Console Maker’s New Years Resolutions
With 2008 now upon us, and the gaming industry recovering from a record year, there are a few things each company needs to take a solid look at heading into the New Year. While each console has been met with success to various degrees, there are always improvements that need to be made and there is no time like the present to tackle them.
Nintendo DS: Coming out of a landmark year, the Nintendo DS doesn’t need to work on its hardware sales so much as it needs to just try and maintain the insane level. Breaking all sorts of records, even passing PS2 lifetime sales in Japan, its a monstrosity that won’t soon be stopped. In all the hub-bub of casual activity, I feel a somewhat lack of titles aimed towards hardcore gamers. I may not do the majority of my gaming on a portable device, but in 2008 it would be nice to see more of a stream of high profile titles, that aren’t just watered down console versions or casual titles. We need more indepth experiences only offered on the DS. Not that there aren’t some already, but given the sheer amount of hardware moved, there could be more.
New Years Resolution – More high profile titles developed specifically for the Nintendo DS
Playstation 2: It may be an aging behemoth, but 2007 was certainly not the last of the Playstation 2 as we know it. It easily could have another good year or more left in it, if only Sony knows how to treat it just right. A shift is occurring towards the Playstation 3, and it certainly needs a lot of help, but I only hope this doesn’t mean the PS2 is fully stripped of all worthwhile software and resources in the process.
New Years Resolution – Price Drop to 100 dollars, don’t move on all dedicated resources
Playstation 3: The PS3 had a rough year, and this one will almost surely be better on the console, as second years often are. While there were some poor decisions, there have also been some pretty unexpected compromises. The PS3 is within the realm of affordability. We very well may see a third price drop within 2008, but at this point there are other issues to concentrate on. The PS3 does have quite a few interesting exclusives coming up, and there focus should be on getting those things out the door. Sony needs to demonstrate to third parties that it still has the desired console to develop titles on and unfortunately its running short on time to do that.
New Years Resolution – Focus on software and getting the consoles into as many consumer hands as possible.
PSP: The PSP sits awkwardly next to the DS, but it has actually done quite well for itself as a platform. The big problem doesn’t seem to be that people own the PSP, but that people just don’t see to be playing them. Software sales seem to be off for the hardware ration, and the only explanation is that people simply aren’t playing or buying new software. Sony definitely has the install base, but for the PSP they need to get a convincing reason for people to start playing their machine all over again. Some addicting online titles may be in order.
New Years Resolution – Get owners to pull their PSP’s out of the closet, dust them off and start playing.
Nintendo Wii: Despite being runner up to the Nintendo DS in sales this year, the Wii sure got all of the attention. The potential for the Wii at the moment is impossible to predict, and that’s because it still remains largely sold out and impossible to find. Until Nintendo can start meeting the demand, we can’t say how far the Wii will go. The more frustrated though consumers get with trying to find a console, the less likely they are to purchase one, so the Wii’s primary concern still remains production. Apart from that, given the install base third party support is still trying to play catch up. With a year of success behind us, expect a lot of 3rd parties to finally start announcing high profile titles, because as always, Nintendo is the only ones driving their platform. Not that is a bad thing, as Nintendo’s level of software quality still goes unheard of, but more variety would be nice from some outside contributors. Hopefully third parties can at least contribute somewhat more in the future. In truth, Nintendo really needs to get some of the Japanese publishers on their side, and with both consoles outperforming Sony, they shouldn’t have much trouble doing that.
New Years Resolution – Increase production, work on 3rd party support.
Xbox 360: This is the one company that doesn’t really need to work on getting more software, they definitely have had and have high profile titles coming from everywhere. 3rd party support is strong on the 360, certainly with a little help from Bill Gates wallet. For 2008, the Xbox brand really just needs to focus on some key factors, such as becoming sustainable (actually making profit for once). The 360 could use and probably will see a price drop. Even though it had something minor in August, the price still is a bit expensive for mass market, something the Xbox really needs to start tapping into. In the same realm, the 360 does need to start countering with more casual gaming efforts. Titles in the realm of Guitar Hero and Rock Band that appeal to a wide audience, without scorning the majority of Xbox owners (hardcore gamers) are something they should strive towards.
New Years Resolution – Make a Profit without Halo, Increase Casual Appeal