Source: mweb.co.za
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Study shows why current-gen console owners chose a specific gaming device
A new study from Neilson Games uncovered some interesting results as to why current-gen console owners chose a specific gaming device. One of the most interesting facts the study reveals is about Xbox One owners’ extreme brand loyalty, when compared to PlayStation and Nintendo customers. Before you decide that I just hate on the Xbox, read through the facts. I am also not saying brand loyalty is wrong, or that every Xbox owner falls into the categories as described by the study.
Extreme brand loyalty
Nielson Games asked console owners, 13 years and older, for the top five reasons why they chose a particular current-gen system. The reasons for buying a certain console, specifically those of the Xbox One owners, are shocking.
The Xbox One owners’ first and most important reason for choosing the current-gen console is “Brand”. Not exclusives, not innovative features, but because it is an Xbox. Does it surprise you that Xbox One owners’ top reason for purchasing a gaming device is brand name? It should, because for both the PlayStation 4 and the Wii U, “Brand” is not even in their top five reasons. It indicates that PS4 and Wii U owners care less about a specific brand and more about features that actually make a difference. Shouldn't a product’s brand name not be the penultimate reason for purchase?
The importance of faster processing power
Third on the list of reasons why Xbox One owners’ chose Microsoft’s current-gen option is “Faster Processing Power.” As I understand it, the question was directed to why participants would buy the Xbox One over the PlayStation 4 or Wii U.
It is a widely known fact that the PS4 has more powerful hardware than the Xbox One, as I have shown before that not all consoles are created equal. One needs to look no further than a benchmark comparison made a year ago, which indicates that CPU performance of the PS4 is superior. Even with the Kinect-less Xbox One, Microsoft’s console can only catch up in pure CPU performance in certain situations and not surpass the PS4.
Furthermore, the PS4 uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM which translates to a memory bandwidth 176.0 GB/s while the Xbox One uses 8GB DDR3 RAM which translates to memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. Even the PS4’s GPU is superior to that of the Xbox One, offering 18 versus 12 compute units and 1152 Shader Cores versus 768. This doesn't mean that the Xbox One is a bad choice, but it does mean that the PS4 is the overall stronger machine.
Further findings in the study
The study further finds that most current-gen console owners are not newcomers to the console scene. Nine out of ten have previously owned a last-gen gaming device. Nintendo has the most loyal fan base, as 86% of Wii U owners are prior Wii owners.
Not far behind of the Wii U do Xbox One owners, with three out of four previously having bought Xbox 360. This does not come as a shock, as the top reason for purchasing the Xbox One was the brand name.
Additional information revealed is that the PS4 has done very well in capturing PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii owners. The PS4’s ability to capture a wide audience is due to “Better Resolution”, “Game Library” and “Faster Processing Power” according to the study. Furthermore, 66% of PS4 owners has a PS3, while 76% of Xbox One owners has an Xbox 360.
Closing Thoughts
In the defense of Xbox One owners everywhere, the study does not indicate just how big the sample size is. Therefore, not every Xbox One owner should now be treated as a delusional fanboy. However, the study shows a clear indication of why the average current-gen console owner purchased their particular gaming device.
So, guys, what do you think? 
