Are game system web surfers an untapped market?

[wraggster]

via joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/are-game-system-web-surfers-an-untapped-market/)

We're not really that big on the whole web browsing on a gaming system thing -- the home computer does a fine job for most of our 'net surfing needs. There must be some people out there who disagree though, because a recent press release from sci-fi eBook provider NextGenBooks reveals that "over half of its traffic coming from Nintendo Wii, DS and Sony PS3 and PSP users."

Perhaps this isn't too surprising, given that the site offers optimized versions of its free eBooks for all four systems (and the site's overall traffic doesn't even cause a blip on monitoring sites like Alexa). Still, the explosion of game-system-browser-friendly versions of everything from YouTube to Virgin Radio to porn sites seems to show that at least some people think the surfing-on-a-system audience is going to be big big big.

Do you use your favorite game console for web browsing? Are you perhaps reading this on your favorite system right now? Or do you think the web is meant for computers?

[Jonesyxxiv]

I use my PSP and Wii for web browsing all the time, like if the computer is taken or Im laying in bed or something.

[Basil Zero]

Since i've gotten a router few days ago, i use the web browser alot

hopefully youtube support will be enable in the future

[Demolition49]

well technically those game consoles are computers, but yeah i think browsing the internet on my 50" plasma compared to my 19" monitor is a better experience on my wii ^_^

all i need is a keyboard and more support e.g java

[IM back!]

i use my psp's webbrowser alot

[CandieC]

i feel that web browsing should stay with the pc , i always liked the fact that gaming on a console was gaming on a console! where heading into a new era that i really dont like. making consoles more like pcs is pointless that is why we have pcs they need to spend more time making games then stupid features like webbrowsing. ( psp is a difrent story sence its portable imo lol)

[Dull Blade]

I used to use my DC web browser alot, befor I got my own computer

[Emulation_Chief]

Hello:

Since Internet appears, the computer looks like the only option to connect to this wonderful cybernetic world. But, protocol standarization and new, better telecommunications abroad the devices used to connect to the Network. Sega plans this for the very beginning with the Sega Channel for Genesis users. Devices like cell phones, PDAs and game consoles are becoming more common to connect for Web browsing.

Internet itself offers more options than ever before: Downloads, e-distribution, RSS feed, IRC, e-commerce, Information, Newsgroup, dating, etc. The PC manages all of this and some more. The more powerful the other devices become, the less common the PC will be to browse Internet.

The Internet and the PC are related to each other since the beginning. I don't think it will be replaced by consoles or other devices to enter and enjoy Internet.

[ish420ism]

browsing and commenting through my psp. my pc is down

[Kramer]

Im on my Wii right now, but only because my mum is using the computer.

[HaloJ]

I use my PS3 with a keysonic wireless keyboard to catch up on Gamespot and the Old Age Playstationers forums. Very nice on an HD screen. The lack of Java support has annoyed me slightly but then if I really need to do some serious surfing then I'll use the PC.

[Warhamster]

Well they were talking about websurfing from consoles when they originally released the Saturn and Sky offered e-mail via your TV remote which died a death as it was slow and TV remotes aren't keyboards.

Things seem to be moving a lot faster in the direction of getting your PC on to the TV.

With games getting easier and cheaper to download and your PC easier and cheaper to upgrade I don't think consoles are going to be making a big impact.

Especially since one of the big players is Microsoft and the X-Box is pretty much a PC anyway.

Take the thing apart and flush the Bios and you've got yourself a spare hard-drive if you've got 360 now. :thumbup: Screwdriver madness for the win.

A