Is install base really that important for Nintendo IP?

[sc94597]

In my opinion what is important isn't purely install base, but rather an active install base. For example, an excellent - must buy game could be exclusive to the PS2 today, but its sales will be very limited, despite there being tens of millions of PS2's circulated out there. Why? People have put their PS2's in the closet/attic and its a hassle to get it out, dust it off, and get it in working condition. Many more don't have PS2 games on their radar anymore for the sole reason that they are PS2 games. This was true for the Wii at the end of its life. Many people moved on to other consoles/PC's, and there was a decline in Wii software sales because of this. The Wii U is an example of a platform with a high attach ratio. Why? The Wii U sells to people who are enthusiastic about it.