Being that there exists minimal market research on this topic (from all that I have found, that is), it’s hard to provide much of a definitive/objective answer as to whether — contrary to conventional thought — consumers purchasing one video game system actually helps other video game systems sell better. So, I will open the question: How much do you believe video game hardware competes versus complements?
Here’s a testimonial example: Prior to Nintendo Switch, I was very disinterested in video games, choosing only to purchase the latest Skylanders game that would release during the holidays. With the release of Zelda BotW, however, I would — as if over night — become a huge video game fanatic. For the longest time, this fanaticism was solely fixated on Nintendo products, but as time went on, my interest in Nintendo would eventually evolve into interest in the entire industry. Seeing the release of heavy-hitting titles such as God of War (2018), SpiderMan, and Read Dead Redemption, I would make it a priority to get my hands on a PS4 system (which I would eventually obtain as a Christmas present during 2019). Hence, the success of Nintendo Switch cinvinced me to purchase a PS4, and — in the long term — a PS5, XBSX, PSVR, and Steam Deck.
Another testimonial example: To elaborate on my disinterest in video games growing up… the games I was solely interested consisted of Luigi’s Mansion, Pikmin, SSBM+SSBB, SSX Tricky, and Super Monkey Ball; i.e., I was completely uninterested in Zelda, Mario, MarioKart, Kirby, Paper Mario, etc. Having fallen in love with these GCN classics, my parents would make it a priority to purchase a Wii back in 2008; hence, GCN complementing Wii figures. And, upon having learned about the DS, I would beg and plead my parents into putting down the money for a DS system (which I would eventually get for Christmas 2009 w/ a copy of Pokémon Platinum); hence, Wii complementing DS, and thereby providing a contradictory example to the theory of many on this site who claim that Wii and DS did not complement but in fact competed with each other.
Last edited by firebush03 - on 31 January 2025