EA Makes 2004 Hardware Predictions

A report published by Electronic arts shows that the company expects the PlayStation 2 console to sell between 6.5 and 7.5 million units in North America during 2004, with sales of between 7 and 8 million expected in Europe. At the same time sales for the Xbox are predicted at 3 to 3.5 million in North America and 1.5 million to 2 million in Europe. GameCube sales are expected to be almost at parity with 2.5 to 3 million sales in North American and 1 million to 1.5 million in Europe. In North America software market growth for the PlayStation is put at 8% to 12%, with the GameCube at 10% to 15% and the Xbox at 15% to 20%. Growth rates in Europe are expected to "slightly outpace the comparable growth rates in North America." The report also mentions that while the company does not expect any further price cuts to hardware in the US, cuts in Europe are a possibility – since none were made earlier in the year. Source: gamesindustry.biz