Wii vs. PS3 in Japan: The Console Slaughter

Famitsu Magazine is reporting the Nintendo console, Wii, has managed to sell 7-million units in Japan. This is roughly three times the number of Sony’s PlayStation 3, the console with superior graphics and power.

Japan isn’t about graphics and power or they’re not a fan of the high priced PlayStation 3. The three times factor seems odd, still, considering the PS3 isn’t three times the cost and really isn’t that bad of a console. Unless the titles on Japan’s console are just not as inviting, the PS3 should be keeping pace with the tiny Wii console. Sony is a Japanese company as is Nintendo and both have a very good grasp of the games the Japanese culture is attracted to buying. What’s happening here!?

“The Wii’s 7 million sales put it far ahead of its foes in the ongoing console conflict in Japan. According to Enterbrain figures quoted by GameDaily, Japanese sales of the PlayStation 3 numbered just 2.37 million units as of September 30, when the Wii had sold around 6.83 million units in the territory. Sony estimates the PS3 sold nearly 17 million units worldwide by the same date.” (gamespot)

The Xbox 360 still can’t compete against the PS3 or Wii in overall numbers, regardless to boosts when they put out a game the Japanese actually find interesting. If Microsoft and Sony learn anything from this generation of consoles, it’s that simple makes better. No, we’re not telling the developers to end the goals of hardcore gaming… we’re just wondering if branching out a bit to scoop up some casual gaming interest.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Post

Episode 410: Shady NintendoEpisode 410: Shady Nintendo

This week’s episode features Paul guest-hosting, joining Jonah and Scott. The only real drama comes when Paul defends Nintendo’s shady policy of deleting levels without any warning.

This week’s news items include:

  • Nintendo is deleting people’s Mario Maker stages without telling them why
  • Vivendi’s takeover of Ubisoft looms
  • Square Enix announces upcoming Hitman game will be going fully episodic
  • Former game developer accused of being a spy released from Iranian prison

Question of the Week: “What is your favorite mobile/social game?”

Episode 501: The Official Levis EpisodeEpisode 501: The Official Levis Episode

This episode follows the landmark 500th episode, and this next episode is dominated by Nintendo, both in the news and looking back at the Gaming Flashback for Wii Music and the infamous E3 performance starring Reggie Fils-Aime and Cammie Dunaway.

The news includes:

  • Nintendo Labo first week sales sluggish in Japan, UK
  • Atari announces Atari VCS pre-sale begins May 30th on IndieGogo
  • Eastfound looks to scratch that retro Zelda itch
  • Nintendo starts moving to a Wii-like “non-gamer” strategy for the Switch

All of this and Listener Feedback.