Why Sony Won't Lose The Next-Gen War

GamesDaily has up an opinion piece, talking about why author James Brightman sees Sony walking away with the next-gen crown, again. From the article: "Sony is well aware of the power of its brand and it will do everything it can to leverage the PlayStation name. Providing backwards compatibility with both the PS1 and PS2, as well as offering full PS1 titles for download through the PS3, can only help to reinforce that brand and remind gamers of the PlayStation games they hold so dear. Selling over 100 million units, twice, has its advantages. In fact, there are a number of people who have probably owned nothing but PlayStation consoles, and those consumers are likely to stick with a brand they know and trust. Before they've even learned anything about Sony's new console, many consumers have already made up their minds that they want the next PlayStation no matter what. A strong brand should not be underestimated." Relatedly, the company released a few more details on its online plan via its Japanese office. That article touches on AV chat, a puzzle games service, and downloadable games.

Re:A strong brand.

[bherman]

No, no, no. Those companies you point out are not a fair comparisons for Sony's business practices.

Lets go with Enron and MCI

To quote Penny Arcade:

[JoeLinux]

"And why won't you be buying a PS3?"

"Because it's 600 f*cking dollars..."

Nintento will win the war

[cliveholloway]

Any product whose logo is a subliminal picture of two men staring at a pair of breasts is bound to win overall.

Re:Boycott

[__aaclcg7560]

That would be like asking Commander Taco to apologize for Slashdot. ;)

Re:Leaning on the name?

[AKAImBatman]

Atari 5200 did well off its name for a while. After that, it had to survive on its own merits and did poorly.

The 5200 never really did all that well. Mostly because Atari wouldn't support it.

My thoughts?

1995
Sega: "The Sega Saturn is going to be the most advanced gaming machine of our time! At only $399, it will be a value. On top of that, we're releasing it six months early!"
Sony: "$299"

(The Sega empire fell.)

2006
Sony: "The PS3 is going to be the most advanced gaming machine of our time! At only $599, it will be a value. On top of that, we're releasing it ahead of Nintendo's offerings!"
Nintendo: "$249"

(Will Sony's empire fall? Tune in to the next exciting episode of Slashdot for the thrilling conclusion!)

Re:Boycott

[Anonymous Coward]

Redundant? Parent isn't redundant. THIS is redundant!

Sony: "Well, what've you got?"

Customers: "Well, there's egg and boycott; egg bacon and boycott; egg bacon sausage and boycott; boycott bacon sausage and boycott; boycott egg boycott boycott bacon and boycott; boycott sausage boycott boycott bacon boycott tomato and boycott;"

Vikings:

Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott

Lovely boycott! Lovely boycott!

Sony: "Have you got anything without a boycott?"

Customers: "Well, there's boycott egg sausage and boycott, that's not got much boycotting in it."

Sony: "I don't want ANY boycotts!"

Customers: "Why can't you have egg bacon boycott and sausage?"

Sony: "THAT'S got boycotting in it!"

Customers: Hasn't got as much boycotting in it as boycott egg sausage and boycott, has it?

Vikings:

Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott
Boycott, boycott, boycott, boycott

Lovely boycott! Lovely boycott!

Sony: "I DON'T LIKE BOYCOTTS!"

(With apologies to Monty Python.)