Gamecube ? pah
Seriously, though I've some informal contact with major console developers (can't say who
) and their attitude change is incredible.
When Uncle Bill's Big Black Box first came out they hated Microsoft and hoped it would go away and die horribly.
The last conversation I had with them (yesterday) was along the lines of -
...
hope the XBox takes over. Sony are difficult to work with and their hardware is notoriously convoluted to develop for.
Gamecube has some good software but will never last
XBox is easy and they're only just beginning to unlock it's power (remember folks, Halo was a release game
).
Broadband take up will naturally push users towards the XBox as well.
Major developers already have advanced build info for PS3 (moved forward 18 months from original plan) and Xbox2 - what have they got from Nintendo ? Nothing.
Their take on the current market was this:
- XBox to go from strength to strength with XBox2 being a potential Sony killer
- Sony to continue as they are, although gradually lose ground on the XBox
- Nintendo to 'do a Sega' after the 'cube (i.e. stop making the hardware and concentrate on making the games).
Microsoft are in it for the long-term - they apparently lose about $100 on every console sold - why? 'cos what's $5 billion to Uncle Bill if in 10 years time he's got the lions share of the ever growing console user-base ?
...
Just to prove I'm not a narrow-minded fanboy, I'll admit that right now although XBox has some great games, there's little to choose between the consoles. If you're looking for qauntity and quality right now and don't mind buying another console in 18 months then I'd get a PS2.
PS2 has some loads of superb titles, including by far the best sports game (ProEvo 2)
Gamecube has a handful of greats and a few in the pipeline (Monkeyball, Mario Sunshine, Zelda, Metroid Prime)
So, pick whichever you like, the only thing I would say is to look at 2 things
1) What truly great games are available now ?
2) What's in the pipeline that takes your fancy - take a look, major developers are announcing a move to the system daily - Doom 3 and next Resident Evil (exclusive) for starters.
I've got an XBox, but only bought 6 games (although I rent them regularly I've not bought many) - the quality just isn't there yet. Similarly I'm not on L!ve (yet) for the same reason.
I'm not pro or anti any of the consoles, but I got an XBox on release day and after an admittedly shaky start I'm beginning think I may have made the right decision. If I had the money I'd get 'em all although a gamecube would be my last purchase and only for Mario and MonkeyBall.
(and Zelda out next year).
All of the above is just my view with some third-hand chat from people who should know what they're talking about. I thought might be of interest.
<...wanders off to don flame-proof jacket...>
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