Seventh generation of video game consoles
{{short description|Gaming generation from 2004 to 2017}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{VG History|expandmenu=2}}
The seventh generation of home video game consoles began on November 22, 2005, with the release of Microsoft's Xbox 360 home console. This was followed by the release of Sony's PlayStation 3 on November 17, 2006, and Nintendo's Wii on November 19, 2006. Each new console introduced new technologies. The Xbox 360 offered games rendered natively at high-definition video (HD) resolutions, the PlayStation 3 offered HD movie playback via a built-in 3D Blu-ray Disc player, and the Wii focused on integrating controllers with movement sensors as well as joysticks.{{cite web|last=Wisniowski|first=Howard|url=http://www.analog.com/en/press-release/May_09_2006_ADI_Nintendo_Collaboration/press.html|title=Analog Devices And Nintendo Collaboration Drives Video Game Innovation With iMEMS Motion Signal Processing Technology|publisher=Analog Devices, Inc.|date=May 9, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2006|archive-date=January 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107180246/http://www.analog.com/en/press-release/May_09_2006_ADI_Nintendo_Collaboration/press.html|url-status=live}} Some Wii controllers could be moved about to control in-game actions, which enabled players to simulate real-world actions through movement during gameplay. By this generation, video game consoles had become an important part of the global IT infrastructure; it is estimated that video game consoles represented 25% of the world's general-purpose computational power in 2007.{{cite journal|author=Martin Hilbert and Priscila López|year=2011|title=The World's Technological Capacity to Store, Communicate, and Compute Information|journal=Science|volume=332|issue=6025|pages=60–65|doi=10.1126/science.1200970|pmid=21310967|bibcode=2011Sci...332...60H|s2cid=206531385|doi-access=free |issn = 0036-8075 }} Free access to the article through martinhilbert.net/WorldInfoCapacity.html
Joining Nintendo in releasing motion devices and software, Sony Computer Entertainment released the PlayStation Move in September 2010, which featured motion-sensing gaming similar to that of the Wii. In November 2010, Microsoft released Kinect for use with the Xbox 360. Kinect did not use controllers, instead using cameras to capture the player's body motion and using that to direct gameplay, effectively making the players act as the "controllers". Having sold eight million units in its first 60 days on the market, Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device".{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-sells-10-million-kinects-10-million-kinect-games/ |title=Microsoft sells 10 million Kinects, 10 million Kinect games |first=Tim |last=Stevens |publisher=Engadget |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-date=March 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312144129/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-sells-10-million-kinects-10-million-kinect-games |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |title=Kinect Confirmed As Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |access-date=March 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213211/http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |archive-date=March 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}
Among handheld consoles, the seventh generation began somewhat earlier than the home consoles. November 2004 saw the introduction of the Nintendo DS,{{cite web|url=http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=515|title=Various Satoru Iwata comments regarding the Nintendo DS|last=Bayer|first=Glen|date=March 1, 2004|publisher=N-sider.com|access-date=October 4, 2007|archive-date=October 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009134201/http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=515|url-status=live}} and the PlayStation Portable (PSP) came out in December. The DS features a touch screen and built-in microphone, and supports wireless standards.{{cite web | url=http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217195147/http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php | archive-date=February 17, 2005 | title=Nintendo DS – WI-FI vs NI-FI | author=Darkain |date=January 21, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2006}} The PSP became the first handheld video game console to use an optical disc format as its primary storage media.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303170842/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/|archive-date=March 3, 2009| title=E3 2003: PSP Press Release| date=December 31, 2003|publisher=gamedaily.com| access-date=March 12, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html| title=Support – PSP – Movies| publisher="Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080307104652/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html |archive-date = March 7, 2008}} Sony also gave the PSP multimedia capability;{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/Features|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303080718/http://us.playstation.com/psp/features/ |archive-date=March 3, 2011 | title=PSP – About – Multimedia| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}} connectivity with the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, other PSPs; as well as Internet connectivity.{{cite web| url=http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remoteplay.html| title=User's Guide – Remote Play| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008| archive-date=March 11, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311201456/http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remoteplay.html| url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/ConnectingToInternet/default.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315144612/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/ConnectingToInternet/default.html|archive-date=March 15, 2008| title=Support – PSP – Connecting to the Internet| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}} Despite high sales numbers for both consoles, PSP sales consistently lagged behind those of the DS.{{cite web| url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/psp-vs-ds/8-reasons-why-the-psp-might-overtake-the-ds-327596.php| title=8 reasons why the PSP might overtake the DS| date=November 29, 2007| website=Gizmodo| access-date=March 12, 2008| archive-date=March 23, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323125128/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/psp-vs-ds/8-reasons-why-the-psp-might-overtake-the-ds-327596.php| url-status=live}}
A crowdfunded console, the Ouya, received $8.5 million in preorders before launching in 2013. Post-launch sales were poor, and the device was a commercial failure. Additionally, microconsoles like Nvidia Shield Console, Amazon Fire TV, MOJO, Razer Switchblade, GamePop, GameStick, and more powerful PC-based Steam Machine consoles have attempted to compete in the video game console market; however they are seldom classified as "seventh generation" consoles.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a450282/can-android-consoles-ouya-project-shield-challenge-playstation-xbox.html|title=Can Android consoles Ouya, Project Shield challenge PlayStation, Xbox?|last1=Langshaw|first1=Mark|last2=Reynolds|first2=Matthew|publisher=DigitalSpy.com|date=January 13, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2013|archive-date=February 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215112247/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a450282/can-android-consoles-ouya-project-shield-challenge-playstation-xbox.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/with-ouya-gamestick-steam-box-and-more-will-2013-be-the-year-of-the-microconsole/|title=With Ouya, GameStick, Steam Box and more, will 2013 be the year of the 'microconsole'?|last=Kelly|first=Tadhg|publisher=Edge Online|date=January 10, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2013|archive-date=March 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317020927/http://www.edge-online.com/features/with-ouya-gamestick-steam-box-and-more-will-2013-be-the-year-of-the-microconsole/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/breaking-down-ouya-steam-box-new-wave-systems|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221190432/http://www.1up.com/features/breaking-down-ouya-steam-box-new-wave-systems|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2013|title=Digital and Nontraditional: Breaking Down Ouya, Steam Box, And Other New Wave Systems|last=Pereira|first=Chris|publisher=1up.com|date=January 15, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2013}}
The seventh generation slowly began to wind down when Nintendo began cutting back on Wii production in the early 2010s. In 2014, Sony announced they were discontinuing the production of the PSP worldwide, and the release of new games for the DS eventually ceased later that year with the last third-party titles. Microsoft announced in that same year that they would discontinue the Xbox 360. The following year, Sony announced that it would soon discontinue the PlayStation 3. Around that time, the remaining Wii consoles were discontinued, ending the generation as all hardware was discontinued. The final Xbox 360 physical games were released in 2018, as FIFA 19 and Just Dance 2019. Despite this, several more Wii games were released, including a few more annual Just Dance sequels,{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-just-announced-a-wii-game-1826740118|title=Ubisoft Just Announced A Wii Game|last=Kohler|first=Chris|website=Kotaku|date=June 11, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-19|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118125825/https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-just-announced-a-wii-game-1826740118|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/10/just-dance-2020-announced-during-ubisoft-e3-conference|title=JUST DANCE 2020 ANNOUNCED DURING UBISOFT E3 CONFERENCE - E3 2019|website=IGN|date=10 June 2019|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112074713/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/10/just-dance-2020-announced-during-ubisoft-e3-conference|url-status=live}} as well as a limited 3,000-copy print run of a physical release of Retro City Rampage DX. The eighth generation had already begun in early 2011, with the release of the Nintendo 3DS.
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Home video game consoles
=Xbox 360=
{{main|Xbox 360}}
File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-Pro-Flat-wController-L.jpg
The Xbox 360 gained an early lead in terms of market share, largely due to its established Xbox Live online gaming system, and its early launch date, which was one year before its rivals. Sales in North America and Europe continued to be strong, even after the release of the Wii and PlayStation 3. Like its predecessor, the Xbox 360 received a muted reception in Japan,{{cite news|title=Muted hello for Xbox 360 in Japan|publisher=BBC|date=December 10, 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4517362.stm|access-date=October 28, 2007|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109013101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4517362.stm|url-status=live}} attributed to the lack of content aimed at Japanese gamers, which was a key reason why its predecessor underperformed in that country.{{cite news|last=Fildes|first=Johnathan|title=Xbox still hopes to storm Japan|publisher=BBC|date=September 23, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5373066.stm|access-date=October 30, 2007|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126131623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5373066.stm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Haigh |first=Marilyn |date=2019-10-08 |title=Why Japanese gamers don't buy Xbox |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/08/why-microsoft-xbox-isnt-as-popular-in-japan-as-sonys-playstation.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031143327/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/08/why-microsoft-xbox-isnt-as-popular-in-japan-as-sonys-playstation.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Features -- Why Xbox Failed in Japan |url=https://www.japan-zone.com/features/103_why_xbox_failed_in_japan.shtml |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=www.japan-zone.com |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628184911/https://japan-zone.com/features/103_why_xbox_failed_in_japan.shtml |url-status=live }} Despite its early launch date, the Xbox 360 finished in 3rd place behind its competitors.
This early launch did come with some trouble, as technical problems appeared in a portion of Xbox 360 units sold. The most well-known problem is the "red ring of death" and Error E74, which received a great deal of attention due to some users having to replace their consoles multiple times. Microsoft attempted to address this by offering a three-year warranty on all affected consoles and repairing them free of charge.{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 Warranty Coverage Expanded |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 5, 2007 |url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/hardware/warranty/warrantyupdate/WarrantyUpdate.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014072847/http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/hardware/warranty/warrantyupdate/WarrantyUpdate.aspx |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |access-date =October 25, 2007}} It also retroactively reimbursed owners of affected systems who paid for repairs, and ultimately made several adjustments to the console's design to improve reliability, consulting with "an established ASIC vendor".{{cite web |last1=Block |first1=Gerry |title=Xbox 360 RRoD Failures Finally Explained |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/12/xbox-360-rrod-failures-finally-explained |website=IGN |date=June 12, 2008 |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524013003/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/12/xbox-360-rrod-failures-finally-explained |url-status=live }}
As they share many cross-platform games and competed for the same audience as their predecessors, frequent comparisons are made between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.{{cite web |date=May 20, 2005 |last=Perry |first=Douglass |website=IGN |title=E3 2005: Microsoft's Xbox 360 vs. Sony's PlayStation 3 |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/617/617951p1.html |access-date=May 14, 2008 |archive-date=May 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512044710/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/617/617951p1.html |url-status=live }} The PS3 uses the Blu-ray format, while the Xbox 360 uses a standard DVD9. The Xbox 360 was less expensive to produce and broke even on manufacturing costs earlier than the PS3,{{cite web |last1=Martindale |first1=Jon |title=Guess how much Microsoft and Sony lost on the Xbox 360 and PS3? |url=https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/guess-how-much-microsoft-and-sony-lost-on-the-xbox-360-and-ps3/ |website=KitGuru |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906004923/https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/guess-how-much-microsoft-and-sony-lost-on-the-xbox-360-and-ps3/ |url-status=live }} while industry consensus was that the Xbox 360's conventional architecture is easier to develop for.{{cite web |date=August 17, 2007 |last=Doerr |first=Nick |publisher=PS3 Fanboy |title=Ubisoft's GRAW team denies PS3 programming difficulty |url=http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/ubisofts-graw-team-denies-ps3-programming-difficulty/ |access-date=May 14, 2008 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926130555/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/ubisofts-graw-team-denies-ps3-programming-difficulty/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=February 7, 2006 |last=Gualco |first=Scott |publisher=Gamer 2.0 |title=UPDATE PlayStation 3 Programming Predicament? |url=http://www.gamer20.com/platform/ps3/news/3521/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203220617/http://www.gamer20.com/platform/ps3/news/3521/ |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |access-date=May 14, 2008}}
At the end of the first half of 2007, the console stabilized at 11.6 million units shipped as sales dropped 60% while its rival, Wii, gained momentum and Sony announced a competitive price drop on the PlayStation 3.{{cite magazine |last=McDougall |first=Paul |title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Sales Plunge 60% As Problems Mount |magazine=InformationWeek |date=July 20, 2007 |url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201200157 |access-date=November 22, 2007 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509015208/http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201200157 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Lai |first=Marcus |title=Wii, Xbox 360 sales up; PS3 down at Ebay |publisher=Punch Jump |date=August 30, 2007 |url=http://news.punchjump.com/blog/2007/08/30/wii-xbox-360-sales-up-ps3-down-at-ebay-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007012335/http://news.punchjump.com/blog/2007/08/30/wii-xbox-360-sales-up-ps3-down-at-ebay-2/ |archive-date=October 7, 2007 |access-date=November 22, 2007}} Microsoft's strategy to boost sales with the release of the highly anticipated Halo 3 in September 2007 paid off, outselling the Wii that month in North America.{{cite web |last=Boyer |first=Brandon |title=Halo 3 Drives Xbox 360 Sales Above Wii in September |website=Gamasutra |date=October 19, 2007 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15918 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021020851/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15918 |url-status=dead }} Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division experienced a huge increase in revenue, largely driven by the release of Halo 3, and posted a quarterly profit for the first time in two years.{{cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |title=Strong Halo 3 launch helps Microsoft gaming to first profit in years |website=Ars Technica |date=October 26, 2007 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2007/10/strong-halo-3-launch-helps-microsoft-to-first-ever-profit-on-gaming.ars |access-date=October 29, 2007 |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607143845/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2007/10/strong-halo-3-launch-helps-microsoft-to-first-ever-profit-on-gaming.ars |url-status=live }}
The Xbox 360 focused on the release of high-profile games, such as additions to the Halo franchise. The 2007 Game Critics Awards honored the platform with 38 nominations and 12 wins – more than any other platform.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/nom-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Nominee Fast Facts |publisher=Game Critics Awards |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526133909/http://gamecriticsawards.com/nom-stats-2007.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win-stats-2007.html |title=2007 Winners Fast Facts |publisher=Game Critics Awards |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602033302/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win-stats-2007.html |url-status=live }} At the 2008 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced that it expected over 1,000 games available for Xbox 360 by the end of the year.{{cite web |url=http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/02/20/microsoft-keynote-reveals-xbox-stats/ |title=Microsoft keynote reveals Xbox stats |author=Rain Anderson |publisher=That VideoGame Blog |date=February 20, 2008 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=June 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618063250/http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/02/20/microsoft-keynote-reveals-xbox-stats/ |url-status=live }} The Xbox 360 has managed to gain a simultaneous release of titles that were initially planned to be PS3 exclusives, including Devil May Cry,{{cite web |title=Official Press Release on DMC4 going Multiplatform |publisher=Capcom |date=March 20, 2007 |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028084439/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e070320.html |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |access-date=October 25, 2007}} Ace Combat,{{cite web |url=http://www.namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |title=Namco Bandai Games announces the worldwide launch of Ace Combat 6: fires of liberation for the Xbox 360 |publisher=Namco Bandai |access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011174922/http://namcobandaigames.com/news/press/press/199/page/1 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} Virtua Fighter,{{cite web|last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=PS3 Loses Another Exclusive, Virtua Fighter 5 Comes to 360 |website=Kotaku |date=December 21, 2006 |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |access-date=October 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025094216/http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/ps3-loses-another-exclusive-virtua-fighter-5-comes-to-360-223566.php |archive-date=October 25, 2007 |df=mdy }} Grand Theft Auto IV,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Comes to Xbox 360 on Day One |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123202645/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6151640&mode=all |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |df=mdy }} Final Fantasy XIII,{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/36/Videogames.html#687020|title=Final Fantasy XIII Comes to the 360|publisher=X-Play|access-date=July 14, 2008|archive-date=May 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509150658/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/36/Videogames.html#687020|url-status=live}} Tekken 6,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775|title=TGS 2008: Tekken 6 smacking Xbox 360 – News at GameSpot|last=Ramsay|first=Randolph|date=October 8, 2008|publisher=Gamespot.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123225831/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198775.html?sid=6198775|archive-date=January 23, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=March 5, 2011|df=mdy}} Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance,{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |url=http://kotaku.com/5277716/sony-expects-metal-gear-solid-rising-on-ps3-at-launch |title=Sony Expects Metal Gear Solid Rising on PS3 at Launch |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=June 3, 2009 |access-date=June 14, 2011 |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527070425/http://kotaku.com/5277716/sony-expects-metal-gear-solid-rising-on-ps3-at-launch |url-status=live }} and L.A. Noire.{{cite web |url=http://news.spong.com/article/20533/L-A-Noire-No-Longer-A-PS3-Exclusive |title=L.A. Noire No Longer A PS3 Exclusive – News (PS3/Xbox 360) |publisher=News.spong.com |date=February 8, 2010 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |archive-date=April 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418184548/http://news.spong.com/article/20533/L-A-Noire-No-Longer-A-PS3-Exclusive |url-status=live }}
In November 2010, Microsoft released Kinect. Kinect did not use controllers, instead making the players act as the "controllers". Having sold eight million units in its first 60 days on the market, Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device". At E3 2010, Microsoft revealed a new Xbox 360 SKU known officially as the Xbox 360 S and referred to as the "Slim" by various media outlets. At E3 2013 Microsoft revealed the Xbox 360 E, the final iteration of the Xbox 360 series, to be succeeded by Xbox One.{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Xbox-360-4-GB-Console/productID.282125500|title=Microsoft Store Official Site - Free Shipping, Free Returns|work=Microsoft Store|access-date=December 10, 2015|archive-date=December 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211033130/http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Xbox-360-4-GB-Console/productID.282125500|url-status=live}} The 360 E featured a new square design with a simplified exterior akin to the Xbox One.{{cite web|last1=Bakalar|first1=Jeff|title=Xbox 360 E console review|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-xbox-360-e/|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=February 8, 2015|date=August 1, 2013|archive-date=February 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207205636/http://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-xbox-360-e/|url-status=live}}
=PlayStation 3=
{{main|PlayStation 3}}
File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-wController-L.jpg
Sony's PlayStation 3 was released on November 11, 2006, in Japan and November 17, 2006, in the United States and Canada. The system's reliance on new technologies such as the Cell microprocessor and Blu-ray format caused difficulties in manufacturing, especially the Blu-ray diode, leading to shortages at launch and the delay of the PAL region launches; however, by early December 2006, Sony announced that all production issues had been resolved.{{cite web| last =Graft| first =Kris| title =PS3 Manufacturing Troubles 'Solved'| publisher =Next Generation| date =December 8, 2006| url =http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sony-ps3-mfg-troubles-resolved| archive-url =https://archive.today/20120910211245/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sony-ps3-mfg-troubles-resolved| url-status =dead| archive-date =September 10, 2012| access-date =October 25, 2007}} Market analysts{{cite news|title=Sony's other units depend on the PS3's success |publisher=CNN |date=May 7, 2006 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/05/07/technology/sony_reut0507/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612140342/http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/07/technology/sony_reut0507/index.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2008 |access-date=December 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} and Sony executives noted that the success of the PlayStation 3 and the Blu-ray format were dependent on each other; Rich Marty, VP of New Business Development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment stated that the "PS3 is critical to the success of Blu-ray,"{{cite web | title =PS3 fuels Blu-ray revolution says Sony Pictures | publisher =PSPSPS | date =September 6, 2007 | url =http://www.pspsps.tv/2007/09/ps3_fuels_bluray_revolution_sa_1.html | access-date =December 18, 2007 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071130090916/http://www.pspsps.tv/2007/09/ps3_fuels_bluray_revolution_sa_1.html | archive-date =November 30, 2007 | df =mdy-all }} while Phil Harrison stated that the PlayStation 3's success would be ensured by "the growth of the Blu-ray Disc movie market."{{cite web | last =Gibson | first =Ellie | title =Blu-ray will help ensure success of PlayStation 3, says Harrison | publisher =GamesIndustry.biz | date =March 13, 2007 | url =http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/blu-ray-will-help-ensure-ps3s-success-says-harrison | access-date =December 18, 2007 | archive-date =October 7, 2008 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081007041231/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/blu-ray-will-help-ensure-ps3s-success-says-harrison | url-status =live }}
Sony would provide support for its console with new titles from first-party franchises such as Gran Turismo, Team Ico, and God of War, and secured a number of highly anticipated third-party exclusive titles, including Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Yakuza 3 and Valkyria Chronicles. Titles that were originally exclusive or recognized with the platform, such as Devil May Cry, Ace Combat, Virtua Fighter, and Monster Hunter,{{cite web |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e071010.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619064046/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e071010.html |archive-date=June 19, 2008 |title=Capcom unleashes the beast as "Monster Hunter 3 (tri-)" rumbles its way onto the Nintendo Wii |publisher=Capcom |access-date=June 25, 2008}} have been released on other platforms. The previous Grand Theft Auto titles were originally timed exclusives on the PlayStation 2, before making their release on other platforms, such as the Xbox, months later; however, Grand Theft Auto IV, the latest installment, was released simultaneously on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Titles initially announced as PlayStation 3 exclusives, such as Assassin's Creed;{{cite web| last =Hatfield| first =Daemon| title =Assassin's Creed Loses PS3 Exclusivity| website =IGN| date =August 30, 2006| url =http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/729/729420p1.html| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090103183549/http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/729/729420p1.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =January 3, 2009| access-date =October 25, 2007}} Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War, and Fatal Inertia, were ultimately released on Xbox 360 as well, with the latter making its appearance on Xbox 360 before the PlayStation 3 version.{{cite web | last =Boyes | first =Emma | title =More PS3 exclusives head to 360 | website =GameSpot | date =November 22, 2006 | url =http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162235.html | access-date =December 18, 2007 | archive-date =April 30, 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100430102234/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162235.html | url-status =live }} Sony blamed lower-than-expected sales of the PS3 on the loss of exclusive titles in its software library, its higher price, and stock shortages.{{cite web | last =Kalning | first =Kristin | title =Sony aims for comeback win with PS3 | publisher =NBC News | date =December 2, 2007 | url =https://www.nbcnews.com/id/22044630 | access-date =December 18, 2007 | archive-date =June 14, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130614225740/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22044630/ | url-status =dead }}{{cite web | last =Ivan | first =Tom | title =Hirai: Sony's Focus Is Now On PS3 Software | publisher =Next Generation | date =December 16, 2007 | url =http://www.next-gen.biz/news/hirai-sonys-focus-now-ps3-software | archive-url =https://archive.today/20120903224618/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/hirai-sonys-focus-now-ps3-software | url-status =dead | archive-date =September 3, 2012 | access-date =December 18, 2007 }}{{cite web | last =Brightman | first =James | title =Interview: Jack Tretton Reflects on Year One as SCEA Chief | publisher =GameDaily | date =December 7, 2007 | url =http://www.gamedaily.com/games/uncharted-drakes-fortune/playstation-3/game-features/interview-jack-tretton-reflects-on-year-one-as-scea-chief/6185/71250/?biz=1 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080110140137/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/uncharted-drakes-fortune/playstation-3/game-features/interview-jack-tretton-reflects-on-year-one-as-scea-chief/6185/71250/?biz=1 | archive-date =January 10, 2008 | access-date = December 18, 2007 }}
The high launch price of the PlayStation 3 was considered a major drag on its popularity.{{Cite web |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2018/07/10/playstation-3-price-reveal-horrifying-moment/#/slide/1 |title=PlayStation 3 Price Reveal was a 'Horrifying Moment,' Says SIE President |date=July 10, 2018 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116121344/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2018/07/10/playstation-3-price-reveal-horrifying-moment/#/slide/1 |url-status=live }} In July 2007, Sony announced a drop in the price of the already-discontinued 60 GB models of the console by $100 in the United States and Canada.{{cite news| last =Hillis| first =Scott| title =Sony cuts price on PlayStation 3 by $100| work =Reuters| date =July 9, 2007| url =https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0726030420070709| access-date =October 25, 2007| archive-date =December 15, 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071215021124/http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0726030420070709| url-status =live}}{{cite web| last =Thorsen| first =Tor| title =60GB PS3 'no longer in production'| publisher =GameSpot AU| date =July 13, 2007| url =http://au.gamespot.com/news/6175011.html| archive-url =https://archive.today/20120708091320/http://au.gamespot.com/news/6175011.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =July 8, 2012| access-date =October 25, 2007}} On October 18, 2007, Sony announced a US$100 price drop for the 80 GB model and a new US$399 40 GB model to launch on November 2, 2007{{cite news| title =Sony Press Release| url=http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/429| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123133544/http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/429| archive-date=November 23, 2007| date =November 23, 2007| publisher =Sony| access-date=December 2, 2007}} with reduced features such as the removal of backward compatibility with PS2 games. Within weeks, Sony announced that sales of the 40 GB and 80 GB models by major retailers had increased 192%.{{cite news | last =Williams | first =Martyn | title =PS3 sales jump in US on heels of price cut | newspaper =Washington Post | date =November 23, 2007 | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112300645.html | access-date =November 25, 2007 | archive-date =November 10, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121110214701/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112300645.html | url-status =live }} In November 2008, Sony launched a 160 GB model,{{cite news| title=GC 08| url=http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/160gb-model-also-announced-for-america-499-november-release/| date=August 20, 2008| publisher=PS3fanboy| access-date=August 20, 2008| archive-date=February 4, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204191440/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/160gb-model-also-announced-for-america-499-november-release| url-status=live}} and on August 18, 2009, Sony announced the PS3 Slim. The PS3 slim sold 1 million in under a month. It was then announced that a 250 GB slim model was to be released. It was released on September 1 (or 3 depending on country).{{cite web |last=Carnoy |first=David |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html |title=Sony officially announces $299 PS3 Slim | Crave – CNET |publisher=News.cnet.com |access-date=March 5, 2011 |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617033225/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html |url-status=live }}
In September 2012, Sony announced a new slimmer PS3 redesign (CECH-4000), commonly referred to as the "Super Slim" PS3. It was released in late 2012, available with either a 250 GB or 500 GB hard drive. The "Super Slim" model was the last model to be produced by Sony before the system was slowly discontinued around the world. Shipments of new units to the United States were terminated in October 2016 and Sony officially discontinued the system in Japan on May 29, 2017, the last territory where it was selling new units up until then.{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/sony-killed-off-the-ps3-in-japan-update-1793363510 |title=Sony Finally Killed Off The PS3 In Japan |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=2017-05-30 |website=Kotaku |language=en-US |access-date=2017-08-16 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813182817/http://kotaku.com/sony-killed-off-the-ps3-in-japan-update-1793363510 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/at-long-last-end-of-the-line-for-the-sony-playstation-3/ |title=Sony PlayStation 3 ends shipments, fulfilling 10-year promise |last=Ackerman |first=Dan |date=2017-05-30 |website=CNET |language=en |access-date=2017-08-16 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816164718/https://www.cnet.com/news/at-long-last-end-of-the-line-for-the-sony-playstation-3/ |url-status=live }}
=Wii=
{{main|Wii}}
Nintendo entered the generation with a new approach embodied by its Wii. The company planned to attract current hardcore and casual gamers,{{cite news|last=Morris |first=Chris |title=Nintendo continues to play coy |publisher=CNN |date=May 9, 2006 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/05/09/technology/e3_nintendo/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516213950/http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/09/technology/e3_nintendo/index.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} non-gamers,{{cite news | last =Hermida | first =Alfred | title =Nintendo shows new games console | work =BBC News | date =May 10, 2006 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4756625.stm | access-date =December 12, 2007 | archive-date =August 10, 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170810133427/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4756625.stm | url-status =live }} and lapsed gamers by focusing on new gameplay experiences and new forms of interaction with games rather than cutting edge graphics and expensive technology.{{cite news | last =Hartley | first =Matt | title =Reginald Fils-Aime: Nintendo goes for wild ride | newspaper =The Globe and Mail | date =December 10, 2007 | url =https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071210.wdecisionPOINT1208/BNStory/Technology/home | access-date =December 12, 2007 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071215233822/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071210.wdecisionPOINT1208/BNStory/Technology/home | archive-date =December 15, 2007 | df =mdy-all }} This approach was previously implemented in the portable market with the Nintendo DS. Nintendo expressed hope that the new control schemes it had implemented would render conventionally controlled consoles obsolete, leading to Nintendo capturing a large portion of the existing market as well.{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/speech/english.html | publisher=Nintendo | title=Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006 | access-date=April 3, 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328054009/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/speech/english.html | archive-date=March 28, 2007 | df=mdy-all }} This strategy paid off, with demand for the Wii outstripping supply throughout 2007.{{cite news |last=Yen |first=Yi-Wyn |title=Wii woes for the wee ones on Xmas |publisher=CNN |date=October 5, 2007 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/10/03/technology/nintendo_wii.fortune/?postversion=2007100417 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214033543/http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/03/technology/nintendo_wii.fortune/?postversion=2007100417 |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Since Nintendo profited on each console right from the start unlike its competitors,{{cite web| last =Ehrenberg| first =Ron| title =Game Console Wars II: Nintendo Shaves Off Profits, Leaving Competition Scruffy| publisher =Seeking Alpha| date =May 3, 2007| url =http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy| access-date =October 25, 2007| archive-date =October 11, 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071011070627/http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy| url-status =live}} it achieved very positive returns.{{cite news| title =Nintendo jumps ahead of Sony in market value| newspaper =The Age| date =June 25, 2007| url =http://www.theage.com.au/news/Technology/Nintendo-jumps-ahead-of-Sony-in-market-value/2007/06/25/1182623808686.html| access-date =October 25, 2007| location =Melbourne| archive-date =November 13, 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071113094229/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Technology/Nintendo-jumps-ahead-of-Sony-in-market-value/2007/06/25/1182623808686.html| url-status =live}} With only a few exceptions, monthly worldwide sales for the Wii were higher than those of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,{{cite news | last =Levine | first =Barry | title =Gamers Buy 350,000 Wii Consoles in Single Week | publisher =CIO Today | date =November 28, 2007 | url =http://www.cio-today.com/news/Wii-Sells-350-000-Units-in-Single-Week/story.xhtml?story_id=13000G0B8RMG | access-date =December 12, 2007 | archive-date =September 30, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130930121837/http://www.cio-today.com/news/Wii-Sells-350-000-Units-in-Single-Week/story.xhtml?story_id=13000G0B8RMG | url-status =live }}{{cite magazine | last =Takenaka | first =Kiyoshi | title =Sony PS3 tops Nintendo Wii in Japan for first time | magazine =Forbes | date =November 30, 2007 | url =http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-30766820071130 | access-date =December 12, 2007 | archive-date =December 15, 2007 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071215234725/http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-30766820071130 | url-status =dead }} eroding Microsoft's early lead and widening the gap between its market share and Sony's.{{cite news |title=The untold story of how the Wii beat the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |publisher=CNNMoney |date=April 25, 2007 |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2007/05/01/8405654/?postversion=2007042509 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214033929/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2007/05/01/8405654/?postversion=2007042509 |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |first1=John |last1=Gaudiosi |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} In 2007, it was reported by the British newspaper Financial Times that the Wii's sales surpassed those of the Xbox 360, which had been released one year previously, and became the market leader in worldwide home console sales for the generation.{{cite news |last=Sanchanta |first=Mariko |title=Nintendo's Wii takes console lead |newspaper=Financial Times |date=September 12, 2007 |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/51df0c84-6154-11dc-bf25-0000779fd2ac.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324011713/http://media.ft.com/j/browser.js |archive-date=March 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 12, 2007}}
As in previous generations, Nintendo provided support for its new console with first-party franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Pokémon. To appeal to casual and non-gamers, Nintendo developed a group of core Wii games, consisting of Wii Sports, Wii Play, Wii Fit,{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/iwataasks/volume-4/part-1|title=Part 1 – A Truly Ground-breaking Collection of Games|work=Iwata Asks, Volume 4: Wii Sports|first=Satoru|last=Iwata|author-link=Satoru Iwata|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=November 9, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080708021300/http://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/iwataasks/volume-4/part-1 |archive-date = July 8, 2008}} and Wii Music,{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590904/20080715/story.jhtml |title=Nintendo Announces Wii Music, Improved Wii Remote at E3 |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |work=MTV Multiplayer |publisher=MTV Networks |date=July 15, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103085349/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590904/20080715/story.jhtml |url-status=dead }} where players make use of the motion-sensing abilities of the console and its peripherals to simulate real world activities.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/iwataasks/volume-4/part-4|title=Part 4 – Games That Even the People Watching Can Enjoy|work=Iwata Asks, Volume 4: Wii Sports|first=Satoru|last=Iwata|author-link=Satoru Iwata|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=November 9, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080110114030/http://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/iwataasks/volume-4/part-4 |archive-date = January 10, 2008}}
Publishers such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Capcom, and Majesco Entertainment continued to release exclusive titles for the console, but the Wii's strongest titles remained within its first-party line-up. Analysts speculated that this would change in time as the Wii's growing popularity persuaded third-party publishers to focus on it;{{cite news | last =Wingfield | first =Nick | author2 =Iwatani Kane, Yukari | title =Wii and DS Turn Also-Ran Nintendo into Winner in Videogames Business | newspaper =Wall Street Journal | date =April 19, 2007 | url =https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117691936534774315 | access-date =December 12, 2007 | archive-date =September 19, 2020 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200919184703/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117691936534774315 | url-status =live }} however, some third-party developers expressed frustration at low software sales.{{cite web|last= Martin|first=Matt|title=Publishers wary of creating Nintendo titles, says Wii developer|date=January 24, 2007|website=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=January 27, 2007|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/publishers-wary-of-creating-nintendo-titles-says-wii-developer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211030359/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22368| archive-date=December 11, 2007 }} Goichi Suda, developer of No More Heroes for the Wii, noted that "only Nintendo titles are doing well" and that he "expected more games for hardcore gamers."{{cite magazine | last= Hicks | first= Chris | title= Suda 51: Third party Wii games aren't selling | url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=179648 | magazine= CVG | date= January 16, 2008 | access-date= January 25, 2008 | archive-date= January 29, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080129025401/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=179648 | url-status= live }} Conversely, the PAL publisher of No More Heroes Rising Star Games were greatly impressed with the game's sales.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/29950/Rising-Star-enjoys-Wii-chart-success |title=Rising Star enjoys Wii chart success |website=MCV |date=March 18, 2008 |publisher=www.mcvuk.com |access-date=March 5, 2011 |archive-date=August 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827132143/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/29950/Rising-Star-enjoys-Wii-chart-success |url-status=live }} Goichi Suda later retracted his comment, saying his "point was that No More Heroes, unlike a lot of Nintendo Wii titles currently available is the kind of product that will attract a different kind of consumer to the hardware."{{cite web |url=http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/ |title=Suda 51: Retracted Comment |access-date=January 21, 2008 |date=January 20, 2008 |publisher=Grasshopper Manufacture |archive-date=January 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120011442/http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/ |url-status=live }}
In early 2008, the NPD Group revealed sales data showing that, while the Wii's life-to-date attach rate was low, in December 2007, it reached 8.11—higher than the attach rates for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in that month.{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first= Matt |title=Wii Tie Ratio at 8:1 in December |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847472p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127150558/http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847472p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 27, 2008 |website=IGN |date=January 24, 2008 |access-date=January 25, 2008}} The Wii's low overall attach rate could be explained by reference to its rapidly increasing installed base, as financial analysts have pointed to the Xbox 360's high attach rates as indicative of an unhealthy lack of installed base growth, and warned that what actually benefits third-party developers is "quicker adoption of hardware and a rapidly growing installed base on which to sell progressively more game units," which tends to lower the attach rate of a product.{{cite web |last= Dobson |first= Jason |title= Opinion: Xbox 360 Software Attach Rate Is 'Alarming' |url= http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11796 |website= Gamasutra |date= November 21, 2006 |access-date= January 25, 2008 |archive-date= February 4, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080204013653/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11796 |url-status= dead }}
=Comparison=
{{note|bundleaccessories|a}} Game packages not listed. Bundles, special editions and limited editions may include additional or exchanged items.
{{note|rhythmgameacc|b}} There is a variety of other input devices available for all three consoles, including rhythm game controllers, microphones and third-part gamepads/controllers.
{{note|3dtv|c}} All consoles are capable of producing 3D images using anaglyph or frame-compatible systems (side-by-side/SbS, top and bottom/TaB), as these do not require any special output hardware. As such, these display modes are dependent on the software being displayed rather than the console.
{{note|xboxsocial|d}}Facebook and Twitter apps for Xbox 360 were retired in October 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-live-retires-twitter-facebook-apps-as-of-today-237065.phtml |title=Xbox Live 'retires' Twitter/Facebook apps as of today |website=Destructoid |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021221115/http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-live-retires-twitter-facebook-apps-as-of-today-237065.phtml |url-status=live }}
== Sales standings ==
{{see also|List of best-selling game consoles}}
Worldwide figures are based on data from the manufacturers. The Canada and the United States figures are based on data from the NPD Group, the Japan figures are based on data from Famitsu/Enterbrain, and the United Kingdom figures are based on data from GfK Chart-Track.
==Discontinuations and revisions==
- The PlayStation 3 20 GB was discontinued in North America in April 2007{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |author2=Emma Boyes |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168876.html |title=20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America |website=GameSpot |date=April 11, 2007 |access-date=April 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070415084534/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168876.html |archive-date=April 15, 2007}} and effectively discontinued in Japan in early 2008.{{cite web |last=Boyes |first=Emma |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184539.html |title=Sony discontinuing 20GB and 60GB PS3 in Japan |website=GameSpot |date=January 10, 2008 |access-date=January 10, 2008 |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319021439/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184539.html |url-status=live }}
- The PlayStation 3 60 GB was discontinued in NTSC territories by September 2007, and replaced with the 80 GB version.{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6175011.html |title=E3 07: Hirai: 60GB PS3 'no longer in production' |website=GameSpot |date=July 13, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |archive-date=July 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717050329/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6175011.html |url-status=live }}
- The PlayStation 3 60 GB was effectively discontinued for PAL territories in late 2007. When the remaining stock in stores was sold, the 40 GB version served as its replacement.
- Sony announced before the PS3 launch in Europe that the PlayStation 2's Emotion Engine CPU would be removed from it for cost savings, and all backward compatibility would be software-based.{{cite news |last=Boxer |first=Steve |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/mar/01/sonyplaystation.sony |title=PlayStation 3 loses all Emotion in Europe |newspaper=Guardian |date=March 1, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |location=London |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003014142/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/mar/01/sonyplaystation.sony |url-status=live }} This is also the same for the 80 GB model launched in the North American market in 2007.{{cite web |last=Androvich |first=Mark |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/new-80gb-ps3-eliminates-emotion-engine-chip |title=New 80GB PS3 eliminates "emotion engine" chip |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |date=July 9, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |archive-date=April 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411013415/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/new-80gb-ps3-eliminates-emotion-engine-chip |url-status=live }}
- An HDMI out port was added to the Premium Xbox 360 in May 2007.{{cite web| last =Callaham| first =John| title =HDMI Port in Xbox 360 Premium System Confirmed; Game Included?| publisher =FiringSquad| date =May 8, 2007| url =http://www.firingsquad.com/news/newsarticle.asp?searchid=16873| access-date =October 30, 2007| archive-date =September 27, 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000034/http://www.firingsquad.com/news/newsarticle.asp?searchid=16873| url-status =live}}
- The Xbox 360 Core system was discontinued and replaced by the "Arcade" version in October 2007.{{cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Peter |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/138764/xbox_360_arcade_officially_debuts.html |title=Xbox 360 Arcade Officially Debuts |magazine=PC World |date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=October 29, 2007 |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906221956/http://www.pcworld.com/article/138764/xbox_360_arcade_officially_debuts.html |url-status=live }}
- The price of the Xbox 360 Premium version was dropped to US$299 in North America on July 13, 2008. Supplies of the existing 20 GB model were exhausted by early August and it was replaced by an identical model with a 60 GB HDD at a MSRP of US$349.{{cite news| url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul13/0,4670,MicrosoftXboxSale,00.html| title=Microsoft cuts Xbox price by $50, plans 60GB model| date=July 13, 2008| agency=Associated Press| access-date=July 13, 2008| archive-date=July 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714223744/http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul13/0,4670,MicrosoftXboxSale,00.html| url-status=live}}
- The PlayStation 3 40 GB was discontinued in all territories in early August 2008 and the new 80 GB version served as its replacement.
- The Xbox 360 Arcade 256 MB internal memory SKU was discontinued in all territories in early 2009 and a new 512 MB internal memory SKU still named the Xbox 360 Arcade was released.{{cite news| url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/996/996206p1.html| title=Microsoft increases the internal memory of the Xbox 360 Arcade to 512MB| date=June 18, 2009| agency=IGN| access-date=June 18, 2009| archive-date=June 22, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622115632/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/996/996206p1.html| url-status=live}}
- The PlayStation 3 Slim was introduced on August 18, 2009. At US$299, it is US$100 cheaper than the previous model; it is also approximately {{frac|1|3}} lighter and more energy efficient.{{cite news |title=Entertainment on PS3 has a new look |publisher=PlayStation UK |url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-date=January 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129113011/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |url-status=live }} The two original PS3 Slim models, priced at US$299.99 and US$349.99 respectively, hold 120/250 GB. These were then superseded by 160 GB and 320 GB models, which are priced at US$249.99 and US$299.99 respectively.
- The black Wii console was released in Japan on August 1, 2009{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5278279/nintendo-selling-black-wii-in-japan-this-summer|title=Nintendo Selling Black Wii in Japan This Summer|date=June 4, 2009|website=Kotaku|access-date=November 10, 2009|archive-date=June 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607070623/http://kotaku.com/5278279/nintendo-selling-black-wii-in-japan-this-summer|url-status=live}} and in Europe in November 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2009/limited_edition_black_wii_bundle_announced_for_europe_including_wii_sports_resort_and_wii_motionplus_14833.html|title=Limited Edition Black Wii bundle announced for Europe, including Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus|date=October 20, 2009|work=Nintendo|access-date=October 20, 2009|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209144225/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2010/Limited-Edition-Black-Wii-bundle-announced-for-Europe-including-Wii-Sports-Resort-and-Wii-MotionPlus-252267.html|url-status=live}}
- The Wii package for North America has been updated to include a copy of Wii Sports Resort as well as the required Wii MotionPlus accessory to play it, beginning May 9, 2010. The console is also available in black.{{Cite press release|title=Nintendo to Include Wii Sports Resort, Wii MotionPlus with All New Wii Systems|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=May 3, 2010|url=http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100503005799&newsLang=en|access-date=May 3, 2010|archive-date=May 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507174758/http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100503005799&newsLang=en|url-status=live}}
- A special edition red Wii console was released in honor of Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary.
- The Xbox 360 S was announced at E3 2010 by Microsoft. It is a smaller revision of the Xbox 360 hardware, which includes either a built-in 250 GB hard drive or 4 GB of Flash storage, 802.11n Wi-Fi, a TOSLINK connector, 5 USB ports and an AUX connector for the Kinect sensor device.{{cite news| url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/e3-xbox-360-slim-priced-at-299-shipping-today| title=E3: Xbox 360 Slim Priced At $299, Shipping Today| date=June 14, 2010| access-date=June 14, 2010| archive-date=June 17, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617024122/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28943/E3_Xbox_360_Slim_Priced_At_299_Shipping_Today.php| url-status=live}}
- The Wii Family Edition was released on October 23, 2011. It drops support for GameCube games and accessories, and is designed to sit horizontally.
- The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was released on September 25, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-19-sony-shocks-world-and-announces-ps3-super-duper-slim|title=Sony shocks world and announces PS3 super duper Slim|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2012|work=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920045558/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-19-sony-shocks-world-and-announces-ps3-super-duper-slim|archive-date=September 20, 2012|url-status=live}} It has manual sliding disc cover instead of a motorized loading slot disc cover.
- The Wii Mini was released on December 7, 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | title = Nintendo makes Wii Mini official: currently exclusive to Canada, launches December 7th for $100 | first = Jon | last = Fingas | date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Engadget | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022012/https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | url-status = live }} It has a top-loading disc drive instead of a motorized loading slot disc drive and drops Wi-Fi support, online connectivity and the SD card slot.
- The Xbox 360 E was revealed and released at E3 2013 on June 10, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/695557/e3-2013-reveals-new-xbox-360-console-model-and-introduces-free-games-for-gold-members/|title=E3 2013 Reveals New Xbox 360 Console Model And Introduces Free Games For Gold Members|work=The Inquisitr News|date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=December 10, 2015|archive-date=June 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615214725/http://www.inquisitr.com/695557/e3-2013-reveals-new-xbox-360-console-model-and-introduces-free-games-for-gold-members/|url-status=live}} It featured a new slimmer design, that was quieter than previous models.
==Backward compatibility==
Early models of the Wii are fully backward compatible with GameCube software and most of its accessories; the Wii Family Edition and the Wii Mini iterations lack GameCube support. Early models of the PlayStation 3 and all models of the Xbox 360 only offer partial support and use software emulation for backward compatibility. Later models of the PS3 do not offer PlayStation 2 compatibility, though PS1 compatibility is retained. Some models of the first generation of the PS3 offered full backward compatibility for PS2 games. The Xbox 360's compatibility is increased through game-specific patches automatically downloaded from Xbox Live or downloaded and burned to a CD or DVD from the Xbox website{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm|publisher=Xbox.com |title=Xbox 360 – Original Xbox Games on Xbox 360|access-date=May 13, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080512032530/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm |archive-date = May 12, 2008}} and the PS3's compatibility is expanded with firmware updates.
All three consoles provide titles from older consoles for download; the Xbox 360 through the Xbox Originals service, the PlayStation 3 through the PlayStation Store, and the Wii through the Virtual Console. When purchased, the game is saved to console's internal memory or, optionally on the Wii, to an inserted SD/SDHC card. Initially the Xbox 360 also provided Xbox Live support for backward compatible games, but the service has since been discontinued for original Xbox games. No more games will be added to the list of backward compatible games for the Xbox 360. In response to the lack of backward compatibility for most PS3s, many popular games have been released for download as PlayStation 2 Classics and other popular series have been updated with gameplay/graphics as high-definition remasters for PlayStation consoles and have been released on Blu-ray Disc or are available for download on the PlayStation Network.
==HDTV-capable video support and service==
Both the PlayStation 3{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PS3/GettingStarted/default.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701060448/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PS3/GettingStarted/default.html|archive-date=July 1, 2008|title=Setting Up the PlayStation3|publisher=SCEA|access-date=June 30, 2008}} and the Xbox 360{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/xbox-360/shane-kim-talks-360-1080p-game-output-201816.php|title=Shane Kim Talks 360 1080p Game Output|website=Kotaku|author=Brian Crecente|date=September 20, 2006|access-date=June 30, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423210832/http://kotaku.com/gaming/xbox-360/shane-kim-talks-360-1080p-game-output-201816.php|archive-date=April 23, 2008|df=mdy-all}} support 1080p high definition video output. However, the output signal may be protected by digital rights management and may require an HDCP-compliant display if HDMI is used. The Xbox Live Marketplace service and the PlayStation Store offer HD movies, TV shows, movie trailers, and clips for download to the console's HDD.{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/e32007/articles/disneystudiosnowonmarketplace.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713223845/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/events/e32007/articles/disneystudiosnowonmarketplace.htm|archive-date=July 13, 2007|title=Walt Disney Studios now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace|publisher=Xbox.com|access-date=May 24, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/480|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731011131/http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/480|archive-date=July 31, 2008| title='s Video Delivery Service to Offer Movies and TV Shows for Purchase and TV Shows for Purchase and Rental Through PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP (PlayStationPortable)| date=July 15, 2008| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America| access-date=October 6, 2008}} Other regional PlayStation Stores only allow download of movie trailers and short segment clips. As of November 2009, the Video Download service present on the American PlayStation Store will be available for select European countries.
While only a small number of games render video in native 1080p, many games can be automatically scaled to output this resolution. The Wii is capable of outputting 480p for the Wii Menu and most games through a component cable, which must be purchased separately.
==Reliability==
In the September 2009 issue of Game Informer magazine, survey results were published in which among nearly 5000 readers who responded, 54.2% of those who owned an Xbox 360 had experienced a console failure for that system, compared with 10.6% for PlayStation 3, and 6.8% for Wii.{{cite web |url=http://gamespot.com/6215590 |title=Xbox 360 failure rate = 54.2%? |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=August 18, 2009 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=December 27, 2009 |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124014956/http://gamespot.com/6215590 |url-status=live }}
In August 2009, warranty provider SquareTrade published console failure rate estimates, in which the proportion of its customers reporting a system failure in the first two years is 23.7% for Xbox 360, 10.0% for PlayStation 3, and 2.7% for Wii.{{cite web|url=http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/xbox360-ps3-wii-reliability-08-2009/ |title=Game Console Failure Rates: Wii 9 times more reliable than Xbox 360, 4 times more than PS3 |date=August 2009 |publisher=SquareTrade |page=1 |format=PDF |access-date=December 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324011002/http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/xbox360-ps3-wii-reliability-08-2009/ |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |df=mdy }}
= Other consoles =
There were also other consoles released during the seventh generation time period. Generally, they are either niche products or less powerful.
File:Game-Wave-Console-Set-FL.jpg|Game Wave Family Entertainment System, commonly abbreviated as Game Wave. Released in October 2005.
File:Mattel-HyperScan-wController-FL.jpg|HyperScan, created by Mattel. Released on October 23, 2006.
File:V.Flash Console FreeBG.jpg|V.Flash, created by VTech. Released in September 2006.
V.Smile-Motion-Portuguese.jpg|V.Motion/V.Smile Motion, created by VTech. Released in September 2007.
File:Zeebo-Real Console.jpg|Zeebo, designed for emerging countries. Released in 2009 in Mexico and Brazil only.
File:OnLive_MicroConsole.jpg|OnLive Game System. Released on November 17, 2010.
Handheld systems
{{See also|List of handheld game consoles|Comparison of handheld game consoles}}
For video game handhelds, the seventh generation began with the release of the Nintendo DS on November 21, 2004. This handheld was based on a design fundamentally different from the Game Boy and other handheld video game systems. The Nintendo DS offered new modes of input over previous generations such as a touch screen, the ability to connect wirelessly using IEEE 802.11b, as well as a microphone to speak to in-game NPCs.{{cite web | url=http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217195147/http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php | archive-date=February 17, 2005 | title=Nintendo DS – WI-FI vs NI-FI | author=Darkain |date=January 21, 2005 | access-date=May 17, 2008}} On December 12, 2004, Sony released its first handheld, PlayStation Portable. The PlayStation Portable was marketed at launch to an above-25-year-old{{cite web |last=Brightman |first=James |title=SCEA: PSP Will Be Big Revenue Driver |publisher=GameDaily |date=June 26, 2007 |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/scea-psp-will-be-big-revenue-driver/70598/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314015725/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/scea-psp-will-be-big-revenue-driver/70598/ |archive-date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=November 5, 2007 }} or "core gamer" market,{{cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Brandon |title=What's the Dille? Sony's Marketing Head Gets Heated |website=Gamasutra |date=July 24, 2007 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1534/whats_the_dille_sonys_marketing_.php?page=4 |access-date=November 5, 2007 |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103010450/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1534/whats_the_dille_sonys_marketing_.php?page=4 |url-status=dead }} while the Nintendo DS proved to be popular with both core gamers and new customers.{{cite web |last=Rojas |first=Peter |title=The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo |publisher=Engadget |date=February 20, 2006 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/ |access-date=November 5, 2007 |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626231958/https://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/ |url-status=live }}
Nokia revived its N-Gage platform in the form of a service for selected S60 devices. This new service launched on April 3, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.n-gage.com/ngi/ngage/web/g0/en/community/articles.Detail.general-anewdayforngage.1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611075632/http://www.n-gage.com/ngi/ngage/web/g0/en/community/articles.Detail.general-anewdayforngage.1.html |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |title= A New Day for N-Gage |publisher=Nokia |access-date=April 3, 2008}} Other less-popular handheld systems released during this generation include the Gizmondo (launched on March 19, 2005, and discontinued in February 2006) and the GP2X (launched on November 10, 2005, and discontinued in August 2008). The GP2X Wiz, Pandora, and Gizmondo 2 were scheduled for release in 2009.
Another aspect of the seventh generation was the beginning of direct competition between dedicated handheld gaming devices, and increasingly powerful PDA/cell phone devices such as the iPhone and iPod Touch, and the latter being aggressively marketed for gaming purposes. Simple games such as Tetris and Solitaire had existed for PDA devices since their introduction, but by 2009 PDAs and phones had grown sufficiently powerful to where complex graphical games could be implemented, with the advantage of distribution over wireless broadband.
Sony announced in 2014 that they had discontinued the production of the PlayStation Portable worldwide.
=Handheld game console comparison=
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" | Product line ! colspan="4" | Nintendo DS family ! colspan="3" | PlayStation Portable |
| colspan="2" style="width: 5%" | Console
! colspan="2" |PSP-1000 / PSP-2000 / PSP-3000 / PSP-E1000 |
|---|
| style="text-align:center;"
! colspan="2" |Manufacturer | colspan="4" |Nintendo |
| style="text-align:center;"
! colspan="2" |Console |
| colspan="2" |Release dates
|{{vgrelease|NA|November 21, 2004|JP|December 2, 2004|AUS|February 24, 2005|EU|March 11, 2005}} |{{vgrelease|JP|March 21, 2006|AUS|June 1, 2006|NA|June 11, 2006|EU|June 23, 2006}} |{{vgrelease|JP|November 1, 2008|AUS|April 2, 2009|EU|April 3, 2009|NA|April 5, 2009}} |{{vgrelease|JP|November 21, 2009|EU|March 5, 2010|NA|March 28, 2010|AUS|April 15, 2010}} | colspan="2" |{{vgrelease|JP|December 12, 2004|NA|March 24, 2005|PAL|September 1, 2005}} |
| rowspan="5" |Launch prices
!US$ |US$149.99 |US$129.99 |US$169.99 |US$189.99 | colspan="2" | | |
| €
| | | | | colspan="2" | | |
| GBP
| | | | | colspan="2" | | |
| A$
| | | | | colspan="2" | | |
| JP¥
| | | | | colspan="2" | | |
| colspan="2" |Discontinuation
! colspan="4" |Yes; date undisclosed{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/index.html|title= ニンテンドーDS：DSシリーズ本体|access-date=February 20, 2022|publisher=Nintendo|language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706221835/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/index.html|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live|ref=none}} |
| rowspan="3" |Media
!Type | colspan="2" | Nintendo DS Game Card, Game Boy Advance cartridge | colspan="2" |SD (HC) Card | colspan="2" |Universal Media Disc (UMD) (PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP-E1000 series only), Memory Stick Duo (PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 series only), Content delivery via PSN (All) |Memory Stick Micro (M2), Flash memory, Content delivery via PSN |
| style="text-align:center;"
| colspan="4" {{Yes|Unrestricted}}With the exception of DSi only games | colspan="3" {{Yes|Unrestricted}} |
| Backward compatibility
| colspan="2" {{Yes|Game Boy Advance}} | colspan="2" {{No|None}} | colspan="3" {{Yes|PlayStation (downloadable PSone Classics only), TurboGrafx-16/TurboGrafx-CD (via PlayStation Store), Neo Geo (via PlayStation Store)}} |
| colspan="2" |Best-selling game
| colspan="4" | New Super Mario Bros., 30.80 million (as of March 31, 2019){{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo DS Software|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629072926/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/ds.html|archive-date=June 29, 2019}} | colspan="3" | Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories 2 million (as of Fall 2008){{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21247 |title=Exclusive: Sony PSP Versus Nintendo DS – The Sales Showdown |website=Gamasutra |date=November 26, 2008 |access-date=July 15, 2019 |author=Matt Matthews |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121022629/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21247 |url-status=dead }}{{Better source needed|date=July 2019}}{{discuss|Interpreting source used for PSP's best-selling game}} |
| colspan="2" |Included accessories and extras
| colspan="4" |
| colspan="3" |
|
| colspan="2" |Accessories (retail) | colspan="4" |
| colspan="3" |
|
| colspan="2" |CPU
| colspan="2" | 67 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7 | colspan="2" |133 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7 | colspan="3" | MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz (2 of these) |
| colspan="2" |Memory
| colspan="2" | 4 MB SRAM | colspan="2" |16 MB SRAM | colspan="2" | EDRAM (5 MB reserved for kernel, 3 for music) |EDRAM (5 MB reserved for kernel, 3 for music) |
| colspan="2" |Interface
| colspan="2" |
| colspan="2" |
| colspan="3" |
|
| colspan="2" |Dimensions
| 148.7 × 84.7 × 28.9 mm (5.85 × 3.33 × 1.13 inches) |133 × 73.9 × 21.5 mm (5.24 × 2.9 × 0.85 inches) | | | colspan="2" | PSP 1000: {{convert|74|mm|in|abbr=on}} (h) {{convert|170|mm|in|abbr=on}} (w) {{convert|23|mm|in|abbr=on}} (d) |{{convert|69|mm|in|abbr=on}} (h) {{convert|128|mm|in|abbr=on}} (w) {{convert|16.5|mm|in|abbr=on}} (d) |
| colspan="2" |Weight
| 275 g (9.7 oz) |{{convert|218|g|oz|abbr=on}} |{{convert|214|g|oz|abbr=on}} |{{convert|314|g|oz|abbr=on}} | colspan="2" | PSP 1000: {{convert|280|g|oz|abbr=on}} |{{convert|158|g|oz|abbr=on}} |
| colspan="2" |Online service
| colspan="2" | Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection |Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, DSi Shop, DSi camera, DSi sound, Internet browser, Flipnote Hatena, |Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, DSi Shop, DSi camera, DSi sound, Internet browser, Flipnote Hatena, Facebook | colspan="3" | PlayStation Network, RSS reader, Skype (PSP-2000 series, PSP-3000 series and PSP Go only), PlayStation Store Internet browser, Digital comics, Remote Play |
| colspan="2" |System software
| colspan="2" | Nintendo DS Menu | colspan="2" |Nintendo DSi Menu | colspan="3" | XrossMediaBar (XMB) |
| colspan="2" |Consumer programmability
| colspan="4" | See Nintendo DS homebrew | colspan="3" | See PlayStation Portable homebrew |
| colspan="2" |Resolutions
| colspan="4" | 256 × 192 (both screens) | colspan="3" | 480 × 272 |
| colspan="2" |Colors
| colspan="4" | 18-bit color (about 260k colors) | colspan="3" | 24-bit color (about 17m colors) |
| colspan="2" |Network
| colspan="2" | Wi-Fi 802.11b, wireless ad hoc with other DS units and Nintendo Wii | colspan="2" |Wi-Fi 802.11b, Wi-Fi 802.11g, wireless ad hoc with other DS units and Nintendo Wii | colspan="2" | Wi-Fi 802.11b (PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP Go only), IrDA (PSP-1000 series only), wireless ad hoc with other PSP units and PS3 |Wi-Fi 802.11b, Bluetooth, wireless ad hoc with other PSP units and PS3 |
| colspan="2" |Audio
| colspan="4" | Stereo speakers, headphone jack, with 16 PCM/ADPCM channels | colspan="3" | Stereo speakers, headphone jack |
| colspan="2" |I/O
| colspan="2" | 1 Nintendo DS Game Card slot | colspan="2" |1 Nintendo DS Game Card slot | colspan="2" |UMD drive (PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP-E1000 series only) | |
| colspan="2" |Storage
| colspan="2" | Nintendo DS Game Card | colspan="2" |Nintendo DS Game Card, SD (HC) card | colspan="2" |Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo |Memory Stick Micro (M2), 16 GB flash memory |
| colspan="2" |Battery life
| backlight on: 14 hours | colspan="2" |minimum brightness setting: 9–14 hours | colspan="3" | MP3 playback: 10 hours |
| colspan="2" |Units sold (all models combined)
| colspan="4" | Worldwide: 154.02 million (as of September 31, 2016) Japan: 32.99 million (as of December 31, 2013) United Kingdom: 8.8 million (as of January 3, 2009){{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/console-installed-base-reaches-22m-in-uk |title=Console installed base reaches 22m in UK |author=Matt Martin |date=January 13, 2009 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=January 14, 2009 |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118101038/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/console-installed-base-reaches-22m-in-uk |url-status=live }} Japan: 11,078,484 (as of December 28, 2008){{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1221045_1124.html |script-title=ja:2008年国内ゲーム市場規模は約5826億1000万円（エンターブレイン調べ） |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |language=ja |date=January 5, 2009 |access-date=January 15, 2009 |archive-date=January 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130085409/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1221045_1124.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5123288/last-year-japanese-game-market-experienced-shrinkage |title=Last Year, Japanese Game Market Experienced Shrinkage |author=Brian Ashcraft |website=Kotaku |date=January 5, 2009 |access-date=January 15, 2009 |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122045647/http://kotaku.com/5123288/last-year-japanese-game-market-experienced-shrinkage |url-status=live }} United Kingdom: 3.2 million (as of January 3, 2009) United States: 10.47 million (as of January 1, 2008){{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/346301/whos-winning-the-console-war-in-the-us | title=Who's Winning The Console War in the US? | author=Michael McWhertor | website=Kotaku | access-date=January 19, 2008 | date=January 18, 2008 | archive-date=January 20, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120084537/http://kotaku.com/346301/whos-winning-the-console-war-in-the-us | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-us-video-game-industry-totals-1794-billion-halo-3-tops-all/19119/?biz=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322224812/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-us-video-game-industry-totals-1794-billion-halo-3-tops-all/19119/?biz=1 |archive-date=March 22, 2008 |title=NPD: U.S. Video Game Industry Totals $17.94 Billion, Halo 3 Tops All |access-date=January 19, 2008 |author=James Brightman |date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=GameDaily}}{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006 | title=NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion | author=Brandon Boyer | website=Gamasutra | access-date=January 19, 2008 | date=January 18, 2008 | archive-date=January 18, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118235201/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006 | url-status=dead }} |
Note: First year of release is the first year of the system's worldwide availability.
=Other handhelds=
File:Gizmondo.jpg|Gizmondo.
Released on March 19, 2005.
[https://web.archive.org/web/20081207005113/http://www.greyinnovation.com/subpages/01.htm Grey Innovation].
Released in 2005.
File:GP2X 01.JPG|GP2X.
Released on November 10, 2005 in South Korea.
File:Gp2xwiz 2.jpg|GP2X Wiz.
May 13, 2009.
File:CAANOO.jpg|GP2X Caanoo.
August 16, 2010.
File:Dingoo_A320_White.jpg|Dingoo A320.
Released in February 2009 in China only.
File:Mass Production Pandora.JPG|Pandora.
Released in May 2010.
See also
Notes
{{notelist|group=note}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Seventh generation game consoles}}
{{History of video games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:History Of Video Game Consoles (Seventh Generation)}}