Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 will be released simultaneously on both Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year – leaving Microsoft and Sony battling head-to-head for market share of the system-selling title’s fans.

Last year, Konami gifted Xbox 360 an exclusive ‘lock-out’ deal on PES 6 – and the console benefitted from huge huge sales. The title never appeared on PS3.

With PES 2008, the publisher has again decided against releasing a Wii version – leaving the console’s two more expensive rivals in their very own next-gen duel.

Konami told MCV that it is confident that the rebranding from PES’s usual numeric title to a chronological moniker similar to that of heated rival FIFA will prove an attractive proposition to lapsed gamers.

“Switching from PES 6’s numbered title to a year with PES 2008 will help casual gamers to identify the latest version,” Konami UK marketing manager Jon Murphy told MCV.

“We’re striving to improve quality and hope this will have an impact on sales, and building on a loyal fanbase which should strengthen the release.”

Murphy told MCV that Konami couldn’t comment on the improved online features, but that it would “announce more information shortly”.

The game will be released on PS3, 360, PC, PS2, PSP and DS in the autumn.