Word of war between Sony and Microsoft won't just die down. With Microsoft's Peter Moore hinting at the price of the PS3 gaming console, people certainly aren't expecting Sony CEO Steve Howard to turn the other cheek. It's pathetic to see two guys in power suits and power bundles squabbling like two kids on the playground. Sounds to me like they were fighting over who could spit the furthest. But since Moore is chasing publicity, we might as well give the shy Howard a chance to defend his PS3 games.
It can be recalled that Microsoft's Peter Moore used the price of Sony's console as a springboard to launch a new marketing campaign for the Xbox 360. Moore released a statement that gamers will get more value when they buy a Nintendo Wii and a Microsoft Xbox 360 for the price of a single PS3 game console. There's no doubt that this statement made even die-hard Sony fans hesitant to buy a PS3. After all, $600 is a lot of money. Moreover, the option offered by Moore is clear: it is a choice between two next-generation consoles and more gaming options, or one PS3. Sony must act, and the usually quiet Steve Howard finally broke his silence.
At a recent press conference in Tokyo, Sony Corp's Steve Howard issued a statement justifying the price of Sony's new console. He argued that when consumers buy a PS3 gaming console, they are actually buying potential. Such a vague statement needed further clarification, and Howard obliged. According to him, while the PS3 console is undoubtedly more expensive ($599) than Microsoft's Xbox 360 ($300) or Nintendo's Wii ($250), it provides users with Blu-ray technology - touted as the technology of the future. Furthermore, if the performance of Sony's new console reaches its full potential, users will benefit from higher technology and longer usage. Howard also suggested in his statement that the Xbox 360 and Wii are cheaper because they are only "transitional" consoles with inferior technology compared to the futuristic PS3.
However, market analysts and yours truly seriously doubt Howard's claim. Times are tough and people are sure to think about whether the PS3 gaming console is worth its price tag. This can quickly look bad for Sony, as reviews show that the PS3's Blu-ray capable graphics are on par with cheaper consoles. If there are differences, they are very subtle, unless you want to spend your game time analyzing graphics pixels. Even the controller is considered inferior to the PS1 seven years ago. In fact, the Wii has a much better controller. Howard's argument based on potential is also too thin and ill-founded. What if the new PS3 didn't reach its full potential? Then there is the case of disappointed consumers bemoaning their loss. What about years of use? I doubt it will be five years before the gaming giants come up with a new console prototype. Surely Howard can come up with something stronger than an argument based on "potential". PS3 game lovers need more fuel for their cause. In the meantime, do you know what I like to hear about? Peter Moore's reaction to "Sony's potential".
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