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Industry analyst Michael Pachter admits that the 3DS has made less of an impact than he initially expected, lamenting a “lacklustre” launch line-up as the cause.
“We initially expected the launch of the 3DS to spike overall software sales growth back into positive territory beginning in April, but the handheld is off to a slow start, as a lack of compelling software has kept many consumers on the sidelines for the expensive hardware.” he said in a note to investors.
Whilst Pachter lays blame at the “lack of compelling software,” he’s quick to add that a killer app could boost hardware sales, referencing Kid Icarus as the game that could do it.
“Once a ‘killer app’ for the 3DS launches (likely Kid Icarus), sales of the hardware should grow nicely, and the contribution from 3DS software has the potential to drive overall industry software sales around.”
On an unrelated note, Pachter also expects Microsoft and Sony to mirror Nintendo and lower their hardware prices.
“Nintendo’s recent cut for the Wii will likely prompt similar cuts from Microsoft and Sony, although neither has signalled that a cut is imminent. We expect cuts by holiday, but think that Microsoft may consider a cut at E3. Once Microsoft cuts price, we expect Sony to quickly follow suit.”
It’s not surprising that Pachter thinks the handheld is off to a slow start, what’s interesting is that he blames the launch line up.
What’s even more interesting, is that Pachter thinks it’ll be Kid Icarus that boosts hardware sales. While the game could well be excellent, it’s an old franchise that few outside of core circles will have heard of.
Price cuts for Microsoft and Sony hardware were always going to be on the cards, but whether we’ll see them as soon as E3 remains to be seen.
