Video Game VS has a new argument looking at 2007 for both the Wii and the Xbox 360:
Even though it’s a little early to call Wii a run-away success, I’d say it has a good chance to take the lead in the console race by the end of the year. I’d be a more certain of my prediction if it wasn’t for one game…Halo 3. Let’s run-down the biggest games for these two systems in 2007.
Nintendo’s putting out some definite system sellers this year:
- Mario Galaxy – obvious system seller
- Super Smash Bros Brawl – online will make this one huge
- Metroid Prime 3 Corruption
- Super Paper Mario
- Along with many others Nintendo hasn’t even announced
Microsoft also has some big guns in 2007:
- Halo 3 – obvious mega-system seller
- Grand Theft Auto 4 – name alone will sell this game
- Bioshock
- Mass Effect
- Blue Dragon
- And I’m sure Microsoft has a few more titles up their sleeves
Like I said, if it wasn’t for Halo 3 I would put my money on the Wii edging out Microsoft with total system sales by the end of the year. However, Microsoft’s mega-hit will sell so many consoles, even the constant sell-outs of the Wii may not be enough to topple Master Chief.
Now, Tavarus labels Halo 3 as a mega-system seller, which is probably going to be true. And while I’m not huge on Smash Bros. personally, I’m inclined to think that title alone will give Halo 3 a run for its money. I walk down college dorm hallways, and in most open doors, what do I see? Well, up until Wii launch, it was Smash Bros. Melee. Even now, it’s about a split between Melee and WiiSports. I think Smash alone is almost a fair matchup against the 360 at least in terms of sales.
I’m also thinking that while Sonic’s name has been dragged through the mud in recent years, if Sonic and the Secret Rings can live up to the hype surrounding its potential, I’m thinking that could be a significant boost to the Wii’s 2007 lineup. Not to mention titles like Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party, Fire Emblem, Animal Crossing, and more. To be fair, the 360 has several titles of formidable status, so those have to be factored in as well. What do all of you think will factor in?
