No doubt Microsoft is doing everything in their power to position themselves as a console leader. They've garnered a fair market-share but have yet to leap over the top. The question they probably sitting around asking is "why?"

Some lessons from history.

Being first out the gate doesn't necessarily make you the winner. Plenty of consoles and handhelds have come out with more power and quicker than others to fail or not take the lead. In the end, it's not about power, it's about games.

I never purchased an XBox for two reasons. One, it never had a game that I couldn't get somewhere else (like my currently owned PS2 or high-end PC). Two, the gamers that were exclusives were lame.

Another FPS isn't going to make me break out my wallet. Neither will some racing game. Unique adventure games and RPG's will on the other hand. Let's name a few. Crash Bandicoot (PS), Devil May Cry, God of War, Final Fantasy, Shadow of the Colossus. See the trend?

Each game was an exclusive, single-player title with something new to offer. Sure Microsoft can tweak marketplace and create ultimate online gaming but I'm someone that could care less about that. There are a lot of people of that opinion too. I would rather take a single player experience over a massive multi-player one any day.

In any massive multi-player the idea is you get to be connected to other people. The problem is you are connected to other people. Each person enjoys their game experience differently and I don't want to share mine with someone ten years younger than me that says stupid things and takes away from my fun.

So Microsoft, stop churning out cookie cutter multi-player titles and position yourself to provide unique solo experiences. It's something Sony has done well and look where it got them.