7th Generation Console War And How Nintendo Wii Won By Being Different.

M. Abrar Bagaspati

25196093

For decades, technology has developed massively in our life. Cellphones, cars, motorcycles, stoves, computers, and many more. In our modern life, especially in the entertainment side, there is one technology that is a major part of us, usually used a lot by young people. They are called video game consoles. For those who don’t know, consoles can simply be defined as a hardware with capabilities of interactive digitally made games.

Ever since the first generation of consoles, there have been a few other companies, each developing their own video game console. Though, since our main topic is about the 7th generation, there are 3 consoles that stood out, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo. All three of them have made a huge name for themselves, with the quality of their previous consoles leaving impact on the consumers.

The 7th Generations Of Consoles.

The 7th generation started in 2005, with the release of Xbox 360, developed by Microsoft. Next year, 2 more consoles released, Playstation 3 developed by Sony, and Nintendo Wii developed by Nintendo. These 3 main consoles compete against each other to see which can sell the most. Many debates also among gamers exist, talking about which consoles are the best out of the 3. So of course, these consoles do compete against each other, though just not in sales, but in quality, features, etc. People call the comparison of each console to see which one is the best the “Console War”

What Is A Console War, and How Does It Affect The Industry?

With the release of Xbox 360, obviously it is an improved and better version than the last Xbox. Xbox 360 innovated with HD graphics. Not just Xbox, but Playstation 3 also vastly improved and upgraded from the Playstation 2. With these new, higher quality hardware, many open world games are created, pushing the console's hardware to its limit. Games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Assassins Creed II, and Red Dead Redemption. Let’s not forget Nintendo Wii and their design of games like Mario Galaxy, Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword, and Sonic Colors.

Not just graphically, the new generations also have massive technical advancement. Games like Metal Gear Solid, Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Us, Silent Hill 2, shows the new capabilities of cinematic storytelling that can be compared to films & movies. Let’s not forget that the 7th generation revolutionized online gaming. While online gaming was a thing during the 6th generation, the 7th generation is where it started to explode in popularity with games like Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, and many more.

With all these new, vastly improved consoles, companies are able to develop higher quality games. Game developers using the console’s new and stronger hardware from previously are now able to create more complex, interesting, fun, and engaging games. Of course, developers will always improve with each next generation, introducing new and innovative ideas.

Xbox 360.

The first console to be launched in the 7th generation. When the decision to make a new console was made, Microsoft decided to rebuild Xbox from the ground. With new hardware and features, they aim for a different and more powerful console from its predecessor. When it was introduced, Microsoft revealed that it's able to play, stream, network all sorts of media such as movies, music, picture and game contents. The Xbox 360 was basically a computer that hardware and software were made to focus on video games.

Xbox 360’s main feature is its gaming capabilities. It has powerful graphic processors and computing power. It also holds an internal storage to make games load faster. Xbox 360 features also include online services. Using an expanded version of Xbox live, it allows users to download games through the arcade, play online games, and even purchase music & movies.

Xbox 360 managed to sell 85 million units worldwide. Xbox 360 was sold globally utilizing Microsoft’s extensive distribution network. It partnered up with many shops and was even sold online. Sometimes, it’ll be bundled up with a popular game and have special limited editions. During its launch, Microsoft set the price to be lowered than expected to approach a larger customer base. Xbox 360 also had multiple versions, arcade, pro, and Elite. Xbox 360 also offered a subscription service that serves online gameplay, exclusive deals, and free games.

Playstation 3.

The Playstation 3 was developed with the help of Toshiba and IBM. Playstation 3 uses blu-ray as its main media format, with support for DVDs and CDs. Sony partnered up with Nvidia to help develop its graphic driver.

The PS3 featured Blu-ray as its main media. It can not just play games, it has support for DVDs and CDs. Introducing many technical features, the PS3 have bluetooth, wifi, and ethernet features. Wireless controllers, USB, memory stick, SD, and compact flash. With it supporting blu-ray, it made it possible to create larger games with more details on them. It also have support for voice chat, internet web browsing, digital photo, and video viewing.

Managing to sell 87 million units, PS3 offers backwards compatibility, so people are able to play PS1 and PS2 games. During launch, the PS3's price was considered too expensive, so it didn’t do as expected.. As time passes, the prices are lowered. Its main selling point is the blu-ray. The fact that you’re able to buy a hardware that can play both video games and movies is very appealing. PS3 also has the playstation network which allows you to buy games online.

Nintendo Wii.

After the release of Gamecube, Nintendo began conceptual development for its next console. For their next console, they didn’t aim for hardware power. Instead they aimed to innovate gameplay and experiences.

Nintendo developed a unique controller for the Nintendo Wii, not only is it not designed like other controllers, it also have a motion sensor feature. Said motion sensor became the main gimmick for Nintendo Wii. Nintendo aimed for all demographics, hence the simple design of the controller. Hardware wise, Nintendo Wii is not as powerful as the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Selling over 101 million units, Nintendo Wii has beaten its competitors in sales. Nintendo broadens the target for all ages. With a simple designed controller with a motion sensor gimmick as its main selling point. Nintendo Wii also offers many and a bunch of exclusives from Nintendo themselves. Nintendo Wii have backwards compatibility with Gamecube games. Due to its hardware being not as strong, Nintendo Wii’s price were also cheaper than Xbox 360 and PS3. Their game prices were also lower. Plus there’s a small version of Nintendo Wii called Wii Mini.

The Winner Of Console War and How It Won.

Nintendo Wii sold way more units than Xbox 360 and PS3, so by sales it won! But how did it win? It has weaker hardware than the other two, so how? People found Nintendo Wii’s focus on motion sensors interesting and unique. The Wii itself aims to be accessible to all demographics, kids, teenagers, adults. The Wii is designed to be user friendly. It appeals to casual gamers and families. Plus, the Wii is cheaper than Xbox 360 and PS3. It’s innovative, accessible, and have a unique gimmick to it. Nintendo was brave to be different when developing the Wii, and it was paid off successfully.

Source Link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3

https://www.cbr.com/7th-gen-console-changes-xbox360-ps3-nintendo-wii/

https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Seventh_generation_of_video_games

https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=1474481&fileOId=2435424

https://www.marketing91.com/marketing-mix-xbox-360/#google_vignette

https://www.scribd.com/doc/148910782/Nintendo-Wii-Marketing-Plan#page=9

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/playstation-3-marketingplan/16796548#3

https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/how-the-nintendo-wii-won-the-console-war-1197348