SNES played second fiddle to the Genesis. I really don't think there is much of an argument about that. SNES might have been successful, but it definitely played the N64 to Sony's Playstation.
Coding... considering how easy it is to code for the X-Box and Gamecube, I don't think that enters into the equation. As for cost of production, come on, if Square doesn't know that FFX or FFXI would sell like hotcakes on either the Box or the Cube, you're nuts.
While there are no games that couldn't be ported from the X-Box now, just wait. They are coming this year. I think Marrowind comes out this month and I don't think you can play that without a HD, but I'm not sure. Oh and Project Ego of course.
I keep on saying things change, because you are adamant about stating that Square will never come to X-box becasue the X-Box won't outsell the PS2. If you really thought that things change, then you would recognize the fact that they COULD change their stance.
As for the LEGAL ramifications of Sony's ownership in Square, I don't really give a rat's crap about legalities. I work in the marketing/business community. The REAL world. I know what goes on behind the scenes, and legalities play a very small part of it. Businesses basically treat laws like American football players treat their rules: "Its only illegal if you get caught."
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