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[argon]

http://biz.gamedaily.com/features.asp?article_id=11239

Not a lot of surprises here..

Sony still king, Revolution trailing
Not surprisingly, Sony's PlayStation 3 had the highest awareness, familiarity and purchase intent among total respondents (including gamers and non-gamers). That was followed by Microsoft's Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Revolution. It is important to note, however, that the survey was conducted prior to the announcement of the unique Revolution controller. One would think that this could drastically affect the results of the study, but NPD Funworld Entertainment Industry Analyst Anita Frazier doesn't believe the difference is that substantial.

This research was done before the Revolution controller was revealed, but it does seem like Gamecube has really eroded Nintendo's consumer mindshare overall. I think GC is a great system, but they need to distance themselves from that console somewhat in their marketing techniques.

Although NPD could not provide us with exact numbers from the survey, Microsoft's Xbox brand would appear to be making great strides and is closing the gap with PlayStation... at least among the hardcore.

"If you look at the respondents that indicated they were 'somewhat' or 'very' familiar with the new products together, the gap is fairly substantial. However, if you look just at those that indicated they were 'very familiar' which would probably be more indicative of a core, or heavier gamer, the gap is not that wide. I believe this speaks to Microsoft's inroads with the gamer community and in building their brand very successfully, especially here in the U.S.," Frazier explained.

NPD's study showed that brand loyalty was the primary driving factor for purchase intent, as the survey found that those interested in purchasing each next-gen console own the current generation system from the same manufacturer.

Content is key
Besides brand loyalty, "Other factors mentioned were graphics capability, backwards compatibility, and the quality of the available content," said Frazier. "I hate to be a broken record on this point, but it's content that drives this industry. I know people playing the 360 and they're absolutely mesmerized by the 'eye candy' that the stunning graphics provide, and I think this is enticing in of itself, for a while. But for broader adoption, continued release of killer content is critical."

Online features, HDTV support, and the inclusion/lack of a hard drive were also factors but were not as important to respondents as graphics, backward compatibility, and availability of compelling content.

"The study revealed a high degree of interest from consumers in continuing to purchase legacy system software. As we saw with the last console transition, the PS1 had longer life than most expected and I don't believe the industry will walk away from current-gen as quickly. The balancing act will come at retail as they strive to figure out the proper mix of support for all these different systems," Frazier noted.

Furthermore, many of the current-gen gamers have decided to wait before purchasing a next-gen console. Price was found to be the most common factor driving purchase timing; approximately one-third of those interested in buying each new system said that they would wait until it goes on sale or has its price slashed. Backing up this notion was the finding that about half of those who are very or somewhat likely to purchase each system said they are willing to spend between $200 and $299. Unless these people settle for the core version of the Xbox 360, it looks like they'll be waiting.

Also, from the NPD press release:

According to the report, brand loyalty appears to be a leading factor driving purchase intent, illustrated by the fact that a higher percentage of those interested in purchasing each next- generation system own the current generation system from the same manufacturer. The study also finds that the majority of current generation system owners who are very or somewhat likely to buy a new system plan on continuing to play with the system they currently own and more than half (58%) will continue purchasing games for the system they currently own.

 

[elostyle]

It is important to note, however, that the survey was conducted prior to the announcement of the unique Revolution controller.

So this is ancient then?

 

[PhoncipleBone]

Online features, HDTV support, and the inclusion/lack of a hard drive were also factors but were not as important to respondents as graphics, backward compatibility, and availability of compelling content.

I find it great how backwards compatibility is a larger force in buying decisions than new compelling content. I know why BC is a good thing, but working retail all these years it seems to be the MAIN reason people want new systems. Each time someone asks I always have to ask them "why are you going to buy the $400 system to play the games for the $150 one? Why not just buy one of the $150 ones now if you dont want new games?" While muttering under my breath "asshole"

 

[AndoCalrissian]

I find it great how backwards compatibility is a larger force in buying decisions than new compelling content. I know why BC is a good thing, but working retail all these years it seems to be the MAIN reason people want new systems. Each time someone asks I always have to ask them "why are you going to buy the $400 system to play the games for the $150 one? Why not just buy one of the $150 ones now if you dont want new games?" While muttering under my breath "asshole"

What? I'm pretty sure that those three items (graphics, backward compatibility, availability of compelling content) aren't listed in any specific order.