Analysts are saying 2008 will be the year of the PS3, and there's some even that believe that when the PS3 drops in price, it will make the Wii start bombing. I doubt that considering the Wii has a decent line-up for 2008, but I do think PS3 will have a much better year this year, though.
The question was posed in EGM: Is the Wii's momentum going to last?
"I think the Wii's momentum lasts until the PlayStation 3 is under $300, so another year." Wedbush Morgan Securities Financial Analyst Michael Pachter
"Yes, and it's possible that the Wii will be one of the hottest holiday gifts of 2008 as well as 2007, which is fairly unique situation historically and partly the result of the current supply/demand imbalance. By then, there will be a plethora of new games and peripherals such as Wii Fit. It's also possible that there will be a pricing adjustment by then and even new hardware SKUs." Entertainment Fund Management President Ted Pollak
"Yes, I still think the Wii offers the most appealing console to the widest audience in terms of price, innovation, and accessibility. With more third-party software becoming available, increased production, and the [release of] Mario Kart, [it] should mean the momentum will last throughout 2008." - KBC Financial Analyst Hiroshi Kamide
The question: With a lineup that includes the likes of Killzone 2, Final Fantasy XIII, and Metal Gear Solid 4, will 2008 finally be Sony's year?:
"I think Sony will make great strides in 2008. Killzone 2, Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet, Final Fantasy XIII, and a number of other titles will help stimulate sales. Additionally, a number of peripherals such as the PlayStation Eye and its associated titles will give the console a boost. I am also running into people who have purchased the PS3 for its Blu-ray player--with gaming as a secondary motivation--and that's another element to consider." Ted Pollack
"2008 is definitely Sony's year. And I'd throw Grand Theft Auto IV into the mix, given that it's considered a PS2 owner's [franchise]. Also, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue should sell some consoles...." Michael Pachter
"No--Sony will do better in 2008, but with exclusive software becoming more of an exception than the rule, things will still remain difficult. I think, however, that the industry will begin to see the 'potential' of the system after the release of MGS4. But it'll remain a distant third in the current cycle." Hiroshi Kamide
Question: Does the departure of developer Bungie and EA buying Bioware (which primarily made Xbox and 360 titles) mean that Microsoft's first-party business is collapsing?:
"I wouldn't say it's collapsing. I think with Bungie's departure, Microsoft is now free to spend money on new intellectual properties and riskier projects, which is both challenging and potentiall rewarding from a profit-margin standpoint. This is also good for gamers, because we like fresh experiences." Ted Pollak
"I think Microsoft's first-party lineup is weakening, but I think that exclusives like Splinter Cell: Conviction will keep them going for another year. They also have the resources to sign third-party exclusives." Michael Pachter
"This is a setback, but Microsoft has enough resources and an attractive business to entice other studios to come onboard." Hiroshi Kamide
