Video Game Console Wars

Whither PS/3, Xbox-360, and Nintendo Wii? Ah, well I am so glad you asked. In the 24 March 2007 issue of the Economist, they do an analysis of which of these systems is better.

So far, The Xbox 360 has sold the most consoles but is flopping in Asia while doing well in the US and parts of Europe -- speculatively because they launched much earlier.

Nintendo can be proud of the Wii having accelerated sales far faster than anyone else, and still having scarcity based on demand in many markets. Analysts expect sales to taper off because the graphics on the Wii are inferior compared to other offerings. I tend to disagree because the Wii (in my personal experience) is way more fun than any video game I've played in ages.

Sony claims PS/3's relatively slow sales are the result of low availability, but we all know they're in stock everywhere unlike the Wii. (The Xbox also has Ample supply). However many people buying the PS/3 are in search of a Blu-Ray player and not a video game console, considering that a nice bonus.

So who's the winner? The answer will absolutely, positively shock you. In the month of December alone the Sony PS/2 (not PS/3) outsold both the PS/3, Wii, and Xbox 360. Yes, the PS/2 is still winning the race.

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,