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日本語/Japanese  Thu 01/31 04:05 JST
A recent survey shows that the amount of Japanese who connect to the internet via their game console has dropped - in particular for the PS3.
The larger version of the above results here showing comparisons taken in June 2007 and December 2007 - yes I just noticed "junes" but cant be bothered to fix it ^^;

The Wii, NDS and PSP also takes a drop in the amount of people connected to the internet but not as much as the PS3 as you can see. The number of online XBOX 360 users has hardly changed.

Another chart from the survey shows why the users connect to the internet through their game console.
Most seem to connect to get the firmware updates. 360 owners seem to connect to play online games while Wii and PS3 owners connect to buy games.
Whats interesting is that 39% of Wii owners use their machine to browse the Internets - 31% of PS3 owners do the same.

Before I used to hate turning on the PS3 because every time I did it would ask me to download an update which is not automated so you cant just click a button and have it done for you - it asks stupid questions which you have to agree to and wot not.

What I do like about the PS3 though is that you can download some decent demos. I downloaded Ninja Gaiden which made me decide to go and buy it and I recently downloaded Devil May Cry 4 - but I pre ordered that last year - should arrive tomorrow ^o^

As for the Wii's internet facilities - never really used it. If Axelay is available to buy then I would connect and get it.

is your game machine connected to the Internets and do you use its online facilities? (online gaming/updates/store etc)
Polls
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
My game machine is my PC and it is obviously connected. ^o^

Though i play mostly MMORPG's, Vanguard right now. I have played a ton of others in the past too.

I never had my PlayStations or whatsoever console connectd to the internet.
(ID #71061) Posted on 2008/01/31 03:37
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
No, I don't possess any console that goes online and I am not very interested in getting a new one right now. The latest console I got and arguably the last (I still wish to buy a PSP with FF Tactics, Valkyrie Profile and Dracula X Chronicles) doesn't have an online function... That's the Gamecube for you. ^^
Anyway, even if I had to invest in a console with online possibility, I think I would never use it. 
I prefer to browse the net and chat with people via mails and instant messaging. As for games, playing solo is fine to me. ^^;
(ID #71062) Posted on 2008/01/31 03:51
jonhohx in Adelaide working to go to Tokyo
Government agent
Registered on 2007/05/14 19:31
COD4 all the way!!!
(ID #71063) Posted on 2008/01/31 03:51
kid nemo company in City of Industry, California
CEO / GFX
Registered on 2008/01/24 01:51
i actually never been a fan of going online w/ a gaming console.

i have been an avid fan of online gaming with a PC though...

first got my taste of online competition through counter strike, now i have gone through many games such as World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, Day of Defeat (another half-life engine), and now Final Fantasy XI.

I am actually contemplating whether I would like to play FFXI online on my XBox 360...

only time will tell :P
(ID #71064) Posted on 2008/01/31 03:56
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
Maybe it's because of a rising number of people online who are insensitive to others... I keep hearing horror stories about spoilt kids playing Halo 3 on XBL.
(ID #71065) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:13
necrophadian in a van down by the river
Stigmata Martyr
Registered on 2007/04/22 12:13
Never really use my consoles for online gaming, thats what a PC is for. I've played Gears of War in multiplayer a little bit but it got boring and annoying after a while. I couldn't be bothered w/ COD4 multiplayer...if i wanted to level up in an online game I have World of Warcrack for that.
(ID #71066) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:17
reggie in indonesia
uni student
Registered on 2007/11/10 18:19
i connect my wii to internet to update it. never by virtual console cuz i don't have the classic controller and the money. i only download the freebies

only play battalion wars for online. cus it's the only game that doesn't lag in indonesia (so far)
(ID #71067) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:21
MARl0 in United States
Graphic Designer
Registered on 2007/11/16 09:58
I do, but not all that much honestly. That will all change though when Super Smash Bros. Brawl releases in March. I'm going to play the hell out of that game online. ^_^;
(ID #71068) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:26
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
i used to play halo 2 on xbox live all the time, but then i got my ps3 and have been hooked on cod4 for a while, not so much anymore. i don't really like surfing the internet on the ps3 because the browser is pretty awkward, same thing with the psp. i don't see a point in mmorpg because those things never end and once you're hooked on it, it's like substance abuse. in some serious cases, people have died thanks to world of warcrack. and i can think of many more productive things to do than farming for a rare item for 10 hours.
(ID #71069) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:31
Doctor Fugue in Various Zones of Canada
Pianist, Writer, Teacher
Registered on 2008/01/14 17:44
I'm surprised Axelay isn't available in Japan yet, but some of big N's other decisions are strange too.

I play online with my 360, get demos, download movies and XBLA games. However... I got the three red lights last night so that is gone for a while.

Good thing I still have my Saturn and DC to play _real_ games!
(ID #71070) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:31
Tanario in Esbjerg, Denmark
Study
Registered on 2007/11/03 03:50
I'm use my xbox 360 alot for online gaming in Halo 3 and naruto: rise of a ninja.
I dont download demos and stuff like that, even though there are plenty of them. Having tried all the consoles internet i think i like the xbox's the best since the ps3 is a little to flashy and the wii's i just dont like :).
(ID #71071) Posted on 2008/01/31 04:57
double in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 11:15
Devil May Cry 4 isn't released in Singapore until next week >_>
(ID #71073) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:13
Student
Registered on 2007/10/06 21:21
Alas, I have no consoles to connect to the Internet, nor do I really need them; I have an XBox 360, but I'm not really fond of multiplayer games on consoles.
(ID #71074) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:20
bolt in Tampa Fl.
security/student
Registered on 2007/04/17 14:53
yeah.. i click on every once and awhile.. updates and demos mostly.. 

one day i'll add linux to my ps3 and really be cracking :D
(ID #71075) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:25
PoWeR in Your Spawn
Spawn Camper
Registered on 2007/08/28 05:12
can't live without internet!!! lol

--_--
(ID #71076) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:26
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
Both the PS3 and the Wii are Wifi-ed to our Airport Extreme. I have yet to really try online gaming with the PS3 (can try COD4 and Burnout if interested), and I don't have any online games for the Wii as of yet. Don't like surfing the net with neither console as I find it cumbersome to navigate. Played 360 online @ a friends, but play seems very chaotic, very random. My PC is my preference for surfing, and online play. Use to play Battlefield alot with friends, but that's finished.

@Qingy & Danny, what are your PS3 handles?
(ID #71077) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:43
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Only in my dreams can I get to surf using a game console... I'll be sticking to my computer for surfing, for now...
(ID #71078) Posted on 2008/01/31 05:55
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
No I don't connect my PS2 to the internet, since it's modded (I live in Indonesia, that's why ^^) and the games are, naturally, non-legit (DVD9 games), which means access to online servers may be denied. >_< 

I did buy legit PC games during my stay in Australia though. One of them is what I still play even now, Warcraft III: TFT, for DotA mainly. ^^
(ID #71079) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:00
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo
Software Engineer
Registered on 2007/11/06 13:37
I've tried with the PSP but it's seriously so bad there's no point.
(ID #71080) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:26
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
I don't go online with my consoles nowadays. Been busy. Before it would be my xbox 360 (now it's broken). Computer can handle all my online use.
(ID #71081) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:30
Gorgo in Florence, Italy
Games addicted
Registered on 2007/04/16 18:56
I connect my 360 almost every night. For demos to download (u right danny devil may cry 4 seems so awesome or better... stylish!). I paly online about 1 h. every night. I bought Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare recently, it's really a nice game to play online with friends.
My wii is connect to internet too but for the most i use it for mii character creation chart. 
(ID #71082) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:32
technonewt in Talent, Oregon, United States
College Student
Registered on 2007/11/02 11:41
I don't own a gaming machine. Oh, wait,  thats not entirely true, i own a sega masters with 12 games, not sure if the internet even existed at that time. I'm strictly PC gaming, pc does a lot more than console, and I can't afford both, though I would like to get a Wii one day.
(ID #71083) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:46
Shin in Port Swettenham
Aspiring Trap
Registered on 2007/10/20 23:04
Playing games online on the PSP with its infrastructure mode and ad-hoc through usage of the X-link Kai.
(ID #71084) Posted on 2008/01/31 06:51
TeeCiel in Los Angeles, CA; Hong Kong
Capitalist Consumer
Registered on 2007/08/22 14:07
While I have not looked into it, it seems that going solely by percentages over two different timeframes may not indicate people actually going 'offline' after being online for a while; it may just be a matter of more people who wouldn't go online in the first place buying more systems. This makes sense to me since the hardcore demographic (those likely to go online) probably already bought their systems and the latecomers are the more casual gamers who never log in on their game systems. This may also explain the small variance in the x360 numbers as no one in Japan buys them anyway. >.>
(ID #71086) Posted on 2008/01/31 07:22
lazerbeak in Germany
System Administrator
Registered on 2008/01/21 20:08
all my WiFi enabled consoles/handhelds  are connected to the internets. but i barely use my psp or ds to go online. on wii i just casually look what's new in the shopping channel or read the news/weather.

i'm planning on buying a ps3 but wouldn't fire it up just to browse a website. besides if you're not in posession of an ps3 keyboard(or a bluetooth enabled one) typing the webaddress through the pad doesn't make much sense to me. maybe that's one of the reasons why i don't use my psp for online surfing.
surfing aside, how big is the sony online network for ps3 anyway? do you also get to download movies, game demos and dlc in a large variety like on xboxlive? i have neither ps3 or xbox so i wouldn't know :)
(ID #71087) Posted on 2008/01/31 08:23
Akiba-Kid in California, USA
Online Shop
Registered on 2008/01/17 11:35
While I have a network adapter for my PS2, I hardly use it to connect to internet or play any online games on PS2.  

Of course you probably need Xbox360/Wii/PS3 to fully enjoy online capacity of the console gaming though >_
(ID #71088) Posted on 2008/01/31 08:38
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
My PS3 is connected and usually I download demos and play games online like CoD4.   I'm still waiting for US PSN Cards to be available so I can download full games from PSN.  Can't use my CC to do any purchases online.  How's the X360 doing in japan btw?  I hear they still doesn't have that much of a penetration in the japanese market. 
(ID #71091) Posted on 2008/01/31 08:55
Uzumaki174 in Poland
Informaticien - Computer Technician
Registered on 2008/01/07 02:35
I play with my PS3 on the internet games. And sometimes PSP and PC.
(ID #71092) Posted on 2008/01/31 09:11
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth
Illustrator & Designer
Registered on 2007/04/09 18:37
For the Wii, I've only used the Opera browser every now and then to surf the net.  I mostly go online for updates and have downloaded a few VC games.

Only gone online playing Animal Crossing on the DS and Tetris I think.  PSP, I've found the browser and internet radio to be too slow.

Looking forward to seeing how much I'll use the PS3 when I get one.

Oh Axelay, that brings back memories of how special "Mode 7" was for the SNES days, hahaha!  Great game!!
(ID #71093) Posted on 2008/01/31 09:19
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
Both my Wii and DS are connected to the internets. I use the Wii to check out what's new in the Virtual Console, Check Mii Out, News and Weather. Once Wii Point Cards are available here, I'll download those gaming classics and do some nostalgia trippings lolz

btw Awesome-kun (Danny), once you get your Wii connect to the internets, let's exchange Friend Codes and maybe play with Super Smash Brawl once it releases ^____^
(ID #71094) Posted on 2008/01/31 09:21
zer0kage in Brunei
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 22:37
Aren't Japanese players mainly hanging out in the arcades?
(ID #71095) Posted on 2008/01/31 11:12
mario87 in Poland
Registered on 2007/08/22 20:35
My Xbox360 is connected to the internet. Usually I play in COD4, sometimes I'm downloading demos or watching Xbox Magazine.

Danny maybe you should add option in user profile(or in personal information when you want to post comment) to write your Gamertag, PSNetwork ID and Frined Code(?).
(ID #71097) Posted on 2008/01/31 11:47
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
All 3 of my systems are connected to the net but I have a wireless network in my flat so it's not a bother to me. They all connect automatically as soon as I turn them on.

As for actual online usage, There's very little going on in that regard. I have bought a few games from Xbox live arcade (notably puzzlefighter and Bomberman) and demos. PS3, I have several demos and a couple of PS1 games (I just wished that the selection of PS1 games was as good than those found in Japan and the US) and for the wii, I have sin and punishment and R type from the virtual console.

When it comes to online play, My 360 saw much of that (as it's online component is a major selling point) but I don't play much online so it's pretty moot. PS3 and wii have next to no online play (most of my PS3 games are single player and the wii doesn't have many online capable games. Getting it to work is an arse too!)
(ID #71099) Posted on 2008/01/31 11:55
Hayden in London, UK
Custom Pc Builder, Muppet, Pyromaniac, Demolitions Expert
Registered on 2007/01/06 05:53
all 6 of my systems (yes i built them all myself) + 1 laptop are internet but obviously some are more 'gaming grade' due to some of them being made of cheap scraps i either bought or picked up from past or present day.

but my personal 2 machines are a beast!!!

as for my laptop It can still run a mean call of duty 2 but the screen is small so I cant see people that are camping in the distance & its usually too late for me to do anything when i see a small flash of white light flying at me... (@_-')

but other then that I can still get a pretty stable 50-60fps in Guildwars so my laptop is predominantly a MMORPG machine
(ID #71100) Posted on 2008/01/31 13:05
G-Unit in Earth, Asia, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/12/25 11:09
i dont have any game consoles... 
(ID #71102) Posted on 2008/01/31 13:51
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
Lol! The 360 is really built around it's online experience. Like you pointed out, the majority of 360 users go online to play games via the Live Network (which, to this point in time,  demolishes any other network available on rival consoles). Downloading movies, downloading games, playing on the Arcade Marketplace, chatting on msn, playing multiplayer  in general; 360 does much to please the gamers on the console. Sadly, the 360 does not provide the user with web browsing capabilities, and Microsoft explains that they have no interest in changing this fact. 

When it comes to online anything in terms of the console, the 360 is the best bet. The wii, has too many trivial wii channels that barely take advantage of the online network, which is why I wish there'd be more multiplayer games on there. And the ps3, well, I don't think it's that bad (especially with what sony's trying to do with the PSP/PS3 functionality on there), but I really want to see more from it :)
(ID #71103) Posted on 2008/01/31 14:12
kenhara in Finland
Teaching and Research
Registered on 2007/12/23 05:34
I usually have my PS3 and X360 connected on the internets :3. On X360 I play games like Forza2, GH3 and sometimes a random match of bomberman. I really don't have bought much games for PS3 so I'm only downloading demos for it.
(ID #71106) Posted on 2008/01/31 14:40
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth
Student and full-time otaku
Registered on 2007/12/19 00:24
I could hook up my Wii to the internet, but there isn't much to do there for me  yet. At this time it would be only nice to exchange Metroid Corruption friend vouchers to unlock the bonuses, but alas, I have no friends with Wii's. On the other hand, when Smash Brawl finally arrives, then the online mode will be a lot more interesting....

BTW what is that figure's name again, next to your Wii? I saw her earlier, but now I don't remember
(ID #71107) Posted on 2008/01/31 14:59
OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK
In my last year of High School
Registered on 2006/12/25 02:24
I usually just play whatever games i have online with my 360. So far Halo3 has been my best online experience, but only when playing with friends.
(ID #71109) Posted on 2008/01/31 15:07
Kazos in London, UK
Student
Registered on 2008/01/29 05:44
I use my Wii to surf the web on Opera now and then... For gaming purposes it's mainly my NDS with games like Mario Kart or Jump Ultimate Stars (love that game).
(ID #71110) Posted on 2008/01/31 15:26
Azael in New Jersey, USA
MEXT Test Taker
Registered on 2007/12/22 10:51
The most Ive ever had online is the Wii. Most of the consoles at home belong to my brother and he is the only one allowed on Xbox Live according to him.
(ID #71112) Posted on 2008/01/31 15:33
Heigen in Finland
Student
Registered on 2007/11/12 22:08
My only console is N64, so no. Pc FTW! :)
(ID #71114) Posted on 2008/01/31 16:03
Asch in England
Lifeguard
Registered on 2008/01/01 21:31
I have a 360 and Wii myself, I only really use the 360 for the internet, but then i use all of what it can offer.

In my opinion I don't like the Wii's online facilities, mainly as there arne't many online games which I like, anyway i'm most likely selling th Wii anyway prices are good for them at the moment.
(ID #71115) Posted on 2008/01/31 16:47
howie huang in Toronto, Ontario
Student
Registered on 2007/07/22 02:27
i play cod4 on my ps3 online every weekend when i get home from school....
(ID #71118) Posted on 2008/01/31 17:20
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
Nah. But considering I still didn't get a new gen console, that's no surprize.

But I play plenty of online games on my PC... ^^
(ID #71121) Posted on 2008/01/31 20:09
coeli in Philippines
PM
Registered on 2007/08/25 11:35
I don't connect to the internet using game consoles.

What I play doesn't usually have any downloadable updates...and I like playing alone, so...
(ID #71123) Posted on 2008/01/31 20:20
Aya Kyunik in Melbourne, Australia
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
Registered on 2007/05/22 16:38
I love my xbox360...*hugs the iDOLM@STER box*

Whenever my 360 is on, it's always connected to the net, unless my net is down for some reason. I tend to use it for online play, updates, demos and downloadable content for games.
(ID #71126) Posted on 2008/02/01 00:29
shippoyasha in NYC
NEET
Registered on 2007/06/10 15:34
Japanese gamers are hopelessly backwards in terms on online gaming.

Everybody else in the world is going online, Japan is going back offline. Such a shame. To think that Japan is thinking BACKWARDS in terms of gaming.
(ID #71162) Posted on 2008/02/01 06:54
madoxtoke in USA T town AZ
student
Registered on 2007/07/21 14:26
love 360 download a couple of shows myself
good old famly guy 

mosty play call of duty 4
best game out for 360 online 
in my opion
(ID #71172) Posted on 2008/02/01 08:12
madoxtoke in USA T town AZ
student
Registered on 2007/07/21 14:26
oh opinion** 
^o^
(ID #71173) Posted on 2008/02/01 08:14
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
shippoyasha, Japan likes to seclude itself (voluntarily, of course) in terms of hobbies, otaku-style. ^^;
(ID #71178) Posted on 2008/02/01 08:56
snakepliskin83 in Bournemouth, South, Uk
Professional geek
Registered on 2008/01/31 19:22
I think with the xbox 360 if you dont have it online you are missing out on most of the consoles functions as well as the full use of its games.
I have to admit I have come across many different people from other countries, but as of yet not one person from Japan. Maybe because all the games that go online are mega shootem ups? I bet if you showed a graph for peeps playing WoW online it would be huge.
(ID #71190) Posted on 2008/02/01 10:31
nodle in America
Computer Tech.
Registered on 2007/03/14 07:26
I love playing my PS3 online. i am surprised that it is not more popular in Japan.
(ID #71212) Posted on 2008/02/01 15:09
Gorm in London
Student
Registered on 2007/11/06 10:16
my pc is my gaming machine so do i answer yes or no?
(ID #71223) Posted on 2008/02/01 20:06
Myth*神話 in New York,Tokyo
Game Designer,Graphic Designer
Registered on 2008/01/24 13:36
I actually play a lot of games online on my ps3.I'm currently playing COD4(which is a lot of fun) Ut3(which is crazy fun) and i love me some WarHawk.I mean ps3 doesn't have the best online,but you know PSN is a free service, and its not even completed yet, Playstation Home is coming very soon and im looking forward to that.( By the way Danny you have a good relationship with Sony right? you should jump on the Home bandwagon and make your own space on it?!)You psn offers some cool features.XBL is a service that you pay for and theirs no reason to get a 360 with out playing online.And plus ps3 has big full online only games Socom,Warhawk,MGSO and mnay more.
(ID #71239) Posted on 2008/02/01 23:56
NodaX in USA
student
Registered on 2007/12/25 03:49
haha see guys ps3 sucks on online as much as its old version ps2