So lets get this strait. In September AMD paper launched their next generation. Most of their next generation is a rebrand (all but 2 models?). The real next generation cards will be released in late November. They paper launched a rebrand, then released the cards 2 weeks later. The only real new card will come out 2 months later. I could not think of a worse release other than Duke Nukem Forever preorders 10 years before launch.
First, you want to launch with the highest performing card in a new generation. More people are likely to splurge and not wait for the lower gen. Second, paper launches are bad because it kills sales with current stock, now 2 full months of bad sales. Finally, rebrands are seen as deceitful to many consumers. I guess this is a result of the layoffs of PR and marketing in 2011.
First, you want to launch with the highest performing card in a new generation. More people are likely to splurge and not wait for the lower gen. Second, paper launches are bad because it kills sales with current stock, now 2 full months of bad sales. Finally, rebrands are seen as deceitful to many consumers. I guess this is a result of the layoffs of PR and marketing in 2011.