MikeB on 10 July 2008
@ Sky Render
And I ask you this, as well: if technology matters to people, then why did the NES clean the clocks of its competitors' 16-bit systems, why did the PS1 dominate over the technologically superior N64, why did the PS2 completely own the market when both GameCube and XBOX outclassed it, and why is the Wii giving the PS3 and 360 a run for their money?
I think it's a combination of multiple factors, specifications (for those who tries to understand them), features and the most impressive games are important factors (else the premium wouldn't have outsold the arcade and the 60 GB wouldn't have outsold the 20 GB model, or gamers wouldn't upgrade their PCs to make a game look prettier/better running).
Also important are Games selection, Pricing, Brandname (/company image), Form Factor / Console Looks, Controls, Special Offers, Services, Localization efforts, etc.
I owned a Nintendo 64 for Mario 64, but I was disappointed by the games selection a few years down the road. Initially the N64 considerably outsold the PS1 taking equal timeframes if I remember correctly.
The original XBox was IMO bulky as well as ugly and the controller amazingly bulky. It was a consolized PC, I think some people may have thought: "I already own a more powerful PC". The PS2 seems to have had the best games selection, also many high profile exclusive games created by Sony Studios.
