Game News :: Nintendo Wii set to become consumers’ choice for next-gen console

A recent BrandIntel report has revealed that the Nintendo Wii is poised to become the consumers’ choice for next-gen gaming. BrandIntel analysed online consumer-generated content to determine that the Wii recorded the highest purchase intent scores, largely because it appeals to the casual gaming audience that was mostly untouched before Nintendo launched the Wii. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 came in second with Sony’s PS3 in third.

The report, titled Top Video Game Console Report: Consumer Insight Monitor, analysed consumer sentiment regarding the three next-gen consoles. The report found that although the Xbox 360 is currently the top choice with hard-core gamers, it is the Wii that has the highest intent to purchase scores, appealing to a broader consumer base due to its price, ease of use and innovation.


Value and fun lead the way

Potential Wii buyers are attracted to the console because of the value and the fun games while potential PS3 buyers are looking at its future potential because they don’t believe it has any earthmoving titles at the moment. Potential Xbox 360 buyers are keen on the large amount of games available and the upcoming Halo 3. Although Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has been dogged by quality concerns, the report states that this has had little impact on purchase intent. The launch of the highly anticipated Halo 3 is also expected to drive the purchase intent for the Xbox 360 up.

Most analysts believe that purchase intent is driven by price alone but in the Wii’s case highly anticipated upcoming games such as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros, combined with a competitive price, are also creating a positive purchase intent.

Below are some key findings from the report, which analysed data (from approximately 17 000 records) from the 1st of January 2007 to the 24th of July 2007:

“The Nintendo Wii generated very positive levels of appeal and brand image and came highly recommended by consumers.
While it generated the least discussion due to its relative maturity, the Xbox 360 received positive sentiment stemming mostly from an impressive game lineup, making it the choice console for gaming enthusiasts.
The PS3 generated high levels of discussion regarding its processing power and hard drive, but was perceived more negatively than the Wii and Xbox 360 due in part to its high cost and lack of attractive games.”


Console wars

The report seeks to track industry trends and influences as well as outline consumer usage behaviour. It also illustrates which consoles and manufacturers are positively discussed in online communities including blogs, forums and media sites. Last year’s report found that most online discussion centered around the Nintendo Wii.

“As the console war heats up again for the holiday season, Nintendo has been able to successfully target a new audience of casual gamers which has opened up new marketing and revenue opportunities for the company,” said Alan Dean, V.P. of Business Innovation at BrandIntel. “As the Nintendo Wii moves beyond the hype, consumers are looking for games that can compete with the bigger name titles produced by their competitors.”

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