There is no shortage of drama when you talk about the console race and the war between Microsoft and Sony to control our living room.  I don’t mention or include Nintendo in this race because there is no competing against the motion sensing machine that is the Wii.  It’s in a world of its own and quite frankly has dominated the race so convincingly that there’s nothing left to talk about except the battle between the Xbox 360 and PS3.  So let’s get back to the drama between Microsoft and Sony shall we?

We’ve all heard and read the ongoing battle in the media between these two consoles.  Whenever NPD puts out its numbers of hardware and software sold, both Microsoft and Sony can be heard in their little caves roasting PR spin around a fire looking for the best way to brag (in Microsoft’s case) and the best way to not complain on the Sony front.  The past few months of hardware #’s have been unkind to Sony and its PlayStation 3.  On the other hemisphere, they’ve been generous for the Xbox 360.  What does all this mean really in this so called war?  Given the early head start with the Xbox 360, did Sony really see a day that its console would overcome that one year lead?

If you go by all the hype and the underhanded jabs at the Xbox 360, then you’d say yes.  There indeed were some people in the Sony camp who thought their fans were so mindless that even pricing the console at $500 and $600 wouldn’t stop them from buying it.  We all should remember the classic “we can sell it without any games” comment don’t we?  Were they high on drugs perhaps?  One would have to think so given the $600 price tag that was slapped on the PS3 in the beginning.  Keep in mind that Sony has kept one of those prices albeit throwing in more storage but it remains high as hell.  Why is it necessary to keep a $499 SKU even if it includes 160GB and a game?  Who do they think their fans are?  Bill Gates?

Can Microsoft claim a flawless victory this generation over their rival?  It doesn’t take much to say yes in response to that.  They’re leading in hardware sales, leading in software sales and have dominated both Nintendo and PS3 in attachment ratios (both accessory and games).  Even despite the ridiculous hardware failures, the Xbox 360 continues its lead over Sony.  I’ve felt the pain of the Red Rings of Death (RROD) myself so I know that although it hurts, it doesn’t stop the desire to play the awesome games the Xbox 360 has.  For many people, they feel the same way. Perhaps Microsoft enjoyed a few additional sales because of the need to replace broken consoles?  Of course they did!

In addition to the lead in hardware and software, they’ve extended that lead into the online arena as Xbox LIVE is shattering Sony’s PSN.  This despite the fact that most of U360 feels Xbox LIVE should be free.  Check the poll archive if you don’t believe me.  Another flawless victory?  Is it simply due to the early launch?  Is it the price difference alone?

I’m interested in hearing what everyone thinks at this point.  I’ve analyzed their futures before but this is a new year with a new perspective.  I’m interested especially because I’ll soon be able to see firsthand how these two stack up against each other.  Yes, I’m going to be a PlayStation 3 owner courtesy of some pretty awesome industry friends of mine.  Both of the companies have a decent amount of games to choose from both exclusives and multi-platform titles.  Heavy hitting titles like Gears of War 1 & 2, Halo 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Ninja Gaiden 2 and many others have seen the light of day.  So what are the two companies expecting to battle with now?  Exclusive DLC perhaps?  That seems to be all the rage these days especially with Grand Theft Auto IV’s The Lost & Damned.  Does it even matter at this point in the race?

So what has caused this seemingly flawless victory for the Xbox 360?