(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The winner(s) of the next generation consoles won’t be decided today alone, but certainly getting out of the gate quickly provides an advantage. Some might say that all three “big guys” (Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft) have gotten off to a relatively lazy start. Microsoft, however, seems poised to fix that by buying powerups: they’ve sponsored the entire “Video Games” section of Amazon to prominently display “Sponsored by Xbox One / Microsoft”.

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This is a somewhat curious move, because Amazon would be showing these games regardless, eager to get in pre-orders and notifications before their retail competitors. Right?

Not necessarily. Microsoft could be spending big dollars to undermine Playstation 4′s visibility during E3. As the rumor goes, Microsoft is offering sponsorship deals where possible to prevent Playstation 4 games from appearing online and on stage, ensuring the Xbox One gets maximum visibility, thereby artificially inflating the console’s value as the better gaming console.

This Amazon sponsorship may or may not be part of this rumored strategy. We’ll have one eye on the TV, one eye on the web live streams, and one eye on Amazon’s website to see where this story leads us. But wait, Rob, isn’t that 3 eyes? Yes… maybe that’s why they call it E3.

Do you think this is a smart business move or a cheap winning tactic? Or are critics like ourselves reading too far into Microsoft’s happenings?

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Cheap Winning Tactic for sure

Ill agree, as some might see this as a smart move by them. I see it as a cheap way to make people think the console is better when its really not, there just trying to make a monopoly out of the gaming industry and you will see more of this from Micro$oft

Microsoft won't just give up, will they...

They Did it because there losing to Sony

Losing without honor, Xbox One exclusive. At least they should make it less obvious, and be smart to start investing in their shitty console than in fucking lame advertising and sponsorship.

Absolutely a cheap winning tactic. Paying to win the hearts of ignorant souls eh? That's just way too low. All this did was show me how much of a greedy corporate f*ck Microsoft is becoming (or has become?).

Micro$oft. Typical.

Whatever makes them lose money faster.

microsoft is the cancer of the gaming industry.