News has broken that Strategy Analytics are predicting the video game consoles business to drop by 19% in 2012, citing a downward trend worldwide. Strategy Analytics go on to present the PlayStation 3 as the most actively played gaming console. They also state that even Nintendo with their Wii U push will not be immune to this.

It’s possible that this data (if accurate) lead to a quicker deployment of next-gen console technology. On the other hand it could signal a shift to new formats. Check out the full press release below for even more interesting pieces of information:

“BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The global TV games console market will drop by 19 percent in 2012, according to the latest research from the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service, “Global TV Games Console Outlook: a Transitional Year Awaiting a New Wave.” The report projects a decline in global Xbox 360 sales 13.8 million units in 2012; and PS3 sales will also fall, to 13 million units. Nintendo is fully focused on preparing for the upcoming Wii U release; however, even the launch of the new Wii U will not save Nintendo, or the industry, from this downward trend.

“On the other hand, Xbox 360 appeals to a broader audience, as more consumers buy the Microsoft console for non-gaming as well as gaming functions.”

Additionally, this recent Strategy Analytics ConsumerMetrix survey shows that users of Sony’s PS3 games console showed the highest level of usage frequency, topping its two major competitors. Forty-four percent of PS3 owners use their console on at least a weekly basis, in contrast to 40 percent of weekly Xbox 360 users and 30 percent of Wii users.

“Last year, Xbox 360 sales beat PS3 globally, despite its relative weakness outside the US. However, Strategy Analytics research indicates that PS3 is slightly more popular among core gamers than Xbox 360,” comments report author, Jia Wu, Director in the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service. “On the other hand, Xbox 360 appeals to a broader audience, as more consumers buy the Microsoft console for non-gaming as well as gaming functions.”

“Sales figures alone do not determine winners in this generation’s console competition,” adds Kantideep Thota, Analyst at Strategy Analytics. “Wii has sold the highest number of games consoles cumulatively; but Sony’s and Microsoft’s advancement in online game distribution and cross-platform integration grants them higher user engagement and a solid foundation for the next generation console war.”

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Most likely yes, because you know, N/A=the world, yurp and the land of dragons don't matter.

Well I doubt this survey only consists of NA data as the 360 greatly outsells the PS3 in that region. If it does though the results are odd to say the least.

"Last year, Xbox 360 sales beat PS3 globally, despite its relative weakness outside the US."

So, does this research prove XBOX360 was the best selling console worldwide in 2011?

wonder what the questions were in the study and how they came to the results. But they do not state that the ps3 is played the most. They do not say which console is played the most at all, just how frequently people play, but not how long. Unless I'm mistaken. Kind of weird.

"Additionally, this recent Strategy Analytics ConsumerMetrix survey shows that users of Sony’s PS3 games console showed the highest level of usage frequency, topping its two major competitors. Forty-four percent of PS3 owners use their console on at least a weekly basis, in contrast to 40 percent of weekly Xbox 360 users and 30 percent of Wii users."

In 2010 (i hope i remember correctly), this company cited that the active install base of PS3 had surpassed Xbox 360 worldwide and at that time, we, 360 fans, didin't trust their survey. Now things is turning. They said Xbox 360 was the best selling console in 2011 despite weaker sales out of US and PS3 fans don't want to trust this survey.

My question: Is this research company a kind of survey specialist in gaming industry? If not, their research will be odd. I prefer to trust IDG, GFK, NPD, EDAAR and so on.

hers what i say COD,MW3, and Battlefield3 sold more on the 360,and most multiplatforms sell more on the 360 most of the time,so as to which machine is bieng used for gaming more then yeah the 360.if im wrong fine im willing to admit when im wrong but thats how i look at things


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I dont know but this is very dodgy indeed.

“On the other hand, Xbox 360 appeals to a broader audience, as more consumers buy the Microsoft console for non-gaming as well as gaming functions.”

What? And software (Both digital and hardcopy) beat Ps3 yearly.

But I guess this backs up MS's claim. 

"This report comes weeks after Microsoft’s announcement that more people watch videos than play games on the Xbox 360 as the company gears the console as a home media center."

most likely based on shipments, as that is the industry standard to determine sales

Yeah this data is odd. PS3 sold slightly more than 360 last year, Microsoft jumped the gun when they announced 360 did. I don't doubt that people are buying 360's for non-gaming reasons, but PS3 is better for that and everyone has agreed. Who hasn't heard of people buying the PS3 just for blu-ray? I don't hear the same for 360. Hey let's buy an Xbox and pay for online so we can use netflix on our TV...doesn't quite have an appeal. Chances are gamers are starting to use it more for non-gaming purposes. PS3 has Blu-ray, larger HDD, no online fee, internet browser, several media apps, easy music/photo/video menu. It's just made to do those things efficiently. 360 has been a mixed bag, changing UI's. It's had growing pains. It has the media apps, but it is still clouded by their online pay service. If someone is getting a system for non-gaming, they should get the PS3, hands down. If both? Pick your poison.

As for frequency of play? Who cares, that narrow data is meaningless and the percentage error is probably high. The only thing to take from that is the poor Wii's frequency of use, but it isn't a surprise, I've heard of so many people buying Wii's just to have their charm wear off. And they aren't as great non-gaming devices as the other two, despite having a web browser over the 360.