Recently surfaced news confirmed that Microsoft will be charging Xbox360 accessory makers licensing fees. Raising concerns among crowds that the move might result in steep accessory prices for the average consumer. Microsoft has also included, industry's first ever, encryption hardware inside the Xbox360 to make sure that no one violates the new licensing parameters set by the giant corporation.

Hot on the heels of this news, some insiders close to Sony suggested that the upcoming Playstation3 may be just as “open” for 3rd party accessory makers as the PS2. A statement true in a sense, as Sony has never actively pursued anyone in the past for not paying licensing fees for its PlayStation brand accessories. On the other hand, Microsoft and Nintendo find this as a perfect opportunity to raise yearly revenues and go so far as to sue those violating the procedures.

Both of these approaches have their pros and cons. While Sony’s way can help consumers find a lot more accessories on shelves with a decent price tag. At the same time these cheaper products can’t be guaranteed to last long enough like their licensed counterparts.

In the end, it all boils down to consumers wishes. We're sure that all of these Gaming industry giants are well aware of the needs of their respective fanbase and will do whatever they can to satisfy each and everyone of them.