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Microsoft Slams PS3, Sony’s Karakker Retorts

I knew things during this console-war would get heavy, but man…this is getting pretty frenzied. A few short days ago at the Computer Entertainment Show, Xbox executives Peter Moore and Chris Satchelle trounced the efforts of Sony's PlayStation Online Network by calling it a disaster. They continued to bash Sony, stating that the brand doesn't have the "DNA" to create a proper online infrastructure.

Frankly, though, Microsoft isn't one to talk — Sony's downloadable efforts have already surpassed that of Microsoft's with the availability of games and demos like Gran Turismo HD, GripShift, Tekken, and so forth. Likewise, Sony's decision to not cap the online download limit (like Microsoft's 50MB limit), and allow for developers to launch file sizes as large as they wish is a critical move. And this is an opinion of someone who reports on both consoles, but I've digressed.

Sony's Director of Corporate Communications (a.k.a. Sony's PR powerhouse), Dave Karakker, briefed GamePro about what his thoughts and feelings are regarding Microsoft's comments. "I would argue that consumers worldwide, to the tune of over 200 million PlayStations, PS2s, PSPs and PS3s, have decided whether or not Sony has the DNA to deliver hardware, software and services to suit this industry," Karakker said.

"I think if you look at Gran Turismo HD alone, it points to the potential of the PlayStation Network and the kind of ground breaking content we plan to offer."

Interestingly enough, Karakker also made it a point to clarify that Microsoft's latest announcement of selling 10.4 million consoles isn't entirely correct. Karakker says that to Microsoft "selling" is the same thing as units "shipped" to stores. This hints at the possibility that there aren't 10.4 million X360 owners, but more like 9 million owners.

"To Sony, shipped has always meant 'sold and shipped to retailers,'" Karakker says. "Microsoft views 'sold' as what has been sold to retailers but could be sitting on pallets in warehouses or stacked on store shelves. 'Sold' to Sony has always meant what the consumer has actually purchased. I think many people have incorrectly viewed our competitor's 'sold' figure to believe it was actually sold to consumers, which it was not."

And that's the way the cookie crumbles, kids.