MS vs Sony at CES 2006

One of the major battles in the console wars is fast approaching. That battle will take place at CES 2006 in January. To date Microsoft has landed the first major blow by releasing their system earlier then the next generation Sony system. Furthermore games are being developed for the Xbox 360 at a tremendous rate  and Microsoft machines are much easier to for developers to work with.

There was however a major counterpunch delivered – by Microsoft to Microsoft. Not enough machines, unimpressive games, and heat issues have been plaguing the Xbox 360 since its release. Sony has gotten into the fray by telling everyone their machine will be available early 2006 which is complete bullshit.

The Consumer Electronics Show is the biggest and best electronics show in the world with absolutely no competition. Microsoft will most likely be showing off their first batch of decent (not great) games to counter Sony’s exhibition which most likely will only show video with no playable demos. Unless Sony comes out with playable demos for the PS3 they will lose this battle (not the war, just the battle). Hardly anyone doubts that the PS3 will be more powerful than the Xbox 360; unfortunately for Sony consumers are now smart enough to know that both machines are Ferraris. One has 800 HP and the other has 785HP. They are virtually identical and the main focus will be on the games and online play. The games aspect will go either way but Sony will not beat Microsoft when it comes to integration with their windows base and incredible experience in the online arena. Many analysts see Microsoft as the underdog as they don’t have near the console base that Sony does. Analysts need to see the bigger wider picture. This is about the integration of our computers, cameras, pda’s, consoles, etc etc etc. The Xbox 360 is a jacked up Media Centre PC ready to integrate itself with your home video collection, online radio, photos, online communities, etc etc etc. Sony can not touch Microsoft in this arena. If Apple said they were releasing a video game console tomorrow I would give them a better chance than Sony as they know something about integration.

CES will be very telling. Stay tuned.