January 16, 2006: All fanboys of any system have to have their demi-gods, their 'false idols', and for the Xbox community Microsoft bigwig Steve Ballmer appears to be emerging as an unlikely figurehead. "Sony has no strategy for an online service," the CEO told Investor's Business Daily, affirming simultaneously that Microsoft will beat Sony in this generation. He told the magazine again that Microsoft will have shipped 4.5 to 5.5 million Xbox 360 consoles by the end of June, and that the new system is off to a "very good" start indeed.

Of the Xbox 360's disappointing start in Japan, Ballmer remained bullish, "I'm not sure we're going to beat Sony in Japan this generation. Maybe," he commented. This despite sales that were eclipsed by all other systems, the original Xbox excepted. "Nobody knows when PlayStation 3 is going to come. The rumours are it will come out in the spring, but only in Japan. And nobody knows what PlayStation 3 is going to cost. PlayStation 3 has a (Blu-ray Disc) drive built in, so who knows what the heck they're going to charge for the thing, because those are very expensive drives. Who the heck knows what the games are going to look like for PlayStation 3?" Ballmer quipped. "So, a lot of questions. And Sony has no strategy for an online service."

Fighting talk indeed. Of course, most of us with an unbiased view might have a little more faith in Sony than Ballmer, especially given that their dominance of the outgoing generation leaves them still holding most of the cards. More as we get it, regardless.