Microsoft Prepares Legal Action Over Sony Propaganda
Sony has been showing off the following chart, which supposedly shows a price comparison between the PS3 and Xbox 360:
You would think this is the creation of some half-joking Sony loyalist, but this is actually what Sony is using for marketing. Not only does it compare the cost of online, which is pointless right now since it’s still not clear if developers will charge individually on the PS3, but the way they add up the supposed price of the Xbox 360 is just 100% dishonest.
First off, they use the Core Xbox 360 price of $299, but then they add on $100 for the HDD, and $50 for the Wireless controller. I’m surprised they didn’t also add in $20 for a headset too. Anyways, the Xbox 360 ($399) comes with both the HDD and the Wireless controller (as well as High-Def cables and a headset, neither come with either PS3 model). The only way you’d end up paying the amount they’re adding up for the Xbox 360 is if you’re trying to waste money.
Then we have the HD-DVD drive. This is an optional add-on that will be used for HD-DVD movies only. It has nothing to do with games, but of course, that is why Sony is trying to focus on it. When you have nothing to compete in the games arena, move into technical numbers that are construed in such a way that it’s blatant intention is to confuse the mainstream consumer.
Microsoft is aware of this, and it seems they’ve had enough of the Sony hype train. It seemed MS and Sony were content with making jabs at each other back and forth in interviews, but when it comes to flat-out lying to retailers and customers, something else must be done. Microsoft is preparing legal action against this, so we can add one more lawsuit to the Sony pile.
Here’s another report, thanks to DavidGX for sending in the story:
First up, were you aware that to use your Xbox 360 Core system you’re required to buy the 20GB drive add-on, an HD DVD drive, a wireless controller, and an Xbox Live sub? We weren’t either. But hey, it says right there, “requires users to buy” and this is, in fact, a “fact sheet.” Of course, none of that’s actually true, and what’s more, were one to use the Xbox 360 Premium console pack in that chart instead of the Core pack, the total would be $399 for a console with that very same hard drive, wireless controller, and Xbox Live Silver subscription (which provides access to everything but multiplayer) — remember, kids, an HD DVD drive is not required to do anything but watch high def movies — it has nothing to do with high def gaming.
We hear Microsoft ain’t too happy about this chart either and is preparing certain legal action, namely because it could be misleading to otherwise unwitting retail employees selling customers game consoles this holiday season. Go figure.
P.S. -In the interest of fairness, it’s also worth pointing out the Wii browser is what will cost you after the first 6 months — not their online service. What’s more, if you download the browser before June of 2007, it’s straight up free. Otherwise, Nintendo hasn’t yet announced details of the cost of their online service so far as we know. Another nice one, Sony.
P.P.S. -We just confirmed with Microsoft that another Sony claim — that you need a memory unit or a hard drive to use the WiFi adapter — is also false. You can grab a Core pack with no memory card and plug in a WiFi adapter and get on your home network. Sheez Sony, did we mention we moonlight as fact checkers?
October 20th, 2006 at 6:53 am
I think there’s a point where it’s just, enough is enough. I think this is probably it. Sony just needs to fucking die already. I hoped they would lose this generation and get their act together for the next one. Now I’d like to see them just go away. Someone will take their place, I’m not worried about Microsoft having proper competition.
It’s not like others aren’t thinking about it … http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/square-enix/forget-rpgs-what-square-enix-really-wants-is-hardware-192689.php
October 20th, 2006 at 6:56 am
Just after typing my last comment I see on cnn a little mini-story entitled “sony’s troubles” talking about the battery stuff, ps3 production issues, sony’s stock being down, etc. Funny stuff.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:19 am
I’m all for MS pursuing legal action but that won’t really go anything to the PS3 launch or the Sony hype machine. They should do something that would force Sony to delay the launch entirely. That would be hilarious…
October 20th, 2006 at 7:20 am
I can’t wait any longer to watch the trainwreck this November.
Also, here’s a thread I made over on the Xbox.com forums all about this entry:
http://forums.xbox.com/7498563/ShowPost.aspx
October 20th, 2006 at 8:18 am
It’s not as bad as it looks people and this case will probably get thrown out as soon as it hits the floor. All Sony did was compare the PS3 core version to the Xbox core version and add how much it would cost to get them both on the same level. M$ just didn’t want the public to see that but most of us already knew that anyways.
October 20th, 2006 at 11:29 am
What part of your story provides evidence that MS is preparing legal action. I guess since you say it it must be true.
Nothing in that chart is inaccurate…its misleading…but not inaccurate. And that distinction really matters when taking legal action. Now, if they had said that the stand alone core costs 600, then that woudl be a lie, and legal action would be possible.
So again provide me with actual evidence that MS is taking legal action, other than just your word.
October 20th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
I’m sure MS has no case in this debate. The ps3 and 360 debate has been going on for sometime, and this post only further proves that the 360 is a less powerful system, with higher price. No good games, until a year later, as well. The thing Sony was trying to say was that the 360 requires these attachments and such to make it equal to the new playstation console. If MS wanted to throw all of these add-ons around the world, and make more money, then that’s all fine and dandy, but when they are caught and Sony uses it to market their system (something everyone has been saying is pricey) then all of a sudden MS has a problem. Required or not, this’ll only further shows how much of a deal the ps3 is, and the stupid court issue will help Sony in the long run, probably as they expected.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Some guy, do you not see the bolded text? That is what Engadget is saying, and engadget is a very credible source. And imo they do have a case. It specificaly states that buying a Xbox 360 Core System also *requires users to buy* everything that it lists, and it doesnt say that it requires useres to buy everything on the list to match a PS3 because it doesnt say so.
Now in addition to that bull that they pulled out of their asses, they added a wireless controller. If they were trying to show exactly how much it would cost to get what you get with the PS3, why did they add that? If I were to buy a core and a wireless controlerr I would have 2 controllers verses the 1 controller that I would get with a PS3.
Beyond that, do you not remember the 1080p propoganda that Sony started stating how HDMI is the only way to get past HDCP or how the 360 doesnt output it naitevly? If you publicly lie about a competitors product you will get sued.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
The charts do NOT say that “this stuff is required to equal the functionality of the ps3″. It just says “REQUIRED”. There’s a difference. It’s highly misleading.
“, and this post only further proves that the 360 is a less powerful system, with higher price. No good games, until a year later, as well.”
After all the lieing sony has done to it’s fans, you still support them? Every time they lie, show fake game footage, bullshit, scam, etc they spit right in your face. And you STILL support them? Why? Do you think it’s just xbox 360 fanboys bashing sony? Sony is some beacon of truth and justice in the gaming industry and we’re out to spread lies about them?
Everything negative said here about sony is the truth. They’ve done nothing but lie and bs every time they’ve spoken about the ps3, it’s powers, it’s features, it’s games, etc. Why anyone, after all of this would STILL jump to defend them is beyond me. But you can save your breath if you’re here to share with us the “awesomeness” of sony, no one who’s a regular of this website is going to buy it.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:18 am
“After all the lieing sony has done to it’s fans, you still support them? Every time they lie, show fake game footage, bullshit, scam, etc they spit right in your face.”
I must say that Microsoft has spread far more lies and B.S. propaganda than Sony. Sony has mostly stayed quiet and is about to put out what looks like the best system.
I’ll agree that that price chart is biased, but that’s a pretty minor deal. They only place I’ve even heard about it is on Microsoft fan sites like this one.
How about all the Microsoft lies about Blu-Ray and 1080p (still impossible and meaningless?) and “Sony has no online strategy”.
October 21st, 2006 at 2:43 am
You know, everyone here seems to be b*tching and moaning about Microsoft and Sony, which is fine. But I knwo I can’t be the only one who looks at that list and says, “D*mn, can’t wait for that Wii…”
I hate how every conversation about the new consoles has basically been Sony Vs. Microsoft. Either that, or some Nintendo Fanboys preaching how Nintendo is great, and everyone else can suck.
October 21st, 2006 at 5:11 am
personally i find that chart sickening, Sony just mashed a whole lot of keys together on the keyboard to come up with those prices.
Over here in Australia, the PS3 release price is around $AUD 1000.00 for the basic console and $AUD 1200.00 for the premium console.
the Xbox 360 over here costs $AUD 654.00 for the premium console, that includes:
- 2 free games
- 2 free wireless controllers
- 20GB HDD
- Wireless headset
- 12months free access to Xbox Live
the only thing i would have to purchase in order to make it equal to the PS3 is the HD-DVD drive, and even when you factor that in, it is still $AUD 300.00 cheaper than the premium PS3 (plus you get all that really cool free stuff with it), some shops are even offering a free Xbox360 carry bag with your Xbox 360 (the case costs around $AUD 30.00)…
Personally, i wish sony would just die, die a horrible gruesome death…
October 21st, 2006 at 9:11 am
ipanan said,
October 21, 2006 at 1:18 am
“I must say that Microsoft has spread far more lies and B.S. propaganda than Sony. Sony has mostly stayed quiet and is about to put out what looks like the best system”
First, how about something to back up your arguments? If MS has indeed spread more propaganda and lies than Sony, why don’t you tell us what those lies are? And looks like the best system? How can you tell if the console hasn’t even came out yet?
“I’ll agree that that price chart is biased, but that’s a pretty minor deal. They only place I’ve even heard about it is on Microsoft fan sites like this one.”
It’s understandable that any “sony fan-sites” aren’t eager to publish this kind of shit.
“How about all the Microsoft lies about Blu-Ray and 1080p (still impossible and meaningless?)”
What lies exactly? And do you know enough facts(not given by sony) about the Blu-ray and 1080p to say that the “lies” you claim MS to have made are actually lies? How do you know it’s not meaningless? Have you perhaps played a PS 3 game and witnessed it yourself? Oh yeah, I forgot, the console’s not even out yet!
“and “Sony has no online strategyâ€Â.”
This one is the best. Yes it does, Microsoft’s online strategy!
Angel said,
October 20, 2006 at 3:31 pm
“No good games, until a year later, as well”
XO: “No good games, until a year later, as well”
PS3: “No fucking game console until next year!”
October 21st, 2006 at 6:25 pm
Please, Microsoft fanboys just sit down. I’m not a Sony fanboy and this chart is despicable, but the bull you’re typing is insulting.
Stop being a fanboy (to ANY company), and objectively compare the systems.
October 22nd, 2006 at 5:56 am
Well if you sony fanboys like taking it up the ass so much, why not just become a white-house page? At least that way you’d get paid instead of having to pay yourself.
October 22nd, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Did any of you Sony fans -read- the statement above?
“First up, were you aware that to use your Xbox 360 Core system you’re required to buy the 20GB drive add-on, an HD DVD drive, a wireless controller, and an Xbox Live sub? We weren’t either. But hey, it says right there, “requires users to buy†and this is, in fact, a “fact sheet.†Of course, none of that’s actually true, and what’s more, were one to use the Xbox 360 Premium console pack in that chart instead of the Core pack, the total would be $399 for a console with that very same hard drive, wireless controller, and Xbox Live Silver subscription (which provides access to everything but multiplayer)  remember, kids, an HD DVD drive is not required to do anything but watch high def movies  it has nothing to do with high def gaming.”
Yes M$ has a case. Their lawyers wouldn’t advise M$ to sue if they couldn’t. Thats how it works. I work retail and if I see you take something from my store and if you get hurt while I try to stop you, you can sue my store. Even though you stole from me!!!! I’m sure misrepresenting a product of a major company is grounds for a lawsuit. I’m sure its going to cost both companies a lot of money and I’m willing to bet M$ has a lot more money than Sony (especially since Sony had to take out a HUGE loan for advertising the PS3 in the first place).
And we all know each PS3 is a $300 hit in the pocketbook of Sony at this point in time as well. Doesn’t look good for the boys in blu, but they shouldn’t have played with fire. Never has M$ said “you are -required- to buy these extra items (for the PS2) which make it more expensive than our product”(XBOX). You just can’t falsly represent your competition as if you know it is fact, especially when it isn’t. Sony knowingly put out false information on the 360 and Wii to slow sales of their rivals. They deserve what is coming and if they get off easy, they’ve learned their lesson.
-V
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:55 am
[...] UNSCleric.com has also hit 100,000 readers! The huge response to the story posted on Friday about Sony’s slander against Microsoft and Microsoft apparently preparing legal action of some kind brought the most readers I’ve ever had in such a short time, and also pushed the site over the 100,000 number. There’s also an incredibly huge thread over on Xbox.com talking about the entry, you can see that here. The story is finally fallen off the front page of Digg.com’s gaming page, but is still on the second page with over 600 diggs. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to the thread or to the comments here. Tens of thousands of people are reading what you have to say. [...]
October 23rd, 2006 at 6:43 pm
This post is full of idiots.
the PS3 console price comparrision chart is used to explain what you would need to match the capabilities of the PS3 20GB model.
Notice, for the PS3/Xbox360, the DVD cost is 0 dollars. They mean DVD video viewing.
For the Wii, it’s marked N/A, because the Wii, despite having a DVD Drive, can’t play DVD movies.
Seriously, use your brains, not just your eyes.
October 24th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Calling everybody names is not a good way to start a reply when trying to ptove something.
Anyways, the price comparision is most likely not the main thing they would take legal action over. It’s the fact that Sony claims you need an HDD or memory card for WiFi (second chart), which is yet another lie.
October 25th, 2006 at 6:40 am
I smell failure.
October 25th, 2006 at 7:32 am
Hahah oh dear this would be one stupid move if Microsoft actually do sue over it the chart is harmlessly showing that you get more for your money with a PS3 no harm whatsoever, hmm seems like M$ are shitting their pants already.
October 25th, 2006 at 8:21 am
Could someone give Ronny some reading comprehension?
Anyways, the price comparision is most likely not the main thing they would take legal action over. It’s the fact that Sony claims you need an HDD or memory card for WiFi (second chart), which is yet another lie. You can’t flat-out lie about the competition and call it a fact.
October 25th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Sony are probably going to go out of the console business soon enough because they are losing their fans rapidly from lying and treating them like crap. Most the people who are still supporting the ps3 after reading this are retarded.
October 25th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
If i was an 360 owner i’d be pretty pissed at this… Sony just keeps the propaganda garbage rolling… One thing i noticed besides the 360 bullcrap is that it says the Wii dont evn have Wifi, i looked that up & it does… Sony for me is dead as a company i have bought 3 Sony products in my life (Sony rear projection tv, PS2 & a Sony Dvd burner) & all have had to be replaced because they’ve died… I dont know if this is just bad luck or shotty products but i aint trusting anything Sony says or thier products again…
October 27th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Ok, not to start a fight, but at last check, MS’s 360 launch wasn’t too great either. And to clarify something, I thought a hard disk (or memory unit) was required for ethernet hookup, which I think is what the wifi thing was getting at too. I don’t own a 360 so I wouldn’t know. I’m waiting to see sony’s system to buy any of them, as both companies seem to be lying pieces of cr*p. My prediction is that the Wii will be the top console because people will get tired of the huge corporations spouting bs at each other and settle in for some bizarre motion sensored gameplay.
October 27th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Sony is the most insacure company ever. I can’t believe they would stoop this low. i always respected them until microsoft came into the picture. They did screw nintendo over back in the day… and anyone reading the article that can say by the end, I think sony is doing the right thing and they are better and that they didn’t lie… well you are already suckered in… I will tell you from someone who loves games in general… the Wii will do better then anyone says… the 360 is doing better then anyone will tell you… and even all those guys who say that they don’t car they have to pay more for the ps3, wont admit that they only like the idea of having a ps3 because they are under the usumption that it is better and that more money means more quality… i own a 360 it is great… and yeah not all games are that great for it… but how is that MS’s fault? did you ever think about it that way… blame the company that made the game not the company who made the game system… sure you all will poke fun at me and pick apart my words and comb through it for facts… but this is my opinion and you can’t change it much like i can’t change yours… all i can do is show you a different way of thinking…
oh and i hope MS sues sony so bad that they really feel it up on the top floor. Do i think that microsoft has done only good… no… they dvd drive on the original x-box failded on me… do i care…no… they bought from the wrong company and had to deal with that… no company perposely would screw over their money pit (the consumers) I will tell you as much as people want you to think this, playstations have failed too… did you ever hear about the ones that did on the ps2’s launch… i can’t believe people could be so tunnel visioned… and if i missed anything feel free to bring it up… if you insult me or my intelligence it will not be taken kindly.
I respect your descion to support anyone you choose… so do me a favor and let all of the supporters for either the wii, the 360, or even the ps3 live in their perfect little bibble where their system is king and yours is the slave biulding it’s monument… Okay.
-Bearshark1 (x-box live gamertag)
October 28th, 2006 at 8:57 am
No Zer0, you don’t need the HDD for the ethernet port…
Both the Xbox and the Xbox 360 came with everything you need for high-speed online play.
October 28th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
if i hear another person say that the chart just shows what the box would need to be equal to the ps3, im gonna puke. IT FUCKING SAYS REQUIRES YOU TO BUY! CAN YOU FUCKING SONY FANBOYS NOT READ? get the dicks out of your asses and take a literacy class.
October 31st, 2006 at 10:29 am
Duh, requires users to buy in order to be equal to the ps3 obviously.
October 31st, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Ronny, never assume, when you assume you make an ASS out of U and ME, it says requires to buy, doesn’t say REQUIRES TO BE EQUAL TO THE PS3. In business and law you must be precise to the point and not make loose meanings or facts
November 16th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Thank you,”That one guy said” Thanks for the Cell quote. Loved the book. As everyone is, i’m tired of Sony’s arrogance in this market. Honestly if this article got announced on national TV or international tv for that matter It would help put Sony in its place.
January 25th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
[...] This is almost as bad as ripping off the idea of the Guide button for the PS3 controller (among other things), or the deceptive price comparison chart that Sony was handing out all summer long at conventions. In the end, this just ends up being as funny as Sony’s failed attempt to rival Xbox Live with its own online “network”. [...]