How Sony will end up on top of the video game industry, again
Two generations ago Nintendo introduced the world to the analog thumbstick on the Nintendo 64 Controller (1996) and changed the way video games were interacted with. It gave console players an intuitive controller that allowed for more complexity than they’d experienced before. At the same time PC gaming was experiencing a revolution with the now standard mouse and keyboard coming into their own as incredibly deep and also intuitive game interface devices. Roughly one year later Sony introduced the Dual-Analog Controller to their Playstation and created the best controller that will ever be made that doesn’t feature motion sensing (I would probably consider the 360 controller the best if it weren’t a complete rip-off, an argument can be made that it’s wirelessness differentiates it enough to garner it the top ranking but I disagree. Leave a comment if you’re still pissed).
Whether Sony realized it or not their dual-shock effectively mimicked and simplified the keyboard/mouse pc standard and allowed Microsoft’s Xbox to step into the market with Halo and Halo 2. The games that most effectively used the dual shock style controller and allowed Microsoft to compete in a market where they could have easily failed.
That brings us to the current generation and why Sony will win again. Right now the Wii is this gen’s only must-own system because Nintendo has given us a taste of the interface to come. Sony recently patented their own version of a wii-mote and it pretty much does the same thing as Nintendo’s does with some tweaks and additions for the better. Instead of the “sensor” bar that the wii-mote relies on Sony’s controller uses the eye-toy, a web-cam like peripheral, to help track movement and position in addition to all of the accelerometers and doohickeys that the wii-mote has. In the patent application there’s also mention of a microphone which was a big omission on Nintendo’s part. And even though the patent doesn’t talk about button layout there is no way that they could suck as much at the position of the buttons on the Wii-Mote.
When Sony inevitably introduces this device in a year or so it will be superior to Nintendo’s and because their system has better graphics it will ultimately out sell the Wii (graphics matter). I don’t expect Sony’s numbers to eclipse the Wii’s for another 3 years (please lower the price) but it will happen. Microsoft has been vocal about their commitment to the current controller, a commitment I don’t expect them to stick with but when they finally accept that Nintendo has made the dual-shock obsolete and Sony is driving the bandwagon it will be too late.
Monday, January 22 3:20 pm
Definite improvements could be made to the Wiimote (and to the Wii graphics), but I’m hoping Nintendo will be the one to make them. Especially since I can’t imagine Sony making a console under $300 anytime soon.
But since I only play WoW anymore I’m not too concerned. Now, World of Starcraft on the other hand…
Monday, January 22 3:35 pm
If they release World of Starcraft, I will quit my job.
Monday, January 22 3:40 pm
What about a version of Excitebike for the Wii?
And I see no one has taken up my idea of flag semaphore.
I still think Nintendo will be fine for a while. I don’t think it is the controller holding people back it is straight up the price. As long as Sony continues to run the PS3 at $400-plus, more people will want to play with their Wiis.
Hell, I don’t need to spend money to play with my… never mind.
Monday, January 22 3:51 pm
They should make a game for the Wii where you land fighter jets on an aircraft carrier.
Monday, January 22 4:33 pm
I’m only playing world of starcraft under one of two circumstances. One, It’s on the wii. Two, It’s a massively multi-player real time strategy–and it’s on the wii… or three, I have a better set up for playing computer games on my tv from my couch, and I can use my wii-mote.
I meant three circumstances… four: I can be a firebat/zerg hybrid.
Monday, January 22 6:20 pm
I don’t know man…
I mean how’s the PSP doing?
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/13/psp-tops-ds-in-japan/
Crap I didn’t realize….
Maybe you are right, but it will take a while. I do think a few Sony products are cool, like I wouldn’t mind owning a Vaio… and there is some signs that Blu-Ray will win the HD Format war… We’ll see.
Monday, January 22 6:45 pm
I read that story and it stated that a reason for the PSP outselling the DS may be that fact that Nintendo actually sold out of the DS in Japan…
Tuesday, January 23 8:32 am
Price is only a factor while the PS3 is over 400$, which I don’t expect to last for 3 years. This isn’t about anything other than graphics and functionality. If (when) Sony makes the best interface device and the price becomes reasonable the system will sell like mad.
Tuesday, January 23 8:32 am
I also think we’ll see a new nintendo system in less than five years, but the PS3 should be around for longer.
Wednesday, January 24 3:59 pm
Color me pissed about you 360 controller comment. Jerk. The 360 controller is, like, SO totally unique and innovative (not to mention stain resistant- what’s with the whole “white” trend these days? God only knows what your Wii mote will look like in the light of day in a year.).
Yeah, I see all of your points. But if you ask me, it’s only a matter of time until Steve Jobs gets a crew together that “iPods” the console war and blows people’s minds thru innovation, reliability, style and VALUE (something Sony isn’t too big on these days). If the iPhone ends up being as big a deal as it could be, the sky will be the limit for Apple, IMO.
B-rad
Tuesday, February 6 12:20 am
after reading this biased report. I tend to agree with the ps3 eventually coming out on top . However personally the console choice depends more on game titles (between the ps3 and xbox360). And for my preference (first persons) sony has never bein able to make a sucssesful attemt to even compete with halo, and halo 2.
Also refering to the controlers I have always prefered the xbox version with the staggered analogs and triggers, whether they used sony dual analog idea or not.
In the end I will most likely by a ps3, with the fact of a blue ray plater, and mgs4 but I dont look forward to shelling out the money for it.
Tuesday, February 6 8:44 am
after reading this poorly spelled, punctuated and silly comment. I tend to agree with the Austin eventually coming on top (between a horse and a sheep).
MGS4 is coming to the 360, and there is no such thing as a blue ray plater.
Tuesday, February 6 4:13 pm
I think you can get a Blue Ray Plater after you hit L. 70 in the WoW BC Expansion.
Tuesday, February 6 7:04 pm
Alright man I rushed through and didn’t punctuate and spell correctly, I apologize. But I thought you would at least say something intelligent back instead of bashing me.
Yes I know there is no such thing as a blue ray plater. I heard rumors of mgs4 coming out on the xbox360 but what is your proof?
Friday, February 9 12:56 am
Viva la Austin, Bitches
Friday, February 9 8:38 am
No proof about the MGS yet… only rumors but I’ve read interviews with Kojima where he states that he wants to develop for all platforms. That in addition to the PS3 having an installed base of about 56 units at this point and maybe twice that by next xmas leads me to conclude that MGS is going to have to come out for the 360 to pay for the development of the next version.
Sorry about the dis.
Friday, February 9 8:40 am
So you really like austin huh? Really like him?? Really, really like him?
Hey that’s cool, I’m not judging. In fact I encourage people to explore their homo erotic impulses.
Friday, February 9 4:01 pm
Viva La Cory, Bitches!
Friday, February 9 4:03 pm
Viva La Oscar, Bitches!
Friday, February 9 4:03 pm
Surfing, Smurf Serf.
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