Pachter, simExchange offer conflicting predictions of console sales
by Andrew Yoon 
{ May 12th 2008 at 12:15PM }
April NPD sales are expected this Thursday, and analysts are ready to offer their key bits of insight. As usual, we cast much doubt on the accuracy of these sales predictions, especially when two of the largest sources offer conflicting reports. Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter has once again predicted a victory for PS3 over Xbox 360 this month (he incorrectly predicted a PS3 victory last month as well).
Pachter believes that PS3 will push 290k units, Xbox 360 275k, and the Wii will trounce on both with a whopping 600k. PS3 fans shouldn't rejoice too soon, however. simExchange, another group of analysts, predicts that Xbox 360 will sell 381k and PS3 will sell 363k.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hashbrown Hunter @ May 12th 2008 12:30PM
"With such contradictory numbers being thrown around, one has to wonder how analysts make these numbers, and why they continue to be relevant."
Because of postings on major blogs like this.
SSG @ May 12th 2008 12:42PM
Whatever Bob Barker says goes.
Glen @ May 12th 2008 12:50PM
I read in a recent issue of GameInformer the "Take This Job" article, which featured Michael Patcher. It's apparently a really intensive job with a lot going on. But yeah, with such conflicting predictions and a history of analysts being wrong a significant number of times, one can only wonder what these guys do all day and if all that work really counts for anything.
doc j @ May 12th 2008 12:55PM
They are not really relevant to us fanboys, but they are very relevant to share holders. We've got to keep in mind that a good financial analyst is not making these predictions based on fanboy sort of competition.
Most shareholders (though probably not people like Kaz) would be more likely to be pleased with simExchange numbers even though the 360 outsold the PS3 - simply because they sold more units total than what Pachter predicts. At the end of the day, the shareholder would rather see the 360 outsell the PS3 100 million to 90 million units than the PS3 outsell the 360 50 million to 47 million.
emaxximus @ May 12th 2008 1:07PM
I wish I got paid to make lame guesses about stuff too.
never$$hort @ May 12th 2008 1:30PM
Anyone know where I can apply to become an analyst?? S*** they can pay me to sit around and smoke herbals and drink cocktails all day and then throw out a number at the end of the month, sounds like the easiest job in the world!
never$$hort @ May 12th 2008 1:31PM
Anyone know where I can apply to become an analyst?? S*** they can pay me to sit around and smoke herbals and drink cocktails all day and then throw out a number at the end of the month, sounds like the easiest job in the world!
never$$hort @ May 12th 2008 1:31PM
Anyone know where I can apply to become an analyst?? S*** they can pay me to sit around and smoke herbals and drink cocktails all day and then throw out a number at the end of the month, sounds like the easiest job in the world!
never$$hort @ May 12th 2008 1:35PM
Anyone know where we can get a decent comment system???
:( Dam triple post sorry dudes...
Topher07 @ May 12th 2008 4:46PM
I think this boils down to how many consoles GTA4 helps move on both platforms. I personally believe that Sony gains to move more units due to the game release as there is still a large number of people holding out for a PS3 until the right conditions occur (being it price or a must have game). I don't know anybody these days saying they are holding out for an Xbox 360, you either have one, or you don't, and if you want one why should you wait?
But I can easily see some analyst getting it wrong and assuming GTA4 is helping to move more Xbox 360's over PS3s.
Derevartives @ May 14th 2008 11:48AM
I think Michael Pachter might be right, GT5: Proluage is definitly a system seller to some people.