According to Kazuo Hairai, Sony Computer Entertainment’s chairman, the Xbox “lacks longevity.” Hirai believes that the PS3 will finish ahead of the Xbox, which is one of Microsoft’s biggest competitors on the gaming industry. Hirai claims that regardless of who sells more and when they get sold doesn’t matter. He still feels as if the PS3 is the leader in the gaming industry. Sony doesn’t believe that Nintendo, another big name in gaming, is really a competitor because they use different components. The main competition is between the Xbox and the PS3. Hirai states, “Last time I checked, they’ve never had a console that’s been on the market for more than four or five years and we’ve committed to a ten year life cycle, so you do the math.” (1) This is a strong stance against Microsoft’s Xbox and the name behind it. However Microsoft didn’t take this claim lightly. Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for the Xbox 360, responded by stating “Hirai’s comments are indicative of an old hardware company that is comfortable with its market position.” (2) He went on to say that “Sony’s complacent attitude is out of touch with where the industry and consumer is today.” (2) Greenberg feels that “their ability to “out innovate” in terms of online capabilities and software strength will be the main defining factors.” (2) He concluded by saying that he stands strong behind the Microsoft Xbox and their ability to outsell the PS3. Also that their gaming library and leading online network is more efficient and advanced then PS3 making them on top in the industry. By taking this stance it shows that they are not afraid of standing up for their products and showing confidence in it as well. Acknowledging the competitors allegations and shutting them down with their own personal abilities that outshine the PS3 was a good move in showing proof of their capabilities.
As a personal user of both systems I have to agree that the Xbox 360 has had its share of problems. Having to send the Xbox 360 back twice for repairs only to have it break again doesn’t show me that the product is very high and mighty. However, the online community and their trophy and gamer score program makes you want to buy the games for their system because it keeps a score on your profile of how good you are on games and other people online are able to see that. This also allows you to keep track of your game score as well. This isn’t a big deal to me, but I know many people that will specifically buy a game for this system for the mere fact of the online community. I have not experienced any problems with the PS3 and the games are of good design and game play. However, with the comparison of the games on both systems I must admit that the 360 appears triumphant. That is, if you don’t mind having your system break down on you multiple times!
1. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=206201
2. http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200904/2824/Microsoft-responds-to-Sony-s-recent-Xbox-360-criticisms
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Personally, I would have to disagree with Hirai on several points. First of all, I have talked to a lot of people who had a PS2 and they barely used it after they got it. Most of them ended up using it only as a DVD player. I don't have a PS3 so a lot could have changed since then (if it has, disregard this!), but that tells me that the PS3 could have some serious problems. Also, I completely disagree that the Nintendo Wii should not be seen as competition. I have a Wii. Obviously anybody who owns a Wii could have been a potential customer for Sony or Windows. Yes, the Wii does have some very different qualities that separates it from the Xbox and Playstation. Still, it does take away potential consumers. It is not something that can just be ignored.
ReplyDeleteYa know, I can't even really have an opinion on this, because I have only really played Crash Bandicoot on Playstation. Man, I'm so behind... Anyway! From what I hear about the two, my friend love Xbox for the reasons you stated, the online community, how it can keep track of scores, etc. Playstation is segregated in a way, because you can compete with those who com over your house because it's all saved on a memory card, but not really nationally or internationally, like on the Xbox.
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