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A Case For The XBox One
Posted by Billy
Posted on 26 October, 2013 at 10:15PM ↑ 1 ↓ 0
A Case For The XBox One

Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of the Xbox One in any way. I honestly doubt I will be getting one for a long time, if at all. (I'm not a huge fan of the PS4 either.) However, I really think its too early to count the XB1 out yet.


Everyone seems to be currently losing their shit over the fact that the Xbox One seemingly can't do 1080p as well as the PS4. However, I submit to you that this will not matter in the long run. In the technology world we have something known as a killer app. In the long run I believe it will be the software that sells consoles, not the hardware. Let's take a look at some history, shall we? Rarely ever does the most powerful console gain more sales than its competition. There are exceptions to this (for instance, the Super Nintendo). The best example of this is probably the sixth generation of consoles. The PlayStation 2 sold over 155 million units[1], the Gamecube sold over 24 million[2], and the original Xbox also sold over 24 million[3]. The PS2, however, was underpowered by both competitors (except in storage capacity, the Gamecube disks didn't hold as much), but sold the most. Why? Because it had games people wanted to play. (And PS1 backwards compatibility.)


Not only that, but the Xbox One has Xbox Live behind it. Presently more people are registered on the PlayStation Network (more than 110 million[4]) than Xbox Live (more than 48 million[5]), but these numbers are hard to make anything out of because XBL costs money, and PSN was free. Yes I said was -- On the PS4 the PSN is no longer free. So it will come down to whose service is better for the price. Keep in mind Xbox Live currently has a better security and uptime track record.


Think I'm wrong? I encourage you to post a comment.

 

[1] http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/technology/18779-sony-stops-shipping-playstation-2-units-in-japan

[2] http://www.webcitation.org/60VrBE6Cp

[3] http://web.archive.org/web/20080621155352/http://www.xbox.com/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm

[4] http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2013/07/03/psn-passes-110-million-accounts-sony-pictures-developing-exclusive-original-tv-style-programming-for-psn-timed-exclusives/

[5] http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live

Comments
Lazlo Falconi
27 October, 2013 at 03:04AM ↑ 1 ↓ 0

I think Microsoft is really playing fast and loose with this one. I mean it's almost like they're trying to pull off some kind of stunt, like sitting on the railroad until the last possible second and then--BAM--New Halo game and everything is okay!

By the way, love the footnotes in here, and your writing tone is really great.

Herpy
27 October, 2013 at 03:50AM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

regardless of what microsoft do the xbone will sell.

People usually buy one console over another due to the games it has. So if the xbone gets some decent games it'll sell.

I was going to say that the cheaper console also has an advantage. But i don't think it will have a impact this time

Gilgamesh
28 October, 2013 at 06:54AM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

Yeah, sometimes it seems like companies expect systems to sell without any "system seller" games for them.

Lazlo Falconi
28 October, 2013 at 07:31AM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

I don't think Xbox has to worry about that with your halos and maddens.

Billy
28 October, 2013 at 10:13AM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

Of note, however, is Halo is no longer the "dude bro" game it once was. Halo 4 tried to recapture its audience by making itself more like space Call of Duty, but it didn't work out terribly well. (Only Halo fans bought it)

I also predict the Call of Duty fad to end in the next couple years. Who knows what will replace it.

GamersTavern
29 October, 2013 at 00:30AM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

Didn't this thing come out in 2001?

Billy
29 October, 2013 at 2:51PM ↑ 0 ↓ 0

Yeah it had the sequel to Jet Set Radio on it, it was pretty boss.

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