They did remove the DRM didn't they? so why the fuck are people acting like it's big news

360 didnt set the world on fire at launch so its not a big thing.

I should hope so...

Anyone have pre-order data for 360, PS3, and Wii? Also for X1, PS4, and Wii U?

Be curious as to those numbers.

Let me guess. They saw Titan Fall. I would have pre ordered if i didn't have pc for it.

Good to hear. I want all three to do good. At least good if not great. 

Preorders for 360, PS3 and Wii was really low... not any close to be a big differencial at the time... it just that today is more easy and consurmers do more preorder than 2005/2006.

It is like.

Old: 200k preorders = 600k sales
Today: 500k preorders = 600k sales

PS. I made the numbers for example only.

Still gotta take into account how X1 is $100-200 more expensive then 360 skus and is going through a major PR disaster.Also 360 launched by itself....X1 preorders are competing directly with PS4 preorders.

Thats 3 major factors which make this news all the more positively surprising.

Well if people are losing their homes or have no work, then I don't think they are thinking necessarily where to get the best entertainment value ;)

I'm not saying that consoles arn't good value for money, just people have differing priorities.... people then tighten their belts. I think what with a bigger unemployment rate to the 18-25 year olds is also an issue for gaming. If these hardcore gamers are anything like I was at that age, they would be a massive area of gaming sales (I used to buy a game a week because my job was crappy when i was 18). Now if they are out of work, then they will most likely buy less games.

Add the recession into the fact this generation has gone on way to long, and you see many of this years games selling 20-25% less than their previous titles in the last few years, with a few exceptions, things have not gone great. We need a new generation to breed more excitement thats for sure.

We wont know for sure until early next year, but we dont have long to wait ;)

If you want to add things then you need to remember the 360 have the preorder cut off because the low production in 2005... MS stopped any retail do take preorders due that fact... just after early 2006 the supply channel get restocked .

PS. I was just searching for 360 preorder numbers in 2005 news and months before the the launch MS blocked the preorders of 360 consoles... Gamestop even give back the money to preorders buyers and didn't take any.

You know the masses in the lower-middle classes don't behave logically.....its the idea of vices and escapism.

Why do lower income families smoke when they clearly need the money going towards better things. Many families regularly buy beer, some more then what is necessary. And some just want to escape their lives, no matter what hardships they have, with whatever they can get their hands on.

Gaming is a form of escapism, and I know of people that struggle with money and school and yet buy a new game just so they can have a few nights of thinking about that game, and worrying about life the next day.

In short, gaming is recession proof. This gen has gone on far too long, which explains the downward trends. but otherwise, its becoming as essential as cigarettes and alcohal for some, despite financial woes.