News: GAME Comment On System Launches

Posted by Fierce_Link - Mar 22nd 2007 15:34

PS3 launch looking to be much stronger than that of the Wii and 360.

So, it's March, and the Playstation 3 launch has finally rolled around. If you wander through your local town centre, you may still see many places pleading for gamers to pre-order a PS3. There's a few "wows" here and there, and a few sniggers from the Wii and 360 fans, that a system so close to launch has not sold out in preorders.

According to GAME, this is no laughing matter. The fact that retailers are still able to provide units this close to launch is apparantly a very good move on Sony's behalf.

"It's very unusual that we're going to be in a situation where we've got enough stock to fulfil demand in the short term – that's never happened before," commented Anna Macario, marketing director at GAME.

"Sony withheld the release of the PS3 in order to build up stock levels for launch. The situation with the Xbox 360 was terrible and the Wii doesn't even hit the sides when it comes in."

"I think this is a very good move on Sony's part – it won't have that negativity of not being able to supply enough units," she said.

Well, that's certainly a different perspective on things. Nintendo decided to opt for a worldwide launch, but since then they have been hit with problems in supplying enough units to stores worldwide. Sony may have lost ground in the short term, but have they got one over Nintendo in the long-run?


Source: GamesIndustry.biz



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Comments

DrLilo2 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:44 || Total Comments: 177
Just this morning a saw a PS2 owner enter GAME and enquire about the PS3. He was told the console's price tag, and launch line-up... And quietly walked out of the shop, without comment.

I think the healthy supply of units is due partially to delaying the launch, but also heavily due to a genuine lack of demand.
Mtg101 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:46 || Total Comments: 21
£478 with one game...
Llewdebkram Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:10 || Total Comments: 237
Whether the PS3 is selling well, moderate or badly it's just Game's way of getting publicity and to mention that they still have some in stock should anyone be looking to purchase one.
D_prOdigy Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:13 || Total Comments: 1596
The onything thing is, Sony are almost being applauded for the Euro PS3 launched, when it's actually the most cocked up, ripping off launch in the industry's history.
-Delayed for 4 months
-Worst value for money in UK
-Launch games that were on 360 ages ago...
-... and some of which are now delayed again to as far as April
-Not fully backwards compatible.
DrLilo2 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:13 || Total Comments: 177
The PS3 could see some healthy sales if the price were to drop, but Phil Harrison has already stated that a price drop is not currently on the cards.

I do beleive the PS3 will do okay, better than early estimates, it will be a decent rival for Nintendo and Microsoft... What I really don't think is that it will enjoy nearly as much dominance as the PS2. It will not be in every home across the nation, with a libary the size of the Moon. It will be more like the XBox was last gen... A high-end platform with a reasonable following but certainly not the cultural phenomenon its predecessors were.
Toots Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:20 || Total Comments: 207
It might indeed be a good move on Sony's part IF stocks are actually enormous. However I doubt that since it goes directly against the information I've been reading so far, about Sony's manufacturing problems.
Jensonb Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:34 || Total Comments: 28
It's pure BS, the reason there are still preorders is that noone wants to buy a PS3. There were, I remind you, also roughly a million Wii available in Europe at its launch.
Scythe3000 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:48 || Total Comments: 200
I very much doubt sony's stocks are 'that good' to meet a 'big' demand. If they where, then there would not be shortages everywhere else in the world.
Takahiro Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 11:52 || Total Comments: 39
The UK is only getting roughly 200,000 units at launch, knowing they haven't all sold out wouldn't be a good thing in my mind, but obviously, GAME don't seem to have a clue.

I do think the PS3 will do well, but the Wii is just dominating and with more and more developers signing up I can't see that slowing down, and although the 360 had a slow start look at go now, with Gears of War out, and Halo 3 on the way along with the rest of the heavy hitters, Microsoft could have a very good year, Sony are playing catch up, and I'm not sure they have enough yet at least until MGS4 and Gran Turismo come out.
Dazzi220 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:17 || Total Comments: 67
What a load of bollox, people won't pay £500+ for those stupid bundles they force on you.

Like the ps2 the launch will emulate it, after about a year there will be a price drop, GTA and the new MGS - then the ps3 will take off

Has'nt anyone learned anything from over priced console launches apart from nintendo? - saturn, N64 and ps2 all had crap launchs becos of price

The PS3 deserves to fail for sony's utter arrogance towards its consumers espaicially the europeans
Rapture1984 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:45 || Total Comments: 30
Price
^x
¦ x
¦ x
¦ x
¦ x
¦__________x_> demand
0

Higher the price lower the demand, basic economics. There's not PS3s left in stores because Sony made too many, if the price wasn't such a joke I'm sure they'd all go
Rapture1984 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:45 || Total Comments: 30
graph didnt work, now I look stupid...
Azmol01 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:56 || Total Comments: 901
This is just PR spin, typical of any console launch. All retailers say this sort of stuff around a console launch, I remember the DS, PSP, 360, Wii now PS3 all having comments praising the hardware manufacturer. And the same will happen for future consoles as well, it's just an attempt to stir up hype and draw attention.

I talked to my cousin last night who will be working the midnight launch at one of the big GAME stores that we both worked at (he still does). He said that they had loads of pre-orders, but overall there's very little interest from Joe public and the same kinda buzz and excitement just ain't there, the same way it was for the DS/PSP/Wii launch.

Also beware that GAME has in the past backed the wrong horse and had to later backtrack, classic example being the DS/PSP case.

Finally, having a healthy supply of consoles for launch is great, yes, but pre-orders should have ended a while ago. The fact that it's six in the evening and you can still pre-order says alot about demand. Having stocks great, but this close to launch it should be all sold out by now.

Wow I got through a whole post without saying anything bad about GAME!
Nintendo-master2 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 12:57 || Total Comments: 1530
i thaught that your graph was really good!!! and GAME are just trying to make some money
Kagato Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 13:53 || Total Comments: 655
This is complete nonsense, the guys i know that are planning on buying PS3, all 2 of them, have cancelled thier ps3 uk orders and imported instead to get a better quality machine. I also happen to have a good friend working in Gamestation who told me that they have most of thier PS3s are still unsold and there is very little interest. In my opinion, its just not worth the money, its basically a 360 with a blue ray player only a 360 is nearly 300 quid cheaper!
Climhazzard Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 14:28 || Total Comments: 14
I walked past HMV this afternoon and saw a sign saying " Come along in the morning to buy a PS3 and you will get one GUARANTEED, either theres a hell of a lot of consoles ( which i doubt ) or people arent willing to go along with the price tag. I know im waiting for a price drop and some better games.
Ganepark32 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:07 || Total Comments: 610
Its a mix of both. the high price band is putting alot of people off buying one. I spoke to a lot of people about it and all said they wouldnt be getting one as the price is to much and have instead opted for a 360 or wii. Apparently from stores I've talked to, there is more stock than the wii and 360 launch but then with people put off by the price there wont be all that many sold to start with and with many PS3 exclusives coming to 360 as well the future aint looking all that bright. But we'll see. I certainly wouldnt pay £425 for a console however I have entered a contest to get one for free. Yes im a cheap skate but a smart one.
Llewdebkram Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:11 || Total Comments: 237
I just received an email from Toyr'r'us and Ebuyer saying they have PS3 consoles available for me to order now.
Anyone know how many are available for the UK?
Azmol01 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:13 || Total Comments: 901
I do want a PS3, I was multi last gen (wow is it last gen already? well I guess in less than 4 hours it will be) I've got a Wii and will try and get a 360 this year, though I am concerned with the reliability of the system and any potential re-design/price drop, so I may wait for next year. But as for the PS3, I'll probably wait 4 or so years for the inevitable PSthree, a cheaper price point and most importantly a load of great games.
Llewdebkram Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:14 || Total Comments: 237
I can also order one at Amazon with a delivery date of the 24th, so they obviously still have some.

*I do wish you could edit posts so I could add to my previous one.*
Kaje01 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:36 || Total Comments: 14
The PS3 came out a while ago here in the US. It sold out at launch, but most of the people buying were just looking to make a buck on ebay. It's not doing too well here. I dont know anyone that owns a PS3, and I havn't heard anybody say that they want one either.

Until the PS3 gets some exclusive titles that take advantage of it's power, it's no better then the XBox 360. Minus Xbox live, the achievement system, Xbox arcade, and it costs $200 more. Sux!
Dazzi220 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 15:47 || Total Comments: 67
the shops are desprate for it to be a big seller, they plaster the windows with ads ONLY 25 LEFT! etc and the fact is no matter what bullshit your reading its not selling well across the whole world

mean while a half priced and half powerd console that was laffed at just like the DS was is selling out everywhere, where i live u have to pay £20 deposit and wait 3 weeks for a wii
Azmol01 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 16:07 || Total Comments: 901
The sad thing is that, as most gamers will know better and can cut through the PR jargon and spin, your average Joe on the street won't be able to. Like lemmings people will flock to the PS brand, not knowing that waiting has its advantages.

Retail want the PS3 to succeed, the PS2 made ridiculous amounts of money and I'm sure they think that due to the popularity of the PS2 name, the PS3 will subsequently fly off the shelves also. It's the 'safe bet', but again I'll use the DS/PSP case as the perfect example of retail getting it wrong big time. Relying of the PS2/Playstation brand as a means of justifying their choice.

You could also say that retail stores axing the Cube was also another big mistake, considering the boost in all Cube related merchandise since the Wii launch.
Smiter Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 16:42 || Total Comments: 32
Well, I'll wait and see how the launch goes.

I think it will sell reasonably, but I doubt it will be the runaway success retailers are claiming it will be. I believe a lot of what retailers are claiming (such as Woolworths claiming to have an order every 20 secs) is just pure hyperbole, designed to try and get people into their shops.

If people want to buy the PS3, that's fine with me. I just think the 360 and Wii represent far better value.
23isnumber1 Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 16:49 || Total Comments: 273
'We have consoles in stock today.' -Amazon

Not exactly selling out in seven minutes are they? Tomorrow's going to be hilarious.
Llewdebkram Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 18:19 || Total Comments: 237
Have a look on ebay, there are dozens and many auctions starting at £450 and ending soon have not even an opening bid.
1 auction just ended at £460 with 1 game and HD cable..OUCH!
After the Ebay/Paypal fees that must have meant a loss!
TheTingler Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 18:22 || Total Comments: 213
"-Worst value for money in UK"

That is true, but remember - so's the Wii. Hideously overpriced in Europe, as all consoles are.

Every other point here I agree with. While it is nice to know that if I wanted to I could walk into GAME tomorrow and buy a PS3 without preordering months in advance, the very point is that I DON'T want to. So, it seems, do many other people.

Metal Gear Solid 4 will NOT be PS3-exclusive, mark my words. Devil May Cry 4 has already gone, Final Fantasy XIII may be next. After Blue Dragon showed that a FF-style game can work and sell well on the Xbox 360 in Japan, there's no reason for Square-Enix to stay loyal.

PS3 will continue, as someone said, in the same position as Xbox was - most powerful, just with the least exclusives.
Llewdebkram Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 18:22 || Total Comments: 237
....104 PS3s ending in the next 24 hours....I might put in a low bid for one myself ;0P
Er-no Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 19:33 || Total Comments: 30
HAHA NO.

Nobody WANTS a PS3. Thats why there are units left over.

Stupid GAME>
Rummy Says:
March 22nd, 2007 at 22:31 || Total Comments: 186
Wouldn't be surprised if sony had paid them to do that, i wouldn't put it past either sony or game for one splitmilisecond.
V3N0M1981 Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 02:03 || Total Comments: 21
I think the price is what's putting the majority of people off. I don't have a HD tv, so to get the most out of a PS3, I need £425 for the console, £100 for a couple of games, and £600 for a new TV to play it on. I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't have over a grand just lying around, and I sure as hell am not going to get in debt to line Sonys pockets.
Guardiandevil Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 02:37 || Total Comments: 353
i wan to buy a ps3 and the only reasons are only a few titles like: resi5, the final fantasy series, mgs. There is no point in buying it now because just as v3nom1981 said, i'll have to buy an hd tv and spend over 1200Euro
MrShowtime Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 03:36 || Total Comments: 25
The PS3 has been an ill-thought out plan since day one of development. It's got nothing new to offer except stolen ideas and beefed of graphics for an extremely high price tag.

Please people I beg of you, do the right thing this generation and go with Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360.
DrLilo2 Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 09:00 || Total Comments: 177
I went Wii60 myself, and haven't looked back. Why would I want a PS3, I don't even like Metal Gear games. Yes Sony, people have varying tastes.
GazRZ Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:28 || Total Comments: 3
ha ha the only reason it's pre-orders haven't sold out is beacause nobody wants it XD

i don't think it's gonna beat the Wii's 100,000 units sold on lauch day
Ganepark32 Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:43 || Total Comments: 610
all game stores near me still have plenty stock. I saw 1 person buying 1 but he was spending about 1000 pounds on it and games the rest were looking at it and the games but putting them back on the shelves. like I said, im not paying 425 pounds for a ps3 but if i win one in the competition i entered i wouldn't say no
Azmol01 Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:02 || Total Comments: 901
I talked to one of my ex-colleagues at GAME today, she's a deputy in one of the big stores and told me that nobodies interested and that at about 1:45pm, they had only sold 20! She said that people are asking for the Wii more!
Ganepark32 Says:
March 24th, 2007 at 14:51 || Total Comments: 610
People are asking for the Wii more because they are still waiting for their pre orders to be fulfilled. The only good thing about the PS3 launch was that there was plentiful amounts of units (that no one wants) whereas Nintendo are still struggling to meet demand but that just shows how much people are wanting the Wii over the PS3.

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