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The apparent advantages of high-definition technology and scrumptious game graphics has seen hardware platforms the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 trading blows for glory in 2008. However, fresh research offered up by Nielsen suggests the supposedly defunct PlayStation 2 is still a force to be reckoned with.
PlayStation 3 remains in the shadow of nine-year-old PlayStation 2. Image: Sony.
Specifically, while industry focus has shifted to the glittery attraction of ‘next-gen’ performance, Sony’s stalwart videogame platform has belied its almost nine years of service by racking up more U.S. consumer gameplay minutes than any other home console.
According to Nielsen’s study into hardware usage throughout the year, the PlayStation 2 was used by some 31.7 percent of American game players, followed by the Microsoft Xbox 360, which managed to pull in 17.2 percent. The Nintendo Wii limped in at third with 13.4 percent.
While Sony Corp. is likely thrilled at the PlayStation 2’s continuing longevity, it might be somewhat worried by the numbers attributed to the PlayStation 3.
It’s powerhouse console, equipped with the HD Blu-ray drive, only managed to accrue a meagre 7.3 percent of usage, which even falls short of the 9.7 amassed by Microsoft’s original Xbox.
Perhaps the only plus point for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii is that the PlayStation 2’s usage dominance has shrunk notably when compared to the 42.2 percent it posted in Nielsen’s 2007 year-end study.
First released to retail in March of 2000, the PlayStation 2 has sold in excess of 140 million units around the world and is still actively supported by Sony Corp.
Nielsen’s study also covered the most popular PC titles of 2008 in terms of average minutes per week spent playing.
Persistent MMORPG World of Warcraft emerged as the clear leader, pulling in some 671 minutes each week, with shooter Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare sitting in second with 403 minutes and fellow shooter Halo: Combat Evolved rounding out the top three with 295 minutes.
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