Recently, I came across two threads which directly stated that Sony and Nintendo are innovators this generation and that Microsoft is the most unoriginal console manufacturer.
Now, I will agree whole heartedly that Nintendo has proven time and time again that they are gaming innovators, however, I wanted to shed some light on Sony and why I feel that a few fanboy’s are confusing fact with fiction.
Now I am not here to say that Sony, Nintendo or Microsoft are in anyway the most honourable companies in the world but I am here to display some facts about Sony.
1. SIXAXIS:
Where did that come from? Was that not a direct copy of Nintendo’s motion sensing concept? Sony fanboy’s are currently bashing Microsoft about a possible rumour for their own motion sensing control but neglect to look at their beloved console manufacturer.
Edit: Different than the Wii, but clearly based off of it.
2. Home Button on Controller:
Was this not Microsoft’s concept? Didn’t the XBOX 360 come out 1 year earlier then the PS3 and had a home button incorporated into it? Wasn’t the PS3’s original controller design scrapped several months prior to its release and redesigned to incorporate the home and SIXAXIS control?
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/22/sony-confirms-ps3-controller-redesign/
Edit: The PSP did have a "home" button prior to the 360 however, each device serves simular but different purposes. The PSP allows you to navigate back to the main menu, quit your game etc. The 360 button allows you to utilize the XBL functionality such as music, messaging etc. Sony deserves some credit here for sure with the PSP with the original idea.
Also the controller redesign source cannot be refutted as I believe the SIX AXIS and home button were implemented after the launch of the 360 and notion of the Wii's gameplay model.
3. Online:
What do you think the PSN Store was based off of? Did Sony simply dream that one up one day or did they see something that was working and copied it? What about their upcoming Home product, why do you think they are incorporating achievements and messaging into it? Even if you look at the idea of online, do you think that they would have even attempted online console game play if it wasn’t for Microsoft? XBL came out in 2002 when did PSN come out? Microsoft invested roughly 2 billion developing the XBL technology from scratch, what did Sony have to invest in R&D?
Edit: Sega Dreamcast did have online functionality first but I believe that MS has refined online. They also were the first to present DLC, Movies, Music etc.
Source: http://www.news.com/2100-1040-949489.html
4. Controller History relating to #1:
The D-PAD, didn’t Nintendo invent the D-PAD? Shoulder buttons, didn’t Nintendo invent the shoulder button concept? Do you recall the N64 rumble pack; I wonder where Sony got the rumble idea? How about Analog, was Nintendo not the one who developed this concept? (Nintendo had a controller with 1 analog and Sony created a controller with 2 analogs)
5. Isn’t Sony still under investigation for stealing CELL technology? (note still alleged and still in court, settlement will probably be reached at some point)
To quote, “The company claims Sony's cell chip infringes on a patent it received in 1991 that gave it rights to technology that governs "synchronized parallel processing with shared memory." Parallel is asking the court to impound and destroy any Sony product that infringes on its technology, as well as damages and attorney fees. Sony has declined to comment on the matter.”
Source: http://www.betanews.com/article/Sony_Sued_Over_PS3_Cell_Chip_Technology/1185892521
Now I am not trying to put Sony out and say that both Nintendo and Microsoft are free from examination, but I am trying to prove a point. It is my opinion that the PS3 is not a “gaming innovation” by any means but again, this is my opinion and do not feel like getting into a pissing match to attempt to prove my point.
This is to simply point out that Sony is not a good selection to attempt to discuss innovation with. Nintendo has been in the gaming business since day 1 and I am happy that they are receiving their due. They have come out on several occasions and have made accusation towards Sony. I highly doubt that any company would promote a business practice such as this if they did not have a valid basis to do so.
Edit: Not since day 1 but you no what I mean.
Source: http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/sony-we-didnt-steal-nintendos-idea-177317.php
