Which company do you think will be the first to drop out?

[CartCollector]

Historically, the video game market can only support 2 consoles. For example: In the console wars between the SNES and Genesis, numerous competitors tried to take a hold, including NEC, SNK, and Atari. All failed. More recently, Sega dropped out after fending off Nintendo and Sony for years. So: which company do you think will make gaming history by painfully saying farewell to its fanboys?

I say Microsoft, because Sony is not going down, and Nintendo learns from its competitors a lot faster than Microsoft. Example: When faced with genres Nintendo didn't have under its belt in the NES era, they came up with innovative products like Mario Kart, F-Zero, and Star Fox with their next console. These titles also showed off the strong points of the console. However, Microsoft makes a lot of old mistakes by launching an expensive console with few and boring exclusive titles.

[Cauterize]

:( :( :( i voted nintendo, i wont go into it as its 00:13am and im off to bed!

[tholly]

Nintendo (and just to piss people off ill say my reason is cuz they are a kiddie system)

[suppafly]

nintendo already lost number 2, and it will NEVER win it back...

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I'd like to see Nintendo do a Sega and drop out of the console market. I'd also like a company like Atari to come back with a dire effort and then fade away again...

I'd like to see a Nintendo / Sega / Atari merger which would see them develop a super console to take on the two major giants!!! And then still lose! Ha ha ha! That would really show them and put rest to age old questions and theories!

From a money point of view, i'd really like to see one of them drop out just so us mortals have some decent cash to focus on other things. It becomes expensive owning all the current competitor's and having to buy peripherals and games for all of them...

Not to mention still buying games for consoles long gone...

[CartCollector]

I'm hoping Nintendo will come back with the Revolution (tenative title for their next system.) We all can see how innovative the DS is and how it will probably become the hot Christmas item this holiday season. Hopefully, Nintendo will do that with their next console, losing old adages like "make the 18+ set think you're kiddy", "online gaming is evil", and "who needs backwards-compatibility?" Also, the next Metroid, Zelda, and Mario games should be online-compatible. It's impossible to find someone who would want to play Four Swords, and even harder to find someone with the GBA-GC adapter. Metroid could also become a Halo-killer with an online mode.

[EnemyZero]

i honestly don't know...i think nintendo only because they are setting themselves up for future failure like sega did with the saturn...saturn flopped with the generall public (bastards) and when the DC came out it was just left in the wake of the saturns failure....now the GC is low on the totem poll and i doubt it will work its way up unless they can give people a reason to purchase there next gen system

[shai hulud]

"For example: In the console wars between the SNES and Genesis, numerous competitors tried to take a hold, including NEC, SNK, and Atari. All failed"


i wouldnt say that SNK really failed. They released one system and it lasted for neary 10 years.

[EnemyZero]

there really isnt a system...besides 3DO i can say failed...they all were great but our society couldnt support more than 2 or 3 consoles....

[MegaDrive20XX]

Edit: Im changing my mind...I realized something important

Nintendo possibly

Their support is just enough to get by....they may get the bad word of mouth from the public and hearing many people say "I don't even touch my GameCube barely...since {Insert New game for PS2/Xbox here} arrived"

Screw'em, Nintendo is a household name like Atari was (Still is, thanks to TV Games Plug and Play) and Big N isn't going anywhere...

The portable wars have yet to begun here in the rest of the world besides Japan

So only time will tell....but...if all else fails....Nintendo will always have the upper advantage in the portable market

[GobopopRevisited]

Nintendo will never drop out as long as its handheld lines keep selling.

I voted Microsoft. I like them and all, but they have lost TONS of money on the Xbox alone, and with rumors of them dropping key Xbox features (hard-drive) and backwards compatibility AND the fact they plan to make multiple versions of the new console... I think its all just an act of desperation... and stupidity.

[izret101]

I will get into it later as well but i said Nintendo.
Thay have lost alot of momentum but i don't see any of them dropping out for awhile yet.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I think if I had been five years older back then, I would definately have bought the Saturn and stuff... It all depends on the market really, plus you also have to consider that it was still in the early days of Cd Rom technology and people were not yet ready to completely give up on carts - Especially as Nintendo still vowed to be using them for the Ultra 64...


The thing with Sega and Nintendo is - They are both mostly Japan orientated - Even western games are still orientated towards the Japanese way...

Whereas the PlayStation had more of a worldwide feel to it.

And that is what I think has been their downfall - Sega and Nintendo are not yet prepared to open up, whereas Microsoft and Sony are.


Microsoft and Sony are both bigger companies too, and use their expertise from other area's of development to improve on thir gaming aspect - Nintendo, Atari, and Sega were all gaming only, so didn't have anything else to fall back on - For funding and innovation.


Saying that, stricktly speaking the 3DO and CDi should've done a lot better, but I think they entered at the wrong time.

I'd like to see another Panasonic machine surface though - Maybe in conjunction with the previously mentioned Sega / Nintendo / Atari sydicate!!!

Just look what they achieved with a partnership with Nintendo!!! Just think what else they could do with Sega and Atari on their side!

[imanerd0011]

As much as it kills me to say it... I voted Nintendo. :( Teens today aren't really looking for the games that Nintendo puts out. They would much rather play GTA or Halo, than say a Legend of Zelda game. No matter what happens in the future, I will always remember Nintendo as dominating company that it once was in the early 90's.

[Joelius]

I personally hate Sony and everything they touch. Granted I have a PS2 for select titles and the such, but i want to see Sony go down, Nintendo rise, and for Bill Gates to call Nintendo his daddy.

[zektor]

I voted Microsoft. Not because I'm sure they will drop out first, but because I don't want to vote Nintendo :) I just can't see the company I grew up with going anywhere damnit! If that ever happens, it will truly be a sad day for me....

[Kamino]

Nintendo used to be great.
I have nothing but good things to say bout nintendo pre-1996. Pre-n64. Pre-Pokemon.
Nowadays, I see nintendo as a lot like EA. Both companies used to rock out hard in the 16 bit days. Many of my favourite 16 bit titles came from EA.
Both companies still produce a number of great works. Medal of honour, james bond on the EA side, f zero, wario land on the nintendo side.....
Both companies are riding a thin wave. EA with it's sports titles; nintendo with it's pokemon and crappy re-releases.
Jack Trameil must have invaded Nintendo. who joined up with those nimrods in 1995? Any significant newcomers in that year? Holy shit.
Sony, I used to hate. All the PS1 years, I hated their junk. Now? Ps2 + Rockstar games' GTA Vice city = knocked my socks off. Backwards compatibility will keep sony in the game.
I don't see Microsoft dropping out. They're the Intellivision of today. The high-class graphics, the pompous ass supporting it (bill gates) and an endless money flow.
As far as first party titles go, GameCube IS A KIDS' SYSTEM. only when some EA shooters, Ikaruga, and a few other gems are included does it lose this. (No matter what the package has for a rating, as much as I am a total slave to F Zero GX, i consider it an "E FOR EVERYONE" game. Teen? what?).
So far as I can see, nintendo has been riding GBA since it's release. That's what has kept them alive. If DS flops, nintendo is out. And remember their last third line - virtual boy.
Nintendo, it's time for you to go. Byebye Shigeru. You are the weakest link. You used to be a hero. now you're an imbecile. Goodbye.

[Push Upstairs]

I voted Nintendo.

I'm sorry Big N, but your numerous accessories, the limited support, and your self-destucive desire to appeal to nothing more than the Nintendo elite have done nothing but plant your butt in 3rd place.

And while i'm not the biggest Microsoft fan (although they did give me "Age of Empires"), i do have to commend them from going from being a nothing in the console VG world to a 2nd place position in such a short period of time.

[kjmontana]

... low on the totem poll...

Actually, the low man on the totem pole is the power position as it is supporting all the rest on it's shoulders. Google it up.

[XxMe2NiKxX]

Simply put, if Nintendo keeps trying to change the way we play videogames, they're going to kick themselves out of the gaming market.

[badinsults]

Although the Cube is my only modern console, I think it would be naive to say that it will last longer than the PS2 and Xbox. Who's to say what happens when the next bunch comes out, though?

[max 330 mega]

Simply put, if Nintendo keeps trying to change the way we play videogames, they're going to kick themselves out of the gaming market.
well they better try something, or else they will go the way of your beloved sega ;)
as of right now unless they really pull something out of there ass they are screwed, but i really hope they manage to do something amazing.

[racecar]

i voted for nintendo
nintendo's game theme/play are directed @ young(kid's.. rate E to T audiance mostly) unlike the ps2/xbox which direct itself to the Adult$$ with game's like GTA and other M/teen rated title's ..if you look @ the evolution of the gaming system's(nintendo) there was a GAP between the GB/snes >>>( the sale$ of N64 and the VBoy was BAD)>> to the Gcube , during this gap the ps1 was able to take over alot off nintendo's player's with pc title's like the tomb raider and the graet rpg FINAL FANTASY/ and with the great SQUARESOFT under it's monopoly of great rpg's and other cool game's
... then the SEGA saturn was great too they got great potential but lack of $$ funding and lack of creative ad's /PR

now it's between SONY and MICROSOFT to duke it out....althought Nintendo still grap major share of the portable market( the ds might be a bad idea :hmm: ..with dead pixle issue....so we'll just have to wait and see how sony will try to take over the portable market with the psp :eek 2:

here's a what if's
microsoft take over the neo/snkplymore title's >> :hmm: and conselized sammy's atomiswave system it to make it the new xbox III :eek 2: :hmm:

[max 330 mega]

i voted for nintendo
nintendo's game theme/play are directed @ young(kid's.. rate E to T audiance mostly) unlike the ps2/xbox which direct itself to the Adult$$ with game's like GTA and other M/teen rated title's ..if you look @ the evolution of the gaming system's(nintendo) there was a GAP between the GB/snes >>>( the sale$ of N64 and the VBoy was BAD)>> to the Gcube , during this gap the ps1 was able to take over alot off nintendo's player's with pc title's like the tomb raider and the graet rpg FINAL FANTASY/ and with the great SQUARESOFT under it's monopoly of great rpg's and other cool game's
... then the SEGA saturn was great too they got great potential but lack of $$ funding and lack of creative ad's /PR

now it's between SONY and MICROSOFT to duke it out....althought Nintendo still grap major share of the portable market( the ds might be a bad idea :hmm: ..with dead pixle issue....so we'll just have to wait and see how sony will try to take over the portable market with the psp :eek 2:

here's a what if's
microsoft take over the neo/snkplymore title's >> :hmm: and conselized sammy's atomiswave system it to make it the new xbox III :eek 2: :hmm:
if microsoft made the consolized atomiswave there new system.... ok wait the system after there next system (why did you put xbox 3??) i would personally kiss bill gates' ass. that would be a great day. nevvvvvvvveeerrrrr gonna happen tho.

[Lord_Magus]

Hmm... It seems to me that at this point, Sony has the recognition, Microsoft has the power and Nintendo the quality.

For these reasons, I can't see any of them dropping out any time soon.

[Cleatis]

I'd also like a company like Atari to come back with a dire effort and then fade away again...

Who is "Atari" exactly? The license has changed hands so many times and management/ownership/workforce is so different from what it was when Atari mattered...it would simply be a new company (maybe Infogames) trying to get a piece of the action...not the return of Atari. Id like to see the Blue Sky Rangers make something out of the Intellivision name again though.

[evildead2099]

Nintendo used to be great.
I have nothing but good things to say bout nintendo pre-1996.

You have nothing but good things to say of Nintendo's monopolization of the industry and policies promoting censorship? O_O

I agree with you only as far as Nintendo's first party software is concerned.

-----

I see Nintendo dropping out of the race first, but only if that race strictly concerns console gaming. I expect Nintendo to continue to dominate the handheld market.

[Ernster]

Nintendo was great in the NES, SNES and N64 era (besides there non existant advertising), however they are slowly getting worse, and dieing. Im sure they will be around for a long time, the day Nintendo go out of the hardware business, is the day PSP kills the Gameboy/DS line.
*prays to god that doesnt happen*

I cant see Nintendo being popular ever again, unless they make some Adult type games as well as there "Kiddy" games.

The only way I can see N5 doing well, is if the N5 is more powerful than the PS3, and Xbox 2, and if it's very innovative, which at this stage it sounds like it will be (innovative)

As much as some people dont like to admit, we NEED Nintendo. 8-)

[EnemyZero]

thanks for the info kj but i was making an analogy, i didnt mean it that way.....anyways....nintendo still is great but our society changed.....back in the 80's and early to mid 90's when nes and sega were the powerhouses everyone was about mario and sonic, and playing fun games......now no one wants those...8 year olds rather kill and pimp girls in gta...unfortunately this is the world we live in

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'm voting for a write in candidate...
Yup that's right folks...
NOKIA

Rest In Pieces (of crap)

...did I mention that I refuse to vote Nintendo? LOL

[Pedro Lambrini]

I don't think any of them will drop out. The market used to only support 2 platforms but the market is now much, much bigger. Nintendo is only failing in relation to the positions of the the other 2 big companies in the world of gaming. Actually they are still making a profit and quite a big one at that. Why should they drop out?

[studvicious]

back in the 80's and early to mid 90's when nes and sega were the powerhouses everyone was about mario and sonic, and playing fun games......now no one wants those...8 year olds rather kill and pimp girls in gta...unfortunately this is the world we live in

I was thinking the exact same thing :/ Oh, and I voted for Microsoft. I just refused to vote for the Big N. I'm really hoping that their next console does MUCH better. ;)

[Kamino]

Nintendo used to be great.
I have nothing but good things to say bout nintendo pre-1996.

You have nothing but good things to say of Nintendo's monopolization of the industry and policies promoting censorship? O_O

I agree with you only as far as Nintendo's first party software is concerned.

-----

I see Nintendo dropping out of the race first, but only if that race strictly concerns console gaming. I expect Nintendo to continue to dominate the handheld market.
nes and snes = \m/
thats all i'll say.
GIVE UP NINTENDO FANBOYS

[Aussie2B]

Nintendo used to be great.
I have nothing but good things to say bout nintendo pre-1996.

You have nothing but good things to say of Nintendo's monopolization of the industry and policies promoting censorship? O_O

I agree with you only as far as Nintendo's first party software is concerned.

Monopolization of the industry because the NES was extremely popular? How does that work? There were other consoles available. Did you buy them? Did you support them? Nintendo wasn't a monopoly just because people didn't care about the other systems.

And do you REALLY expect ANY company to take the fall every time some retarded parent group or organization tries to sue them for something they didn't even create? You can blame Nintendo for not being smart enough to create their own rating system right from the get-go (and I think the main reason for that is because they came from a Japanese-style viewpoint where people don't care to have ratings and there aren't a bunch of Puritanical loons having hissy fits), but you can't blame them for not trying to cover their ass. It's absolutely ridiculous to have them take the punishment for questionable content in games that they did nothing but license for appearance on their console.

Getting back to the topic at hand, it's easy to just pick Nintendo, but really, it's hard to tell. ANYTHING could happen. When the Genesis was doing even better than the SNES, did anyone think that so soon Sega would flopping like a fish out of water?

I'm worried, though. If Nintendo did drop out, I wouldn't be upset just because it's Nintendo, but more so because it would represent the death of Japanese gaming. Nintendo, Sega, NEC, SNK, I don't care what form it takes, I GOTTA have Japanese gaming. On a board where most are fans of the pre-NES days, I'm sure I'm in the minority, but Western game design is so lifeless and soulless to me. I'd probably go with Rare as my favorite Western developer, but even then it's only because of extremely good gameplay - their characters are hideous and completely unlikable unless they're based on previously designed Japanese characters. Anyway, getting back to my point, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I stopped buying new games if it was down to just XBox and Sony (even if Sony is a Japanese company, it feels so American to me due to where most of the games originate and what's most popular on the PlayStation consoles). Sure, I could still follow my favorite Japanese developers and buy the consoles for those games, but I could honestly see Sony and Microsoft slowly cracking down on US releases of Japanese titles in favor of getting more big-selling Western titles for their consoles. Oh well, whatever happens I got thousands of older games I can still buy. o_O

[Kamino]

I'm worried, though. If Nintendo did drop out, I wouldn't be upset just because it's Nintendo, but more so because it would represent the death of Japanese gaming. Nintendo, Sega, NEC, SNK, I don't care what form it takes, I GOTTA have Japanese gaming.
For me, it's just the opposite. I can respect your enthusiasm for Japanese gaming; however, I might just be naive here, but can't you still import Japanese games from Japan if(when) nintendo dies?
....Gadzooks. I think you've made me realise why I like ps2 games so much. They're not japanese. At least most of the ones I play aren't.

[badinsults]

Actually, I want to change my vote. I think the Phantom will be the first console to exit the market.

[Cranky Kong]

I need to vote twice because there are two that aren't Nintendo. The first Nintendo came out like in the 1970's and then there was that card game from like the 1600's so yeah baby stick it nintendo ain't going anywhere foos @_@ :eek 2: :D :evil:

[jaybird]

... Nintendo learns from its competitors a lot faster than Microsoft.

Huh? Nintendo is famous for NOT learning from their competitors. Everyone goes CD-based, Nintendo stays with cartridge. Everyone goes online, Nintendo stays offline.

Those are the two giant mistakes that have contributed to Nintendo's fall from first.

[studvicious]

Huh? Nintendo is famous for NOT learning from their competitors. Everyone goes CD-based, Nintendo stays with cartridge. Everyone goes online, Nintendo stays offline.

Those are the two giant mistakes that have contributed to Nintendo's fall from first.

I completely agree with you on that. If they had been able to keep Squaresoft back in the day, who knows what could've been. Just think if they didn't stab Sony in the back and actually had released the SNES cd-adapter!! I think if that had happened Nintendo would still be number one like it was and Sega just might have stayed around after all... There would be no PlayStation and who knows about the Xbox. I am hopeful for Nintendo's future but deep down inside I think one day they just may be 100% portable.

[Pedro Lambrini]

100% portable isn't necessarily a bad thing. Nintendo have said that the DS contains technologys that will appear in the Revolution. I have a feeling that that might mean that the Revolution will be a portable system that can be connected to the TV while at home (complete with touchscreen for analogue control and wifi style internet connection.).

This is not as stupid as it sounds. If Sony can get a PS2 into a handheld now what will Ninty be able to put into a handheld in a couple of years time? Imagine being able to play your fave games on the TV and then carrying on the game while on the train or bus to work! That would be pretty revolutionary - especially if it can be connected to the 'net at the same time...

[gamenthusiast]

quite the coincidence, I posted a blog recently about this topic. If your interested, follow the 1up.com link located in my signature.

[postulio]

As much as it kills me to say it... I voted Nintendo. :( Teens today aren't really looking for the games that Nintendo puts out. They would much rather play GTA or Halo, than say a Legend of Zelda game. No matter what happens in the future, I will always remember Nintendo as dominating company that it once was in the early 90's.




i see where youre coming from, yet we all own gamecube, and nintendo seems to be the console you buy your 10 year old brother/son.

sure they are no where near the dominant force of the early 90s, but the money is flowing like water in their offices, they are enormouse in japan and pokemon is raking in so many millions its ridiculous, even with the gamecube they are making money. they arent doing great, but no where close to how sega was getting ass rammed during Saturn/DC.


to tell teh truth i dont know which will drop out, its quite likely that none of them will. we havent seen 2 generations with 3 of the same console makers ever before, and yet here comes the 2nd generation of microsoft, sony and nintendo.



i honestly dont see any of them dropping out, i chose microsoft simply because they are losing some 100 bucks on each xbox sold and the company is going through some pretty intense court battles that might split it in half.

[slip81]

Are we talking about worldwide, or just in the U.S? Because if it's worldwide it would definately be M$, the Xbox was already a hugh flop over there, and just because the Gamecube isn't doing great in the U.S doesn't mean it's that way everyplace, I think it's actually doing quite good in Japan, that along with the success of their handheld systems I think will keep them in the game longer than the Xbox.

[thehistorian]

I'd like to remind everyone that Microsoft is notorious for developing a product and then dropping it so fast that it looks like a meteor crossing the northern Seattle skyline...

Nintendo has been known to pull a few tricks out when the hanafuda cards are down. Sony has much to big of a following to fold up and go away...

My vote.. MS, will at somepoint, drop out of the gaming hardware industry...

[studvicious]

I'd like to remind everyone that Microsoft is notorious for developing a product and then dropping it so fast that it looks like a meteor crossing the northern Seattle skyline...

Like Windows Millenium Edition?? LOL

[link1110]

Teens today aren't really looking for the games that Nintendo puts out. They would much rather play GTA or Halo, than say a Legend of Zelda game.

Ironic, isn't it. TEENS want these adult games and are buying the Sony/MS consoles for them, yet they're not supposed to be playing those games. Maybe if thta law in the other thread about not selling those games to minors passes, Nintendo will regain some market share. We can only hope.

[Cleatis]

and people were not yet ready to completely give up on carts - Especially as Nintendo still vowed to be using them for the Ultra 64...

I sure as hell was. You should have been there for all the stink Nintendo got when they announced they were sticking with carts. Things only got worse when they started charging a $20 per cart royalty fee.

As for Nintendo ruling the handheld market...I really hope I wont have to see that for much longer. I want to take my portal gaming as seriously as I take my home gaming. I think Sonys approach is going to pay off well. They arent trying to compete with Nintendo (or so they say), theyre going for the people who dont have a portable gaming device. I know the majority of us have SOME portable gaming device but I wish I didnt. I cant stand my DS. I for one will be more than happy to see Nintendo go under. Im an extremely loyal customer, if you treat me right then Ill buy from you forever. Im just tired of Nintendo stunting the growth of the handheld industry...

[Leo_A]

"Monopolization of the industry because the NES was extremely popular? How does that work? There were other consoles available. Did you buy them? Did you support them? Nintendo wasn't a monopoly just because people didn't care about the other systems. "

You need to do some research on laws and the practices Nintendo took in the 80's and early 90's. Though they were never found guilty on anything, they came extremely close.

[FranklinSherman]

I hate to say it, but I voted Nintendo...without any big titles due for Gamecube-only releases, their home console future may be dooming itself.
I just am in solid suspense to see the Q4 sales data for the post-christmas rush. If only Resident Evil 4, StarFox 2, and the new Zelda would release before Jan. 2005...they may have saved themselves... :bawling:

[Cleatis]

i see where youre coming from, yet we all own gamecube, and nintendo seems to be the console you buy your 10 year old brother/son.

I dont have a GC and I bought my 10 year old nephew what he asked for...a PS2.

[Promophile]

I'd like to remind everyone that Microsoft is notorious for developing a product and then dropping it so fast that it looks like a meteor crossing the northern Seattle skyline...

Like Windows Millenium Edition?? LOL

Which I still use, and am probally the only person in the world that still is.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Huh? Nintendo is famous for NOT learning from their competitors. Everyone goes CD-based, Nintendo stays with cartridge. Everyone goes online, Nintendo stays offline.

Those are the two giant mistakes that have contributed to Nintendo's fall from first.

I completely agree with you on that. If they had been able to keep Squaresoft back in the day, who knows what could've been. Just think if they didn't stab Sony in the back and actually had released the SNES cd-adapter!! I think if that had happened Nintendo would still be number one like it was and Sega just might have stayed around after all... There would be no PlayStation and who knows about the Xbox. I am hopeful for Nintendo's future but deep down inside I think one day they just may be 100% portable.

You also have to look at how the young-uns handle their games. CD-format was still fairly new (especially to kids) back then. I don't know how many complaints I heard about from parents concerning games they purchased for their kids not working after a week or so. Don't read this as Nintendo is a kid company because kids played the Saturn and PS also. The disks for these systems were very touchy and delicate by todays standards. Kids drop stuff, hell adults drop stuff- my point is I belive Nintendo chose carts for the N64 because they were already set-up in this format, it was proven and familiar. They don't get any "trailblazer" points for waiting to make the change but, they did a damn good job with the GC. The disks are tiny enough for little hands, the tech savvy adults mantra is "smaller is better" not to mention that these little disks are near-indestructible with normal use. My copy of Mario Sunshine looks like it went through a woodchipper and it works perfectly.

Sometimes you have to stay the same to be different...

[LiquidX01]

I voted Microsoft. I like them and all, but they have lost TONS of money on the Xbox alone, and with rumors of them dropping key Xbox features (hard-drive) and backwards compatibility AND the fact they plan to make multiple versions of the new console...

Actually they are NOT dropping the hard drive completely. Just simply offering it as an option, and there is nothing wrong with that if their reasonably priced.. As for the multiple versions of the system, well, one is w/hard drive, one is wo/hard drive, and one is some kind of computer...I dont know if it will actually play as an xbox also. The backwards compatibility issue I dont really see becoming a huge issue. The PS2 did it, but remember thats not really why people bought it. As far as I see it, I could care less of it and it will be just a reason to keep my Xbox, before there becomes a huge flood of them at EB like the PS1 did.


I think its all just an act of desperation...and stupidity.

Desperation?... No I dont see it. How is the #2 system is such desperation? How is giving consumers options become an act of desperation? Im lost here...Last time I checked options were a good thing.

If anyone, Nintendo is the one who is in desperation of keeping afloat. If it wasn't for such high sales in the portable market (well they are the only one at the moment) and the sales of their first party titles, IMO, they would be fighting a losing battle at the moment IF they are not yet....

This is the end of my mini rant of the day. :)

[link1110]

If anyone, Nintendo is the one who is in desperation of keeping afloat.

I doubt this highly. No company with a series which consistantly sells 5 million+ worldwide (Pokemon) can be considered desperate.

[ubersaurus]

I am amused that a company like Nintendo gets a rap for it's "kiddy titles", since when you look at it, EVERY platform has a good number of those. How about Sly Cooper, or Blinx, anyone?

I don't see Nintendo going anywhere as long as they can control the handheld market, and even then, they have a stockpile of money to work with. Sony and MS both have money stocks as well, but if the Xbox 2 doesn't make some good cash, I doubt that game experiment will continue any further.

[RCM]

Well, the rumor is this time next year the Xbox 2 will be out. The first console listed that will have a shift in focus and support will be the Xbox if the rumor turns to truth. But they aren't exactly "dropping out."

The greater question is which console manufacturer will pull out of the hardware biz for good. Probably Nintendo. Microsoft is turning out to be a legit competitor against Sony. Their installed base(s) can't compare this generation but I see a different picture in the next. Nintendo could be a third party developer for Microsoft and Sony while stayng in the handheld market. That is unless the PSP knocks em out. I like Nintendo games a lot. The problem is, if you don't like Nintendo games a lot it really isn't worth it to own a Gamecube.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[RCM]

I don't see Nintendo going anywhere as long as they can control the handheld market, and even then, they have a stockpile of money to work with.

Nintendo isn't going to keep sticking it out in the console market if it continues to flop. It won't no matter how neato Revolution is. If it fails worst than the GC they are out.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[LiquidX01]

If anyone, Nintendo is the one who is in desperation of keeping afloat.

I doubt this highly. No company with a series which consistantly sells 5 million+ worldwide (Pokemon) can be considered desperate.

Whats this have to do with the Nintendo Gamecube? Do you really think a company can survive with only the great success of one title??? I doubt that highly. And if it wasn't for little kids they wouldn't even have that to brag about.

Nintendo = Handhelds and Pokemon both which have had great success due to many, many 6 year olds.

[ubersaurus]

Well, the rumor is this time next year the Xbox 2 will be out. The first console listed that will have a shift in focus and support will be the Xbox if the rumor turns to truth. But they aren't exactly "dropping out."

The greater question is which console manufacturer will pull out of the hardware biz for good. Probably Nintendo. Microsoft is turning out to be a legit competitor against Sony. Their installed base(s) can't compare this generation but I see a different picture in the next. Nintendo could be a third party developer for Microsoft and Sony while stayng in the handheld market. That is unless the PSP knocks em out. I like Nintendo games a lot. The problem is, if you don't like Nintendo games a lot it really isn't worth it to own a Gamecube.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

Nintendo has turned a profit every year for how many decades now? And as long as they have the cash, I don't see them pulling out of consoles. Handhelds is a given with them, it's their bread and butter.

Nintendo's leadership would have to change for them to go third party. I don't see their current guys wanting to do anything but first party.

[Push Upstairs]

No company with a series which consistantly sells 5 million+ worldwide (Pokemon) can be considered desperate.

Well XBOX has the HALO games and they sell well, so i doubt MS is going to bow out.

[studvicious]

Nintendo could be a third party developer for Microsoft and Sony..

I doubt that would ever happen. If they weren't making hardware I couldn't see them just producing software.

[Promophile]

Like it or not but the market is big enough for 3 systems. As much as Sony and MS fanboys want it, Nintendo will not drop out in the forseeable future.

[Psycho Mantis]

even though i like gamecube, i have to say it's gonna be first to drop out because it doesn't have as many popular games and a lot of people consider it kiddy.

[FantasiaWHT]

There needs to be an option for "none within the next 5 years" Any speculation beyond that point is pointless.

[FantasiaWHT]

And I don't understand why people say the market isn't big enough for 3 systems... The market is bigger than it has ever been. Over 60% of all American households have at least one of the three modern consoles. And you have more and more people buying multiple systems.

The town I grew up in only could support 2 movie theaters... until it got bigger and now there's 3.

[izret101]

Hmm... It seems to me that at this point, Sony has the recognition, Microsoft has the power and Nintendo the quality.

For these reasons, I can't see any of them dropping out any time soon.

Well put.
I don't see any of them really dropping out of the next console race.

I think Nintendo will fix old mistakes but make new ones.

Sony is on way to much of a roll to get taken out with out a long fight.

And Microsoft has the money to put into it. Gates is not going to drop out of the multi billion dollar VG market until he gets the crap nocked out of him. Which Nintendo isn't going to do. And right now it is more or less holding its own against Sony. I don't watch the figures so don't qoute me on it.

[XJR15]

You can all hate me for this but Nintendo is done.

Microsoft and Sony are just too huge. Additionally, I cannot see some any other company to release a console in the future and being successful with it.

[Stark]

Actually the market used to be able to only handle 2 consoles. In today's gaming world many titles are released either at the same time or very soon after on all 3 systems. All at the same price allowing gamers to own 1 system of the 3 and not feel left out. I'd say that the success of all 3 companies shows that most households have either 2 or all 3 consoles where as in the past most households had only 1 (Sega or Nintendo).

I don't see any of these 3 major players dropping out of the video game market for a good decade+. I also don't see any new companies trying to compete with them either period.

[Pedro Lambrini]

You can all hate me for this but Nintendo is done.

Microsoft and Sony are just too huge. Additionally, I cannot see some any other company to release a console in the future and being successful with it.

Eleven years ago you could have said this:

Sega and Nintendo are just too huge. Additionally, I cannot see some any other company to release a console in the future and being successful with it...

Also, you shouldn't compare the size of the companies and use this as a judge. Regardless of the size of Microsoft and Sony Nintendo is still a really, really big profit making company. :)

[FantasiaWHT]

You can all hate me for this but Nintendo is done.

Microsoft and Sony are just too huge. Additionally, I cannot see some any other company to release a console in the future and being successful with it.

Eleven years ago you could have said this:

Sega and Nintendo are just too huge. Additionally, I cannot see some any other company to release a console in the future and being successful with it...

Also, you shouldn't compare the size of the companies and use this as a judge. Regardless of the size of Microsoft and Sony Nintendo is still a really, really big profit making company. :)

Nintendo is the only one of the three that made a proft in the last three quarters. They've been incredibly successful at that.

[dethink]

nintendo isn't going anywhere. the DS would have to completely bomb (the jury is still out on that, IMO...let's see if it survives past launch/xmas furor), as would the revolution and whatever's next for them to drop out of the console industry.

if the next 2 generations of hardware don't sell well, then maybe you'll see nintendo CONSIDER dropping out of the hardware race. LOL they're still sitting on a multi-billion dollar warchest, and have upper management that's as stubborn, unmoving, and unforgiving as anything found in nature.

nintendo came from the era where you dominated the industry with a 6,000,000 install base. i think they know how to make a healthy profit within those means. they aren't number one, but they are by no means out for the count.

however, they do need to take a look at their business practices, and the kinds of customers they are attracting and retaining if they want to survive more than another decade in their current hardware manufacturer form. they need to do whatever it takes to win their third parties back. lackluster GC ports of a select portion of PS2/xbox games doesn't cut it.

[CartCollector]

"Nintendo is the only one of the three that made a proft in the last three quarters. They've been incredibly successful at that."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4081001.stm

Yes indeedy. Now hopefully these sales figures will continue... Remember the Dreamcast.

[RCM]

Nintendo has turned a profit every year for how many decades now? And as long as they have the cash, I don't see them pulling out of consoles. Handhelds is a given with them, it's their bread and butter.

Nintendo's leadership would have to change for them to go third party. I don't see their current guys wanting to do anything but first party.

Last year Nintendo lost some money. The Gamecube's failure stopped NIntendo's streak of profitability. I see the current guys wanting to make money. It doesn't matter how much cash Nintendo has. If their console business falters any further they will pull out and go to where the money is!


I doubt that would ever happen. If they weren't making hardware I couldn't see them just producing software.

Why can't you see the fellas at Nintendo solely producing software?

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[Leo_A]

"Actually they are NOT dropping the hard drive completely. Just simply offering it as an option, and there is nothing wrong with that if their reasonably priced.."

Still a rumor and/or speculation, I wouldn't act like its a fact like it appears you assume it is.

[Gamemaster_ca_2003]

I beleve that Microsoft will go down first but not for a Long Time. the reasons are.

1. The XBOX will cut down on funding for the next version of Windows(If it continues to lose money on it).

2. I see MS being a capible Software manufacter for the PC.

3. The XBOX as been handed their asses In JPN by both Sony and Nintendo.

I also refused to vote Nintendo because they are close to most gamers Hearts.

I also dident want to vote for sony because I play with the PS2 and It has good games (and its share of crappy ones too).