Oh nice, a Microsoft exec just started another flame war with PS3 folks

http://pixton.com/widget/1

I swear to God, sometimes I think Microsoft and Sony allow their executives to be interviewed simply to catalyze message board flame wars (and subsequent CrunchGear posts). Take this latest salvo from Microsoft, which says that the Sony brand (presumably PS3, PS2 and PSP) is “hemorrhaging” at retail. Evidence? Xbox 360 sales just showed a 53 percent year-over-year growth; PS2 sales are down 62 percent from last year (but doesn’t everyone on planet Earth already have a PS2?); and consumers see Xbox 360 as a better value, what with the Arcade SKU starting at $199.

I can’t imagine too many people arguing that the PS3 has had an amazing run thus far, but it’s not as if you’ll have buyer’s remorse the minute you crack open the box. You’ve got some of the same great games as the Xbox 360 does—Street Fighter IV, Resident Evil 5 being two recently released examples—and a handful of decent exclusives like Killzone 2 (even if it’s a bit simple, as some would argue). Look, some covert, secret police could round up All Video Game Systems Ever and I wouldn’t bat an eyelid, but these silly “my system is better than yours” is tremendously pointless. Be smarter than that, readers.

As for the numbers Microsoft referenced, yes, we know: Xbox 360 is doing better than the PS3, but why not mention how well the Wii is doing? Oh, right, because you’re “not” competing with Nintendo this time ’round. How convenient.

I guess all I’m trying to say here, friends, is to fly above this nonsense; you’ll get nothing but grief otherwise.