Microsoft's Xbox Gains Ground in Tough Market

Dom · May 10, 2004, 12:17 AM

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - When Microsoft Corp. announced four years ago that it was getting into the video game business, skeptics questioned whether the world's largest software company could be anything but a distant second-best.

While Microsoft remains an underdog in the battle against Sony Corp., its Xbox is gaining ground: the No. 2 game console is expected to have outsold Sony's PlayStation 2 for the first time on a monthly basis in April, boosted by a price cut that made the Xbox cheaper than the PS2.

Microsoft, observers say, has proven that its console can hold its own against the still-dominant PS2 as both companies gear up for the next-generation of hardware releases.

Besides the April sales tally, the Xbox has also enjoyed a lucky streak lately of exclusive games.

Titles like "Ninja Gaiden" and "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow" rode rave reviews to big sales, both finishing among the top five titles in sales for March, according to the NPD Group.

Microsoft has also benefited from early buzz around more exclusive Xbox games due later this year, including "Full Spectrum Warrior" and "Halo 2."

Analysts say Microsoft is now on the verge of getting an important show of support from the leading video game publisher, Electronic Arts.

Read More...

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Source: Reuters

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · May 10, 2004, 02:49 AM

q3 will be shaping up to sony's advantage and beyond. the PS2 will go into its third gen system PS3 with a bang I am sure

mainman · May 10, 2004, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BiGBrOWnPimpsta
q3 will be shaping up to sony's advantage and beyond. the PS2 will go into its third gen system PS3 with a bang I am sure

I wouldnt be that sure if i where you bud, i think that the only reason the PS2 is in front right now is only because it got lauched sooner, if the Xbox got launched the same time as the PS2 i think MS would be in front, well will see when the next gen consoles are out ho's gonna be in the lead...

No_Style · May 10, 2004, 04:51 AM

I'm with Pimp on this one. PS3 will be in the lead, next generation. Why? Gamers know what games to expect there. Company's devotion to Sony's console also ensure the consoles success. The companies include Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, RockStar and Namco.

mainman · May 10, 2004, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by No_Style
I'm with Pimp on this one. PS3 will be in the lead, next generation. Why? Gamers know what games to expect there. Company's devotion to Sony's console also ensure the consoles success. The companies include Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, RockStar and Namco.

Well i guess we all just have to wait and see, dont we...

Dom · May 10, 2004, 05:46 AM

The PS2 has been beating the Xbox because of the PS1, the PS1 was so popular that game developers hopped on the PS2 bandwagon. Without Halo the Xbox would have been nothing, MS knew that which is why they bought Bungie.

May 10, 2004, 12:17 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft's Xbox Gains Ground in Tough Market LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - When Microsoft Corp. announced four years ago that it was getting into the video game business, skeptics questioned whether the world's largest software company could be anything but a distant second-best. While Microsoft remains an underdog in the battle against Sony Corp., its Xbox is gaining ground: the No. 2 game console is expected to have outsold Sony's PlayStation 2 for the first time on a monthly basis in April, boosted by a price cut that made the Xbox cheaper than the PS2. Microsoft, observers say, has proven that its console can hold its own against the still-dominant PS2 as both companies gear up for the next-generation of hardware releases. Besides the April sales tally, the Xbox has also enjoyed a lucky streak lately of exclusive games. Titles like "Ninja Gaiden" and "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow" rode rave reviews to big sales, both finishing among the top five titles in sales for March, according to the NPD Group. Microsoft has also benefited from early buzz around more exclusive Xbox games due later this year, including "Full Spectrum Warrior" and "Halo 2." Analysts say Microsoft is now on the verge of getting an important show of support from the leading video game publisher, Electronic Arts. Read More... _____________________ Source: Reuters

May 10, 2004, 02:49 AM	#2
BiGBrOwNPimpsta HH's #1 Hustla and Pimp Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Dirty Dot Posts: 7,717 Rep Power: 107 System Specs	q3 will be shaping up to sony's advantage and beyond. the PS2 will go into its third gen system PS3 with a bang I am sure __________________ Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music \| Logitech Z-5500 THX 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers \| 2 Lite-On 20x S-ATA Burners \| Logitech G700 Mouse \| Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth Keyboard

May 10, 2004, 04:51 AM	#4
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	I don't think so.. I'm with Pimp on this one. PS3 will be in the lead, next generation. Why? Gamers know what games to expect there. Company's devotion to Sony's console also ensure the consoles success. The companies include Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, RockStar and Namco. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

May 10, 2004, 05:46 AM	Thread Starter #6
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	The PS2 has been beating the Xbox because of the PS1, the PS1 was so popular that game developers hopped on the PS2 bandwagon. Without Halo the Xbox would have been nothing, MS knew that which is why they bought Bungie.