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4 Reasons the PlayStation 4 Will Be a Holiday Hit

The Playstation 4Sony announced the PlayStation 4, or PS4, on February 29th. The initial unveiling didnt feature a look at the actual console and was met with muted response. However, at this years E3 event in June, Sonys presentation of the PS4 was met with numerous standing ovations.

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PS4 The Main DetailsThe console will be released in America on November 15th, a larger worldwide launch follows on November 29th.Pricing starts at $399.Comes with built-in social features and an overhauled user interface for downloads and connecting to the PlayStation Network.

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PlayStation HistorySony cemented its status as the dominant video game company with the introduction of the PlayStation 2.

PS3 Loses GroundHowever, last generation the PS3 lost its lead with Nintendo and Xbox 360 seeing massive gains.

Can the PS4 Reclaim the Video Game Crown?

Heading into the PlayStation 4s launch this holiday season, there are ample signs the console is set to reclaim the top console spot. Lets look at four of the most important reasons the PS4 is set to succeed this Christmas.

4.) Winning the Price WarWhen the Xbox 360 premiered it started at $299. That model came without a larger hard drive, but the cheaper price was cemented in consumers minds as a stark contrast to the PS3s $499 starting price. While several factors led to the Xbox 360 stealing market share from Sony, its cheaper entry pricing was a large factor.

4.) Winning the Price WarWith the PS4 and Xbox One, the script is flipped. The PS4 will launch at $399 while the Xbox One comes in at $499. That pricing advantage will help propel strong initial buzz for the console.

3.) Less Nintendo CompetitionLast generation the Wii helped Nintendo storm back after its previous system the GameCube saw weak sales. However, Nintendos console this generation the Wii U is seeing abysmal sales. In its third quarter on the market it saw just 160,000 sales. Thats 95% below the 3.4 million sales the Wii racked up during its third quarter on the market.

2.) Advanced Interest Looks StrongOn its quarterly conference call, GameStops CEO described this holiday as the largest console launch in history. Overall, the companys first-to-know list for the PS4 is 1.5 million. Well ahead of the 700,000 on the same list for the Xbox One.

1.) Sony Won the PR War at E3Sony managed to use anger around Microsofts treatment of digital rights management, used games, and required Internet connections to its advantage. While Microsoft has since backtracked on these policies, the backlash after E3 was significant. Especially for the early adopters who are more prone to buying new consoles at launch, public opinion is strongly in Sonys corner.

One Big CaveatWhile Sonys PS4 looks set for stronger sales this Holiday season, video game systems are becoming general entertainment hubs. A strong launch can create strong momentum for a system, but its not a guarantee of winning a console cycle.

Get More Expert AdviceFor a look at how Microsoft is positioned against giants like Apple and Google, make sure to check out our new report "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" To grab a copy of this report, simplyclick here-- it's free!

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