[Perfect Stu]

releasing XBox 2 before PS3 will be a big mistake for Microsoft, for 3 reasons IMO:

1) You're rushing the system...milk the XBox for everything its worth, and give your fans a good 5-6 year lifespan for the system...cutting off the life of the XBox will anger some fans, who may then decide not to buy Microsoft's next system

2) By releasing Xbox 2 before anything else, Microsoft will lose the biggest wild card they have this generation: superior hardware (graphics)

3) Although Microsoft really can't avoid this, the XBox 2 will lose an edge on the competition. Built in hard drive and ethernet ports will be standard with the PS3.