Sony dunked this one (and MS) like Karl Malone back in the day. And I'm not even a Sony fan, I play games on PC or Android tablet. But the strategy and execution were great. They kept it really simple, and for once they listened to their audience and their PR people, who were both saying the same thing.

Gamers don't like systems that require always-on internet, they like to be able to trade in and buy used games, and they like good value. Gamers outside the US/Western Europe/Japan even more so. Sony gave the audience what they wanted, and in the process royally screwed MS, giving themselves a huge advantage for years to come. Easy win for them, all they had to do was nothing. Battle didn't start yet and it's already over.