November 2008 NPD Thread

[bl4ckfl4g]

December numbers typically double from November but I doubt Nintendo can provide 4 million Wiis in N. America. That is just crazy.

I think the most important number in these stats is this.


PS3 Nov07 = 466,000
PS3 Nov08 = 378,000


I'm not actually predicting anything and I hope it doesn't happen but that 3rd year drop typically spells the end. Look at the Gamecube. Hopefully Sony will figure something out and right itself because no matter what spin is put on those numbers, that is extremely bad news.

I think Sony is pinning all their hopes now on Killzone 2 and it sounds like they may price drop to coincide with the release (honestly I think they need to drop sooner). It does look great but look at the Resistance 2 sales.

If Halo Wars sells more than Killzone 2, it is the end.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: randay
the playstation family outsells the xbox360 yet again!

That's like saying "Toyota as a whole outsold the Ford Focus!"

Originally posted by: Baked
Where are the sales figures for the original failbox and gamecube? Oh wait, they don't sell those anymore. PS2 wins the last gen console and game sales chart by default!

Guess they have to keep selling it since about the only way a PS3 owner is going to play PS2 games is either by getting lucky with the right system (not likely) or buying a PS2 Granted, M$'s BC support is pathetic as well. Kudos to Nintendo for making a system that claims to be BC and actually is...

The numbers don't surprise me much. GoW 2 sold a ton of copies, but I think that's gonna fall sharply as interest dies. (Hopefully) word about how glitchy and slow the game is will hit the consumer's ears and sales will fall, which will (hopefully) prompt Epic to patch their game. I for one haven't touched the game in probably 3 weeks, and that's pretty bad as GoW 1 is one of my favorite games. It's so...buggy.

I'm also surprised by how many more copies of W@W sold on the 360 than the PS3.

Any word on Fallout 3's sales numbers?

 

[Trader05]

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g
December numbers typically double from November but I doubt Nintendo can provide 4 million Wiis in N. America. That is just crazy.

I think the most important number in these stats is this.


PS3 Nov07 = 466,000
PS3 Nov08 = 378,000


I'm not actually predicting anything and I hope it doesn't happen but that 3rd year drop typically spells the end. Look at the Gamecube. Hopefully Sony will figure something out and right itself because no matter what spin is put on those numbers, that is extremely bad news.

I think Sony is pinning all their hopes now on Killzone 2 and it sounds like they may price drop to coincide with the release (honestly I think they need to drop sooner). It does look great but look at the Resistance 2 sales.

If Halo Wars sells more than Killzone 2, it is the end.

I agree. They had the price up because the blu-ray player was so expensive. I think they screwed themselves for not lowing the price in early November because now you can get Bluray players for around $200 and possibly with movies.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: Trader05
PS3 has had some pretty good deals and bundles lately, especially through amazon (Dark Knight BR and Resistance 2 for free).

Unfortunately that deal seems to be over. Those were some pretty good freebies, though.

 

[Oyeve]

PS2, just wow. I mean, WOW. Still selling. Other than the gameboy iterations the PS2 has got to be the overall greatest selling system ever made. And it was the weakest (technically) of that generation. Had the best games tho, so its just proves that its not all power and speed but good software.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: randay

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g
Haha luv this thread already. Keep em coming.

the entire playstation family essentially ties the xbox360 in sales yet again!

lulz

I still haven't made the choice between a 360 and PS3 yet, but that pesky $500 price tag is a major factor..

 

[oznerol]

Nintendo prints money. Install base. Price drop. Wow, can't believe the PS2 is still selling! Wii play is still on the list! 360 dominates software again, guess it's because PS3 owners only use it as a Blu-ray player. The 360 is for hardcore gamers - not that softcore gamer crap the Wii has. SKU. Price point.

 

[FuryofFive]

Originally posted by: Imp
I have a PS3, but with the price of the 360 so low, even I'm tempted to get one.

yeah man, i did.. i know it cost alot to own all 3. but now i get to choose from all 3 gaming libraries. if something is exclusive. i dont have to complain and throw out why i didnt really wanna get the game in the first place.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: FuryofFive

Originally posted by: Imp
I have a PS3, but with the price of the 360 so low, even I'm tempted to get one.

yeah man, i did.. i know it cost alot to own all 3. but now i get to choose from all 3 gaming libraries. if something is exclusive. i dont have to complain and throw out why i didnt really wanna get the game in the first place.

Yeah I'm still debating with myself whether or not to buy a used 60gb PS3. It is the only SKU I'd buy and I really want it but I don't really want to pay 430 dollars for a used PS3 that could break in 60 days. I think if Killzone 2 is really good, I'll get it.

 

[FuryofFive]

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g

Originally posted by: FuryofFive

Originally posted by: Imp
I have a PS3, but with the price of the 360 so low, even I'm tempted to get one.

yeah man, i did.. i know it cost alot to own all 3. but now i get to choose from all 3 gaming libraries. if something is exclusive. i dont have to complain and throw out why i didnt really wanna get the game in the first place.

Yeah I'm still debating with myself whether or not to buy a used 60gb PS3. It is the only SKU I'd buy and I really want it but I don't really want to pay 430 dollars for a used PS3 that could break in 60 days. I think if Killzone 2 is really good, I'll get it.

yeah i hear ya on that. i was all gung-ho about a used ps3.. then i just bit the bullet and bought a new one. i have a ps2 sitting near my ps3, so im not worried about missing out on my ps2 games. as soon as i stop being lazy and beat the current ps2 games i have. then id sell my ps2 once again heh.

id love to play resistance 2, if it wasnt for me being such a big PC FPS player.
i find myself more and more going more towards consoles.. i had this discussion with a fellow worker. just tired of going home and fighting to get the pc working to our liking.

were helpdesk, so we sit in front of computers. so thats not a problem. but we also get out late. like 630pm. it just works. im currently playing GOW1, so i can play GOW2.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Trader05

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g
December numbers typically double from November but I doubt Nintendo can provide 4 million Wiis in N. America. That is just crazy.

I think the most important number in these stats is this.


PS3 Nov07 = 466,000
PS3 Nov08 = 378,000


I'm not actually predicting anything and I hope it doesn't happen but that 3rd year drop typically spells the end. Look at the Gamecube. Hopefully Sony will figure something out and right itself because no matter what spin is put on those numbers, that is extremely bad news.

I think Sony is pinning all their hopes now on Killzone 2 and it sounds like they may price drop to coincide with the release (honestly I think they need to drop sooner). It does look great but look at the Resistance 2 sales.

If Halo Wars sells more than Killzone 2, it is the end.

I agree. They had the price up because the blu-ray player was so expensive. I think they screwed themselves for not lowing the price in early November because now you can get Bluray players for around $200 and possibly with movies.

Ya, the blu-ray integrated into the PS3 had a HUGE hand in Sony and their partners winning the HD format war, but unfortunately, it's cost them big time in the console wars. There just aren't that many exclusive games anymore to justify the huge leap in price between the cheapest 360 and the cheapest PS3. I'm just curious if Sony actually still wants to make an honest effort to get back into this generation's console war in the US and lose even more money doing it, or if they are content with where they are at and will ride it out until the PS4.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: FuryofFive

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g

Originally posted by: FuryofFive

Originally posted by: Imp
I have a PS3, but with the price of the 360 so low, even I'm tempted to get one.

yeah man, i did.. i know it cost alot to own all 3. but now i get to choose from all 3 gaming libraries. if something is exclusive. i dont have to complain and throw out why i didnt really wanna get the game in the first place.

Yeah I'm still debating with myself whether or not to buy a used 60gb PS3. It is the only SKU I'd buy and I really want it but I don't really want to pay 430 dollars for a used PS3 that could break in 60 days. I think if Killzone 2 is really good, I'll get it.

yeah i hear ya on that. i was all gung-ho about a used ps3.. then i just bit the bullet and bought a new one. i have a ps2 sitting near my ps3, so im not worried about missing out on my ps2 games. as soon as i stop being lazy and beat the current ps2 games i have. then id sell my ps2 once again heh.

id love to play resistance 2, if it wasnt for me being such a big PC FPS player.
i find myself more and more going more towards consoles.. i had this discussion with a fellow worker. just tired of going home and fighting to get the pc working to our liking.

were helpdesk, so we sit in front of computers. so thats not a problem. but we also get out late. like 630pm. it just works. im currently playing GOW1, so i can play GOW2.

Yeah I have tons of PS2 games and if possible I want to get the 60g so they can be upconverted to look better. If the used 60s are the same price in a couple months I think I'll get one

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Our Wii became the stereotyped dust gatherer many here sited it as. I sold all things Wii here in FS/FT last week. PS3 game time has been slipping too, must get Resistance 2, and get my PS3 game on. We still spend the most time on 360, but I have been falling in love with the PC again, installed XP pro after not having it on a system in quite awhile, and some of my old games. Ghost Recon e.g. is best on PC IMO.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
im currently playing GOW1, so i can play GOW2.

Don't break your neck rushing to GoW 2. If you take your time mayhaps they'll patch it up a lil' bit and you'll enjoy the experience more. SP works well enough, but if you plan on playing co-op or multiplayer you might run into some trouble.

 

[FuryofFive]

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
im currently playing GOW1, so i can play GOW2.

Don't break your neck rushing to GoW 2. If you take your time mayhaps they'll patch it up a lil' bit and you'll enjoy the experience more. SP works well enough, but if you plan on playing co-op or multiplayer you might run into some trouble.

well i rented GOW2 first, to play online with a guy from work. but since i wanted a couple games. i picked up gow1 for the backstory i guess.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: FuryofFive

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
im currently playing GOW1, so i can play GOW2.

Don't break your neck rushing to GoW 2. If you take your time mayhaps they'll patch it up a lil' bit and you'll enjoy the experience more. SP works well enough, but if you plan on playing co-op or multiplayer you might run into some trouble.

well i rented GOW2 first, to play online with a guy from work. but since i wanted a couple games. i picked up gow1 for the backstory i guess.

I was hoping for an Empire Strikes Back type of sequel, instead I got a Temple of Doom *technically a prequel I think*.

 

[Queasy]

CNN Money just called the PS3 a sinking ship.

(alleyinsider.com) -- Sony's (SNE) PS3 is dying on the shelves.

Alone among the three major videogame consoles, sales of the PS3 are down about 19% from November 2007, according to the latest stats from the NPD Group. Sony was only able to sell 378,000 PS3s this November, compared to 466,000 last year.

And the problem for Sony isn't the recession, it's the PS3. Microsoft (MSFT) put up respectable numbers with its Xbox 360, selling 836,000 units vs 777,000 in November 2007. And Nintendo's (NTDOY) Wii continues to dominate the market, more than doubling sales from 981,000 to 2.04 million.

So why is the PS3 flopping so badly?

1. It's the most expensive console on the market, $150 - $200 more than its rivals. Even if you believe the video game industry is "recession-proof" (it isn't), a tanking economy makes consumers more price-conscious.
2. The PS3's big bonus is its ability to double as a Blu-Ray player. Too bad no one seems to care about hi-def DVDs. The differences between Blu-Ray and DVD are hard to see on a TV less than 50".
3. The PS3 just doesn't have any must-have titles exclusive to the console. "LittleBigPlanet" has generated decent buzz but isn't a game-changer, and neither is Sony's new virtual world "Home."

There's really only one option left for Sony to remain in the game: deep price cuts, and not just for people with good credit. Tell yourself the PS3 has superior graphics if it makes you feel better, but a $400 console with a mediocre game library simply cannot compete against an Xbox 360 priced at $200 in this economy.

However, this article from efluxmedia (who?) is decidedly more upbeat.

A running joke in the early days of the Playstation 2 among its detractors was one about the ?hidden power? of the console. It was due to Sony promising that the system was capable of more than was showcased in the launch titles. Indeed later titles like God of War II, Final Fantasy XII and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater are a world away from the earlier Summoner, Tekken Tag Tournament and TimeSplitters. The games almost looked like they were from two different platforms; this in essence proved what Sony said.

It would seem that the old chestnut reappeared with the PS2?s successor, due to the fact that Playstation consoles are notoriously hard to develop for in the start. Time usually proves Sony right though.

So now, in the third year of its life, can the Playstation 3 prove its mettle? In terms of hardware, the PS3 has the advantage over its two competitors, but can that raw potential be harnessed into stunning visuals that the other consoles can?t match?

Let?s take a look at the evidence. Killzone 2 beta is here, for everyone to see, as well as some footage of Heavy Rain gameplay. David Jaffe was ecstatic over seeing a bit of God of War 3. It?s undoubted that Uncharted 2 will pop our eyes out (just like its predecessor), and in the same tradition of graphic impressiveness, so will Gran Turismo 5.

On the flipside, there?s not much in Microsoft or Nintendo?s 2009 releases that can match these heavy contenders overall, but concentrating on the graphics, we can cite these Xbox 360 titles as potential competitors: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and LittleBigPlanet vs. Gears of War II, Halo 3, Left 4 Dead.

All of these are graphically impressive, but which platform makes for better graphics, it?s up for debate.

Certainly some closure to the fan-fight will be brought next year when said titles are actually released. The same happened in the case of the Xbox vs. the PS2, eventually everyone had to agree that the Xbox was clearly more polished in terms of graphics, and generally sported better-looking games. Next year will bring the same sort of closure, one way or another, with the current generation of consoles.

From what we can see so far, odds are leaning towards Sony, because while most everyone agrees the PS3 has much untapped potential to draw on, the 360 conversely has plateaued, and unless unreleased titles for the latter can impress, the die seems to have been cast.

Analysts held the same opinion, even with the shoddy start the PS3 got off to. They agreed that the PS3 will eventually leave the 360 behind graphics-wise, and it looks like that time is at hand.

A lot could change in 2009, and that is something that everyone can safely agree on? We have a feeling the Xbox 360?s not licked yet, but until further evidence, the PS3 is now rolling smooth.

 

[zerocool84]

I have not jumped at all this generation. With the RROD debacle and PS3 not having enough games, I just play everything on my comp. I already played MGS4 on my bro's PS3 and I haven't touched my Wii in at least 6months. Only game I really had to play this gen was MGS4 and I already did that.

 

[DaveSimmons]

So why is the PS3 flopping so badly?
1. It's the most expensive console on the market, $150 - $200 more than its rivals. Even if you believe the video game industry is "recession-proof" (it isn't), a tanking economy makes consumers more price-conscious.

True, and Sony admitted they were going to lose this Xmas against the 360 in the US since they refused to compete with the 360 price drops.

2. The PS3's big bonus is its ability to double as a Blu-Ray player. Too bad no one seems to care about hi-def DVDs. The differences between Blu-Ray and DVD are hard to see on a TV less than 50".

Not really true. Even many 360 fans here have picked up a PS3 to use as a blu-ray player since it's currently one of the best. Blu-ray market share is slowly growing, and should see a jump after many people buy themselves HDTVs for xmas.

3. The PS3 just doesn't have any must-have titles exclusive to the console. "LittleBigPlanet" has generated decent buzz but isn't a game-changer, and neither is Sony's new virtual world "Home."

True, but this speaks more to trying to sell the PS3 at a higher price or trying to sell a 360 owner a second console.

If Sony decides to lose money again and drops the PS3 price -at least- $50, preferably with a game pack-in, their market share will climb again. Until then, they'll stay in a distant third place.

 

[Slew Foot]

2 million consoles in a month is absolutely freaking bat shit insane. Especially three years into a products lifecycle without a price cut.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
2 million consoles in a month is absolutely freaking bat shit insane. Especially three years into a products lifecycle without a price cut.

The Wii was released in November of 2006. It is now December of 2008.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Queasy

2. The PS3's big bonus is its ability to double as a Blu-Ray player. Too bad no one seems to care about hi-def DVDs. The differences between Blu-Ray and DVD are hard to see on a TV less than 50".

The person who wrote that article doesn't know what they are talking about. If you can't tell the difference between an upscaled DVD and a reference quality blu-ray movie on a 42" television, you need to have your eyes checked.

 

[herkulease]

From what we can see so far, odds are leaning towards Sony, because while most everyone agrees the PS3 has much untapped potential to draw on, the 360 conversely has plateaued, and unless unreleased titles for the latter can impress, the die seems to have been cast.

Who says this? People were like the 360 peaked in graphics talk started up last year with Halo 3. Again this year with Gow2.

I don't care what untapped potential the ps3 has. Unless they put some shit out that shows it its worthless to talk about potential.

Sony need to get off its ass and put up or shut up. If Gran Turismo 5 is going to be their killer graphics app then put it out already. Built in g25 support to while they are at it. I dunno if they'll even last till Christmas 2009 at the current rate.

Honestly I think the Sony people must be thinking everyone is sipping their koolaid. They repeat their potential spiel so many times they totally buy into it and are oblivious to everything else that going on. It seems clear to me that their whole Hype the shit out things with the ps2 isn't working with the ps3.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Originally posted by: blurredvision

Originally posted by: Queasy

2. The PS3's big bonus is its ability to double as a Blu-Ray player. Too bad no one seems to care about hi-def DVDs. The differences between Blu-Ray and DVD are hard to see on a TV less than 50".

The person who wrote that article doesn't know what they are talking about. If you can't tell the difference between an upscaled DVD and a reference quality blu-ray movie on a 42" television, you need to have your eyes checked.

post + username = :laugh:

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: herkulease
Who says this? People were like the 360 peaked in graphics talk started up last year with Halo 3. Again this year with Gow2.

I don't care what untapped potential the ps3 has. Unless they put some shit out that shows it its worthless to talk about potential.

Sony need to get off its ass and put up or shut up. If Gran Turismo 5 is going to be their killer graphics app then put it out already. Built in g25 support to while they are at it. I dunno if they'll even last till Christmas 2009 at the current rate.

Honestly I think the Sony people must be thinking everyone is sipping their koolaid. They repeat their potential spiel so many times they totally buy into it and are oblivious to everything else that going on. It seems clear to me that their whole Hype the shit out things with the ps2 isn't working with the ps3.

Seems to me like you're the one who's drinking the MS koolaid. Why did you continue to support MS when they allowed the hardware problem to roll over from the original Xbox to the 360? You know it has a ridiculously high failure rate, but you still bought it, even before they came out w/ the 3 year warranty to shut people up. It only took MS 3 fucking years to "fix" the RRoD problem, and they still wouldn't admit there's a hardware problem w/ their 360. You have people who are on their 5th or 6th refurb 360. If it were me, I would've sold the refurb unit the 1st time it came back.

Then MS went ahead and dropped mad money buying out exclusive JRPGs and DLC promises so they can keep people interested while they send out another RRoD 360 back to MS. How long did it take for that sweet GTA4 DLC to come out on 360? Oh, that's right, after everybody forgot about the game. How's that JRPG working out for you? Not so good according to metacritic scores.

So what if digital polyphony is taking their sweet time to come out w/ a polished product instead of some junk that's subpar and buggy as hell. If you can't wait for the full version like the rest of the ADHD kids, there's always GT5 P. Say what? It's too expensive for a demo? If you have no problem paying $60 for GoW 1.5, $30 is nothing for a taste of what's to come for GT5. Even as a demo, it looks and feels better than Forza 2. And guess what, you can play GT5 P with 2 decent wheels, Driving Force GT and G25, on the PS3. In addition, G25 is 100% compatible w/ GT5 P, there's no reason it wouldn't support GT5.

If you want a killer graphics app for PS3, you don't have to wait for GT5 full version to come out, there are plenty of them available already. Heavenly Sword, a PS3 launch title looks gorgeous. Have you played any of PS3's 2008 releases? MGS4 looks epic, its production value alone surpasses anything that came out on the 360. BioShock, an excellent port that was exclusive to 360 and PC that came out a year ago is one of the best looking titles on PS3. I don't know what people are smoking, but I thought GTA4's attention to detail were very well done. It's a shame people are so stuck up on the FPS craze, 'cause media molecule's LittleBigPlanet is truly one of the most innovative titles to come out in years, with awesome, albeit cartoony, graphics to boot. How about WipEout HD? That's some serious 1080p eye candy right there.