"Reaction [beta]"
Different vs. better 19 Feb 2007
In "Simply Better", Patrick Barwise and Sean Meehan state that "customers rarely buy a product or service because it offers something unique". Consumers want products that are "simply better," they say. But this - as Advertising Age retorts - isn't necessarily true:
"Too many companies focus on trying to make better products when the real advantage is making different products. The video-game dogfight between Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo illustrates this point.
"Both Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 are the result of a better-product approach. Compared to previous iterations, the new PlayStation and Xbox machines are faster and more powerful.
"Nintendo did it differently. The Wii is perhaps one-tenth as powerful as its two rivals, yet its motion-sensitive wireless controller allows you to produce action on the screen by tilting and waving your hand. You don't just sit on the couch and move your thumbs...
"...'We found the more modest Wii to be the more exciting, fun and satisfying of the two new game machines,' said Walter S. Mossberg in The Wall Street Journal.
"My prediction: Nintendo's Wii will wind up outselling Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 combined."
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1 comment so far
Christi Lesikar 9 Apr 2007 10:59 PM
I purchased a Wii simply because it was unique. I wanted something that provided more activity for the common couch potato. I am please to say that with just one afternoon of the bowling game I appreciate the bowling classes I took in college. I have out scored my husband 5 games in a row.
I have not noticed if the Wii has plans to provide a dance pad like playstation. If they did or better yet provide an interface that would allow the user to strap on the controller to their leg and this would provide even more activity for the user. Thank you for your article.