BrandIntel, a leader in consumer and market intelligence solutions, today released a new tracking study on the top video gaming consoles, including Sony PlayStation®3 (PS3), Nintendo® Wii and Microsoft® Xbox 360 (X360). The BrandIntel report, titled "Top Gaming Consoles Report," found Nintendo Wii ranks first heading into the holiday season due to its intuitive controller and lower cost. With Wii and PS3 now released, BrandIntel will provide weekly online updates throughout the holiday season to track how sentiment and discussion share may shift as consumers begin using the consoles. Today's report follows BrandIntel's recently announced "Top 50 Games Report," in which the company tracked and analyzed the top new games for PS3, Nintendo Wii and X360.

Based on analysis of original consumer-generated content, the "Top Gaming Consoles Report" captures data from January 1, 2006 to November 12, 2006. Additional key findings from the study include:

-- In general, consumers are complaining about the PS3's price, raving
about the Wii's controller and satisfied with the X360's first year on the
market.
-- Gamers are also heavily anticipating popular Nintendo franchise games
such as "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess," as well as newer titles
such as "Red Steel."
-- The X360 is generating the least amount of discussion but benefits
from a year head start and established consumer base that discusses the
console in a positive manner. Because of this, it currently ranks second
among next-gen consoles for the holiday season.
-- The PS3 currently ranks the lowest according to consumer discussion.
While the PS3 has generated the most discussion overall, it has primarily
been negative concerning price and value. However, purchase intent has
recently trended upward showing marketing campaigns have begun to persuade
consumers who are skeptical of the PS3's price/value.


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