Kamil Khan's Sauder Blog

Sony releases it’s PS4 weeks before Microsoft’s Xbox One release date.

The clock struck 12 on November 15th, marking the release the Sony’s PlayStation 4, and the start of the console wars.

They say that the living room entertainment is the final home frontier for technology companies to dominate, and boy has the competition been aggressive. In the past few years we have seen the console wars elevate, with increased efforts from Microsoft’s Kinect, Apple’s Apple TV,  and Samsung’s SmartTV’s. Everyone is fighting for the couch. Which is why the release of the PS4 is so important.

Sony has claimed that is has already “sold” over 1 million PS4’s through preorders, and is expected to sell many more in the upcoming days. Strong preorders are said to be due to Sony’s dedication to the “hardcore gamer”, as opposed to Microsoft’s focus on families, casual gaming, and television.

But perhaps the preorders don’t show the whole story. Most preorders are purchased by “hardcore gamers”, and not the average family. I believe that the console wars are about more than just gaming. They are about entertainment, be it through movies, games or television. Which is why the PS4’s lack of diversity and functionality should be worrisome, and why you shouldn’t count Microsoft out just yet.