Sony has allegedly thumbed its nose at Microsoft's announcement of HD movie and television downloads through the Xbox Live Marketplace. Although full details have not been released, leaving big questions about the exact pricing and storage options, Sony took the opportunity to attack Microsoft for "leaving out" some customers.
As reported by gaming site
gaming.hexus.net, Sony representatives have said, "PlayStation 3's content is designed for everyone to enjoy right out of the box, no matter which configuration you purchase.We would never shut anyone out of the entertainment experience because they didn't have the money to buy the top of the line system..."
Though I have resisted the realization for a long time, Sony's $600 bundle includes some features that are worth the money to some gamers. Just as a personal example, g-band wi-fi happens to be important to me and costs $100 on the 360, but is included on the PS3. A larger hard drive could easily make up the other $100. It has been said to death: the PS3 will sell.
That having been stated, Sony's criticism of Microsoft's download strategy borders on the obscene. Sony is basically saying that anyone who opted for a $300 Xbox 360 bundle is left out of the movie download game because they have no hard drive.
So, dear Sony, you wouldn't shut this person out because they don't have enough money? If the owner of a budget 360 couldn't afford the $100 upgrade, how do you expect to "include" them in your version of next-gen? If I show up at the Sony store in San Francisco on the 17th with $400 in hand, demanding access to the future of gaming, I expect your staff will carry me to the door and assault me with your overstock of PSPs.
