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PlayStation boss: Sony rules in consoles. Say what?

Sony Computer Entertainment's President Kaz Hirai says the PlayStation 3 is the top console. The numbers say otherwise.

Matt Hickey
With more than 15 years experience testing hardware (and being obsessed with it), Crave freelance writer Matt Hickey can tell the good gadgets from the great. He also has a keen eye for future technology trends. Matt has blogged for publications including TechCrunch, CrunchGear, and most recently, Gizmodo. Matt is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. E-mail Matt.
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Matt Hickey
2 min read

If there's one word that often fits Sony, it's "hubris." Sony Computer Entertainment America President and CEO Kaz Hirai likes to talk big, but I'm a little worried about what world the head honcho is living in.

Kaz Hirai SCEA

Kaz declared in the February issue of Official Playstation Magazine --in the same article he says the Xbox 360 "lacks longevity"--that he believes Sony is the "official industry leader" in the gaming console market. How does he reach this conclusion? After all, the PS3 is in third place, according to data from research firm The NPD Group.

"This is not meant in terms of numbers." Oh, well then. "Or who's got the biggest install base." Um, Kaz? "Or who's selling most in any particular week or month." Aren't those the indicators people look to when considering leadership?

"But I'd like to think that we continue official leadership in this industry," Kaz said. And I'd like to think I'm next up on the Amy Adams crush list, but that doesn't necessarily make it so.

He's got no kind words for Nintendo's Wii, either, basically dismissing it as a non-competitor. But Kaz, whether or not you like it, you're in a three-horse race. The Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 are all good consoles that go in very different directions. And we're all for rattling sabers. Both of those are good things for technology and for gamers; not only do they force the console makers to constantly one-up each other, but they give the users far more choice.

But that old adage is true: Actions speak louder than words. When you overtake Microsoft in sales, Sony, I'll start listening. In the meantime, feel free to preach to your choir.