Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is one of the industry’s foremost figures when it comes down to divining the fates of video games. His most famous claim came back in October 2008, when the GameTrailers supremo asserted that then-market leader Nintendo was all set to unveil a new ‘Wii HD’ console. Despite missing Pachter’s mark by some three-plus years, Nintendo’s HD-ready Wii U did eventually turn up in the Winter of 2012, following what might best be described as a confusing and imprecise marketing drive.
With the struggling console now facing a spate of high-profile publisher withdrawals, the last thing Nintendo needed was another well-placed pessimist throwing in their 2 cents. Unfortunately for them, ‘Pach’s latest attack may be worth a whole lot more than loose change.
Speaking to ABC News 10 on Wednesday, the esteemed analyst cited Nintendo’s lax approach to third-party support as being amongst the Wii U’s biggest issues.
Alluding to the tough competition in store for Nintendo, Pachter also stated the following:
So, just how much faith should gamers place in Pachter’s practice? Judging by the analyst’s sketchy record; perhaps no more than a coin toss. Big misfires have included a $79 price tag for the Microsoft Kinect, an Assassin’s Creed II setting two centuries out of date and a wayward stock option that quickly fell by as much as 25% back in 2008. More successful guesses have included Guitar Hero III’s remarkable profitability, paid multiplayer elements entering into Call of Duty titles and the Kinect outselling the PS Move by as much as 5 to 1.
Do you agree with Michael Pachter? Will Nintendo end up “a distant third in this console race?” Will Ninty fans pay out for another console just to enjoy third-party titles, as he speculates? Have your say in the comments below.
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You can follow Sam on Twitter @GamingGoo.
Source: News10
