PS2 Most-Played Console in June according to Nielsen

Excerpt: NEW YORK (AP) - More than 68 million people played video games on a console last month, spending much of it on Sony Corp.'s older PlayStation 2, according to Nielsen research.

Seven years after its launch, Sony's PS2 was still the most-played console, accounting for 42 percent of video game use during the month. Microsoft's original Xbox took second place with 17 percent, followed by the Xbox 360 with 8 percent. Nintendo's GameCube ranked fourth with 5.8 percent. The numbers suggest that older machines remain popular despite last November's high-profile debut of Nintendo Co.'s Wii which had 4 percent and Sony's PlayStation 3, 1.5 percent.

What does this suggest? PS2 continues to dominate the market. The X-box pair together total 25% and Microsoft's Xbox Unit Posts $1.9 Billion Loss which is good news indeed. Nintendo Game Cube is the loser here, as it will slowly fade away. Wii is a strong contender and the only reason it's not more popular is that you just can't find one. Sure, it's not hardcore but it IS fun which is what really matters. PS3 is stagnant, and I fault the lack of any games whatsoever. It's great because I use mine as a BluRay player, but that's not going to sell units.

Speaking of the format wars, Target Corp. confirmed yesterday that it will promote the rival Blu-ray format for high-definition DVDs this holiday season. They join Blockbuster in taking sides. Microsoft is in the HD-DVD camp. Yay.

Wither the PS/3 and Ninteno Wii Redux

In a previous post, Wither the PS/3 and Ninteno Wii I had asked for help locating a PS/3 and a Nintendo Wii. The offers of assistance were truly astounding. Amazingly, it all ended with the old standby, e-bay. Amazingly, I got a PS/3 60gb on ebay for just $55 over retail. Prices are falling on the PS/3 (rapidly) as supply is starting to appear. It also leads me to believe that they aren't going to be a runaway success like the Wii. The Wii is 1/3 the price and impossible to buy. Further prices on the Wii are going up on e-bay while PS/3 is falling. And after playing both: the PS/3 has better graphics but the Wii is WAY more fun, and I think that's what really counts.

I liked playing with Erin's Wii. I am still desperately searching for a Wii at this moment. Assistance is still gladly welcome. Again, if you find a Wii before the end of the year (SRP $249) I will gladly pay you back including shipping, tax, and the $30 bounty.

I appreciate how many of you tried to help me on this quest.

Wither the PS/3 and Ninteno Wii

I am writing this to see if anyone out there among my friends, colleagues, or random blog-readers may be able to assist me in locating two items at regular price. I don't want to go to e-bay and bankrupt myself buying this stuff at auction -- I've seen those prices, I'm not interested. I'd much rather wait.

Here are the two items:
I am looking for a Nintendo Wii (This might be possible -- I know people who've gotten lucky).
I'm also looking for a PS/3 60GB (model PS398000) -- it's got to be the 60GB. I don't want the 20gb.

On either one, if it came in a bundle with games and stuff, that would be okay. I know that's how most places are selling them, requiring a purchase of 3 to 5 games and/or an extra controller. That's cool.

I will pay you up to full retail price plus tax. I will pay for shipping to me. I will also pay a finder's fee of $20 for a Wii and $100 for a PS/3. This offer is good for 30 days from today.

I figure someone out there must have a friend who works at a mass-market or mom-and-pop electronics retailer. I almost got lucky at walmart.com yesterday, 'cause they had the Wii in a bundle with 8 games. I clicked add-to-cart, and then clicked proceed. Sadly, I got the "there are no longer any of these items to add to your cart" Damn and damn again. If I'd have started just a little less time and clicked a little bit faster.

If, on the off chance I get lucky, I will let everyone know here so you don't keep looking in vain.

Thanks,