While who I call, ‘quick to predict’ journalists and media people have decided that consoles are on their way out, the International Data Corporation (IDC), has come out with an extensive and well researched report stating the direct opposite, while giving global sales numbers of PS3 and Xbox 360, and other important data.
Most notably, the firm said there’s plenty of life left in the dedicated home consoles market, adding that systems, old and new from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will be here for a very long time.
Said Lewis Ward, research manager of IDC’s Gaming service:
The console ecosystem is in a state of flux since these platforms need to support an ever-growing array of non-gaming features and services at the same time that game distribution and monetization is moving in a digital direction. At the same time, it doesn’t appear that alternative platforms – set-top boxes from cable companies, Web-connected smart TVs, and so on – are positioned to materially disrupt the trajectory of the ‘big 3′ console OEMs in 2013 or 2014. Discs will remain the console game revenue mainstay for years to come.
Ward added:
2011 and 2012 were tough for many console game disc developers and publishers. With the advent of eighth-generation consoles, starting with the Wii U, historical norms strongly imply that game disc revenue will stop bleeding in 2013 and rise substantively in 2014.
The report also concluded that the changing market from retail to digital will see a small growth margin of 3 percent by 2016.
As for current-gen machines, the IDC report reveals that as of December 2012, PS3 had sold 77 million units globally, while Xbox 360 managed 76 million. The firm also see sales of Wii U rising to 50 million shipped in 2016, noting that Nintendo will still “find an audience” to keep the console alive and well.
Amazing how PS3 still managed to takeover Xbox 360 after launching a year late and costing hundreds more. That’s something to think about… The Power of the PlayStation brand. Imagine if Sony had played their cards right this gen; we would be in a different situation today. All in all, though, I’m happy Microsoft succeeded with the Xbox 360, because competition can only breed excellence.
Thanks, GamesIndustry International.
Always knew it would. It’s amazing how PS3 managed that feat, despite a year late start, $600 price tag, the netwrok Hacking, and it still costs more than an Xbox360.
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Congratulations Sony.
just goes to show all people really care about is the games!
hopefully $ony remembers this while making the ps4, and does not skimp on the hardware as they did the vita.
BTW, its not in sales its in shipped units.