Note: I am very biased against Sony due to their CD Rootkit fiasco and general crappy attitude about everything.
I think that the PS3 is going to struggle struggle struggle. The price point is too high for widespread acceptance (Neo-Geo, anyone?) and Sony's already dropping hints that games are going to be more than $60 as well. Sony's been touting the Blue-Ray player as this wonderful thing, but at the moment VERY few households can take advantage of the full-quality playback offered, and it's expensive, TV-wise, to support it.
Developers have also been complaining that the PS3's cell architecture is extremely difficult to program for, which is discouraging developers from bringing out hot new titles for the PS3. Sure, there will be some out there, but it's not encouraging new growth.
Finally, the price. I realize that I've mentioned this point before, but it's such a big deal that I felt it worth mentioning again (with apologies to Kryten). For the additional amount you pay for the PS3, you're not getting a game platform that's significantly better than the Xbox 360. One of the Xbox 360's biggest strengths is the Live service, and while Sony is developing one for the PS3, it's no where near as mature as Live is. If Sony doesn't get this right on the first try, it's going to discourage people from getting the system.
I personally hope the entire company tanks, and tanks hard, but that's just my opinion.
Youch. Last year it seemed that Sony was roaring toward another landmark console release. The mainstream press was rolling with the hype, running articles touting the "Supercomputer in your Living Room." (Forbes) But throughout 2006 there's been a shift in the winds, most notably after Sony's dry E3 press conference. The real problem seems to be Sony's aggressive promotion of the Blu-Ray DVD as an integral part of the console launch, which is causing delays and (possibly) consumer resentment.
