Wii Still Winning

The Wii is still running hard and strong in the next-gen race, outselling both the tech-heavy PS3 and early starter Xbox 360. Wiis have sold an estimated 20 million, while the Xbox is only around 17.5 and the PS3 limps in at around eight million. But the numbers are even more staggering if you work out how many are selling a day: The Playstation has sold an average of 17,ooo a day and the Xbox comes in at 21,000 a day. But the Wii, the Wii — despite supply shortages — comes in at a whopping 43,000 a day, outselling the PS3 and Xbox 360 combined.

So why does it matter to us gamers? Isn’t it all just some type of electronic beauty contest? Well, yes and no. The more consoles sell, the more third-party game produces will be willing to create or port a game for the Wii. The more games, the more competitive the market, and the more the gaming industry will invest in creating a really good game. The better the games, the happier the gamers. The happier the gamers, the more consoles sell, completing the cycle.

In the last generation, the Game Cube failed to compete against the PS2 and the Xbox, putting it at a disadvantage. But the real nail in the coffin didn’t come until third-party game producers started passing it up. Both the other consoles had dozens of hit franchise titles, but the Game Cube — nothing. This time around though, it looks like Nintendo has cleaned up its act, done some market research and really come up with something truly appealing.

So, can we crown the Wii winner yet? No quite yet. I think the Xbox 360 has little kick left in it. It has already showcased its biggest titles, it had a year head start and it has already had several price cuts. I don’t think we can expect any surprises here. The Playstation 3 on the other hand, still has some cards up its sleeve. The most obvious one — it packs more punch than any of the other consoles. Right now, that means it is the most expensive, which is putting a lot of people off. But give it a few years and the PS3 will be cheaper, and still on the cutting edge. Does cutting edge graphics equate to fun? No. But in the fun department, the PS3 has some potential. Their sixaxis controller gives them a chance to break into the same motion sensitive market Wii fans have been enjoying. Also, several important PS titles are still up and coming, like FFXII. The last, and possible the most important card that could effect this generation’s console war, unlike the Wii, the PS3 hasn’t been cracked yet. Game producers don’t like to hear it, but this effects people’s console decisions a lot. As soon as the PS3 is modable, expect sales to skyrocket. Especially in third-world countries where piracy is rampant.

Conclusion: the Wii is still winning, and it defenatly looks like it might take the gold, but we’ll have to wait before calling that one. One thing is clear though, the Wii is shaping the gaming industry, and no matter how you slice it, the Wii is here to stay