The Long Bomb: Will 2008 See the Revenge of the PS3?

Sony is looking good for the first time in a while. Blu-Ray has won the HD format wars, some big titles are finally coming to fruition this year, and Sony just reported going into the black after two years of seeing red. It seems that the PlayStation 3 could turn it all around this year.

The slick black machine is gaining momentum in sales and the Wall Street Journal is calling the company's stock a good investment for bargain hunters. It's not going to be easy, but the PS3 could feasibly climb out of last place in the console wars by 2009.

Several factors are going to play a part in making or breaking Sony in the next year. Clearly software is going to be the number one issue, and with many upcoming titles to choose from, it looks like Sony is covered on that front. From multi-platform games like GTA 4 and Fallout 3 to the all-important exclusives Metal Gear Solid 4, Resistance 2, LittleBigPlanet, and Killzone 2, the PS3 looks to have a definite edge in the coming year.

Another important factor is going to be the release of Home. The PS3 has come under fire for its lackluster online support, but Home could step up to challenge Xbox Live when it launches this Spring. Smaller refinements are showing up as well, including better PSP support and the upcoming release of a true DualShock controller. While these may not be console movers when taken alone, they can certainly go a long way in making a $400 purchase more palatable.

Developers are also showing less fear when working with the PS3, with one going as far as to call it "crazy-easy". Look for that to cut down on release differences between multi-platform titles in the near future, both in terms of delays and graphical discrepancies.

It's not all sunshine and roses though. The PS3 has its work cut out for it, and it's going to be an uphill battle to dethrone Microsoft's reigning Xbox 360 or Nintendo's family-friendly Wii. As much as Sony has denied it in the past, market share is the name of the game; as of this writing, they just don't have the numbers. That said, the PS3 has been closing the gap recently and seems poised for a strong comeback. We'll just have to wait and see. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure – 2008 is going to be one awesome year for PS3 owners.