Current Game Plans of the Console Makers

[KBG29]

It is hard to say. All three of them look to have solid platforms in place.

Microsoft is basically turning Xbox into a highly optimized and easy to use Windows on TV experience. I like the idea of moving away from static generations. Bringing all Windows Apps to Xbox will greatly increase its value, and open it up to a massive audience. Then add on the ability to play Xbox games on any windows platform going forward, and I think they have put the Xbox in a solid position, where it will continue to be part of the Windows ecosystem for a very long time.

Sony is on the right path with so far. Moving into VR early is great, they have failed to move on new tech in music, music players, and TVs in the past, so it is nice to see them jumping on new gaming tech at the very begining. Again, I like the idea of moving away from static generations, no reason to hold people hostage on tech for 5 - 10 years, when free upgrades become available at every fab shrink. The expansion to TV and Music streaming gives them a bit of broader appeal, but they still need to do more. PlayStation is in the best position right now, but it all depends on Sony embracing it, and being willing to build the rest of its divisions up by unifing behind the PlayStation OS, PlayStation Network, and PlayStation Store.

Nintendo is is a great position with the Switch. Being built on standard mobile hardware they can easily reduce costs, and release revisions every year. By moving to a single unified platform, they will be able to deliver more titles, and higher quality titles going forward. They have a huge oppertunity going forward to bring massive growth to their company. Now they just need to capitalize.