To answer the title....
Duh.

Tongue in cheek, I don't mean that offensively but you probably also knew which brand was stronger.

LOL DUH: Playstation. Nintendo is actually debatable, but Xbox has WAY less presence.

there is only one answer: Yes

Wecome to the site, I gotta say I agree on all points, especially about the online fee requirement, since if Microsoft made live free (like they are doing for windows) it would force Sony to do the same as it should have been optional for both, because that does seem to hurt online communities and ease of use.

This is where I think Nintendo got it right with the Wii U at least.

True, but not all iOS device owners are gamers. So be aware of that fact when you compare it with consoles.

I'll just say this. Barring Nintendo rolling out with an insane and sudden spike in marketing skills and consistency and a willingness to go balls to the wall, PlayStation will never be seriously challenged for the crown.

Xbox frankly doesn't have the guns. Their only strength is their money, but only as much as the suits of MS allow. Halo is strong, but currently wounded, Gears is dormant, Forza is still just Forza, and that's really all they have worthy of note. Their hardware being weaker than the PS4 isn't helping matters since the gen turned into a pixel-counting pissing contest.

Nintendo has the guns for the fight, but we all know their unwillingness to go all in and their consistency is all over the place.

To go toe to toe with PlayStation requires. Both big guns and remarkable consistency in brand image management. That's what PS brings and anyone who wants to challenge them needs the same

Couldn't have said it better!! Agree on all points. It's refreshing to see so many sane and coherent thoughts on this thread! 

Lol! You are still wondering?

The answer to the first is and was always no. The answer to the second is and was always yes.

You don't just forget 599 US Dollars. You avoid it.

In spite of an awful launch, the PS3 slow-burned to second and (doubtfully) possibly even first when all's said and done because Sony was playing catch-up. They were hungry. It's a mentality I miss from them since the PS4 launched. It's a mentality that has me admiring Phil Spencer and the turnaround he's made for the XBO; I'd actually consider maybe buying one in 2017ish now.

I wish Sony would have stayed hungry after the PS4 launched and dominated, because it now feels like they were just prepping to win from the gate and coast from there. We've had maybe three exclusives worth buying in over a year, and several hype machine disappointments. PS+ has dropped in quality (somewhat understandably) since they forced subscription. We got a bad TV show, a cable service without Disney, and a rental service as an attempt to expand the PS branding. It almost feels like they're Wii levels of cocky right now. 

My point is that while the PS brand is clearly stronger, it's also straining right now. Consumer-wise it will always win*, but quality-wise it's on a downward trend, and that disappoints me. We've seen what Sony can do when they dominate, and they're leaning PS3 cocky instead of PS2 confident. And I'm sure this disappointment will resonate just as well in my head when I cave and buy my PS4 in a few weeks. 

(*You never know with Nintendo) 

Xbox is pretty much US/UK only while Playstation appeals WW. Is there anything left to say?