Reading an article in the WSJ today, I can’t help but wonder what the hell Sony is doing.  The console market has been for some time now the one arena where they have dominated.  They decided to come out later than Microsoft’s XBOX 360 and loyal customers were willing to let that slide.  Since, they’ve delayed it two more times and customers were still willing to let that pass.  Now, I think they’re teetering on some thin ice.  They have a limited number of units available in the U.S. and they are delaying the release in Europe until spring.  Also, they have listed some 8,000 games that will not be backwards compatible on the unit.  This wouldn’t be a problem except that for a while this was seen as an advantage to the 360.  Sony had over 70% market share at the time when the XBOX 360 hit.  I’d have to think it will decline significantly.

Also, the WSJ and other outlets are guilty of comparing the 3 new consoles.  While there are 3 new consoles, it is obvious to me that only 2 are actually competing.  The Sony PS3 and the Microsoft XBOX 360.  The Nintendo Wii is not really their competitor.  Their system seems to be focused on a much different type of gamer.  The system and target seem to be reminiscent of Sega’s last hardware project…the Dreamcast system.  Nintendo has done a decent job of reinventing itself over the years and have thrived because of it.  I wonder who will ultimately come out on top between Sony and Microsoft.