There’s a multitude of reasons why we choose one console over another: price, hardware specs, controller preference, online services, even aesthetics. But perhaps the most important is content.
What separates the three consoles this generation can be measured in terms of exclusive content. Leaving aside minor differences in terms of DLC or other bonus in-game extras, the real differentiator is the lineup of exclusive games.
I’ve put together a (fairly) comprehensive list of the exclusives coming between now and the end of the year. I know I’ve missed a few titles, particularly some of the Wii releases not intended for a Kotaku reading audience. There are also plenty more exclusives to be found on PSN, WiiWare and XBLA, but those release dates typically aren’t confirmed until much closer to launch, making it difficult to compile a 2009 list. And you could well point out that a couple of the Xbox 360 exclusives are also coming to PC. But we’re just talking consoles here.
Take a look and let me know which of the three consoles has the best lineup of exclusives. Are you surprised by the result? And is your console choice genuinely influenced by the exclusives?
PlayStation 3
* Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
* Eyepet
* Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
* Cross Edge
* Katamari Forever
* Singstar Motown
* Buzz! Quiz World
Wii
* Wii Fit Plus
* New Super Mario Bros.
* Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up
* Metroid Prime Trilogy
* Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
* Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles
* Rabbids Go Home
* Need For Speed: Nitro
* Drawn To Life 2
* Marvel Super Hero Squad
* Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage
* World of Zoo
* Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Xbox 360
* Halo 3: ODST
* Forza Motorsport 3
* Left 4 Dead 2
* GTA IV: Episodes From Liberty City
* Blood Bowl
* Section 8
* Guilty Gear 2: Overture
* Magna Carta 2
* Darkest of Days
* Lips Number One Hits
* Divine Divinity 2
[Pic]
Crump
September 15, 2009 at 9:04 AM
PS3 has better games then that coming out this year too!
Report PermalinkDarius Schnaare
September 15, 2009 at 9:12 AM
video. or. lies.
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Like what?
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Free Realms LOL.
Report PermalinkCrump
September 15, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Like GT5.
Report PermalinkCrump
September 15, 2009 at 11:01 AM
MAG too I think.
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 11:19 AM
GT5 still has no release date. MAG is due early next year.
Report PermalinkSammyC
September 15, 2009 at 12:01 PM
blinded by the lies David…
Report Permalinkignore the ‘most 360 “exclusives” will be avaliable on the pc’ if you want…
wii > pc?
ps3 > pc?
Shuvo Minhaj
September 15, 2009 at 12:21 PM
By the way, World of Zoo on Wii is also coming on PC.
I am very looking forward to Halo 3: ODST.
Report PermalinkBrian M
September 15, 2009 at 12:44 PM
I think the point is:
PC > All
PS3 exclusives = Exclusive to Sony
Wii Exclusives = Exclusive to Nintendo (for the most part)
360 Exclusives 95% of the time, hit PC…and they perform vastly better when being run on a decent gaming rig…like mine. Believe it or not, the PC still provides the largest share of revenue yearly for developers. Earnings reports and such, do not lie. Therefore, you must acknowledge that the games that’re ‘exclusive’ solely to the 360, are quite a few less than as advertised by MS…to say nothing of the Timed Exclusivity that they employ in order to bolster 360 sales, before dropping it to PC to milk the rest of the market.
Report PermalinkBrian M
September 15, 2009 at 12:38 PM
So….you couldn’t have waited the 9 days to TGS for this article? I mean…we both know that Nintendo and Sony will be announcing launch dates for a few titles, and maybe even MS will have a decent presence… What’s the point of having some ‘ho-down’ over exclusives when one of the industry’s biggest shows is just over 2 weeks away?
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I very much doubt TGS will bring news of games suddenly releasing in Australia before the end of the year. Maybe GT5… maybe? But I suspect not.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 1:03 PM
I think GT5 will be announced for the end of the year at TGS.
Im not sure if you seen or not but a pamphlet for GT5 that was handed out at Games Con (Europe convection to those that dont know) had a release date of December 2009
Report PermalinkBrian M
September 15, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Kazunori Yamauchi has already stated GT5 will be a simultaneous world-wide release. And usually when folks at PD make a statement, it’s set in stone. It seems pretty obvious GT5 is being held for TGS to allow for 1 of several bombshell announcements that will create (Sony’s hoping), the biggest hype to carry through the holidays. Makes perfect sense really. The one game that almost everyone’s been waiting for.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Ok, GT5 hasnt been confirmed thats why its not on the list.
MAG has been delayed, a LONG time ago to early 2010. Again thats why its not on the list.
2010 Is looking insane!!!
Report Permalinkannonie
September 15, 2009 at 9:05 AM
all 3 have about 3 each id like to play. that is why i own all 3. you dont wanna miss out on a single thing.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 9:09 AM
You missed Mod Nation Racers on PS3.
I wouldnt be suprised to see GT5 released by christmass
Also I think ps3 has more exclusives ill buy. 360 has Left 4 Dead 2 (Maybe Forza when its cheap for the V8′s but I want NFS: Shift). Ps3 has Uncharted 2, Ratchet And Clank and Mod Nation Racers.
Report PermalinkPaul
September 15, 2009 at 10:16 AM
I’m fairly certain Mod Nation Racers is set for release next year, not this year.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 10:34 AM
E3 they said holiday. I hope its this year!! I want it, looks so awsome! lol
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Paul’s right. Mod Nation Racers is next year. This list is just for the rest of ’09.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 10:43 AM
DAMN!
Report PermalinkMust have been my head Wishing it was 2009….
Funky J
September 15, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Is that really it for PS3?
If so, sucks I just bought one.
Although, the way things stand right now, for multiplayer games I buy Xbox360 versions, and for single player I buy PS3 versions.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Go buy inFamous, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, Motorstorm PR, Metal Gear Solid 4, Both Ratchet Games, Uncharted and Valkyria Chronicles.
Report PermalinkAaron Clement
September 15, 2009 at 9:26 AM
So from the list presented above, the following appeal to me:
PlayStation 3
Wii
* New Super Mario Bros.
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up
* Metroid Prime Trilogy
* Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
Xbox 360
Report Permalink* Halo 3: ODST
* Left 4 Dead 2 (Technically keen on the PC version, but this will do)
Dr_Flock
September 15, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Geez you missed a lot of PS3 games… like Assassins Creed II, Brutal Legend, Borderlands & Modern Warfare 2.
Report PermalinkIt’s not hard to see which console you prefer.
samige
September 15, 2009 at 9:46 AM
FAIL.
I think you’ll find that none of those are exclusives.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Assassins Creed II, Brutal Legend, Borderlands & Modern Warfare 2 are coming to the 360. This is about EXCLUSIVES, Now say sorry for being a fanboy.
Report PermalinkWeresmurf
September 15, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Dr_Flock… so you missed the part there where they said exclusives I take it?
Report PermalinkNewGuy
September 15, 2009 at 9:51 AM
He meant games that are only on one specific console. :)
Report PermalinkSage
September 15, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Re-read article. See: exclusives.
Report PermalinkAussieMonster
September 15, 2009 at 9:54 AM
They’re only counting exclusives.
Report PermalinkMike Silvester
September 15, 2009 at 9:56 AM
All those titles are not exclusives .The 360 gets all of them as well.
Report PermalinkBjergi
September 15, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Learn to read, doopie. Exclusives.
Report PermalinkEma Nymton
September 15, 2009 at 9:30 AM
I am interested in Uncharted 2, EyePet, and Ratchet & Clank on the PS3
I am interested in ODST, Forza 3 and Episodes from LC on the 360
So for me that makes them about equal.
(Note: I know nothing of Wii or Wii games to be able to comment on them)
Report PermalinkGertrude
September 15, 2009 at 9:45 AM
@ Guys who commented above – did none of you actually read what he wrote? He’s talking about EXCLUSIVES only, specifically EXCLUSIVES that are relevant to the Kotaku audience. Games like Borderlands are coming to PS3 and Xbox 360.
Report PermalinkBenjamin Sutton
September 15, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Any evidence to back that up, or were you just going to rely on everyone taking your word for it?
I’ve heard so much hype about Uncharted 2, but to be honest I’m more excited about Katamari Forever.
I’ll also probably get New Super Mario Bros for the Wii.
Also I can’t wait for Halo 3: ODST, GTA IV and Blood Bowl.
Based on that, I think Xbox 360 has the best line up.
Also, my console choice is influenced by game exclusives, which I why I have all three. 360 is my favourite though.
Report PermalinkSage
September 15, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Uncharted 2 is without a doubt the best game on this list. Quality, not quantity :)
Report PermalinkRyno
September 15, 2009 at 9:54 AM
to be honest these are fairly poor lists. but i own a PS3 and an Xbox so my shopping list would be:
Uncharted 2
Ratchet and Clank
Halo: ODST
i wont but GTA because i don’t need DLC on a disk, we might ignore that many of the Xbox titles will be on PC or we can recognize that steam does it better on PC so L4D2 is a no.
so PS3 wins my money, but only 2/3 of it.
Report PermalinkStevo
September 15, 2009 at 9:55 AM
if you are going to talk exclusive then i would not count any titles that will also come out on PC.
Report Permalinksort of twists the notion of exclusive otherwise don’t you agree?
ChoM
September 15, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Not interested in anything on PS3
New Super Mario Brothers, Prime Trilogy and RE: Darkside Chronicles are looking good for Wii. You forgot to add Muramasa: The Demon Blade to that list though…
For XBOX360 Left4dead 2 (although I’ll be getting this on PC)and Forza look good.
Report PermalinkSacca
September 15, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I wasn’t aware that Uncharted 2 has a firm released date in Australia. Am I wrong?
Report PermalinkA Smith
September 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM
can left 4 dead 2 really be considered as an Xbox esclusive since it’s coming out on PC as well?
Report PermalinkAzmodean
September 15, 2009 at 10:21 AM
A fair few of the xbox 360 “exlusives” will be on PC won’t they?
* Left 4 Dead 2
* Blood Bowl
* Section 8
* Darkest of Days
* Divine Divinity 2
So that leaves the xbox with:
Report Permalink* Halo 3: ODST
* Forza Motorsport 3
* GTA IV: Episodes From Liberty City
* Guilty Gear 2: Overture
* Magna Carta 2
* Lips Number One Hits
I agree!
September 15, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I agree!!! @David If you’re talking about exclusive games, especially console exclusivity, then don’t put PC in there! Coz console exclusive = NO WHERE but console!
So yeah, you cant count FF XIV as a non PS3 exclusive.
Another thing is, you said to ignore DLC, how come you put GTA episodes too? If you regard GTA episodes as something ‘minor’ then you should add Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 to the list too. As it has ‘minor’ upgrade.
Be consistent!
Report PermalinkDean
September 15, 2009 at 11:05 AM
He wasn’t discounting DLC, he was discounting XBLA.
Also, this is CONSOLE exclusives. Xbox and PC are basically the same thing anyway…
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 11:16 AM
As I pointed out, there are games releasing on both 360 and PC. However, as I also pointed out, I’m just talking about consoles. I’m not particularly interested in a console vs PC debate.
As for the GTA DLC, I listed the retail release “Episodes…” and yes I do think, due to its sheer size and the fact it is GTA, it’s an exception.
Ninja Gaiden? No, I couldn’t possibly count that as a PS3 exclusive.
Report PermalinkSam Lawrence
September 15, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I agree with David on all points here.
The PC v Consoles is a different market. If someone wants a Gaming PC they arnt NOT going to get one because of a console.
GTA is big enough to count as an exclusive and who doesnt think its going to sell a bucketload?
I think Wipeout HD should count towards PS3 exclusives since its getting a Blu-Ray Release.
Report PermalinkCloneTrooper
September 15, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Also regarding the Episodes from Liberty City Release, I was reading on the EB that you dong need GTAIV to play them off that Disc. So the retail release is really a stand alone release, and not add-on’s
“Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City delivers two games on one disc — the all-new episode The Ballad of Gay Tony and the first episode, The Lost and Damned — together on disc for the first time. The package will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV to play. ”
http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=15321&refer=rightcol
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I was over at Rockstar today checking out the Ballad of Gay Tony and asked them that same question. They confirmed you don’t need GTAIV to play episodes from disc.
Report PermalinkGaaaaaH
September 15, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Is there another God of War?
That’s the one game that tempts me towards a PS3 (not for $500+ though)
Report PermalinkGod of War 3
September 15, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Ever heard of God of War 3?
Coming March 2010.
A remastered version and compilation of both GoW 1 & 2 will be released sometime before the end of the year too.
Report PermalinkRyan Appleton
September 15, 2009 at 10:39 AM
what about GT5 and Wipeout HD for PS3?
Report PermalinkMatthew Buckner
September 15, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Sacca, I’m Pretty sure uncharted 2 is set for October 15 release.
Gaaaaah god of war 3 is due out about march next year. In the meantime gow1 and 2 are getting a re-release on ps3 in 720p and 60fps however we may not see it this side of the pond (import it!)
it’s a good time to own all consoles. Can’t wait for halo 3: odst, forza 3, l4d2, uncharted 2, ratchet, new super Mario bros.
Report PermalinkMr Waffle
September 15, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Only exclusive I’m interested in is Forza 3, I’ll get L4D2 on PC (and already have Darkest of Days on PC). I’d be interested in ODST if it had a proper SP game instead of the promised like 5 hours.
Report PermalinkRappo
September 15, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Blood Bowl is not an exclusive, it’s going to XBox PC NDS and PSP…
Report Permalinkboradley
September 15, 2009 at 11:38 AM
you forgot ps3 Demon’s Souls, most interesting game i’ve played all year. since it’s not out yet in NA it should count, no?
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Unfortunately it doesn’t yet have a local release date.
Report Permalinkboradley
September 15, 2009 at 12:20 PM
ahh au only, didn’t realise. it’s a shame there’s no distro here yet. i’m double-dipping and importing the deluxe edition, i liked it that much
Report PermalinkVanguard
September 15, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Hey David you are wrong about pc not counting in consoles because it greatly influences what console you are going to purchase. If you already have a good pc you won’t get a 360 because alot of the games overlap including “exclucives instead you would get a ps3 or a wii.
Report PermalinkDavid Wildgoose
September 15, 2009 at 12:11 PM
The opposite is also true. I used to be a PC gamer, first and foremost. Now, many games I would have once played on PC, I play on the 360. I suspect there are many such “lapsed” PC gamers out there.
Report PermalinkBrian M
September 15, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Not me. I merely have a console for the types of games I prefer on console (fighting, racing), and my Gaming Rig I play everything else on. The great thing is…going with Sony, you get all of the exclusives that Sony produces (allot), and the vast majority of 360 games that ever have any popularity. Win win really.
Definitely prefer FPS, TPS, RTS, MMO and the like, on PC though.
Report PermalinkStinky
September 16, 2009 at 12:52 PM
That would be me, I like to keep my PC pretty clean now.
Report PermalinkBrian M
September 15, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I refuse to comment until the biggest games show in the industry for Japanese developers happens…this month. Kind of stupid to have this ‘fight’ 9 days before TGS…duh.
Report PermalinkMr Waffle
September 15, 2009 at 4:53 PM
This is about 2009 games. How many games do you really think will be shown in Japan and then appear on our shores before the end of the year?
Report PermalinkHips
September 15, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Ps3 user here, I don’t really see anything on the list I am excited about, sure I could play uncharted or cross edge, but they are by no means a pre-order and day 1 purchase.
Report Permalinkhowever glad to see things like;
Brutal Legend
CoD4-2
Dragon Age
are for everyone, I’m just happy I don’t miss any of these games.
Jim Jones
September 15, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Ps3
*Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
360
* Halo 3: ODST
* Forza Motorsport 3
* Magna Carta 2
But 2010 looks like an even better year for 360 and Ps3
Report Permalink