The previous console generation — seventh gen — comprising of the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii, was one of the biggest ones in terms of sales and the sheer competition between the systems. When Microsoft was readying the Xbox 360, you’d think they would pay attention to both of their competitors: Sony and Nintendo.
However, according to a recent podcast interview (via IGN) with Xbox creator Seamus Blackley, alongside Microsoft’s Phil Spencer and Peter Moore, who used to lead the Xbox division, they only saw Sony as the competitor. Why? Because of Nintendo’s GameCube failure.
“We completely discounted Nintendo. Because they came off the GameCube and it was a disaster.” said Moore. However, Phil Spencer was quick to remind Moore and everyone that Nintendo eventually “destroyed both of us!”.
While Microsoft and Sony were battling it out in terms of hardware and graphics, Nintendo took a completely different approach, going with innovation and motion controls with the Wii.
In the end, the Wii outsold both the PS3 and Xbox 360, and went on to sell over 100 million units worldwide.