Nintendo’s Wii U console is just weeks away from its launch here in North America and with pre-orders sold out everywhere, Nintendo is sure to have another hit on their hands, but unlikely to the extent of the current Wii.
With just under 100 million units sold at the time of publication, the Wii is currently the third most successful non-handheld video game console, behind the PlayStation 2 and original PlayStation, but how likely are sales of video game consoles going to reach such heights?
While Sony and Microsoft are working around the clock to prepare their next PlayStation and Xbox for consumers, PC gaming is continuing to grow and thanks to PC’s most popular digital distribution platform, Steam, those who once remained exclusive to consoles for gaming are now transitioning to PC to enjoy the hottest releases.
For those who are unaware of Steam, imagine an online portal (no pun intended) where owners of a PC are able to browse the latest video game releases, socially communicate with other PC gamers, and manage their entire library from one single, yet powerful platform.
Not only enriched with amazing software titles, Steam offers unprecedented video game specials such as their ongoing Halloween sale. Offering top tier releases such as Bioshock 1 and 2, Dead Space 1 and 2, F.E.A.R. 3, Left 4 Dead 2, and more for the low price of $4.99, what hardcore gamer would not be interested in downloading at least one of these releases?
Let’s also keep in mind that gaming is just one feature of the PC that users are able to partake in.
With a large percentage of the video game market ranging from children to young adults, machines used to play the plethora of great PC titles also allow for students to progress through their educational career as well as perform efficient research.
Sure, both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 now have Internet browsers, but let’s be honest here, the PC does a much better job handling such tasks and is better recognized within user’s control.
I am not by any means discounting the value of video game consoles nor stating they are headed down a path to failure, but evaluating the market conditions and trends within the video game industry, leave many gamers, such as myself, curious as to whether the PC will become the primary video game platform for gamers in the future.
We already have video games like World of Warcraft and League of Legends consuming the lives of millions of Americans, and while consoles do offer many exclusives such as God of War and Uncharted, do not be surprised to see various developers favor the PC market and design their very own PC exclusives as time progresses.
