A new year is almost upon us. Christmas is finally over and the last games of 2009 have been released. In a couple of days 2009 will be just another year in the history books. However it already appears that 2010 is poised to be a big year for the video game industry. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony appear to really be bringing their A games this year.

So with that in mind here are 4 predictions for 2010 that will blow you away....or at the very least question this authors sanity.



Microsoft lowers the price of the Xbox 360 Elite model to $249.99 by September


Anyone that thinks that Microsoft will just sit by this year and watch Sony chip into its lead needs to get their head checked. Now that the 360 and PS3 are at an even price point consumers are starting to see the overall value of the PS3 over the 360. Sony had a monster year in 2009 due to a well timed price drop, fantastic exclusive games and a fantastic new slogan, "It only does everything". Microsoft did edge out the PS3 in 2009 but they know all to well that Sony really has begun to gain momentum at a faster pace than them. Microsoft is not a company that will grow complacent. By the end of September look for Microsoft to announce a price cut of $50 for the 360 Elite model which would once again give Microsoft a killer edge over Sony heading into the all important holiday season. All of which leads us into the next prediction.

Xbox 360 outsells PS3 in North America in 2010


Although the PS3 has gained a ton of momentum over the last few months. It really is nothing that Microsoft couldn't easily turn around in North America where the system enjoys a majority of its popularity. For boys ages 8-18 in North America the 360 has almost become synonymous with the word 'video games' much like the Nintendo and PlayStation brands were in their heydays. Now with the addition of Natal coming this year Microsoft is banking on expanding their market share. And since Natal will be sold as a separate add on for the 360 it would makes sense for Microsoft to drop the price of the 360 to coincide with Natal's release. There is no doubt that the PS3 has some great games lined up for 2010. And sure they have their own version of a Wii mote coming this year. And yes all of that is exciting for PS3 owners but the one thing that Sony doesn't have in North America is the great name brand recognition that Microsoft enjoys with the key age demographics in the region. Once a trendy perception of product is fostered it becomes very hard to change that perception. Its not as easy as releasing a few killer games and a new motion controller. This year and for the rest of this generation Sony has a big up hill battle to fight in the North America region.

WiiHD Announced at E3 2010


As we all know Nintendo is the master of the re-design. So easy for me to say that out of all these predictions this one is probably the easiest to call. There is almost no doubt in my mind that Nintendo will release the Wii HD this holiday season and it that it will be huge. Get ready for shortages of the Wii nation wide once again in 2010.

Sony's Motion Controller fails to have a big impact for Sony


This entire generation so far Sony has constantly been one step behind the competition. But over the past year the company has started to gain a lot of ground in the console war. This year both Microsoft and Sony are looking to counter Nintendo with their own different take's on motion controls. However currently the one enjoying the pre-release limelight is Microsoft's Project Natal. Project Natal enjoyed one of the most successful E3 unveiling's of all time this past E3 and the new tech quickly went on to be featured on various news programs and late night shows. The buzz has been building for Natal and only seems to be growing stronger. Sony on the other hand a very good debut at E3 of their own motion contoller but since then has been pretty silent on the controller. While this might not spell disaster for Sony's controller, I'm not by any means trying to say the Ps3's motion will ultimately fail. I am however saying that Natal is enjoying the buzz now and will be for sometime after its release while Sony seems content to be silent and let buzz grow on the internet. It would be wise move for Sony to try and preempt Project Natal but I doubt they will, otherwise this prediction might have read Project Natal Fails to have a big impact for Microsoft. But obviously that is not the case thus far.


So there you have it. Four predictions that if true could shape the gaming world for years to come. While these are just humble predictions one thing is for sure. It should be a hell of a year for us gamers. Play on my friends....Play on.