Infamous Wedbush Securities Analyst Michael Pachter remarked near the end of his most recent investor note that Sony and Microsoft’s recent console launches are likely to hurt fourth quarter sales of the Wii U. While the analyst spoke primarily about the 66% sales lead he believes the PlayStation 4 currently holds over the Xbox One, he ended by linking the relatively strong sales of both new consoles to a 65% year-over-year drop in sales for the Wii U.
We’re all aware that Mr. Pachter is one of the more outspoken analysts in the industry. One of his most recent statements —calling for Nintendo of Japan CEO Satoru Iwata to resign— joins a long history of hugely controversial claims made by the analyst. Nevertheless the commercial performance of the Wii U amidst the PS4 and Xbox One launches is undoubtedly a topic on many minds this holiday season, and especially on those at Nintendo.
(Source: InfoScout)
Debate over future console sales is unavoidable. But for those of you valiant souls keeping track of this sort of news, you may have noticed signs that consumer perception and sentiment of the Wii U are beginning to improve. We’re seeing increasing marketing efforts by Nintendo as well as warm reception from major media publications, the latter of which rave that the Wii U is a great purchase this holiday.
Nintendo appears to be on the right track to raising consumer awareness of its home console. Only time will tell if the recent PS4 and Xbox One launches will overpower any such good news and cause year-over-year Wii U sales to drop 65%.
Let us know what you think about Pachter’s hypothesis in the comments.
[Via MCV]
