Iwata's Nintendo Sells 10M Handheld Systems Worldwide

[Phanto]

Source: Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/2006/01/04/nintendo-gaming-ds-cx_cn_0104autofacescan02.html)

"At a time when some sectors of the video game industry are softening, Nintendo DS and the Game Boy Advance line remain shining stars because of their fun experiences and innovative game play," said Nintendo's Vice President of sales Reggie Fils-Aime.

Though GameCube sells aren't doing very well if i'm correct, but at least they are shinning in handheld system.

[captainspankypants]

Nintendo is doing well because it uses a business model designed to make money. They don't lose money on console sales, if I remember correctly, and they keep prices down to where the average person can afford the products. Even if it only sells a fraction of what Microsoft and Sony do, it still comes out ahead in terms of profit.

[CapnBob]

"He has the shinning!"

"Don't you mean SHINING?"

"Shinning, lad, you want to be sued?"

[automaton]

I know I bought me a pretty red DS this X-mas. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't end up getting my wife one before long. She loved Animal Crossing on the GC and she is very curious about Animal Crossing WW.

[lowlevel]

"He has the shinning!"

"Don't you mean SHINING?"

"Shinning, lad, you want to be sued?"


Exactly the quote I thought of when I read the newspost. ;)

[Yeti2005]

I've got to believe that the handheld market has saved Nintendo the last few years. I don't see the PSP challenging that anytime soon either.

The Revolution controller which looks like it could be the equivalent of a mouse could push Nintendo's consoles back to the fore front.

[NoName]

"He has the shinning!"

"Don't you mean SHINING?"

"Shinning, lad, you want to be sued?"
Ah, classic Simpsons. Good times, good times.

[total]

I bought a blue one yesturday for $100. Can't wait for it to come in. I have Castlevania and Tony Hawk on my list, anything else a must buy?

[jacktion]

The shinning!

I bet that half of those sales are to girlfriends. My girl sawme play Nintendogs and Animal Crossing and now I have to go find her a pink one. Thanks Nintendo.

[Royal Fool]

Nintendo have been lucky throughout this generation, but the upcoming one is going to be quite a challenge for them.

[Psunami]

Nintendo have been lucky throughout this generation, but the upcoming one is going to be quite a challenge for them.

Right....

Wasn't the PSP supposed to destroy their handheld business first?

[Worldcrafter]

I bought a blue one yesturday for $100. Can't wait for it to come in. I have Castlevania and Tony Hawk on my list, anything else a must buy?

Kirby shows just about the best use of the touch screen yet. I'm also really liking the new Sonic game. It feels like the old ones from the Genesis era, but with a few new moves. If you like racing, Mario Kart is a great buy. But so far Castlevania has been my favorite.

[Nessus]

Mario & Luigi Partners In Time is surprisingly good. Not much of an epic plot for an RPG, but those can get boring when every single game is going for that. Beyond that I just like how it's a game that you *play*, not one that you watch like most modern RPGs.

You are kept engaged in the battles because it's possible to dodge almost all attacks if you time it properly so your characters aren't left standing there like idiots taking hits. They can even counterattack. And timing button presses also allows for dynamic combos and additional damage.

[Trini456]

I think everyone is missing the point w/ the PSP. It stole a great deal of market share that would have been The Big N's. It was successful in that regard. It may not have taken over the hand held market but it made an impact.

Look at the engage and the older handheld that tried to steal some of Nintendo’s thunder. The may continue to grab market share and might possibly give The big N some real comp when the must have killer app trickle in.

Just MHO.

[AniAko]

DAMN beat me to the article! ;)

Handhelds are the one thing Nintendo does right. There are distinct usage factors involved when engaging in a console / PC / handheld system. The titles released on each platform USED to dictate what those usage factors were. PC games could be text-driven, Network capable, and harness upgradable hardware. Console games brought gaming out of computers and arcades and into the living rooms of households. Handheld titles reflected mobility overall.

However today's world is trying to integrate everything, and we end up with contraptions like the PSP. It really is a PLAYSTATION portable. Sony gets to double dip in my pocket as I can buy titles for both the playstation and the PSP, although I can't migrate game status between the two. If I had the option of playing a title on the playstation vs the PSP, I'd choose the playstation 10 out of 10 times. If I couldn't be near my playstation, it would be nice to play the title on my PSP, but I grow tired of playing the titles SOLELY on the PSP.

Having console scale titles on the go is a nicety. But where are the core handheld games? My DS presents the convenient time-wasting, yet very enjoyable titles I play during travel, and trips to the um... well my gaming sanctuary. Why would I stare at a 4 inch screen, listening in stereo when I could play them on my entertainment system? Unless I found myself in a state of perpetual travel, I'd turn down my re-hashed portable games for the real deal. The PSP titles are spectacular, but it can hardly be considered a handheld gaming system. It is a portable console media system.

Nintendo was right when they said they were not competing with the PSP. The DS has held true to the sentimental definition of being a handheld. It provides and interface for playing fun, entertaining, genuine, and ingenious titles, that's it.

[Yeti2005]

Right....

Wasn't the PSP supposed to destroy their handheld business first?

Hey I have a PSP and it totally rocks....errr...emulating old SNES and NES games :)

[Blade]

GameCube sales over the holiday period were actually surprisingly strong, so... the GCN is doing okay.

[AniAko]

I think everyone is missing the point w/ the PSP. It stole a great deal of market share that would have been The Big N's. It was successful in that regard. It may not have taken over the hand held market but it made an impact.

Look at the engage and the older handheld that tried to steal some of Nintendo’s thunder. The may continue to grab market share and might possibly give The big N some real comp when the must have killer app trickle in.

Just MHO.

GTA:LC was supposed to be that killer app. GTA is Playstation's one trick pony afterall. Sony's not looking for a killer app, they want the PSP to be a playstation on the go, so you'll see the duplicity I spoke of. Publishers would be a fool to release an exclusive title to the PSP when there are 70 million PS2 world-wide. They'd be more interested in integrating the two titles, so you can transfer data from the PSP to the PS2, and play either online. But developers make little profit as is and I doubt they'd want to design and build a cross platform integration network. That's Sony's job. This is why XB:Live is so popular.

[Trini456]

GTA:LC was supposed to be that killer app. GTA is Playstation's one trick pony afterall. Sony's not looking for a killer app, they want the PSP to be a playstation on the go, so you'll see the duplicity I spoke of. Publishers would be a fool to release an exclusive title to the PSP when there are 70 million PS2 world-wide. They'd be more interested in integrating the two titles, so you can transfer data from the PSP to the PS2, and play either online. But developers make little profit as is and I doubt they'd want to design and build a cross platform integration network. That's Sony's job. This is why XB:Live is so popular.

I think you are missing the point. The PSP stole a good deal of market share from 'N'. No one has ever done that before. I dont know the profit margin that developers and publishers currently have for each PSP game but intergration of any kind will be key during the next Gen wars. We'll have to wait and see if Sony doesn't really have an all around intergrated online system in the works. They are not showing their hand at this point.

The PSP did a pretty good job and is getting different forms of revenue such as UMDs and soon from their downloadable service. They system is very open ended and has the potential to be brilliant.

Im am not a playstation fanboy by any means...I love *** but I have a PSP and I see the future..lol. Nah, but the they did what no other company has done to the big 'N'. What the future holds no one knows but they killer apps will come.

[didragondi]

1. Its not luck. Nintendo does not produce consoles they lose money on; so they retain some profitability.

2. PSP is in a different market than the DS or the GBA. Both of Nintendo's products are cheap, fairly practical, with a range of youth oriented games that suit them well for Christmas gifts for instance; whereas at the cost they charge for the PSP, memory, adaptor and games, the average say middle class family cannot afford that as a childs gift. The PSP is for adults, because of the money involved, and it has to be an adult with so much disposable income that the idea of a portable system for total in the 300's , to look not quite as good as he could play at home, just to prevent his being bored on those rare moments he is away but has free time, does not sound really stupid. IMHO, that is a small portion of the population.

[AniAko]

Well I know more people with a DS than a PSP, and those I know who own a PSP also own a DS. How is it stealing market share for those who own both? Those would be interesting statistics to see if anyone can find them.

In fact I own a PSP and 2 DS

[Blade]

Also, handhelds aren't the only thing Nintendo does right. They're just the most successful thing that Nintendo does right!

[Trini456]

Well I know more people with a DS than a PSP, and those I know who own a PSP also own a DS. How is it stealing market share for those who own both? Those would be interesting statistics to see if anyone can find them

That stat won’t be necessary. This can easily be understood. Let’s forget about the Gizmondo and the Engage for a moment. Nintendo owns the handheld market with 100%. Enter the PSP which sell 10 million units worldwide….http://psp.joystiq.com/2005/10/21/psp-hits-10-million-units-shipped-worldwide/. That’s 10 mil that would have been the big ‘N’s in a perfect world. Those numbers affected their bottom line in some way. I love competition it breeds innovation and better games.

It may not have killed their handheld business but it did make a splash.

[didragondi]

That’s 10 mil that would have been the big ‘N’s in a perfect world. Those numbers affected their bottom line in some way. I love competition it breeds innovation and better games. I disagree. Nintendo was never making the system for them. Twentysomethings with money to burn on themselves, I do not think is Nintenod's target audience. And, to borrow your own statement Trini, I really do not see the point of the PSP. Not a nintendo fanboy, my kids play their games; I play xbox and PC games. ANd I will say it again, I wouldnt and doubt many remotely reasonable parents would, spend 300 dollars for a toy that provides the convinience of playing wherever you are. I am talking for them now too, cause I know for myself, the portable system cant touch how good it looks on the big screen. So yeah, I miss the point. Or rather, I think Sony did. Of handheld gaming. Cheap and practical.

[jacktion]

That stat won’t be necessary. This can easily be understood. Let’s forget about the Gizmondo and the Engage for a moment. Nintendo owns the handheld market with 100%. Enter the PSP which sell 10 million units worldwide….http://psp.joystiq.com/2005/10/21/psp-hits-10-million-units-shipped-worldwide/. That’s 10 mil that would have been the big ‘N’s in a perfect world. Those numbers affected their bottom line in some way. I love competition it breeds innovation and better games.

It may not have killed their handheld business but it did make a splash.

Did you even read the quote you linked to? It is not 10 million sold, it is 10 million shipped to stores. They have sold about 3 million according to gameinfo.com.

[CapnBob]

That stat won’t be necessary. This can easily be understood. Let’s forget about the Gizmondo and the Engage for a moment. Nintendo owns the handheld market with 100%. Enter the PSP which sell 10 million units worldwide….http://psp.joystiq.com/2005/10/21/psp-hits-10-million-units-shipped-worldwide/. That’s 10 mil that would have been the big ‘N’s in a perfect world. Those numbers affected their bottom line in some way. I love competition it breeds innovation and better games.

It may not have killed their handheld business but it did make a splash.

Really? How many PSP owners are people who WOULD have bought a GBA or a DS if the PSP had not been released? Given the decidedly non-gaming focus that the PSP has taken, I doubt it has cut into Nintendo's market in a significant way at all. It seems more like it's priming a new segment of the market for handheld devices. I know several people who never owned a handheld before, bought a PSP and later migrated to the video iPod for movies and the DS for games. I don't know anyone who was previously a GBA owner who then ignored the DS in favor of the PSP.

[Hellstorm]

"The handheld war is over!" -- Iwata at E3 2006 Keynote

[AniAko]

I love competition it breeds innovation and better games.

It may not have killed their handheld business but it did make a splash.

Indeed I love the innovation that spurs from competition, that's why this industry is so exciting right now.

As far as the splash, I feel the PSP did more than a splash, they definately have a nice little wave they're riding

[Heretic Machine]

I bought a blue one yesturday for $100. Can't wait for it to come in. I have Castlevania and Tony Hawk on my list, anything else a must buy?

Animal Crossing and Mario Kart. I'm playing Animal Crossing as we speak, have been all day. It's not THE most exciting game in the world, but it does keep me entertained for a couple of hours every day, at the very least.

[Trini456]

Did you even read the quote you linked to? It is not 10 million sold, it is 10 million shipped to stores. They have sold about 3 million according to gameinfo.com.

Can't get to gameinfo.com. Please post the link. Honestly I did not read the article in-depth...hehehe. I just google'd for the units sold. But ill use your 3 mil, that is still 3 mil that would have potentially went on to buying a 'N' Handheld.

I understand that market that Sony went after. The system targets the savvy older gamer. This is not truly for little’um.

Nintendo sold 10 mil, that is no small feat…congratz to them. But Sony still got some market share.

[hideouslywrinkled]

that is still 3 mil that would have potentially went on to buying a 'N' Handheld.

Perhaps... but I'd guess a large chunk of that 3 million are hardcore gamers that buy every system.

I personally own both, as do – I'd guess – many people on these boards.

[Kelegacy]

I bought a blue one yesturday for $100. Can't wait for it to come in. I have Castlevania and Tony Hawk on my list, anything else a must buy?
How'd you get it for 100 bucks? Goddamn, I would have done that and bought Mario Kart separately, if I could have. Blue beats a red DS anyday, plus I woulda saved myself some cash.

Oh, and Mario Kart f'ing rocks. Easily the best incarnation yet. I'm currently undertaking the challenges...there is so much to do in this little gamechip. Also of interest is Trauma Center. It's one challenging game. Frustratingly challenging sometimes, but very innovative as well. Being a surgeon was never so fun, though. And Atlus brought it over here to the states, so you know it must be some good fun.

Advance Wars: DS comes later this week or early next. Placed the order yesterday.

[dr_wily]

i think were getting a little offtrack here..

shinning!

ok now were back.

[AniAko]

Perhaps... but I'd guess a large chunk of that are hardcore games that buy every system.

I personally own both, as do – I'd guess – many people on these boards.

Right, which means nobody is stealing from anyone. If Nintendo LOST sales to the PSP then Sony would be hurting their revenue, but as most people own both, it's not sutting into anything

[kickmybum]

Though GameCube sells aren't doing very well if i'm correct, but at least they are shinning in handheld system.

Which cost twice as much as the GameCube, so I doubt Nintendo's sufferring.

[Psunami]

I just google'd for the units sold. But ill use your 3 mil, that is still 3 mil that would have potentially went on to buying a 'N' Handheld.

This is a flawed argument and it's the same reason that future projections continue to estimate that Nintendo is "tEh d00m3d."

People don't have to just buy one thing or another. The gaming market doesn't work that way. It's not like an iPod. If you buy an iPod, there really isn't much of a need to buy another portable music player, but when people buy video game systems there are different games to buy for each system and if you want to try them all... you need to buy more than one system.

I understand that market that Sony went after. The system targets the savvy older gamer. This is not truly for little’um.

Sweet zombie Jesus, can we get rid of this argument? I'm as big of a gamer as anyone I know and I have a PSP and a DS... I guess that just means that I'm "savvy" and a "little'um."

[Returner]

"I think you are missing the point. The PSP stole a good deal of market share from 'N'. No one has ever done that before."

Wonder Swan in Japan did. And PSP has only taken a small %. I still play Luminous they really need to bring out some better games for it if they want to compete. Both companies say they aren't competing but come on who are they fooling they are competing.

They are both handhelds and that’s what the casual gamer sees as much as it pains me to admit casual gamers are the majority driving force in games. But that’s a whole other ball of wax.

[total]

Really? How many PSP owners are people who WOULD have bought a GBA or a DS if the PSP had not been released? Given the decidedly non-gaming focus that the PSP has taken, I doubt it has cut into Nintendo's market in a significant way at all. It seems more like it's priming a new segment of the market for handheld devices. I know several people who never owned a handheld before, bought a PSP and later migrated to the video iPod for movies and the DS for games. I don't know anyone who was previously a GBA owner who then ignored the DS in favor of the PSP.

I owned a GBA and would not touch the DS when it launched. The PSP really appealed to me as I tend to travel a bit for work and liked the idea of having a movie player and a video game player all in one (Fuck UMD movies until they are $5-10 a pop, and even then I will only own a few of my favorites on UMD). I also got a steal on my PSP as I traded a friend who hated it my 20GB gen 4 ipod for his PSP, USB cable, Lumines, Hot Shots, Untold Legends, Kill Bill Vol. 1, and Spiderman 2. You can't pass up a good deal.

I've only bought the DS now as I've played some of the newer games and really like them. I love Castlevania and Tony Hawk (online!). I've tried the surgery game and the attorney game and like both of those. I've heard nothing but great things about Mario Kart, Animal Crossing (although I doubt I'll play it), Sonic, Meteos, and Metroid Pinball. I also really want to check out Hunters and Kirby now that you guys have spoken up. So now that the DS is building up a decent library I find more value in it rather than looking at it like a gimmick.

Now that I hear that Sony is realeasing downloadable movies for the PSP there is even more value in it for me. If I can grab a couple $2.99 movies before I leave the hotel for the plane I will be a fairly happy man. I have been waiting for a video like itunes for the PSP and here it comes!

Kelegacy: http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail~dpno~669742.asp

They are refurbished but my buddy said they come in great condition. They have 6 left apparently. They also have PSP's for $239 with free shipping but I imigine you are going to get a dead pixel or two with those.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the video ipod doesn't even compare to the PSP. The video ipod has a tiny, somewhat ugly screen. Don't get me wrong, I love my Nano but neither machine were made for watching any sort of entertainment on. I could see moving from a PSP to an Archos video player...but a video ipod...no way.

[Player 1]

Well I know more people with a DS than a PSP, and those I know who own a PSP also own a DS. How is it stealing market share for those who own both? Those would be interesting statistics to see if anyone can find them.

In fact I own a PSP and 2 DS

You kind of prove the opposite point with that final statment.

Look at it this way, how much more money of yours might have gone into Nintendo's pockets if you hadn't been putting it into Sony's?

You yourself are an example of 'potential' revenue being 'stolen' from Nintendo and given to Sony!


And, to the guy who called GTA "Sony's one trick pony" then the only appropriate response is to call Mario "Nintendo's one trick pony". You'll find both those statements have equal amounts of bias and ignorance embedded in them. ;)

[AniAko]

You kind of prove the opposite point with that final statment.

Look at it this way, how much more money of yours might have gone into Nintendo's pockets if you hadn't been putting it into Sony's?

You yourself are an example of 'potential' revenue being 'stolen' from Nintendo and given to Sony!


And, to the guy who called GTA "Sony's one trick pony" then the only appropriate response is to call Mario "Nintendo's one trick pony". You'll find both those statements have equal amounts of bias and ignorance embedded in them. ;)

Took almost 40 posts for you to chime in Player 1 ;), you're half right. If I had a limited amount of cash, it would create a fight in my wallet, but that's not my case

Love or hate Nintendo for what they have done (people always attack Nintendogs), the sheer strength of the DS is no longer lead by speculation. Nintendo knew what they were doing this round. The next round? Specualte all you like, but who ever wins knows what they're doing. Million dollar projects don't get lucky.

[Phanto]

Well excuse me :) :) for not having the english language default in my country, nobody its perfect :D .

Si no t gusta pues mamamelo :p ;)

[Player 1]

And the award for the most smug post of 2006 goes to...

Took almost 40 posts for you to chime in Player 1 ;), you're half right. If I had a limited amount of cash, it would create a fight in my wallet, but that's not my case

You have an unlimited amount of cash? Hmmm.

Love or hate Nintendo for what they have done (people always attack Nintendogs),

Nintendogs is a successful product, no doubt about that. But it isn't worthy of terms such as 'innovative' or 'new'. This is where companies like Nintendo, just like Sony, EA and many others, are happy to scoop up accolades given to them by ignorant media and gamers. Those of us who have been in gaming long enough know a derivative product when we see it. I agree that the game is worthy of it's success, but I strongly disagree of that stature it has gained. Nintendogs isn't innovation, it's exploitation.

the sheer strength of the DS is no longer lead by speculation. Nintendo knew what they were doing this round. The next round? Specualte all you like, but who ever wins knows what they're doing. Million dollar projects don't get lucky.

By contrast, I think many gamers don't have the capacity to appreciate the breadth of the market that Sony are pitching the PSP at. They bitch about UMD movies not being relevent to them and call it a farce, for example. A little more thought would show a clearer picture.

I also find it telling that lots of people agree with the ridiculous "we are not competing with Sony" comments unless, of course, some stats pop up to show Nintendo in a good light. After that, all of a sudden, it's all about one versus the other.

So much flim flam.. :rolleyes:

[Kelegacy]

Hey, a bit off topic for ONE second, but I saw a USB wireless plug adapter thing at Evil-Mart today, a plug that allows you to access wifi in your place for your notebooks and stuff by jacking it into your PC. It looks awful similar to the Nintendo DS wifi USB Adapter you have to buy directly through them. I saw this little thing in the router section, as I was doing some preemptive pricing.

Does something like that actually work? Or is it limited to just notebooks and other Wi-Fi gadgets?

[EternalGamer]

As someone who has always been platform agnostic and owns every console system, I find it interesting that I have such strong feels about the PSP vs. DS "debate." Whenever I see a sales rep try to talk someone into getting a PSP instead of a DS (and I have witnessed this on a number occassions during this buying season), I actually feel an unspoken anger. I have tried to analyze this anger to see where it comes from and I think the base of it is that I see the PSP as microcosm of everything I hate about the game industry with none of its redemptive qualities.

To my own internal machinations, the PSP represents a technological advancement without any self-justification; it seems soulless as if it exists only to be bought and used as a trendy status symbol. I remember when it first came out and I was actually tempted to buy one (I did not own either a DS or a PSP at this point) and I was walking through the mall and saw one of the kiosk guys holding one, hovering over it carefully wiping the dust from the screen as if it were some sort of sacred treasure. It immediately turned me off to the idea of purchasing one.

As one's mind is apt to do, I find mine own has concocted the DS as the PSP's ideological opposite. I remember part of the justification I made when buying one was the feeling of "nobility" I gained by supporting innovation and substance over style. I subconsciously patted myself on the back the way someone would for giving money to "the children" or going vegetarian. The games seemed more simple, paired down to what becomes the core play mechanics of fun. Even to this day, when I play games on my DS it seems as if it is speaking to me saying "See, this is why you actually play games, forget all that expensive bullshit you have been pouring money into; this is what it is all about." Quite frankly, playing my DS makes me feel bad about all the money I spent on my 360, HDTV and surround sound system. It makes me feel shallow and suckered. But it also makes me feel like I have found my way home.

I realize that this ongoing ideological dialogue pertaining to these two systems is primarly fictional and exists only within the confines of my own mind, yet it is something I cannot shake. The DS reminds me of the positive reasons I still game--for innovation and fun. The PSP reminds me too much of my "darkside," the side of me that tells me that I need things simply because there are new things to be needed. I fight my own shallow consumerism too much on a daily basis. Hell, I just invented an entire ideological apparatus to make me feel less consumeristic about buying one new console over another. Still yet, the illusion helps me to maintain some sort of internal dignity. I don't need an entire fucking console to remind me otherwise...

Dan

[SMES]

It looks awful similar to the Nintendo DS wifi USB Adapter you have to buy directly through them. I saw this little thing in the router section, as I was doing some preemptive pricing.

Does something like that actually work? Or is it limited to just notebooks and other Wi-Fi gadgets?

Edit: Just realized you are probably talking about the little wireless network adaptor sticks. These are not access points, but they can be configured (I believe) to operate in ad-hoc or infrastructure modes just like any wireless adaptor. I don't have one though, so that is pure speculation.

Knowing that the DS is a bit limited in it's customization options, I have no idea if it would be happy connecting to a wireless adaptor-> computer ->internet. This is exactly what the Nintendo branded product does, I'm just not sure if a third party product would work.

[hideouslywrinkled]

Hell, I just invented an entire ideological apparatus to make me feel less consumeristic about buying one new console over another. Still yet, the illusion helps me to maintain some sort of internal dignity. I don't need an entire fucking console to remind me otherwise.

Dude... I think that's the first Althusser allusion I've seen on EA :).

But I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way about the PSP (which I do own). And in a way the Xbox 360... which I kept myself from buying, but I still want (even though, like the PSP, there isn't a single game I want to play and own).

On the other hand, I waited to buy a DS until there were five games I felt were worth buying the system in order to play (in other words: use value in some consumer sense). And I haven't regretted that once.

[TheBrainKills]

I laugh at you Sir.

Those of us who have been in gaming long enough know a derivative product when we see it...

Like the PSP... Sony took a regular handheld and techno'd it up to appeal to lawyers and techno-whores, certainly not marketing to kids or anybody value conscious. By doing that they expanded the market. Sure Nintendo may have lost some sales but nothing significant. If Sony wanted to directly compete with Nintendo they would have priced it near the DS.


I also find it telling that lots of people agree with the ridiculous "we are not competing with Sony" comments unless, of course, some stats pop up to show Nintendo in a good light. After that, all of a sudden, it's all about one versus the other.

So much flim flam.. :rolleyes:

I find it strange that you have to keep on reminding us that you know more than everyone about stats, and that the way you spin them is the only way they work. ..So much flam flim.. :rolleyes:

[EternalGamer]

Actually, I wasn't consciously referencing Althusser this time. Nevertheless, I have stole a page or two from him in the past (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6707&page=3&pp=10&highlight=Jump+rope). :)

Dan

[Nessus]

"You yourself are an example of 'potential' revenue being 'stolen' from Nintendo and given to Sony!"


This is the same kind of reasoning record companies use to claim that anyone who downloads an mp3 is a lost customer because they would have bought the CD. You can't deny that the DS and the PSP target different demographics. There is significant overlap, but there is an obvious aesthetic divide.

I think both sides of this argument are stupid. The PSP has made some impact and has done really well, but Nintendo is doing just fine, especially in Japan, selling a million units in two weeks - a year after launch.

I think PSP really did expand the market because if it had "stolen" huge swaths of market from Nintendo you would expect to see a sharp decline Game Boy Advance sales.

Instead Game Boy Advance had one of its best years ever last year and it regularly outsold the DS and PSP, or both of them combined some months.

Had Sony not released the PSP it's not as if the market would have spontaneously grown and that those PSP sales would have been DS sales. Sony attracted a lot of people who previously had no interest in hand held gaming through a combination of marketing and multimedia functions.

I honestly think Nintendo hasn't lost very many customers to the PSP, at least not in the numbers you're suggesting.

If they weren't interested in Nintendo's portables over the last 17 years it's unlikely they would have suddenly jumped on board had Sony not released the PSP. The people who liked the GBA have gotten or are likely to get a DS. The PlayStation generation, the more fashion conscious, and technophiles I imagine make up a large part of the PSP's userbase. And few of those would have had much reason to buy a DS anyways.

Yes Nintendo would love it if they had those customers too, but the reality is they have a public image that will likely prevent them from ever attracting these people.

The strong GBA sales also suggest Nintendo has done its own share of market growing with the DS. I can't count the number of girls I know who have a DS or want one and haven't had a console since the NES, and even then it was their brother's or the family's. I would wager the DS has the highest percentage of female users of any console currently out.

[Major Scud]

my wife takes her DS with her everywhere she goes. She loves Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and Kirby.
I bought a 2nd PSP for someone as a gift that doesnt want it. I offered it to her, I said it can play movies, mp3's and games. She didnt want it. It had no games that interested her, and she thought umd movies or a large memory stick were not worth the investment since she wouldnt want to watch movies on a little toy alot. As for mp3's she said she would rather have something easier to use with more storage like an ipod.

The major factor is the system looks/feels very fragile, and thats not good for portable gaming. I bring my DS with me, in my pocket. I'm never afraid of it geting scratched or broken. I wouldnt dare put my psp in my pocket w/out a metal case around it, and even then I'm nervous. It sucks alot of the fun away from playing when your afraid you'll break it.

[didragondi]

Eternal gamer, I could not have said it better myself. You have relieved me of the need to post. Well said, sir.

[AniAko]

Eternal, you wrote exactly what I was thinking. But where as I suck at expressing my thoughts into words, you did so perfectly. From now on I'll just send you my complex thoughts and you can re-write them for me. ;)

[dr_wily]

As someone who has always been platform agnostic and owns every console system, I find it interesting that I have such strong feels about the PSP vs. DS "debate." Whenever I see a sales rep try to talk someone into getting a PSP instead of a DS (and I have witnessed this on a number occassions during this buying season), I actually feel an unspoken anger. I have tried to analyze this anger to see where it comes from and I think the base of it is that I see the PSP as microcosm of everything I hate about the game industry with none of its redemptive qualities.

To my own internal machinations, the PSP represents a technological advancement without any self-justification; it seems soulless as if it exists only to be bought and used as a trendy status symbol. I remember when it first came out and I was actually tempted to buy one (I did not own either a DS or a PSP at this point) and I was walking through the mall and saw one of the kiosk guys holding one, hovering over it carefully wiping the dust from the screen as if it were some sort of sacred treasure. It immediately turned me off to the idea of purchasing one.

As one's mind is apt to do, I find mine own has concocted the DS as the PSP's ideological opposite. I remember part of the justification I made when buying one was the feeling of "nobility" I gained by supporting innovation and substance over style. I subconsciously patted myself on the back the way someone would for giving money to "the children" or going vegetarian. The games seemed more simple, paired down to what becomes the core play mechanics of fun. Even to this day, when I play games on my DS it seems as if it is speaking to me saying "See, this is why you actually play games, forget all that expensive bullshit you have been pouring money into; this is what it is all about." Quite frankly, playing my DS makes me feel bad about all the money I spent on my 360, HDTV and surround sound system. It makes me feel shallow and suckered. But it also makes me feel like I have found my way home.

I realize that this ongoing ideological dialogue pertaining to these two systems is primarly fictional and exists only within the confines of my own mind, yet it is something I cannot shake. The DS reminds me of the positive reasons I still game--for innovation and fun. The PSP reminds me too much of my "darkside," the side of me that tells me that I need things simply because there are new things to be needed. I fight my own shallow consumerism too much on a daily basis. Hell, I just invented an entire ideological apparatus to make me feel less consumeristic about buying one new console over another. Still yet, the illusion helps me to maintain some sort of internal dignity. I don't need an entire fucking console to remind me otherwise...

Dan

requoted for emphasis, as the two previous posters didnt. For all the kiddos who dont want to hit the back button :)

hear hear eternal.

[AniAko]

And the award for the most smug post of 2006 goes to...


Took almost 40 posts for you to chime in Player 1 images/smilies/wink.gif, you're half right. If I had a limited amount of cash, it would create a fight in my wallet, but that's not my case



You have an unlimited amount of cash? Hmmm.


The amount of money required to buy what I want for both systems is always less than the money in my wallet.

[Twigz'N'Berries]

Kudos for Nintendo. This news makes me happy as I want their company to be around for a long, long time.

...what happened to Sega was just disgraceful.

[mister_slim]

Kudos for Nintendo. This news makes me happy as I want their company to be around for a long, long time.

...what happened to Sega was just disgraceful.
I think you mean, what Sega did to themselves was disgraceful.