I’m still slowly recovering from the Las Vegas desert, where the nights were cold, but the Street Fighter action was hooooooottt. 

Sure, we had some 7-story RE5 action, but my highlight of Capcom’s trip to CES was of course the Microsoft vs Sony vs Capcom Street Fighter showdown, spread out over two nights. 

The first night was to determine the Microsoft champ, featuring Major Nelson’s squad and Capcom Unity members.  It was a great event, full of free play, friendly tournament trash-talk, Mad Catz sticks and pads, and some surprise celebrity guests.  Of course Microsoft’s community generalissimo Major Nelson (resplendent in purple velvet jacket) was there, along with SFIV producer Yoshinori Ono, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, and… Levar Burton.  Yes, THAT Levar Burton.  Street Fighter fans are everywhere! 

Josh L. pulled out the win for Team Microsoft, playing a freight-train Balrog to win a Street Fighter IV Collector's Edition, as well as a 3 year membership to Xbox Live and a shot at the TBD Sony champ.  Major Nelson was also nice enough to offer free 1 year memberships to everyone who won in the first round.  A gentleman and a scholar. 

Check out a few pics from the event here, or just switch on your Xbox 360!  Major Nelson’s video coverage of the event is the top story on the “Inside Xbox” tab, and the #2 story on “Spotlight.” You’ll find a taste of the tournament action, first-time player impressions about the game, plus me shaking my head like a spaz after a few too many “5-Hour Energy!” drinks.  Winners don’t do drugs! 

Next up is part two of the event, where we battle to determine the Sony rep, and the overall Microsoft vs Sony vs Capcom champ…