Nintendo Likely to Lose GameCube Gamble

[sbp]

Microsoft's XBox Will Gain Ground In This Year's 36 Million Unit Console Market

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2003--he number of users of advanced games consoles soared by 128 percent in 2002, reaching 56.3 million worldwide, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics' Broadband Entertainment Strategies service. 75 percent of users own Sony's PlayStation 2, compared to 13 percent with Nintendo's GameCube, and 12 percent with Microsoft's XBox. Forecasts suggest GameCube will lose ground during 2003. According to the analysts, Nintendo could build a leading position in the $12 billion software market, but it must first abandon its present console strategy.

Global sales of advanced 128-bit consoles reached 32.9 million units in 2002, according to the research. PS2 was the choice of nearly 70 percent of buyers, while the remainder was split evenly between GameCube and XBox. Total sales of all platforms in 2003 are predicted to reach 36.2 million units, but GameCube's sales are expected to fall by 4 percent in 2003, while XBox sales will rise by 12 percent. Key drivers of this trend are XBox's growing software library, its clearly defined online gaming strategy, and Microsoft's substantial investments in the platform. By contrast, the GameCube's online strategy is unclear, and its support from publishers appears to waning.

Strategy Analytics recommends that Nintendo abandon its traditional console-exclusive software publishing strategy and publishes its games across multiple platforms. The company stands to lose relatively little, while gaining access to an additional 77 million console owners during 2003.

"Nintendo is missing out on the current generation of games players," says David Mercer, VP of the Strategy Analytics Global Broadband Practice. "Culturally it will be difficult for the company to change course, but it must do so in order to secure its long-term position as a leading games publisher."

[gear02]

As much as I hate seeing Nintendo go about the wayside of Sega, I tend to agree with those analysts. I wonder how many people have played Metroid Prime and Sunshine.

[mcs328]

Originally posted by gear02
As much as I hate seeing Nintendo go about the wayside of Sega, I tend to agree with those analysts. I wonder how many people have played Metroid Prime and Sunshine.

And Legend of Zelda.

[gear02]

Originally posted by mcs328


And Legend of Zelda.

Yeah...you know I think everyone has played the firs zelda. That was when nintendo was the top. I wonder how Sony came and stole that position in a matter of a couple of years. It's amazing how fast the floor was pulled out under from Sega and Nintendo.

[Cantacuzene]

If Metroid was on my xbox I'd be playing it right now. Same as Zelda or any of teh other quality nintendo games. C'est la vie.

[apmiller]

Yep, for the most part I really don't care if there is a Nintendo system as much as just wanting to play those Nintendo games. If Zelda, Metroid, and Mario were on PS2 or Xbox, i'd dump the gc and head over there. I go where my favorite games go.

[Bires]

Originally posted by Cantacuzene
If Metroid was on my xbox I'd be playing it right now.

If Metroid Prime was published on an Xbox, I would prolly buy one. I like the Xbox's hardware and the GC's software...so, I buy neither.

[Speedfreak]

I got a Gamecube pretty much just for the classic games, though I did get it faily cheap at the time.

I plan on getting an XBOX soon...... along with a 120GB harddrive.

[NuTs62]

greaaaat.. i was one of the people who waited to buy a gamecube pre-order in hopes of selling it on ebay that christmas.. that didn't pan out too well, and i ended up giving it to my sis's bf... dangit, if only i had gone with a ps2

[mcs328]

I like the fact that the GC has a handle and you can actually carry it without breaking your back or using two hands. Yeah I would get an Xbox or PS2 if they ported those GC games to the one or the other cuz the new Zelda game is cute and fun.

Why is link so stupid? How many times has he rescued Zelda? *Note* I've only really played the first Zelda game

I like the commercial tho for the game.

[Booyamos]

unfortunately gamecube has not quite lived up to what it was supposed to be. I have had a PS2 since launch and I love it. I decided to get a gamecube as well and there just aren't as many good games out for it. The Nintendo games are fun, and Smash Brothers is totally awesome for 4 people, but it just doesn't have the killer titles like the rest.

But if the nintendo games were available for PS2 or Xbox then there would be no point to get a gamecube. I even tried to sell mine but just wasn't worth it, and I got Zelda coming anyways.

[gear02]

Originally posted by Kacarp
But if the nintendo games were available for PS2 or Xbox then there would be no point to get a gamecube.

Unfortunately, I have to agree. I have all three systems. I buy any EA Sports games or multiplatform games for the Xbox, because I love the hard drive since I don't have to deal with memory cards. I only buy PS2 games that are exclusive to that system and GC games that are exclusive to that system. Unfortunately, there are many more exclusive games on the PS2 than GC. I mean, if you read Penny-Arcade recently, it makes a great point.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php...03-02-28&res=l

The last GC game I personally played would be Sunshine. The next game I'll play will be Zelda. That's 6 MONTHS or so between games, and I don't even know when the next one will be. Contrast that to the PS2, I've bought 2 games in the last two weeks, March Madness 2003 and XenoSaga, and FOUR more in the next month, Amplitude, Winning Eleven 6, Dynasty Warriors 4, and Zone of Enders 2. There really is no contest.

Most of us have bought a gamecube on the SOLE basis that Nintendo makes great games. Otherwise, we would have gotten a DREAMCAST before getting a Gamecube.