Pachter: Wii U will finish 'distant third' - behind PS4, Xbox One

http://www.gamespot.com/news/pachter-warns-wii-u-will-finish-a-distant-third-behind-ps4-and-xbox-one-6411096

Personally, I don't judge the quality of a system or game based on it's sales performance, still, I cannot help but think this guy may have a point. (hate him or love him, he still is an analyst to whom the whole industry listens)

For starters, the WiiU feels more like an "HD Wii" than a fully new system and with a gamepad that trys to attract the tablet users.

But the issue here is that people don't see WiiU's capabilities and controller as powerful and/or unique.

Wii had the motion-controller and lower price going for it and the masses loved it.

In comparsion, the WiiU feels more like a "traditional" console, yet lacking the uniqueness and affordability/accessibility of Wii.

People who are into gaming are better off getting a cheaper, last-gen system but one that has a large library of games (unless they are big fans of traditional Nintendo franchises) and people who are "sunday/family" gamers can simply stick to Wii or game on tablets.

But things are starting to look even worse when we account the lacking 3rd party support, online infrastucture, general game droughts and the impending next-gen systems from Sony and MS which will both offer much better capabilties, 3rd party support and competitive pricing.

One part of the problem is also Nintendo's own insistance on traditional, popular franchises like Mario and Zelda, which do help with sales but probably can't carry the system by themselves.

To get more game variety and diversity to satisfy different tastes, to make or invest in high-profile new IPs (also targeting the older demographics), to revive franchises that are considered "dead" yet the audience moans for more, to build good relations with the 3rd parties and help advertise their games - these things are yet to be seen on the WiiU.

Personally, I think the WiiU has potential to be a very good game system, but they would really need to utilize it better and start being competitive.

Else, they might fall behind greatly this time around.

td;dr: basically I agree with him and think Nintendo have to "up their game" if they want to survive on this market.

What say you, SW?

Nintendo just got caught resting on their laurels.  They honestly thought casuals would buy another video game system within five years, with barely upgraded graphics, another gimmick controller and an outrageous price tag considering the hardware inside the machine. 

Their slow/non existent commitment to online gaming has made them irrelevant in online gaming and nobody looks at a Nintendo console as a hub for entertainment. The Wii was the equivalent to a board game.  You occasionally pulled it out to play with the family, but it was not something you thought about more than once a month.  

They also severely alienated their core which made it a one two punch when casuals failed to buy the Wii U.  Nintendo has done this every generation and their hardcore fan base forgave them, but it looks like that tha't has sailed.  I used to love Nintendo, but the original Wii made me completely abandon them.  I bought the N64 and Gamecube on day one, because i felt that you couldn't have a complete gaming experience without owning a Nintendo console.  I simply don't feel that way anymore.  I love Mario and Zelda, but the stagnation has reached a point (Nintendo should be appaluded that it took this long for series fatigue to set in) just like the COD series no longer interests me.

You can blame poor marketing/naming the system Wii U which confused the market, but the truth is much more simple.  People just don't have any compelling reason to purchase a console that is seven years behind it's competition, who happen to have online infrastructures and programs/apps that appeal to today's generation.  

The exclusives will give them a modest sales bump, but it won't change the fact that no third party support and a pitiful online network will turn the Wii U into just another board game to pull out when the electricity goes out. 

... but who will make the most profit ?

Nintendo won every gen so far.

wii u should sell atleast 300m units

I thought we agreed that Pachter is just a loser who gets paid to troll Nintendo fans.bbkkristian

He's right this time. Their is no Wii-Mote for Nintendo this time around. Nintendo doesn't really give a **** as long as they make a profit but one generation in the future their backwards mentallity will bite them in the ***.

At this point even Nintendo knows the WiiU will be a distant 3rd behind the PS4 & Xbox One. I'll be interested to see Nintendos release schedule for 2014 because it's going to be drought city I suspect for a few months of the year.FlamesOfGrey

Third year of a console is its peak, that's when you release the most titles.

Mario Kart 8
Smash Bros.
X
SMT X FE
Yoshi Yarn
Bayonetta 2 

Given Nintendo's recent history, there are more games that will be announced in upcoming Direct episodes slated for 2014. Animal Crossing could make an appearance too. Zelda U will at the very least be revealed next year. The upcoming indie game selection is gigantic too. Looks good.

... but who will make the most profit ?

Nintendo won every gen so far.

SuperFlakeman

So you would say the GameCube was a very successful system?

Also, it has been said that WiiU actually wasn't profittable when it came out. (don't know what's the situation now)

And losing the home console market share and 3rd party support since the SNES (Wii as exception, but looks like it's going downhill with WiiU again) is also nothing to brag about.

... but who will make the most profit ?

Nintendo won every gen so far.

SuperFlakeman

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"]At this point even Nintendo knows the WiiU will be a distant 3rd behind the PS4 & Xbox One. I'll be interested to see Nintendos release schedule for 2014 because it's going to be drought city I suspect for a few months of the year.SuperFlakeman

Third year of a console is its peak, that's when you release the most titles.

Mario Kart 8
Smash Bros.
X
SMT X FE
Yoshi Yarn
Bayonetta 2 

Given Nintendo's recent history, there are more games that will be announced in upcoming Direct episodes slated for 2014. Animal Crossing could make an appearance too. Zelda U will at the very least be revealed next year. The upcoming indie game selection is gigantic too. Looks good.

Ah Pachter, what a glorious man. He's been right every time, I I'm sorry Nintendo, Wii U gonna fail.

It is certainly possible considering the WIi U's current financial struggling and issues. When/if Nintendo learns how to be a good parent and not only suppot one of its children (the 3DS), then perhaps the WIi U's situation can improve. Until then, the future for the system doesn't seem to be too bright and sunny.

Probably will. Not a big deal to me.

So you would say the GameCube was a very successful system?

nameless12345

So, for me there are three criteria of success (for a Nintendo console):

• Profit 
• Software brand health
• Sustainability

Translation

1. Did you, over the course of a console cycle, make a profit, despite perhaps initial losses? 
2. Did your brands maintain their status quo, meaning Mario/Smash sold millions and Kirby still goes strong, etc. etc.?
3. Overall, is your business sustaniable enough to justify a successor console?

If Yes on all three accounts, the Nintendo system in question was successful to me, because it means long-term survival. It means we will see another console with a new batch of Mario/Metroid/Zelda. And that's exactly what I want.

So far, Wii U is fine. NSMB U and Nintendo Land have absolutely insane attach rate. If DKC 5 and 3D World flop in a couple of months, then we'll talk.

The difference between the Wii and the Wii U is that the Wii was first to the party when it came to bringing motion control to the mainstream. With the Wii U they are trying to capitizie on the tablet market which is already established.

It doesn't show you made the most profit. MS made more profit this gen, but their division was still in the red for awhile, so when adding onto the red, the numbers will look like that. Sony lost way more this gen than MS, and WII put together.TigerSuperman

Uhh I'm only talking about MS' and Sony's gaming divisions.

Given the slow start I could certainly see that being a possibility. But they also have had a year head start on the competition, so that's going to give them a leg up for sure. Plus don't forget that the Xbox One and the PS4 will both have the same kind of gaming drought that the WIi U had when it launched. People tried to crucify the Wii U for that, but it's honestly typical system launch woes. It happens all the time, everytime. And right now there's nothing ball bustingly amazing to look forward to for a long while for both of the other two next gen systems. So their sales may see a similarly slow start for a while.

However, let's look at the facts. At the end of the day even if Nintendo does finish "third", which I still admit could easily happen, that won't mean that the Wii U will necessarily be a failure. They could sell 30 or 40 million units in its lifetime and would probably still be remarkably profitable (just as their own company) and be sitting very pretty when it coms time for even their next system. First, second, or third...making money is making money. And that's what matters the most. And Nintendo, smartly, probably doesn't even give a s**t what "place" they finish. They just want a profit.

This is how Nintendo is brilliant. They have smartly postioned themselves so that their next gen system doesn't need to annihilate the competition to be a success. Sony and Microsoft have to be on pins and needles around each other and are directly focused at beating the other. Nintendo is just making their own cool system for a little less money and offering unique GAMER-CENTRIC experiences only and will do just fine even they don't finish first. Brilliant. it will be an exciting generation.

Peace.

... but who will make the most profit ?

Nintendo won every gen so far.

SuperFlakeman

I think everyone knows that already. Heil68

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

So you would say the GameCube was a very successful system?

SuperFlakeman

So, for me there are three criteria of success (for a Nintendo console):

• Profit 
• Software brand health
• Sustainability

Translation

1. Did you, over the course of a console cycle, make a profit, despite perhaps initial losses? 
2. Did your brands maintain their status quo, meaning Mario/Smash sold millions and Kirby still goes strong, etc. etc.?
3. Overall, is your business sustaniable enough to justify a successor console?

If Yes on all three accounts, the Nintendo system in question was successful to me, because it means long-term survival. It means we will see another console with a new batch of Mario/Metroid/Zelda. And that's exactly what I want.

So far, Wii U is fine. NSMB U and Nintendo Land have absolutely insane attach rate. If DKC 5 and 3D World flop in a couple of months, then we'll talk.

GameCube production had to be halted at some point due to too low sales and lost marketshare even to a newcommer. (Xbox)

How's that a good thing in any accord?

Nintendo had a profit because of their popular franchises and because production of the machine was inexpensive.

But they actually had to use the great GBA sales to fund the NGC and you can be pretty sure they wanted to get rid of it asap... (which is why it basically died the moment the Wii came out)

As for the things you mention - Sony and MS also have strong-going franchises and make a profit on the long term.

They might have had big losses in the past, still, in the long term their strategy might be better than Nintendo's. (which insists on profittable hardware and franchises but may be short-sighted, as the big fall of Wii's sales and support may be proof of)

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

So you would say the GameCube was a very successful system?

SuperFlakeman

So, for me there are three criteria of success (for a Nintendo console):

Translation

1. Did you, over the course of a console cycle, make a profit, despite perhaps initial losses? 
2. Did your brands maintain their status quo, meaning Mario/Smash sold millions and Kirby still goes strong, etc. etc.?
3. Overall, is your business sustaniable enough to justify a successor console?

If Yes on all three accounts, the Nintendo system in question was successful to me, because it means long-term survival. It means we will see another console with a new batch of Mario/Metroid/Zelda. And that's exactly what I want.

So far, Wii U is fine. NSMB U and Nintendo Land have absolutely insane attach rate. If DKC 5 and 3D World flop in a couple of months, then we'll talk.

Given the slow start I could certainly see that being a possibility. But they also have had a year head start on the competition, so that's going to give them a leg up for sure. Plus don't forget that the Xbox One and the PS4 will both have the same kind of gaming drought that the WIi U had when it launched. People tried to crucify the Wii U for that, but it's honestly typical system launch woes. It happens all the time, everytime. And right now there's nothing ball bustingly amazing to look forward to for a long while for both of the other two next gen systems. So their sales may see a similarly slow start for a while.

However, let's look at the facts. At the end of the day even if Nintendo does finish "third", which I still admit could easily happen, that won't mean that the Wii U will necessarily be a failure. They could sell 30 or 40 million units in its lifetime and would probably still be remarkably profitable (just as their own company) and be sitting very pretty when it coms time for even their next system. First, second, or third...making money is making money. And that's what matters the most. And Nintendo, smartly, probably doesn't even give a s**t what "place" they finish. They just want a profit.

This is how Nintendo is brilliant. They have smartly postioned themselves so that their next gen system doesn't need to annihilate the competition to be a success. Sony and Microsoft have to be on pins and needles around each other and are directly focused at beating the other. Nintendo is just making their own cool system for a little less money and offering unique GAMER-CENTRIC experiences only and will do just fine even they don't finish first. Brilliant. it will be an exciting generation.

Peace.

Darth-Samus

GameCube production had to be halted at some point due to too low sales and lost marketshare even to a newcommer. (Xbox)

nameless12345

It had a 5 year life cycle. Nintendo home consoles have always had 5-6 years.

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

So, for me there are three criteria of success (for a Nintendo console):

Profit Software brand healthSustainability

Translation

1. Did you, over the course of a console cycle, make a profit, despite perhaps initial losses? 
2. Did your brands maintain their status quo, meaning Mario/Smash sold millions and Kirby still goes strong, etc. etc.?
3. Overall, is your business sustaniable enough to justify a successor console?

If Yes on all three accounts, the Nintendo system in question was successful to me, because it means long-term survival. It means we will see another console with a new batch of Mario/Metroid/Zelda. And that's exactly what I want.

So far, Wii U is fine. NSMB U and Nintendo Land have absolutely insane attach rate. If DKC 5 and 3D World flop in a couple of months, then we'll talk.

 

stizzal13

Given the slow start I could certainly see that being a possibility. But they also have had a year head start on the competition, so that's going to give them a leg up for sure. Plus don't forget that the Xbox One and the PS4 will both have the same kind of gaming drought that the WIi U had when it launched. People tried to crucify the Wii U for that, but it's honestly typical system launch woes. It happens all the time, everytime. And right now there's nothing ball bustingly amazing to look forward to for a long while for both of the other two next gen systems. So their sales may see a similarly slow start for a while.

However, let's look at the facts. At the end of the day even if Nintendo does finish "third", which I still admit could easily happen, that won't mean that the Wii U will necessarily be a failure. They could sell 30 or 40 million units in its lifetime and would probably still be remarkably profitable (just as their own company) and be sitting very pretty when it coms time for even their next system. First, second, or third...making money is making money. And that's what matters the most. And Nintendo, smartly, probably doesn't even give a s**t what "place" they finish. They just want a profit.

This is how Nintendo is brilliant. They have smartly postioned themselves so that their next gen system doesn't need to annihilate the competition to be a success. Sony and Microsoft have to be on pins and needles around each other and are directly focused at beating the other. Nintendo is just making their own cool system for a little less money and offering unique GAMER-CENTRIC experiences only and will do just fine even they don't finish first. Brilliant. it will be an exciting generation.

Peace.

Darth-Samus

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

GameCube production had to be halted at some point due to too low sales and lost marketshare even to a newcommer. (Xbox)

SuperFlakeman

It had a 5 year life cycle. Nintendo home consoles have always had 5-6 years.

But it was chugging along all the time except for a short while during release time.

Software sales were not as good as they could be either because of the low system sales.

"Look at me! I am michael pacther, I state the obvious and am praised for it......well I am praised the 17% of the time my guess's are correct!"

[QUOTE="stizzal13"][QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"] [QUOTE="Darth-Samus"]

Given the slow start I could certainly see that being a possibility. But they also have had a year head start on the competition, so that's going to give them a leg up for sure. Plus don't forget that the Xbox One and the PS4 will both have the same kind of gaming drought that the WIi U had when it launched. People tried to crucify the Wii U for that, but it's honestly typical system launch woes. It happens all the time, everytime. And right now there's nothing ball bustingly amazing to look forward to for a long while for both of the other two next gen systems. So their sales may see a similarly slow start for a while.

However, let's look at the facts. At the end of the day even if Nintendo does finish "third", which I still admit could easily happen, that won't mean that the Wii U will necessarily be a failure. They could sell 30 or 40 million units in its lifetime and would probably still be remarkably profitable (just as their own company) and be sitting very pretty when it coms time for even their next system. First, second, or third...making money is making money. And that's what matters the most. And Nintendo, smartly, probably doesn't even give a s**t what "place" they finish. They just want a profit.

This is how Nintendo is brilliant. They have smartly postioned themselves so that their next gen system doesn't need to annihilate the competition to be a success. Sony and Microsoft have to be on pins and needles around each other and are directly focused at beating the other. Nintendo is just making their own cool system for a little less money and offering unique GAMER-CENTRIC experiences only and will do just fine even they don't finish first. Brilliant. it will be an exciting generation.

Peace.

nameless12345

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

nameless12345

I'm fine with that. The last thing I want is a Nintendo console becoming more and more like PS4 and X1.

If Nintendo is in a market leading position, or at least a relevant player, then it should be on their terms (Wii). I.e. a game system where CoD merely sells 1 million units and GTA is not even present. 

It'll either be a niche, Nintendo 1st party box. Or a Wii type phenomenon. What I wish will never, ever happen, is for Nintendo to release a dudebro-box. I prefer Mario and Just Dance. Happy, all inclusive games with vibrant colors. Halo of Forza just make me puke.

wii u should sell atleast 300m units

Sweenix

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

SuperFlakeman

I'm fine with that. The last thing I want is a Nintendo console becoming more and more like PS4 and X1.

If Nintendo is in a market leading position, or at least a relevant player, then it should be on their terms (Wii). I.e. a game system where CoD merely sells 1 million units and GTA is not even present. 

It'll either be a niche, Nintendo 1st party box. Or a Wii type phenomenon. What I wish will never, ever happen, is for Nintendo to release a dudebro-box. I prefer Mario and Just Dance. Happy, all inclusive games with vibrant colors. Halo of Forza just make me puke.

The problem is - Nintendo isn't fine with it.

They don't want to make a niche system, they want "teh sales".

Why, do you think, they put "on hold" the franchises that didn't sell according to their expectations?

If the WiiU sales don't improve, they will probably still keep supporting it but "drop like a ton of bricks" when the time comes...

And that's a short-sighted strategy if you ask me.

It may, but lol Pachter. 

And we care about what Pachter thinks why?

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

nameless12345

I'm fine with that. The last thing I want is a Nintendo console becoming more and more like PS4 and X1.

If Nintendo is in a market leading position, or at least a relevant player, then it should be on their terms (Wii). I.e. a game system where CoD merely sells 1 million units and GTA is not even present. 

It'll either be a niche, Nintendo 1st party box. Or a Wii type phenomenon. What I wish will never, ever happen, is for Nintendo to release a dudebro-box. I prefer Mario and Just Dance. Happy, all inclusive games with vibrant colors. Halo of Forza just make me puke.

The problem is - Nintendo isn't fine with it.

They don't want to make a niche system, they want "teh sales".

Why, do you think, they put "on hold" the franchises that didn't sell according to their expectations?

If the WiiU sales don't improve, they will probably still keep supporting it but "drop like a ton of bricks" when the time comes...

And that's a short-sighted strategy if you ask me.

It might, but you never know.

Ninty will probably make a good profit when all is said and done, but when it comes to unit sales and third party support it wouldn't surprise me if they are behind this gen.

It might, but you never know.

Ninty will probably make a good profit when all is said and done, but when it comes to unit sales and third party support it wouldn't surprise me if they are behind this gen.

AznbkdX

Nintendo owns IPs that are cheap to make and can sell anywhere from 10-60 million units, the fact that their profitablility is even in question should show you how badly the higher ups are screwing up.

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

nameless12345

I'm fine with that. The last thing I want is a Nintendo console becoming more and more like PS4 and X1.

If Nintendo is in a market leading position, or at least a relevant player, then it should be on their terms (Wii). I.e. a game system where CoD merely sells 1 million units and GTA is not even present. 

It'll either be a niche, Nintendo 1st party box. Or a Wii type phenomenon. What I wish will never, ever happen, is for Nintendo to release a dudebro-box. I prefer Mario and Just Dance. Happy, all inclusive games with vibrant colors. Halo of Forza just make me puke.

The problem is - Nintendo isn't fine with it.

They don't want to make a niche system, they want "teh sales".

Why, do you think, they put "on hold" the franchises that didn't sell according to their expectations?

If the WiiU sales don't improve, they will probably still keep supporting it but "drop like a ton of bricks" when the time comes...

And that's a short-sighted strategy if you ask me.

I'm betting on the 5 or so year plan if things go south. The system as a whole seems to be one that you can drop easily, at least in comparison to the other ones.

Its definitely not something they want but this time around being cheap, although costly in its own right, seems to pay off a tiny bit at least when it comes down to killing it off quickly.

[QUOTE="AznbkdX"]

It might, but you never know.

Ninty will probably make a good profit when all is said and done, but when it comes to unit sales and third party support it wouldn't surprise me if they are behind this gen.

crimsonman1245

Nintendo owns IPs that are cheap to make and can sell anywhere from 10-60 million units, the fact that their profitablility is even in question should show you how badly the higher ups are screwing up.

Not that it is in question, just that it is an optimistic prospect in this case.

Spin and all that. I never like to sound too negative. :P

Nintendo fanbase is a big part of Nintendos problem. As long as Nintendo throws out new Mario and Zelda games the majority of hardcore Nintendo fans are content with Nintendo being behind the curve.FlamesOfGrey

Yeah, Nintendo was magically blessed with the blind sheep, while Sony and MS have to fight hard for their fans' attention. Your way of thinking is irrational. You just can't accept the fact that Nintendo is better than Sony at creating, and sustaining, mainstream appeal IPs.

Behind the curve is an interesting concept too. I'm sure you have played your Vita enough to know how much of a better user experience a touch screen can offer. I can't imagine going back to the dualshock setup, typing messages one letter at a time, lmao.

You can never know for sure, but those are my thoughts as well.  Distant 3rd seems like a safe bet.

Then again, now that Pachter said it I may have to re-think my stance.

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"]Nintendo fanbase is a big part of Nintendos problem. As long as Nintendo throws out new Mario and Zelda games the majority of hardcore Nintendo fans are content with Nintendo being behind the curve.SuperFlakeman

Yeah, Nintendo was magically blessed with the blind sheep, while Sony and MS have to fight hard for their fans' attention. Your way of thinking is irrational. You just can't accept the fact that Nintendo is better than Sony at creating, and sustaining, mainstream appeal IPs.

Behind the curve is an interesting concept too. I'm sure you have played your Vita enough to know how much of a better user experience a touch screen can offer. I can't imagine going back to the dualshock setup, typing messages one letter at a time, lmao.

Wii U is $350, with a pack in that is priced $50 separately at retail. The base Wii U SKU costs $300 (for now).

Sony offers their system for $400, but there is a hidden cost involved, you need to pay an additional $50 per year for online. $300 in 6 years. That's $400+$300 = $700 for a PS4 with online support (Sony you clever bastard)

It's not as simple as "lol, weak system, behind the curve, etc.". You need to factor in price. 

Hopefully this will come back to bite their ass, like Vita's memory card prices did.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Yes, barely anyone wanting a WiiU over the PS4 and X1 (or even 360 & PS3) at this moment really matters... ;)

SuperFlakeman

I'm fine with that. The last thing I want is a Nintendo console becoming more and more like PS4 and X1.

If Nintendo is in a market leading position, or at least a relevant player, then it should be on their terms (Wii). I.e. a game system where CoD merely sells 1 million units and GTA is not even present. 

It'll either be a niche, Nintendo 1st party box. Or a Wii type phenomenon. What I wish will never, ever happen, is for Nintendo to release a dudebro-box. I prefer Mario and Just Dance. Happy, all inclusive games with vibrant colors. Halo of Forza just make me puke.

Wii U is $350, with a pack in that is priced $50 separately at retail. The base Wii U SKU costs $300 (for now).

Sony offers their system for $400, but there is a hidden cost involved, you need to pay an additional $50 per year for online. $300 in 6 years. That's $400+$300 = $700 for a PS4 with online support (Sony you clever bastard)

It's not as simple as "lol, weak system, behind the curve, etc.". You need to factor in price. 

Hopefully this will come back to bite their ass, like Vita's memory card prices did.

SuperFlakeman

Most people don't think about linear price increases. They think of the price in front of them, at least when it comes down to small fairly important things with such low prices.

This is especially true when they probably don't say much about it after you have already bought it. Now if the price tage was 20 bucks a month or something, then many might see an issue with it.

Wii U is $350, with a pack in that is priced $50 separately at retail. The base Wii U SKU costs $300 (for now).

Sony offers their system for $400, but there is a hidden cost involved, you need to pay an additional $50 per year for online. $300 in 6 years. That's $400+$300 = $700 for a PS4 with online support (Sony you clever bastard)

It's not as simple as "lol, weak system, behind the curve, etc.". You need to factor in price. 

Hopefully this will come back to bite their ass, like Vita's memory card prices did.

SuperFlakeman