Sony Exec Rips On Nintendo's DSi Handheld
Um,
what? Frankly, that's the reaction we have after digesting an
absolutely absurd -- and borderline comical -- new PR snippet from
Sony. Given that April 1st is well behind us, we're left to believe
that John Koller's statement regarding Nintendo's DSi launch is
completely legitimate. For those unaware, the smallest and most
powerful DS yet is launching today in the United States, and rather
than just pointing out facts about the PSP's superiority (the ability
to play back UMD movies, a long history of downloadable content, an
expansive 16:9 display, etc.), Sony Computer Entertainment America's
Director of Hardware Marketing had this to say:

"If Nintendo is really committed to reaching a broader, more diverse
audience of gamers beyond the "kids" market that they've always
engaged, there isn't much new with the DSi to support that. Significant
gamer demographic groups are being ignored, and there continues to be
limited opportunities for games from external publishers to do well on
the DSi. Compare that with the PSP platform, where we have many
blockbuster franchises from our publishing partners launching this
year, representing a wide variety of genres and targeting diverse
demographics. Games such as Rock Band Unplugged from MTV Games,
Assassin's Creed from Ubisoft, Dissidia Final Fantasy from Square Enix,
and Hannah Montana
from Disney demonstrate the commitment that publishers have to the PSP.
From our own first-party studios, we're launching unique versions of
LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm,
and we're also planning a steady stream of downloadable games -- both
new titles and PSone classics -- to add to the content that PSP owners
can already purchase wirelessly through PlayStation Store."

Really, John? You seriously have the nerve to bang on Nintendo's approach and its library of titles after it just announced the shipment of its 100 millionth DS system? Need we really remind you that Sony has only sold 50 million PlayStation Portable handhelds? We won't lie -- Nintendo definitely does have loads of titles available for kids aged 12 and under, but choosing that to pick on just screams "sore loser." On top of that, what gives you the right to tell Nintendo that it's missing out on "significant gamer demographics?" As we just stated, the DS has doubled up the PSP in worldwide sales, which does a lot in refuting that very statement.

So, what do you think? Are we being too tough on Johnny Boy here? Maybe we're old school, but we're of the belief that you can only talk smack if you're in the lead, not lagging behind in a distant second.

Really, John? You seriously have the nerve to bang on Nintendo's approach and its library of titles after it just announced the shipment of its 100 millionth DS system? Need we really remind you that Sony has only sold 50 million PlayStation Portable handhelds? We won't lie -- Nintendo definitely does have loads of titles available for kids aged 12 and under, but choosing that to pick on just screams "sore loser." On top of that, what gives you the right to tell Nintendo that it's missing out on "significant gamer demographics?" As we just stated, the DS has doubled up the PSP in worldwide sales, which does a lot in refuting that very statement.

So, what do you think? Are we being too tough on Johnny Boy here? Maybe we're old school, but we're of the belief that you can only talk smack if you're in the lead, not lagging behind in a distant second.