pace looks to stay in the lead and remain highly competitive but only if the parent company can survive its very serious financial woes. Long story short XBOX one is going nowhere in a hurry - Microsoft are stuck with it, however well it does.  To say otherwise is fanboyish fantasy stuff.  Wii U on the other hand is almost guaranteed 3rd place and will really need to start looking at becoming viable, otherwise it will face oblivion.