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JWeinCom on 19 November 2017
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DonFerrari said:
AlfredoTurkey said:

I think comparing consoles of the same gen and relative launch window is fair but not different eras since there's too many variables. As for why I'm here? I am here for the conversations. It's not easy to find good video game message boards anymore.

So you only want to compare what you want? ok. your choice. Still, this thread is out of what you say interest you and is fair, so I ask again, what are you doing here?

JWeinCom said:
If they had the same kind of lifespan, I could see the Switch selling more. But, it's hard to think of a scenario in which that will happen. Sony tends to support their consoles longer in general, and Nintendo is launching 3.5ish year into the gen anyway.

And would you guess the reason Nintendo support their console for a shorter time is because it sustain its sale for less time?

Maybe, but it becomes a chicken and egg situation.  If you look at the Gamecube vs PS2 or the Wii U it's obvious that sales were the main factor.  But with the Wii vs PS3, it's not that clear.  Wii sales obviously slowed down quicker, but it's a chicken and egg kind of situation.  What were Nintendo's major releases past 2010?  Skyward Sword was the only legitimate system seller.  Aside from that, you had Kirby Return to Dreamland (and I love Kirby but it's not a system seller), and Xenoblade which was not even supposed to be released in the west.  2012's biggest release was Mario Party 9 followed by Rythm heaven. 


If Nintendo kept releasing major games, and kept up advertising, I'd imagine they could have kept Wii sales at above 10 million for 2012.  But, there are reasons they might prefer to simply release  new console.  I could go into it, but basically they just have a different business model.