The Nintendo Revolution - was it worth it?

[Asher]

I know you like that metric since it makes the Xbox look better, but % of total console sales seems to be a better measure of which console "won" the generation.

That really does make little sense, since vast majority of the money is made in game sales. In fact, game sales are why these consoles exist. They're the whole point.

Most companies lose money on the hardware, so using how many units they sell of hardware as the metric is really missing the point.

[z4ckdabeast]

It doesn't matter if it sells well. The Wii still sucks. It is only fun if you are over 60 or under 12.

[Riesstiu IV]

Maybe the Wii is fine and it's just you who sucks.

[Drake Tungsten]

Most companies lose money on the hardware

Does Nintendo lose money on the Wii?

[Asher]

Most companies lose money on the hardware

Does Nintendo lose money on the Wii?

No, and MS doesn't lose on the 360 either anymore.

But the metric is not how many units you sell, but how solid the gaming platform is as a whole. The ultimate factor here is game sales, of which install base plays a role...but it's a function of install base * frequency of purchase as a product, not just hardware install base.

[Drake Tungsten]

I'd love to see a comparison of Nintendo's overall profit on the Wii (hardware sales + their cut of game sales) vs Microsoft's profit on the 360. I'd guess that Nintendo is beating MS handily in that metric.

[Felch]

The DS won its generation. It's a far better gaming system than the Wii.

[Asher]

I'd love to see a comparison of Nintendo's overall profit on the Wii (hardware sales + their cut of game sales) vs Microsoft's profit on the 360. I'd guess that Nintendo is beating MS handily in that metric.

Undoubtedly they are. But by that metric, Nintendo won last generation as well (even over Sony).

Nintendo always makes a profit on its systems, usually more than the competitors. They never, ever sell hardware at a loss while the other companies do.

The PS2 was the dominant platform last generation by far. This generation is even more weird because there's a clear divide between the Wii userbase and the actual gamers.

I refuse to count Wii Sports, Wii Play, or Wii Fit in any metric that determines gaming success...and they are the reason the Wii is successful.

[Seedle]

It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a different kind of gaming experience than offered on PS3 or 360, it's great. If you want killer apps, it sucks donkey balls.

Also: Haven't been around much, so just noticed Riesstiu's new avatar. That, sir, is awesome, and if this board had cookies, I would give you one. I guess a slice of bread will have to suffice.

[Drake Tungsten]

Undoubtedly they are. But by that metric, Nintendo won last generation as well (even over Sony).

Nintendo quite obviously has the best business model of the three, then.

[Asher]

Undoubtedly they are. But by that metric, Nintendo won last generation as well (even over Sony).

Nintendo quite obviously has the best business model of the three, then.

Objectively, of course. It's a cash machine.

They've far and away won the war in terms of profit generated. They have for many years, even before the Wii.

In terms of building a vibrant gaming ecosystem, they've failed for just as long.

[Drake Tungsten]

Building a "vibrant gaming ecosystem" isn't the goal of a gaming company/division. The goal is to generate profits.

[DrSpike]

Give it time - Asher has only just got used to admitting that Nintendo's ploy this generation to focus on a broader and less traditional set of gamers was very smart. It'll be another year or so before he really comes around.

More broadly the 360 is the clear winner in terms of breadth and quality of games available, and arguably a narrow winner in terms of performance too.

[Asher]

Building a "vibrant gaming ecosystem" isn't the goal of a gaming company/division. The goal is to generate profits.

Never said otherwise.

Gamers judge winning by evaluating which platform is building the best gaming platform. The one with the most enjoyable games.

As I said, if you're going by profits as your metric the GameCube won last generation.

[Asher]

Give it time - Asher has only just got used to admitting that Nintendo's ploy this generation to focus on a broader and less traditional set of gamers was very smart. It'll be another year or so before he really comes around.

You're a liar, DrSpike. I've said it for a long time now it's been smart for them not to compete directly with the other boys and go after people who don't know any better.