According to The Diffusion Group, Microsoft is expected to leverage its Xbox franchise to enter the portable game console market in late 2007 or early 2008. According to the report, Microsoft's first portable console would be similar to Sony's PSP.
"Microsoft has been waiting on the sidelines until its gaming console and software business reached sustainability, all the while watching closely how Nintendo and consumers in general would respond to Sony's PSP," said Thomas Wolf, a portable media analyst and co-author of TDG's latest report. "With global PGC revenues expected to reach $3 billion annually by 2008, and with only Sony and Nintendo active in the PGC space, Microsoft has before it an incredible opportunity. It has a critical brand presence in the console space, the breadth and depth of gaming titles, and the marketing clout necessary to enter this space and win decent market share."
According to TDG's report, Microsoft has been evaluating two options regarding its portable gaming strategy: licensing a version of its Xbox OS for others to build portable hardware designs upon, or introducing its own branded PGC.
"While licensing the software is consistent with Microsoft's larger strategy, and no doubt Microsoft has endured many failures in regard to hardware plays, the success of the Xbox presents Microsoft with a unique opportunity," said Michael Greeson, CEO of The Diffusion Group and co-author of the report. "Microsoft owns an established and highly-regarded hardware brand, meaning that they can enter the PGC market from a position of strength, a privilege not enjoyed by any other player except those already active in the PGC space."
TDG's latest report , "On the Future of Portable Game Consoles: Analysis & Forecasts", contains a detailed examination of the global PGC market including market drivers and inhibitors; barriers to market entry and exit; pricing analysis (ASP) and product mix (gaming-only versus multifunction); and unit shipments and revenue forecasts through 2010 including regionally-specific forecasts for North America, Europe and Asia. .
The market report has a retail price of $1,495.00 and can be purchased at
this address.
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