Recent reports saying that Nintendo may launch its next-generation game console, the Wii, ahead of Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) is no surprise because the Wii is not as complicated as the PS3 or Microsoft's Xbox 360 in terms of specification and functions, and therefore, is much easier to produce, according to sources at Taiwan-based game console components makers.
According to a recent report by CNN Money, Nintendo is expected to launch the new game console in October or even at the end of September. Nintendo said earlier that it plans to launch the Wii in the fourth quarter of this year while Sony is expected to launch its PS3 on November 17.
Despite a smaller number of features compared to the Xbox 360 and upcoming PS3, the Wii still is expected to sell well due to its 802.11b/g wireless capability and backward compatibility to the handheld Nintendo DS (NDS), which has gained immense support from players as well as game title providers, the sources noted.
In addition, Nintendo is expected to offer the Wii at below US$250, making the console much cheaper that its rivals and may attract students and non-traditional game players such as women and older people, the sources indicated. The PS3 is likely to be priced between US$499-599 and the relatively high price may discourage consumers from buying the unit, according to the sources.
According to a report by investment firm Merrill Lynch, the current production cost of the PS3 will top US$900, including US$350 for a Blue-ray disc drive, before coming down to US$320 within three years. Sony is likely to take huge losses due to the PS3's high production costs, said the investment bank.
Parts and component suppliers for the Wii.
No surprise if Nintendo Wii beats Sony PS3 to shelves