     |
 |
 |
 | | | | |
 |
|||
 |
||||||
          |
 |
 |
||||
|
Analyze This: Are Gamers Really Saying "I Want My HDTV!"? HDTV is a critical feature of the new generation of consoles, particularly down the road 2-3 years [from now] when adoption of HD TVs will be much higher than it is today. Sony is obviously using the same strategy it used with the PS2 by offering a low-cost version of the latest format for home video, which worked with the PS2 with regards to beating out the Sega Dreamcast. Sony's strategy is a good one on its face -- a fully integrated game console with high-definition player is certainly more appealing to those looking for both, when compared to the "two-box" solution Microsoft is offering with the add-on. But the resulting higher price point for the PS3 at the outset has resulted in pushback towards the console in the press and among some gamers. I think that the company has recognized this and is willing to take an even greater financial hit if it needs to, as witnessed through the recent price drop in Japan before the launch.
Ultimately, the gamer is looking for the best gaming experience, and HD is a part of that, but not the end-all. Equally important is inventive game play, which is the main focus of Nintendo with the Wii. I don't think Nintendo will lose out on customers by not offering HD. Following Sony and Microsoft's lead on offering the latest in HD would have added too much cost and negated one of their greatest strengths for this generation. A determining factor in market success will be if the [Blu-ray] format ultimately becomes the dominant one for high-def DVD. If it does, this will result in a very important advantage for Sony over the life of the console. Microsoft can counter-punch by delivering a Blu-ray add-on, which is the advantage of [their] modular approach, but, as I stated, a fully integrated box at price parity is a more attractive box for consumers. Publishers have to consider both HD and standard definition in
this go-around. When selling into markets in transition, which
is the TV market today, publishers can't assume the consumer has
one type of technology over the other. Capcom's lack of consideration
for non-HD TVs was a big mistake, since the majority of gamers
today do not have HDTVs.
|
|||||||||||||||
Features
|
|
|