As we know, both the Nintendo and Playstation brands have much more global appeal than the Xbox, but this generation Microsoft has done a great job putting a lot of variety into the 360´s library of titles....even if you dislike MS and the Xbox brand, you can´t deny they´ve done very well games wise and so far, out of the 3 current gen home systems, its library is the one that resembles the PS2´s catalogue of games the most.

Yet, even with all that, the brand just doesn´t seem really capable of taking off outside the U.S. and the UK...you think a very big part of that is due to the 1st impression left by the original Xbox as the 'shooter box'?

I mean, Nintendo´s real 1st impression was the NES..don´t have to tell you what it accomplished.

Sony´s 1st impression was the PS1...doesn´t need explaining either.

While MS´s 1st impression was that big box that was 'all about shooters' to so many gamers.

Now times have changed and the 360 leaves its older brother in the dust in the software department...it´s got a Devil May Cry, GTA, Final Fantasy, Tales, Star Ocean, main Resident Evil, Soul Calibur, Silent Hill, Mistwalker, etc...all released either at the same time as the more expensive PS3 or months before.

Games the original Xbox wouldn´t even dream of getting.

This is a strange scenario...the console with (arguably) the best variety and the best games is being outsold everywhere and expected to end up in 3rd place.

I know the RROD issue must´ve gotten in the way of the system selling more, but still, the 360´s library is reminiscent of the library of extremely successful systems from the past, yet it just doesn´t crack that 'ceiling'.

So, to end this...you think the 1st impression left by the original Xbox is still rearing its ugly head in so many gaming markets, even though the 360´s library is very varied and strong?

pointless thread

Consumer confidence is a fickle thing. For instance American cars developed a pretty bad reputation in the early 80's, and Japanese cars developed a good reputation. It's debatable now who makes the better cars, and has been since at least the mid-90's but there's still a widespread perception of American cars being much more unreliable.

People claim that it doesn't really matter all that much who's number 1 in the console race, but it does - due to the special nature of the business. When a console is #1 in sales it increases confidence directly through the logical assumption that the most popular console will have the widest selection of games available, and development will continue for a longer period of time.

I can see how it would be possible to have a perception of the X360 as the most popular but losing ground, increasing the likelihood of the release of a new console (thereby making your current "investment" obsolete). However, seeing a console like the PS3 which is gradually gaining steam would suggest that it's going to be around for a longer period of time. The Wii sales are just so high, and the development cost so minimal in comparison to the PS3/360 there's not much question of its continuation as a platform, especially considering Nintendo has a very good track record with backward compatibility (the Wii is more compatible with the GC than the PS3/360 with the PS2/Xbox, the DS is compatible with the GBA.

One issue might be with the PS3's choice of the Cell however. Being such a strange architecture, and the reported difficulty with development it's entirely possible that Sony might completely abandon it in the next generation - and it would be unlikely that it would be a realistic candidate for software BC if they return to a more traditional symmetric architecture.

@ollie

No need for you to post in it then.

Nobody, I repeat, NOBODY can mess with German cars. Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW even Opel > world.

But on topic: The Xbox brand is getting bigger and bigger. Nintendo is a company related to gaming, they have a really good reputation. Sony made its way in some time ago, when gaming wasn't that big. They build the Playstation brand for 15 years now. (When was the PSX released?)

MS entered 8 years ago when gaming was already pretty big. The Xbox360 outsold the Xbox already in Europe an Japan. Ms should be happy how this brand develops.

The only games that sell a lot are shooters though. All the best sellers on XB60 are shooters or include heavy shooters elements. The rest of the library just sells poorly comparatively. No wonder the perception is that it's still the shooter box.
Basically, it's the "console for PC gamers".
Besides, now they added "poor reliability" to the brand, which is not good at all.

Personally, IMO many Europeans won't EVER buy a MS product unless they are forced to (like Windows monopoly). They will always go with any other reasonable alternative. I will do the same, as well.

Unless, MS manages to buy/destroy Sony/Nintendo, I will never in my life buy a MS console. Ever.

...but I would buy one from Apple, if they would be a reasonable alternative

It's like anything really name recognition is the end game.

360 has certainly earned that in my opinion.

Mostly for good reasons I might add. (please don't say RROD).

If MS are willing to stick it out till next gen I don't think Sony will have the same advantage they had this time.

Just my take on it.