Nielsen: 360 the second most played console of '08
by Dustin Burg 
{ Jan 2nd 2009 at 4:00PM }
The Nielson Company (the same folks who give us television ratings) just released their scientific digits for 2008's most played video game consoles. Based on console usage, calculated using a select few Nielson households and expressed in a percentage of total console usage minutes.
After the data was tabulated, Nielson has awarded the Playstation 2 the most played console of 2008. But seeing that this is an Xbox centric website, the bigger news is that the Xbox 360 took home the number two spot as the second most played console of '08. Congrats! Now about that Playstation 3 and its 5th place finish behind the original Xbox. Hmm ...
- Playstation 2 - 31.2%
- Xbox 360 - 17.2%
- Wii - 13.4%
- Xbox - 9.7%
- Playstation 3 - 7.3%
- Gamecube - 4.6%
- "Other" - 16.2%
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yema Latify @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:05PM
The disparity between the 360's usage vs. the PS3's makes sense if these stats were tabulated for just North America. The 360 has almost 8 million more console owners in North America than PS3.
Jake @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:08PM
So anyone know how this data is obtained? Guessed? Clearly it's US only, and clearly it's not that accurate if it says the PS3 is behind the original Xbox. I mean come on, does anyone actually believe that, even the most rabid xbot.
Jake @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:10PM
Seems like it's a based on a select few households to write down some data. Does not seem very scientific to me, given the number of rabid xbots in the US.
Jake @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:13PM
@Yema Latify
5m in the US. 4m globally. (in short, the PS3 has sold a million more than the 360 elsewhere )
FdUmCh @ Jan 3rd 2009 4:29AM
ya that sounds right but are they adding people that just turning on the ps3 just to PLAY blu ray cause its s!*t other than that
PastaGabe @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:05PM
That's good....2nd place is great!
But I have always hated the PlayStation 2! >=|
Ian Whelan (JOIN BAND!) @ Jan 4th 2009 12:56AM
Yeah, but first always feels better...
Twisted Name @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:12PM
i wanted to right something meaningfull here but ive forgotten what the post was about and what i was going to say so im just typing anyway. good day
Dustin Burg @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:38PM
It happens to the best of us :D
ScottishPrik @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:15PM
lol, xbox 1 is played more than the PS3. That's pretty funny but hard to believe.
blank964 @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:30PM
All those people with PS2s need to step their game up and get a 360
Jonman @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:38PM
While my natural scepticism is to question the accuracy of these numbers, the conclusion is inescapable, that for large swathes of the population, the term "next-gen" still very much applies to the 360 and the PS3.
Second question is what constitutes 'Other'. DS / PSP? PC? iPhone? Leapster?
Alex @ Jan 3rd 2009 2:16PM
Electric Soduku?
Time Crisis 3 in arcades that nobody ever pays for.
aggrazel @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:40PM
One of my friends who still hangs on to his PS2 doesn't want to get a 360 until he gets an HDTV. There is this thought going around that the 360 is worthless to play on an SDTV. I've never plugged my 360 into a standard def TV, so is that true?
BigBrasky @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:44PM
I played my 360 for 2 years on an SDTV, and I can say that there is still a definite graphical improvement over something like the PS2.
Of course, going from my tube tv to my HDTV was like night and day, it's still worth it to have a 360 on an SDTV.
Alex @ Jan 3rd 2009 2:19PM
I only got a HDTV on 28th December, and have had my 360 on SDTVs since January '06. And there is an improvement, but in older games (before Gears 1) it wasn't quite so noticeable because things ween't so small...
Jack Tretton @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:57PM
You spell Nielsen correctly in the headline, but misspell it three times in the article. I hope one of Weblogs, Inc.'s New Year's resolutions is to hire a proofreader for its gaming blogs.
LegendaryRedass @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:03PM
I don't think they counted the DS, if they did, I don't think xbox would be #2. Think about how many DS' that are out there. I'm pleasantly suprised that it out did the wii. Probably didn't count the pc because its not a console.
Perfectance @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:16PM
Darn! The Gamecube almost beat out the PS3. LOL
Tim @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:18PM
What I find even more interesting, is the fact that the Wii is trouncing the 360 and PS3 in sales, and yet is 3rd most played according to this list. It kind of bears out what a lot of people have been saying, doesn't it?
Magic Whiskey @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:05PM
I think somewhere along the way I heard the typical attach rate of games for the 360 is 8 games per console in North America, and only 2 for the Wii. I'm assuming that Wii Fit and Wii Play are the two. If I was a Nintendo pessimist I'd say it's Wii Play and Wii Sports.
DjDATZ @ Jan 6th 2009 1:10PM
Well, if you look at what everyone is saying about their Wiis, it's that they get them, play them for a month or two and then just leave them be...
It happened to my friend...she got a Wii last Christmas and swore she would play it tons. She got a 360 in August, and has been playing all the blockbusters on it. I then asked her about her Wii and got the following response "Oh, I haven't turned it on since January or February." LOL
I still maintain that the Wii is NOT a next gen console.
Magic Whiskey @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:02PM
Wow. Who is still playing with the Playstation 2? I'm no system fanboy; I go where the games are and of course there's a ton of them on the PS2, but...these gamers have HAD to learn about the current gen consoles by now, yes?
If this is a money thing in poorer locations in the world I suppose that makes more sense.
It also opens my eyes as to why Sony hasn't really stepped up their game with the Playstation 3 software; people are still playing on a console ten years old, so why bother?
ryan @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:08PM
Families that can't afford the new systems for one.
People that can't play backward compatible games because they got a gimped PS3.
Gamers that appreciate the classics every now and then.
Those who are jaded that this generation has offered "really nothing new save for HDR and normal mapping".
But I think it's mostly because buying a $70-$130 PS2 and $60 worth of used games is a better deal in some people's eyes than buying a $399 PS3 and one $60 game. :D
ryan @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:11PM
Hunh...I left the words "crappy economy" out of my last post. But I'm sure you get the gist.
Tim @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:15PM
I think somone needs a bottle, a good burping, and an early bedtime. Poor little guy...so much anger in such a tiny little person...
Jim Halpert DM @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:53PM
What's a fatgget.... and if you love your PS3 so much why are you writing one page comments on an Xbox 360 site instead of playing your PS3? I love my Xbox, but I don't hate the PS3. I LOVE games. Why do you hate something with so many fun games? Just play and enjoy. If your Xbox fails, it's not like they don't replace it.
*proofreads comment to prevent humiliation after making fun on ones spelling*
Jim Halpert DM @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:54PM
Time go play Rock Band 2....
Efeez1986 @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:02PM
"calculated using a FEW Neilson households"
You guys can't be that stupid to think these stats are accurate. Don't let your love for MS cloud your thinking.
Easo @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:21PM
All those dead xboxs being out of the hands of consumers for weeks, and xbox owners still got more use out of their box than ps3 guys. HA!
Aaron @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:12PM
Heh, I don't honestly believe these statistics, but I will take them for what they are worth... Statistics!
I know most of you are gonna ignore this because I am not bashing the PS3, but I honestly think it is doing better than the Xbox (and almost more people are playing the GameCube!). The PS3 has sold millions more this year and has had a stellar year, and yet, apparently, more people want to play Halo 2 (or whatever highlight games were on the Xbox).
Don't get me wrong, I own all three of the current-gen consoles and I pride myself in not being biased, but the PS3's success THIS year has to be noted.
Also, I'm not the biggest fan of the Wii (the only reason I still play it is because I downloaded the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past off the VC), but I do think a lot of people (aka your parents, grandparents ahaha) are still playing it. But then again, I could see the Xbox 360 beating it because of those damn kids who play Halo 3/L4D/Gear 2/whatever for hours on end (I blame my friend, who was addicted to Halo for a good portion of our High School years).
Cheers!
Mazrael @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:50PM
in my house, the 360 would have 90% easily, with the remainder going to PSP, DS, PS2, Wii.. in that order. the PS2 is for Okami & old FF games.. Wii was Mario Kart & Brawl although short Lived..
chris @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:25PM
Yeah, because this list is based off of pure scientific investigation...
A novelty list is more like it.
abisairomero @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:28PM
the "other" category is 4 dre beloved dreamcast! lol
Neil @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:51PM
Man its been a really long time since I've booted up my PS2....just PS3 and 360 for me these days. I don't know how accurate these numbers reflect how things are in the US, but its amazing the PS2 is still going so strong after all these years.
Urza @ Jan 2nd 2009 11:30PM
I'm most amused by the fact that more people play Halo 2 on Xbox then people play their PS3.. that's just.. well.. hilarious. :)
Flo @ Jan 3rd 2009 12:06AM
Its funny jow the wii sells most systems and most games but is number 3 on the list. I bet ninty doesnt even care cuz they r so bz counting money
Jason Cartwright @ Jan 3rd 2009 1:35AM
It pains me to think there's so many people out there still playing PS2's.
Stop hurting ure eyes people, especially those of you who have HDTV's. Upgrade to a HD console now !! You won't regret it.
PC-Max @ Jan 3rd 2009 11:05AM
Give me a break fanboys, PS3 and 360 alike, Statistics are never that scientific AND they only sample less than 1% of the population at most. Which is not very accurate.
And just because the PS2 is still most popular and used... its called gameplay. Graphics come second to gameplay. We play these games because they were fun, not because the graphics wowed us. Unless you are really that superficial about your game experience.
I have seen plenty of so called cool games on the PS3 and 360 and the only reason they say that is graphics. The gameplay sucks but wow look at the view. That was worht $59.99,just a cool view. You must have too much free money hanging around. lol
Bowser Rogozhin @ Jan 3rd 2009 12:04PM
Very eloquently put. I agree with every word said. The focus on HD has created a focus on visuals which is more akin to Hollywood blockbuster shlock; loud noise and pretty explosions: idiotic and samey.
A very sad state of affiars.
Ryan @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:40PM
Well for one, i get every console there is thats available to buy with money, because each one has its strenghts. But honestly, why so much hating on PlayStation 2? The thing is number 1 most sold console ever, with the biggest and best games there have been, im not suprised people are playing it, i know i am. And as fanboyish as this sounds, face it, there waiting for a cheaper PlayStation 3. They could have a $200 360 or $250 wii, but the must not have one or are not playing them because there waiting. Take notice to PS3s stride this year with games, all it needs is a cheaper price. I mean, the number 3 does come after 2. Thats the way i see it. But of course this isent sales, its time usage. And i 100 percent agree with the list everyting seems in order. Just as you would expect. Although i would think Wii would have more time.
yo Naturale @ Jan 4th 2009 4:59PM
What consoles are available to buy without money..? :p
To add to the general thread discussion:
I think those statistics seem to reasonably fall in line with what the *general* perception of the console is.
PS2: There are whole lot of those things out there. As others have mentioned, it is the best selling console of all time, and it only makes sense that people still play them. I still see people in game stores considering this console. It's a matter of economics, really (plus that whole backwards-compatibility thing). If the PS2 dropped below a $100 I'd even consider buying one, as I never did own one and I'd be interested in playing some of the minor classics that I never had the chance to play on friends' consoles.
X360: This console really gets by on the strength of XBL and how well that service works (with quality titles to play on it of course). Yes, it is even worth paying for. People that love to game often often like to game with their friends. Speaking of friends... as more and more people buy this console, it'll eventually get to the point that buying it because other people have it will be a "plus-factor" for buying one.
Wii: Yes, they've sold a lot of these things... to casual gamers; who play them casually.
Xbox: Maybe a surprise to some, but they did sell a few of these - which a lot of people played Halo 2 on. People can deny it (or resent it) all they like, but XBL and the X360 grew out of the mass crush of people Halo 2 brought to online console gaming. It was unfortunate that Microsoft left this console dead in the water after the x360 launch, but modders have kept this this thing alive (the fact that they are versatile and can be had dirt cheap helps out a lot).
PS3: This seems... *disappointing* for a "next gen" console, for sure. Though I think Sony seriously miscalculated the price-point on this console. Yes, I know that it comes with wi-fi adaptability out of the box, and that it plays Bluray too. Neither of which is necessary to play *games.* $380 versus $200 is big difference no matter how you paint it to Ma and Pa Jones out in Oklahoma buying little Johnny his birthday or Christmas present (these are the same people who are just now getting weened off of AOL). Having Bluray included won't win the console battle. When the general public decides to get behind that format (as opposed to DVD or downloaded media, I mean), they'll end up going to Walmart and buying a stand alone player for less than $200. All the negativity aside, the PS3 is still a good console, and it has many users that followed over to it simply based on the strength/quality of the PS2 console.
Gamecube: Quality console that had some great innovation, and some great games. Back when Nintendo still made Nintendo games. Fun for all ages is relatively timeless.
Other: I assume that the PS1, Genesis, Nintendo, Atari et al. are what makeup this group. I am one of those people that never get rid of their old consoles and break them out every once in a while to revisit a console-specific classic.
NOT ME @ Jan 4th 2009 12:27PM
As a cableguy going into about 8-12 houses a day you'd be surprised at how many xbox1' i see on a daily basis. Of course ps2 is seen a lot more. Think of it this way there' s still a better library on xbox 1 than ps3 and a lot of the AAA games on it (thru component) are not far of graphically from the "next gen" stuff. perfect example look at ninja gaiden from across the room and you wouldnt assume its an xbox game....same with games like splinter cell also. Ironically i see less wii's than anything else... and ps3 i might not see for 2 days where ill at least see a 360 once or twice a day vs ps2 4-5 times a day. IM only one person so i can only testify to want I see. but talking to coworkers in the same areas i work in i get the same story....
ryan @ Jan 6th 2009 12:17AM
Just curious, how many HDTVs do you see everyday on average? And of those about how many have next gen consoles? Thx in advance.
Neo Asuma @ Jan 8th 2009 10:25PM
I understand what people are saying in here when wondering "Why are so many people still playing PS2? Why don't they upgrade?" However, despite my presence on this board, I currently only own a PS2 after previously getting rid of an Xbox and a PSP. I am willing to upgrade, but:
1. I'm just not interested. There are SO MANY games on the PS2 that are holding my attention that I'm just waiting for Microsoft to release an upgraded 360 "Slim" or something. I've played my friend's 360, and while I like it, I'm holding off just a little longer.
2. Financial obligations. Being a college student with a job while paying for books, food, credit card & cell phone bills is not helping me save to get a 360. I'm not rich, and many PS2 games on eBay and Amazon range from $5-$30, much less than the 360 games. I would still pay $60 for games, but that was when I didn't have all this stuff to worry about.
I will get a 360 eventually, just not now (...and I want a 360 Pro, not an Arcade; I need a hard drive!) And keep in mind, there are a lot of people in this country that cannot afford a 360, so they have PS2s instead.
Thanks all, and I hope everyone has a great day.