Ps3 vs x Box 360

All things related to the raging console war between the X Box 360 vs Sony PS3

Microsoft. Playstation 3's new best friend?

Microsoft's approval rating has spiked to a new high last February. That new high, was 42 (out of 100). Five days later, it fell back to 38.

Microsoft is synonymous with PC's, but hardly beloved. Consumers view new products such as Office 2007 and the new operating system, Vista, as different but by no means better. Nearly everybody has experienced a computer crash with Microsoft's software, and Microsoft often gets the blame, especially when consumers look into failure rates of alternative operating systems. Microsoft has also been clearly regarded as a cutthroat competitor that is frequently sued by small companies claiming monopolistic behavior.

With the release of Microsoft's second generation console, the X box 360, they were (and still are) going directly against Sony's "powerhouse", the Playstation 3. While the X box 360 got an early start on the PS3, the PS3 has been able to outsell it consistently for every month in 2008 so far.

Why is this?

Microsoft had everything a console launch could want. A huge jump-start on the competition (a full year), a fully featured on-line gaming community, decent launch titles, and decent price tag.

Contrast this to Sony's launch...

It was late to the market after suffering from several delays, it's online community wasn't as featured as Xbox LIVE, and with the exception of several games, the PS3's launch titles were largely underwhelming. Last but not least, the $600 price tag did it's part in deflating the console's hype. (Note: this doesn't define Sony's current position)

With a brand name loved by all, there's absolutely no reason the Xbox 360 should fall behind in sales figures. However, it's important to note that the brand name here, is Microsoft, which is by no means loved by all.

For 62 out of 100 people struggling between the choice of the Ps3, or a Xbox 360, two consoles that are largely considered to be similar gaming systems (though this opinion is rapidly swaying in the Ps3's favor) 62/100 of these people will have a much easier choice with this decision simply because of this simple fact; the Xbox 360 is made by Microsoft, and the Ps3, isn't. The x box 360's association with Microsoft is an automatic strike against the x box 360 for 62/100 consumers. This is a huge boost for the PS3.

Microsoft's underwelming track record hasn't stopped with their gaming consoles. In fact, X box 360 failure rates are reported to be as high as 33%. Contrast this to the PS3's failure rate of less than 1%, and Microsoft doesn't get placed in a good light.

While a hardcore gamer who could tell you the pro's and cons of each system off the top of his head, its important to note that the general population views the ps3 vs x box 360 as similar consoles. An important defining factor in the x box 360 vs PS3 console war, could simply be this; One console is made by Microsoft, the other one isn't