Nintendo: 6,086 $m Electronics
MS: 59,546 $m Technology
Sony: 8,408 $m Electronics
Nintendo is determined to stay true to its roots, focusing on gaming population expansion while strategizing forward-thinking approaches to get ahead of its industrys current struggles. All-in-one devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have stolen much of the game sectors thunder; new business models like free-to-play have emerged; and competitors have announced high-powered next generation systems. Its new generation Wii U received mixed reviews and, without a strong cast of compelling games, it did not perform as well as anticipated. The Nintendo 3DS may be the leading platform in Japan, but the success has not yet been replicated overseas. Its short-term outlook rests on the titles it offers, and the brand hopes that a slew of new releases will drive sales outside Japan. While adopting some of the changing paradigms of the market, like advanced communication features and downloaded software delivery, it has been reluctant to make any dramatic changes to its previously successful business model (although Nintendo has announced an experimental entry into the free-to-play market). CEO Satoru Iwata has also mentioned the possibility of integrating e-payment systems such as Suica (East Japan Railways e-money card) to allow payments for products and services, add-on content for games, or pay-per-view options in VOD (Video on Demand) services. Only time will tell if this is enough as the traditional console industry faces an era of transition.
http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/Nintendo
MS: 59,546 $m Technology
Microsoft has made significant strides in streamlining and integrating its broad portfolio, announcing in July 2013 its One Microsoft corporate restructuring that embraces a holistic brand approach across product lines. While CEO Steve Ballmer had talked retirement in 2017 or so, he surprised market watchers, announcing in August 2013 that he plans to retire within the next year. Anticipation is high, yet questions remain as the brand shifts from a software to hardware business. Its also making a bigger bet on mobile with its USD $7.2 billion acquisition of Nokias cellphone business. As it continues to move forward with One Microsoft and its commitment to innovation with category-topping R&D spend, its efforts may help in recovery from lackluster reception of Windows 8 and its companion Surface tablet. The brand struggles as consumer demand evolves past traditional PCs, but bold retail strategies like creating more than 600 Windows store experiences within Best Buy locations and price adjustments for Surface were deployed to help accelerate interest and adoption. Despite the brands challenges, demand is nonetheless increasing for Microsofts products and services with business audiences. Its Server and Tools division showed strong performance and Microsoft hopes to challenge Amazon in the enterprise cloud and managed infrastructure segments. Microsofts Business division, which is responsible for the Office software suite, also performed well over the last year. As Microsoft continues to push on multiple fronts, the brands responsiveness to the sometimes conflicting needs of the PC ecosystem and the shifting mobile landscape will be critical for shaping its future.
http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/Microsoft
Sony: 8,408 $m Electronics
Sony Chairman Howard Stringer retired in June, following the handoff in late 2012 of the CEO position to Kazuo Hirai. Now firmly under Hirais leadership, Sony continues working to unify and revitalize its businesses. One Sony symbolizes its dedication to cohesive management and rapid decision-making, reaping rewards as Sony announced its first annual net profit in five years. Decisive actionssuch as the sale of the companys US headquarters in New York, widescale restructuring, the upcoming launch of PlayStation 4, and the acquisition of GaiKai, a US cloud gaming company to boost game streaming servicesand a push to deliver products living up to the make.believe tagline, all demonstrate awareness of the need to adapt. Sony has already launched its third-generation wearable device, SmartWatch 2, and a great deal is riding on the success of its Xperia products. The brand has advanced into medical technology with its joint venture Sony Olympus Medical Solutions in a bid to capture share in the surgical endoscope market with products offering 4K and 3-D picture quality. The challenge remains that Sony still relies on its financial services business and, to a lesser extent, its entertainment (television, movie and music) divisions. The test for ongoing success for Sony will be returning the consumer electronics business to profit and generating sustained demand across all its business units.
http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/Sony