Sony boss attacks 'copycat' Microsoft

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it seems that Kaz Hirai, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, has not heard of the adage given the trouncing he gave Microsoft recently.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it seems that Kaz Hirai, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, has not heard of the adage given the trouncing he gave Microsoft recently.

In the latest issue of Sony's Official PlayStation Magazine Hirai lambasts the Redmond giant for copying the Japanese electronics firm in everything it does.

"I wish that they would come up with some strategies of their own, but they seem to be going down the path of everything we do," he said.

"Every time we go down a path, we look behind and Microsoft is right there. We just can't shake these guys."

But it may be safe to say that one avenue down which Microsoft will not be following Sony is in the pricing of the games for its next-generation console.

In the same interview Hirai hinted at the cost of the games for its much delayed PlayStation 3, and consumers will probably not like what they hear.

"I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and [charge] US$99.99. If the price becomes a bit higher than $59 don't ding me, but I don't expect it to be US$100," Hirai said.

Some reports believe this means that consumers can expect PlayStation 3 games to be priced at between US$59 and US$99, which is higher than initially expected.