Microsoft Says Kaz Hirai’s Statements ‘Out Of Touch’

Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kazuo Hirai laid down the virtual gauntlet, saying that the Wii was not a competitor and that the Xbox 360 lacked longevity. So what does Microsoft have to say in response?

TheBitbag asked Microsoft director of product management Aaron Greenberg his opinion, and got quite a response in return. Greenberg said that it sounded like “an old hardware company that’s comfortable with its market position,” and that Sony is “out of touch.”

“This generation won?t be won over just hardware specs, but who can out-innovate when it comes to online and software,” Greenberg said. “This is the kind of stuff that?s in our DNA, and frankly moves the console war onto our home court.”

According to Greenberg, with the Xbox 360’s U.S. install base lead is up to 7 million, he can’t imagine “any scenario where the PS3 can catch up with us.”

“In fact, even if you doubled the current PS3 sales and the Xbox 360 remained flat, they couldn’t close the gap until 2014,” Greenberg said confidently.

Of course, Hirai was more than likely thinking in terms of worldwide sales, not just U.S. sales. But still, just over three years into the current generation, the rhetoric between Sony and Microsoft is only getting harsher. Maybe they should settle their differences over a friendly game of Street Fighter 4?