Console sales comparison

[Smack500]

I made a new thread for this, because I was going way off topic on another thread.

At either rate, several of you claim nintendo sales loads of systems, and software. Heres a comparison of sales from january 2005.

($150)Playstation 2: 490,002
($150)Xbox:242,375
($100)Gamecube:112,327

I can post previous months as well, if you wish but there not much diffrent.

Total sales world wide (may not be fully acurate)
Playstation 2: 81,390,000
Nintendo Gamecube: 18,030,000




Top 20 Game sales in america. Sales from the week of febuary 26th.

1) Mercenaries
2) Sonic Mega Collection Plus
3) The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
4) Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
5) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
6) Need for Speed Underground 2
7) The Simpsons Hit & Run
8) Ace Combat: Squadron Leader
9) UEFA Champions League 2004-2005
10) World of Warcraft (PC)
11) FIFA 2005
12) Pro Evolution Soccer 4
13) The Incredibles
14) Sonic Heroes
15) Mario Power Tennis (GC)
16) The Simpsons Road Rage
17) Football Manager 2005 (PC)
18) Call of Duty: Finest Hour
19) Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
20) Shadow of Rome (PS2)

Only one gamecube exclusive game in the top 20, and its 15th. Not to mention, that just happened. There was none for weeks before this.

 

[Gray Fox]

I have no idea why people keep buying the ps2, I mean it's relativly the most expensive by far, whats wrong with them don't they know they're beeing screwed. Goddam these are probably the same people who would buy the apple I-Pod.

 

[Smack500]

I also saw this same description on several sites selling the gamecube, for those of you who continue to say the cube is not aimed at kids.

"This is the best choice for kids or those who prefer less violent games. GameCube has the most coveted proprietary titles, based on Nintendo's extensive character library: Metroid, Mario, Kirby, etc. The GameCube's controller is also smaller than its competitors', making it more suitable for small hands. It's $50 cheaper than Xbox or PS2, but can't play DVDs. Also, unlike the PS2, the GameCube isn't backwards compatible with games for Nintendo's previous systems."

 

[Gray Fox]

That doesn't matter, it costs 100,- thats an incredible amount of power for your money, but any case if more people boght it more games would come for it.

 

[Warbie]

The PS2 has clearly sold more than any other of the next gen console.

But when you take into account the Gameboy, GBA, DS, GC etc you'll soon realise that Nintendo sell a crap load of hardware. They also develop and sell many, many games each year (including some of the best titles around) Name one other developer that can compete with their yearly output - in terms of hardware and software.

World wide the GC has sold more than the Xbox. Not that this matters. Units sold is no indication of quality.

Lastly, that description of the GC is one of the most ridiculous things i've read in while. Sadly enough, this isn't an uncommon view. Still, it's complete shite - which anyone with the slightest familiarity in gaming will know full well.

 

[Alig]

I have no idea why people keep buying the ps2, I mean it's relativly the most expensive by far, whats wrong with them don't they know they're beeing screwed. Goddam these are probably the same people who would buy the apple I-Pod.

Because quite frankly, you get screwed buying a gamecube or xbox as well...all 3 systems are complete and utter wank (in terms of hardware) so the only thing that matters is software and PS2 has quite a massive range of games that wipe the floor with xbox/gamecube and even PC games.

 

[^Ben]

Are those sales world wide or only north america?

I can name 1 decent xbox exclusive series.

Halo.

And for the PS2 you have GTA and the MGS titles.

And then you have the inter console titles like burnout.

And then you look at what the gamecube has.

 

[Alig]

I still get mythed why Halo is so good but meh, don't care about that, it is one of the (for some reason ) good xbox exclusive games.

PS2 has Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid and GTA (for quite a few months exclusively).

 

[^Ben]

Worldwide Hardware Sales (End of 2004)
PlayStation 2 - 81.39 million
Xbox - 19.9 million
GameCube - 18.03 million
Game Boy Advance - 65.74 million
Nintendo DS - 2.84 million
Sony PSP - 0.51 million
N-Gage - 1.3 million
PSone - 101.73 million

I forgot about Final Fantasy.

Didn't realise PSone was still going THAT strong.

 

[Warbie]

.... and Ico The sequal to which looks really good.

imo the PS2 still lacks exciting exclusives. The FF series has definately being going down hill, as has MGS and GTA (imo) These are fine games, but the originality isn't there any more, nor is the excitement.

What the PS2 does have is a great library of diverse games. There's something for everyone, which is why it's the mainstream console of choice. Jack of all trades, master of none (but pretty good at most )

 

[Smack500]

World wide the GC has sold more than the Xbox. Not that this matters. Units sold is no indication of quality.

Wrong you need to check your info again. Also name some gamecube exclusive titles that have goten high (above 9.2) ratings from major reviewers.


You can get mad and call descriptions like that crap all you want. However I even saw a high up nintendo official on techtv saying they were trying to corner the childrens video game market.

 

[^Ben]

Xbox - 19.9 million
GameCube - 18.03 million

 

[Cole]

Wrong you need to check your info again.

No warbie is right.
Worldwide it has.
Not in the U.S.
But in Japan and other places its quite a diffrent story.

 

[Warbie]

I have read hardware sales reports that say otherwise. The figures all state the Xbox and GC sales are close either way (but what do sales matter?? By that reasoning the Spice Girls must be a fantastic band :/)

There's plenty of GC titles that have received good reviews - Wind Waker, Metroid 1 & 2, F-Zero, Resident Evil, Paper Mario 2, Tales of Symphonia are all very decent. There's more that I enjoy and play regularly - but there's little point naming them all here.

If you look at any system you'll find that there are actually very few great titles - but usually loads of good/ok ones.

 

[gh0st]

GC sucks. Thats my contribution to this thread.

 

[Warbie]

GC sucks. Thats my contribution to this thread.

And a well thought out and valuable one it is too :thumbs:

 

[Gray Fox]

Because quite frankly, you get screwed buying a gamecube or xbox as well...all 3 systems are complete and utter wank (in terms of hardware) so the only thing that matters is software and PS2 has quite a massive range of games that wipe the floor with xbox/gamecube and even PC games.

Howso, the gc is small and powerfull, the dvd is not necesairy, cause for an extra 50,- you can buy a better dvd player then what the ps2 has to offer, and the librabry of games for the gc is big enough to satisfy anyones taste. Besides even if it does have a bigger librabry, it still does not justify the rediculusly high price, even a moron can see that he is beeing screwed over.

 

[VirusType2]

Basically if you see the direction the different companies took, you will see why all 3 are successful. They didn't fight for eachothers money. Each company had a certain age group they were aiming for, and they got it.

the Game cube advertised to the younger crowd, and used teh fact that the game boy advance can connect to the GC. Nintendo has always tried to make a gaming machine that would not fall outside of $200 the highest price most parents would likely pay for a "toy" I have heard nintendo executives say this in interviews, that they want to make sure their machine is a toy, if people wanted to play games with adult themes they should be using a PC or whatever. They have always been against companies making games that are violent and mature for their system. They refused BMX XXX, they forced companies to remove blood from thier games in the past, but they have gotten more leniant in recent years, alowing games like Mortal Kombat to do thier thing, since now we have a Rating system that will not sell these games to minors.
However I know alot of adults that prefer the colorfull, non-violent games the GC has.
EDIT: Especially adults with children in the house

The PS2 advertised towards teenagers 13-19. This is evident in every single PS2 game advertisement you would see on the T.V.

and the Xbox advertised towards adults. 17-35 years old
If you were to see any of Xbox's live advertisements they show grown men who looked to be about 23, having a good time talking on thier headset playing the latest sports and M rated games online. Making it seem cool and easy.

But in japan, the xbox was pretty much a flop becuase of their age bracket. In japan it was reported that most Japanese feel that the xbox is basically a PC that cannot be upgraded, why buy an Xbox when they already have a PC? Especially when Microsoft decided to put Halo on the PC.

People bought a GC specifically to play the specialty games that Nintendo makes.

 

[Smack500]

virustype 2 I agree with just about all of that. Thats the only point I was trying to make, the gc is geared towards a younger audience. Several gc fanboys refuse to admit it, when its there clear as day. Theres nothing wrong with it, but dont try to tell me diffrently its just agrivating.

As far as the ps2 though I think its geared for everyone, 4-50. While the xbox has try to get in more with the older crowd.

Also If I didnt mention it I bought a gamecube recently, and bluntly I can say only because of RE4. Although now that I have it Ill keep a closer eye on the game selection.

I have access to an xbox even though, I dont own it. The only games I really played on it was halo 2, and ninja gaiden. I played halo 1 on the pc.

The playstation 2, I have tons of games for. MGS, silent hill, GTA, Gran turismo, etc.

 

[smwScott]

PS2 is by far the best console of this generation, simply because of game selection.

Coming in at a reasonably far second in my opinion is Nintendo, because I generally don't care for most of the games they make and third party support is fairly poor. Rare, one of my favorite developers, seemed to go downhill pretty fast after the N64, then they got bought out by MS and now mean little more to me than another development company.

Dead last is definitely X-BOX, without exception I can get better versions of every game I would want to play for my PC. The console has almost no exclusive titles (maybe among the other consoles, but not for PC). If you have a PC, I would have to say owning an X-BOX is just redundant.

 

[Warbie]

Several gc fanboys refuse to admit it, when its there clear as day. Theres nothing wrong with it, but dont try to tell me diffrently its just agrivating.

That's because it's just not true.

The difference is, unlike the PS2, the GC isn't geared towards teenagers. It isn't marketed in a 'cool' way either. But does not concentrating on young adult males make it a kids console by default? - of course not.

The GC is more popular in Japan than any other country - it's fans range from kids to old men. There is a strong and loyal fanbase for the the type of titles that Nintendo consoles cater for so well ('gameplay heavy') - especially the first party titles (which gain a great deal of respect and recognition in the industry) The games are as deep, as involving, and as entertaining as anything the PS2 has to offer (even more so imo. My ps2 gathers dust in the cormer, the GC gets played daily)

I'll always consider a title like GTA to be more childish than say Zelda or Metroid Prime.

 

[Warbie]

Dead last is definitely X-BOX, without exception I can get better versions of every game I would want to play for my PC. The console has almost no exclusive titles (maybe among the other consoles, but not for PC). If you have a PC, I would have to say owning an X-BOX is just redundant.

It's actually online where the Xbox shines. There's far more variety than the pc in this respect - it's also more convinient and user friendly.

In an evening i'll play Street Fighter 2 with my mates, then some Pes 4, then maybe some Halo 2. Sometimes we race in Burnout 3, or play doubles in Topspin Tennis. These are just a handful of titles picked off the top of my head - there are plenty of others.

You can't play these types of games on the pc (which is basically limited to rts, fps and mmorpg) Don't get me wrong, I love pc gaming - and have been playing in leagues/ladders in a clan for about 5 years now - but it's on a console where I find a better seclection of entertaining online games.

Who'd have thunk it??

(there's also the odd Xbox exclusive that really shines. Have a look at Jade Empire - it really does look special)

 

[VirusType2]

Xbox has alot of exclusives. Look at the top of the box it says "ONLY ON XBOX"

 

[Direwolf]

I'd sooner say that the GC is targeted at female gamers than at kids. Theres a difference between having a lot of non-violent content on the system and marketing SPECIFICALLY AND ONLY to children.
"Only On Xbox" is actually put on a lot of titles that are released shortly afterwards for other systems, and we're talking about top-tier exclusives, not just normal games.

 

[Smack500]

Warbie, I just want to know, if you dont think the creators from games like double dash, super monkey ball, super mario sunshine, etc werent trying to create a game mostly for children. Then what game was ?

Lmao let me guess barbies horse adventures is just as fun for men over age 30 is at as for girls under 12.

 

[VirusType2]

I'd sooner say that the GC is targeted at female gamers than at kids. Theres a difference between having a lot of non-violent content on the system and marketing SPECIFICALLY AND ONLY to children.
"Only On Xbox" is actually put on a lot of titles that are released shortly afterwards for other systems, and we're talking about top-tier exclusives, not just normal games.

I only own about 9 Xbox games and half of them are Only on xbox

Fable, Breakdown,Shenmue 2(never previously released in USA), Sega GT 2002, Sega GT online, then there are some like Morrowind and Colin McRae 2005, Capcom Vs. SNK 2 EO, which are not available for any other console. Also, MMORPG Phantasy star online and many other games have wonderful voice chat on the xbox.

I bought my Xbox for the same reason as many. The best console graphics, sound, and lots of PC like games, without all the headaches and compatablity problems or spending several thousand on a PC. It's got a broadband modem and It's great buy for 150$ or whatever, mine came with like 3 games which basically means the console was free. To top it off it has the best controller and you never need to buy a memory card becuase it has a built in hard drive

EDIT: Another cool thing about the Xbox is that not only does it have most of the 3rd party games (games like Need For Speed Underground 2)that came out for all the other consoles it has games that are ported from the PC, that aren't available for the other consoles.(like Morrowind)
the Xbox will not go away.

 

[Warbie]

There's no need for that Smack.

I think Double Dash is a poor game, but don't think it's geared directly towards children. Monkey Ball certainly isn't a kids game (especially the first in the series - you have no idea how much skill and practise it requires. A truly mamoth challenge, and more rewarding than anything i've played on the PS2)

I wasn't a fan of Mario Sunshine - but consider Mario 64 to be one of the best games ever made. Quality like this appeals to all ages - to dismiss it as a kids game is being obtuse in the extreme (it is one of the most respected and studied video games ever made - fact)

Apart from the titles obviosuly directed towards children (usually the 'educational' ones) there are few games that I consider to be for kids. Many of the most shallow and mind numbingly boring titles i've had the misfortune to play have been heavily geared towards an 'adult' audience (ironic when you think about it) Many of my favourite games, which have proven to offer challenge and a surprising amount on depth, you'd probably write off as being immature.

(What do you think a mature game is? Splinter Cell? Counter Strike? Deus Ex? Rome:Total War?)

At the end of the day, a games content isn't the important thing - it's whether it's good or not. I don't care if i'm playing a fat plumber jumping on koopas or a gun weilding loony blasting off limbs - aslong as it's fun.

 

[Direwolf]

I only own about 9 Xbox games and half of them are Only on xbox

Thats kinda the original point we had here. The games most people buy are the ones that are exclusives, such as those. I own an Xbox myself, but it did happen to be the last of the three systems I purchased simply because there wasn't an XBox-only title that made me need the system until Halo 2 was released.
And I think I'll have to go with Warbie. The number of truly kid-oriented titles out there is miniscule. What you have are a lot of kid-friendly titles, which are appropriate for them AND EVERYONE ELSE.

 

[smwScott]

I do care. I like games that are not made to appeal to the most generic audience possible. I like games not made with the intentions of offending absolutely no one in the hopes of getting as many people to play it as possible. The games aren't soley geared towards kids, but they're made in the way that they are so that kids will be eager to buy them.

Mature games usually contain much more substance. Maybe not in the sense of extremely quick reaction times or challenging jumping puzzles, but more along the lines of a plot worth listening to, truly immersive environment, and make you actually care about whats going on. I will admit that Nintendo games are fun in the "pick up and play" kind of way, but the lack of a real point often prevents me from getting into the game for a long period of time.

Give me a game like Metal Gear, Half-Life, Max Payne, No One Lives Forever, Deus Ex, or GTA any day over anything Nintendo pumps out.

 

[Warbie]

Agreed Direwolf :cheers:

 

[VirusType2]

Another cool thing about the Xbox is that not only does it have most of the 3rd party games (games like Need For Speed Underground 2)that came out for all the other consoles but it also has games that are ported from the PC, that aren't available for the other consoles.(like Morrowind)

And I just want to say that Super monkey ball, whatever it is never got a chance or a glance from me but I have some friends in thier 30's that swear that game is a blast to play w/friends.

EDIT: all this talk about Xbox I have to go play Fable, that is an excellent game. If you have an Xbox and you like RPG's at all this game frikin rox

 

[Smack500]

Yes I totally agree scott. Who cares whats going to happen to mario and the princess? who gives a damn about meemee and aiai being able to stay together?

Those games you mention are fun for just sitting down and playing for an hour or so with friends. But theres no great story in those types of games, theres no real depth.

For the most part, besides mp, I like games with a good story. Keeps on my toes excited to see whats going to happen next to the character. EX. MGS,Silent hill, RE, HL 1&2, Halo 1&2, etc,etc.

 

[Warbie]

I do care. I like games that are not made to appeal to the most generic audience possible. I like games not made with the intentions of offending absolutely no one in the hopes of getting as many people to play it as possible. The games aren't soley geared towards kids, but they're made in the way that they are so that kids will be eager to buy them.

Mature games usually contain much more substance. Maybe not in the sense of extremely quick reaction times or challenging jumping puzzles, but more along the lines of a plot worth listening to, truly immersive environment, and make you actually care about whats going on. I will admit that Nintendo games are fun in the "pick up and play" kind of way, but the lack of a real point often prevents me from getting into the game for a long period of time.

Give me a game like Metal Gear, Half-Life, Max Payne, No One Lives Forever, Deus Ex, or GTA any day over anything Nintendo pumps out.

How about Metroid Prime or Zelda? In this respect both are on par with any of the games you mentioned (most of which I happen to really like btw) And Max Payne?? Come on m8. I enjoyed that game as much as the next guy, but it's as mindless as games get. Max Payne is not mature by any means.

Also, these games aren't made to 'appeal to the most generic audience possible'. They're as structured and as focussed as any title out there. You may not like these games, which is fine. Doesn't make them kids games tho.

 

[Warbie]

Those games you mention are fun for just sitting down and playing for an hour or so with friends. But theres no great story in those types of games, theres no real depth.

Very true - but what is wrong with that? Does enjoying a game with mates make it a kids title, or worse than a story driven adventure?

On the other hand (i'm sounding like a broken recored here ) Zelda and Metroid offer as much depth as Half Life or Deus Ex ever did. (which is why I like Nintendo - they create great hardware, great party games, and great single player experiences)

 

[Smack500]

I didnt say every game for nintendo was for kiddies. I loved RE4, and I want to get metroid. Only thing that puts me off to zelda is the kiddie voice, and cartoony graphics.

Im talking about games like super money ball, mario sunshine, mario party, etc.

 

[VirusType2]

Warbie you are going to really have to tighten up your case, you always leave an opening for attack. Max payne... the ONLY 3rd person game I will play of this decade. the greatest 3rd person game ever made. It IS mature, its got non stop ultra violent blood splattering masacres with an adult oriented story line. hell they are practicaly having sex in one scene on Maxpayne 2.

But you will find a way to call it playing army men

 

[Cole]

I learned something a while back.
Warbie is smart.

I remember mario 64. I remember having more fun on that than I ever had sending a 200 man army against a 600 man army and win.

More fun than to own everyone in counter strike.

Starcraft is the only game that ever gave anywhere near as much fun as Mario 64 but never did infact beat it or goldeneye but still I played mario 64 throughout my life than goldeneye..though starcraft I played more of my life than mario 64 or goldneye..

Mario 64 was simple and fun.

I can still remember swinging around bowser and then him breaking the small area that we are on into a star.

I can remember what happens first when you enter the palace. I can remember the camera guy. I can remember bowsers laugh.

I can remember a ton about that game..it's amazing..

 

[Smack500]

nm msg erased

 

[Warbie]

Warbie you are going to really have to tighten up your case, you always leave an opening for attack. Max payne... the ONLY 3rd person game I will play of this decade. the greatest 3rd person game ever made. It IS mature, its got non stop ultra violent blood splattering masacres with an adult oriented story line. hell they are practicaly having sex in one scene on Maxpayne 2.

But you will find a way to call it playing army men

Nope - it's a mindless shooter with an intentionally corny and dark comic book feel. Your entitled to your opinions (but I doubt there are many who consider it the 'best 3rd person game ever made')

It's mature in the way enjoying a Freddy movie when you were a kid was.

(i'm not taking anything away from the game here - it's very good, but no more mature than a 100 comics I could mention)

If a game enagages me, makes me think and challanges me, I'm more likely to think of it as 'mature'.

 

[VirusType2]

bah

I hate nintendo's GC games becuase they are too hard. I am too old for this shit. My reflexes are not what they used to be. My patience is none. I get frustrated. I just want to have a good time, a good challenge, with a difficulty setting I can raise when I get better or finish the game.

You ever hear that expression when, say, a bottle of medicine is child-proof, that means the only one that can figure out how to open it is a child? heheh very fitting here i think.