I'm not trying to start anything, as I have neither the XBox or Gamecube, just stating something I noticed tonight that I thought was interesting. For the record, I have a PS2, and I'm waiting to see which of the other two consoles is the one to get, and which one I can wait until it hits the discounted section.

So, at the local B&N, they have an XBox set up alongside a Gamecube. Now, everywhere I've ever been, both the XBox and GC were mobbed by people playing. Here, the XBox playing Madden 2002 was constantly mobbed over a two hour period, and the Gamecube, running five or six demos was untouched for all intents and purposes. The clerk said that's how it always was there -- a ton of people playing XBox, no one playing GC.

Now I don't know why, and I won't specualte, but at least I finally got to actually play with the GC...

LOl it's funny you said that i noticed that at target last night.

especially when madden 2002 sucks

Was it mostly adults or kids playing it in each location (and what age groups)? Might make a big difference... I would think before hearing your answer that Barnes & Nobles might have a more adult customer base than some other places (Although Target would most certainly be mobbed with kids, so that doesn't follow as much) ...

They all probably have a Game Cube already so there is no need to demo it.

I agree with sinper.

It has to do with the age difference. The majority of people at Barnes and Noble are older, teen and up. Therefore they are more attracted to the XBox for its lineup.

We know the Gamecube has teen titles as well as titles for kids, but the majority of the public, i.e. Joe Sixpack, still sees Nintendo and its products as made for kids.

I saw just the opposite at Toys R Us recently. A bunch of 30+ guys (and one wife) were mobbed around the Gamecube kiosk playing SSB:M. Meanwhile, there were a couple of 12 year old boys playing DOA3 on the Xbox, giggling at the skimpy outfits and making fun of the Gamecube, calling it "gay."

I've seen both sides of this around town. However, if I had to pick on reason the xbox would be getting more play, its because of that marketing muscle MS put into it. People who hate games are asking about the xbox simply because its pushed in their face everywhere they go. So most people, despite there enjowment of gameing, are interested in "what the big deal is".

at both groups...

I haven't really noticed a trend and I don't really care actually, I already bought my system....

ok actually there is a trend at my local babbages. There are always these kids that are always playing X-Box when I'm there. But they're not regular they're the annoying " 12-year old, full gelled hair, wear baggy clothing, slang talking, try to act like their cool" kids. You know who I'm talking about, those little kids who try to hang with the big boys and swear to act cool, they really get on my nerves. They always give me funny looks and when they say stuff to me its always something with a hidden negative meaning relating to the fact that I'm asian. Anyway I overheard the manager saying he was going to ban those kids from playing it because they're pretty loud and rowdy and are keeping other customers from playing.

Amen to that! Anyway it probably depends on the where you live.

Making fun of Asians? Send them my way!

Yes, most of the people in the Barnes and Noble were older, probably 15+. That's why I'm not trying to start anything, as I don't think it is a definitive study -- it was just an interesting observation that in the end probably means nothing.

However, I have been noticing that the 10 and under crowd seems to cluster around the GC and the 10+ crowd seems to want to play XBox.

When I went into Citcuit City the other day, no one was playing either system !?!?

So I walked over and fired up Rogue Sqaudron (Leader?) or whatever and started playing. And then a guy and his girlfriend set up playing Oddworld on the XBOX to my left. By the time i finished the demo (i couldn't believe they cut it on me when i was kicking soo much ***) I had 7 or 8 people gathered around waiting to play. No one cared to watch the guy playing oddworld and they were still all alone.

I think part of the phenomena comes from seeing someone else have fun with the system. It's like when Spongebob Squarepants is haing a blast with just a sheet of paper, Squidword trades everything he owns to get it from him. If these stores were smart, they'd hire people to demo the games all day and hand off the controls whenever someone showed interest. I guarantee they'd double the 'casual sales' to adults who don't go out looking for a new system but have enough $$ to buy what is fun.

Sign me up!!!