Topic: Really interesting Game Scoop episode about console differentiation

(I know I've been kind of topic happy tonight. This is my last)

I know some Nintendo fans are kind of cold to IGN, and not to say that I entirely agree with them (I vehemently disagree with quite a bit), they do consider some really interesting discussion points regarding console differentiation and what makes a successful differentiating feature. With Nintendo's more recent interest in producing consoles with unique differentiating features, I think it's something really worth considering and discussing.

The thing that really resonated with me in this episode what they said about console differentiation. The Kinect wasn't the reason the XB1 fell behind, just like the Gamepad wasn't the reason the Wii U fell behind. Rather, it was the execution of those devices. If the Kinect worked near flawlessly, and had several developers developing Kinect exclusive games from day one, a lot more people would be on board with that. Similarly, if the Wii U showed 10 games that really proved that the Gamepad was a new experience in 2012, people would be really excited. Because Microsoft failed in executing the Kinect, we really are ending up with two identical consoles only separated by games, which is never a good thing for consumers, as we are buying the same hardware twice for software that could theoretically be on both without tweaking.

As for the DRM, I think they have a point, but I think a lot of people far underestimate how long it will take games to enter to digital era for consoles. CDs and DVDs aren't even dead yet, and music and movies took off in the digital sphere years ago, while console games are still struggling to take off in that area. The problem is that they haven't figured out a way to make a digital purchase worthwhile to most consumers. Downloading a movie makes it incredibly portable, grants you more control in a digital progress bar, offers convenience, and are often cheaper. Console games don't become more portable, and with a 15-40 hour experience, a 15 minute trip to the store is much less inconvenient than with a 90 minute movie.

I'm not sure I agree with this. I don't know anyone who still uses CDs or DVDs. Blu-ray and flash are the only physical mediums I still see widely used.

DVD is still much more popular than Blu-Ray, and outsells it by significant margin.

Sorry, I was lumping all physical media into "CDs and DVDs". But most large electronic stores still have large sections for just music CDs. Target and Walmart carry them as well. There are still some clear benefits to physical media that have kept them alive.