The Shifting Tides of the Console Wars

The Holiday Season 2011

The sales numbers for August provide a snapshot of the health of each console heading into the run-up for the Holiday 2011 Season, but obviously this only presents the present state of the chilly battle that is brewing. As is often the case in the seasonal console wars/battles, the ammunition that each side is shooting often has considerable impact upon who ends up on top when the last shot is fired, and the calendar ticks over to the New Year.

The following "Ammunition" lists provide a specific glimpse into what each side will be fielding as we head into the holidays, and which games will likely influence the decision with respect to which console will go on Little Johnny and Little Jenny's Dear Santa letters...

While there is no empirical evidence to support the conclusion, it is a generally accepted fact among gamers that whenever a console has much anticipated exclusive titles releasing around or for the holiday season, their presence tends to increase the demand for that console by gamers. With that in mind, here is the Special Weapons List for Christmas 2011 by Console! (Festive colors provided to you at no additional cost)

Nintendo Exclusive Games

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Game Name (Release Date) RRP**

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kid Icarus: Uprising (November) $39.99 est.

Kirby's Return to Dreamland (October 24th) $49.99

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The (November 20th) $49.99

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Gold Remote Bundle, The (November 20th) $69.99

Mario Kart 7 3DS (December) $39.99

Shinobi 3DS (November 12th) $39.95

Sonic Generations 3DS (November 1st) $39.95

Super Mario 3D Land (November) $39.95

Microsoft Xbox 360 Exclusive Games

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Game Name (Release Date) RRP**

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dance Central 2 (October 25th) $49.99

Forza Motorsport 4 (October 11th) $59.99

Gears of War 3 (September 20th) $59.99

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition (November 15th) $39.99

Kinect Disneyland Adventures (November) $49.99

Kinect Sports: Season Two (October 25th) $49.99

Kinect Star Wars (December 31st) $49.99 !!

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster (October 11th) $49.99

PlayStation Exclusive Games

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Game Name (Release Date) RRP**

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection, The (September 27th) $39.99

Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest (October 18th) $39.99

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One (October 18th) $59.99

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (November 1st) $59.99

** RRP = Recommended Retail Price

!! = Post-Christmas Release - To gift this one you will want to give the pre-order card.

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Sales figures used for this article are for North America only. Additional sales in other regions may change the positioning for popularity and sales position when applied for the month of August 2011.

Will any of the Console-Exclusive Game titles influence your choice for buying a new console this holiday season? Are you looking forward to one or more of these exclusive games? Please share your opinion by leaving a comment below!