A Joint MS/Sony Console Not Far Off By Brian Paterson on May 31st, 2008
Over the past two years, Microsoft and Sony have engaged in the most brutal product conflict in recent memory. VHS versus Betamax. DVD versus LaserDisc. These petty feuds cannot hold a candle to the gruesome nature of modern-day console warfare. It’s the kind of battle that makes Ali vs. Frazier look like two chubbigans fighting over the last Twizzler, and it shows no sign of slowing in the near future. Though Microsoft Corporate VP Shane Kim has issued a fair amount of criticism at the Playstation 3 over the past week, Sony continues to emphasize their infamous “10 Year Plan” and superior hardware edge without rest. The truth is, while these industry behemoths throw hollow jabs, Nintendo has taken stride with the Wii and stands alone in their pursuit for worldwide market share.
Adding to the misery of the already cold-blooded conflict between Sony and Microsoft is the ongoing clash between loyal Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 owners on message boards, blogs and comment sections across the internet. Though competition between rival companies is healthy from a business perspective, the almost fanatic quality of the console “fanboy” is quite unsettling. Just last Christmas, I informed a six year-old relative (yes, six) that I would be receiving a Playstation 3 for Christmas, to which he responded, “I heard that system sucks, I'm not getting it.” Now, whether 1st graders are susceptible to the horrors of the console melee is debatable, but the fact remains there is a gaping divide between Sony and Microsoft enthusiasts that needs mending immediately. The time has come for Microsoft and Sony to step back, re-examine their reasoning (what good is a fight for second place?) and work together in unifying not only two of the most powerful console manufacturers, but the gamers who support them.
“Ludicrous,” you may say. “Sony and Microsoft can hold their own just fine.” There is partial truth to this statement, as evidenced by the success of Sony’s Blu-Ray format, a number of quality HD titles from both developers and the introduction of Xbox Live and the Playstation Network. Both consoles can be used as media centers that stream videos, movies and pictures over a home network and are, at least partially, backwards compatible with games from the previous generation. However, the fact remains that while Microsoft and Sony persist in playing the ‘one-up’ game, the Nintendo Wii continues to pummel both by a huge margin around the globe. How can these two companies regain their previous authority without destroying each other in the process? The answer: a collaborative effort between Microsoft and Sony in the creation of a next-generation console will eliminate the need for consumers to choose between two that are almost exactly the same.
Resident Evil 5 will be released for both the PS3 and 360
Three consoles, in my opinion, is one too many even for the core gamer to purchase. Gamers should not have to walk into a Best Buy or Gamestop fearing they will make the wrong decision in which console to purchase. While gamers who purchased an Xbox 360 have experienced classics such as Bioshock, Mass Effect and Halo 3, they will miss out on titles such as Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Final Fantasy XIII. And while we have already seen a number of Playstation 3 exclusives go multiplatform, the same is beginning to occur for the Xbox 360 (Bioshock has been confirmed for PS3 and Mass Effect is rumored to be next). My point is, if the trend to release marquee titles for both platforms has already begun, what is the sense in having two consoles that have the exact same library save for a few in-house developed titles? Of course, there is none whatsoever.
A single console that offers the core gamer all the features of the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 would no doubt compete directly with the Wii’s grasp over the casual audience. To date, the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have combined to hold approximately fifty-five percent of the home console market share worldwide, with a number of gamers opting to purchase both. However, with the Nintendo Wii holding roughly forty-five percent market share worldwide, the balance would shift dramatically away from Nintendo’s console. Far-fetched this theory may seem at first, but few options for Sony and Microsoft remain in the effort to gain ground against the Wii.
I, nor the millions of other HD console owners cannot bear to see the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 go the way of the Sega Dreamcast; not after all the accomplishments the two have shared during their initial years in the console race. Moreover, fans of a particular exclusive should not have to receive verbal abuse from rival owners simply because the title is not on their console of choice. Instead of the unyielding dispute you’re likely to see on video-game forums, Sony and Microsoft fans could take solace in the fact that they are playing the best ‘HD’ titles available. Though Nintendo would remain a force in the industry, a joint effort between Sony and Microsoft would both strengthen their eminence in the industry and appease millions of gamers throughout the world.
Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but I believe gamers of all ages should be able to choose a console knowing they can experience the finest titles our trade has to offer. With a Microsoft/Sony union, we’d be confident knowing we’re one step closer to that vision.
Want to discuss this article in our forums? Click Here.