Point isnt moot, take your own advice and think logically - the gap directly effects retail statistics and indirectly effects lifetime statistics from install base, user preference and developer preference, just because the ps3 launched didnt mean that on day one ps3 versions automagically matched 360 version sales totals, that installbase offset impacted total sales figures per-title for the console for much of its retail shelf life, obviously if a console has 4 million users compared to 10 million, the console with 10 million is going to sell more software - that software only has a limited appeal where retail "new" copies are available, people 5 years down the line are extremely unlikely to purchase older titles without incentive.

The launch offset created a healthy ecosystem which took the PlayStation 3 most of it's life to match.

Again, point is not moot, its actually very profound, you're just thinking far too simplisticly.

"They let go of their original Xbox owners far too quickly, *and it looks like they're letting the millions of 360 owners hang out to dry again.*"

What?

It has everything to do with the topic because the tread is pretty much pointless since the 360 is and will continue to get great suport with digital content also.  Plus the 360 does not have 12 to 18 month of additional month of additional software sales the PS3 launched 11 month and 19 days after the 360 do some research before you post something that is totally false.

Just so you know the 360 outsold the DS in terms of total software sales so I guess that means that the 360 is perferred over the DS which we all know isn't true. BTW it's not the software sales who will determine the winner, it's the hardware sales and that goes to the PS3. Gamers just prefer the PS3 just like how gamers would prefer the DS over the Wii. So your point about having the highest software sales is moot for the most part when determining the better platform.  

I'm fully aware the 360 has already outsold the DS when it comes to software that is why I brought up the point that the gap will only get bigger.  Anyway a consoles main purpose is to sell software and the 360 did and does that better then any other console this generation.  Again software sales>hardware sales.  Software generates the revenue by selling more hardware the only thing Sony proofed this generation is that they are better at selling stuff at a loss and that is pretty much true especially if you look at Sony's financial state over the last couple of years.

Playstation 3 launched in Japan on November 11, 2006
Xbox 360 launched in Japan on December 2, 2005
Total offset for Japan - 11 Months 21 days. (rounds to 1 year)

Playstation 3 launched in USA on November 17, 2006
Xbox 360 launched in USA on November 22, 2005
Total offset for America - 11 months 26 days. (rounds to 1 year)

Playstation 3 launched in EU on March 23, 2007
Xbox 360 launched in EU on December 2, 2005
Total offset for EU - 1 year, 3 months, 21 days (rounds to 1 year 4 months)

Playstation 3 launched in S.Korea on June 16, 2007
Xbox 360 launched in S.Korea February 24, 2006
Total offset for South Korea - 1 year, 3 months, 23 days (rounds to 1 year 4 months)

Playstation 3 launched in Brazil on August 11th, 2010
Xbox 360 launched in Brazil on June 16, 2007
Total offset for Brazil - 3 years, 1 month, 26 days (rounds to 3 years 2 months)

Playstation 3 launched in Indonesia on 1 October 2009
Xbox 360 launched in Indonesia on September 25, 2006
Total offset for Indonesia - 3 years, 6 days (rounds to 3 years)

My 12-18 months was an estimate, the reality of it is actually 12-38 months rounded, and 11 months 21 days - 3 years 1 month 26 days if you want to be specific.

Just because a console launches does not mean its available worldwide, so It pains me to slap you with your own line but.

Do some research before you post something that is totally false.

Microsoft the company is fine but it's individual departments which are wrong. It's like 4 or 5 different companies trying to compete with 4 or 5 other companies.

The main OS department thinks it needs to compete with Apple and Google, yet it holds a monopoly and most companies prefer MS for it's ease of use/compatibility. They think they need to move into the new touch screen age even with their desktop OS but many would prefer just a better 7.

Their phone department is lacking, it's behind as it wasn't first, yet now with the purchase of Nokia, they could make ground up on iPhone's popularity and Android's user market.

Then their game market, it's done well to establish itself after Xbox's failure. Their network is good but it had to be good, you were paying for it. The issue here lies with the idea and arrogance at the announcement of the Xbone. DRM, having to log in, I know 360 had piracy issues but to treat all customers as pirates is not a good way to start things off. PR machine was a mess, mixed messages, failure to answer simple questions just lead to more confusion. They've done well to build back up from that bad start, trying to focus more on the games and mention Kinect and TV features less. All they need to do now is lose any kind of (non-XBL store related) adverts on their consoles (360 included).

While Nintendo are a games maker so make games, Sony make hardware and games. Yes Sony compete in hardware markets but they know their 'place' they are mid-high end.

I dont really understand.

Looking objectively at the new consoles, Ps4 is a nice price, but Killzone is the only launch game that grabs me. The others arent great at all on the exclusive side. I really dont get Driveclub at all. Its like a Ridge Racer clone. Or trying to be Forza Horizon, but not really the same thing.

Theres no variety ( which is unusual for Sony ) And the best is a shooter. Again not really normal Sony.

Xbox One is offering Project Spark, Dead Rising 3, Ryse, Forza 5 at launch which covers a variety of genres and games players.

If I wasnt getting an Xbox One at launch for its variety I certainly wouldnt be buying a PS4 at launch due to its lack of exclusive games that are Tripple A. I dont like the Indie focus, it feels cheap like they dont have anything else to offer on disc.

This focus on the old PS3 IMO may hurt them next year. As far as PS4 sales go.

Will people play Killzone then wait while others play several exclusives?

Sony die hards will stay with PS4 of course. But those that dont really mind, could easily trade in if Sony do a PS3 and delay after dealy launches for their games.

The general public wont give 2 hoots about indie games. They will walk in a shop and see what the big Exclusives are and decide.

I think Titanfall is gonna be just as big as COD was last gen. I really think it will sell alot of Xbox Ones. Yes its on 360, but its literally half the game.

Like you, im getting a xbox one (but im also getting a ps4) so let me answer.

you seem to be under the impression that major launch titles are the only deciding factor, ignoring a great deal of additional software for the platform, smaller games, indies, and so on, then of course multiplats for both systems.

If someone buy a console solely for the launch line up, rather than the whole package and future games, they have issues.

I agree.

My point was that genral Joe dont buy Indie games. He doesnt pay 300 quid for Indie games.

The first year will be quite important. I just get the sense Sony havent really got the disc games to compete.

Im more surprised than anyone that Microsoft has come out with so much variety and exclusives that isnt Gears or Halo.

Zoo Tycoon is coming back, Killer Instinct is coming and Kinect 2.0 is getting great praise from everyone this time.

Apart from the initial DRM thing which average Joe dont know about or has totally forgotten about now, The Xbox One looks attractive as hell games wise.

Also Black Tusks new Stealth/shooter Ninja game has yet to be shown. Quantum Break looks visually mindblowing.

Sony need to hit their dates with their games ( Not like PS3 ) because Microsofts games have been getting high praise lately ( Kiler Instinct, Forza 5, Dead Rising 3 and Project Spark all getting high praise from media. ) Only really Killzone is on PS4 from a disc perspective. The others I feel wont score to well based on media opinions.