Pachter predicts Wii Xmas victory

Despite the sharp drop in sales that Wii has endured throughout 2010, US analyst Michael Pachter still expects Nintendo’s machine to be the best selling home console over the crucial Christmas buying period.

Last month MCV reported that GAME has to date this year experienced a 40 per cent year-on-year decline in Wii console sales, and Nintendo itself has admitted that if Wii fails to pick-up momentum this Q4 it will cause trouble” for the company’s platform business.

I don’t think that Nintendo’s holiday season is in trouble at all,” Pachter told Industry Gamers. The Wii has dropped from first to third, but the new models for Xbox 360 and the launch of PS3 Move had something to do with that, and it’s likely only temporary.

I think that Mr. Iwata is right when he says that the Wii is more of a holiday purchase, as the core audience has long been satisfied, and the more casual audience comprises the much larger portion of the addressable market.

With effective marketing, a slew of great games, and some likely support at retail, I expect the Wii to once again become the best selling console in November and December.”