Sony PS3 press conference this week
by Alan Rose 
{ Mar 13th 2006 at 10:45AM }
After months of speculation and rumor concerning the PlayStation 3's projected launch, we may finally get some official answers from Sony as soon as this Wednesday. According to Koei CEO Kiyoshi Komatsu, Sony is planning a press conference for March 15 that may reveal long-awaited details of the console's availability. Ferrago is also reporting that a Taiwanese manufacturer won't begin assembling the PS3's circuit boards until the summer.
Given the potential development hassles Sony faces with cell processor and blu-ray drive production, and the fact that developers like Square Enix are still waiting for finalized hardware specs, there's mounting evidence that even a holiday release could be too much to hope for. Will Sony end our fanboy misery and spill the beans on the PS3 launch this Wednesday, or will they wait for Phil Harrison's GDC keynote next week?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 10:56AM
SE do have dev kits and supposedly they've been using them since before E3 2005. (At least they did for the FFVII tech demo)
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=9422
They might not have final versions of it, but is that expected at this point?
I see this confernce as an attempt to stimy the critiscm they've been getting lately. Right now it's trendy to make wild estimates about the price and release date.
Vader582 @ Mar 13th 2006 10:57AM
There are fanbois cutting their wrists all over the world...
copa @ Mar 13th 2006 11:10AM
Sony has no choice but to launch this holiday season, whether they are ready or not. They will do irreparable damage to the relationship with their software publishers (and risk mass defections to Microsoft) if they try to launch after Christmas in the USA.
This likely means that we won't have a bundled hard drive or an integrated online service on launch day. We are also likely to see product shortages a la XBox 360. The biggest question is going to be whether they can bring the price point under $500. If not, Sony's biggest problem could be demand, not supply.
Jeremy Wright @ Mar 13th 2006 11:11AM
#1: Unless I'm missing something, nothing in there says they have a PS3 dev kit. They could easily be developing for PS3 without one, after all, it just means that the critical "last mile" (ie: making the engine work on the platform) won't happen, and they'll likely hedge bets in terms of what's possible. It will also mean there'll be little to no optimization for the PS3 platform.
Either way, it'd be good to hear an official word from Sony on what's up.
Also, Probot, I've seen few people making "wild" estimates. Saying it might not happen this year isn't a "wild estimate", it's a sign of growing disillusionment - for which Sony is entirely to blame. They either have nothing to hide (ie: nothing spectacular) or nothing to show (ie: nothing spectactular).
Few people in the industry expect Sony to hit a home run at this point. Hell, few people expect the PS3 to match the 360 in any way but graphical power right now, and that's sad, given the dev / tech / market share lead that the PS3 had. To let the 360 innovate the hell out of the PS3 would be quite sad actually. I'd weap. No, really ;-)
Nico @ Mar 13th 2006 11:18AM
In an ideal world this conference would confirm a launch in japan in two weeks, 20 games ready for release, divx streaming media hub, a geat online service, 20 onscreen hd streams at once and preformance that destroys everything.
Oh how i wish. However it appauls me that gamers around the world would rather se the console bomb than be a success because of the brand. Are you people so caught up in marketing?
Anyway heres to hoping that the console is a groundbreaking success from a gamer thats been gaming for 25 years.
Kamalot @ Mar 13th 2006 11:22AM
The PSP has taught us a thing about Sony. Sony has no interest in making game machines. Sony wants nothing more than to control media formats. PSP is a way to sell you UMDs. There are more UMD movies than games.
PS3 is a way to sell you Bluray movies. Sonys movie studios can re-package the movies you already own and sell them for $35 a pop.
The PS3 is just like a PSP, only you cant take it outside.
Sense @ Mar 13th 2006 11:31AM
If I didn't agree that Sony can't miss this holiday, I'd say that we'll see a holiday launch in Japan, with a Spring '07 launch in the US.
It'll be interesting to watch either way.
Nico @ Mar 13th 2006 11:33AM
@ 6
No Sony wants to make money. Theres a reason the xbox has had huge losses. If sony can produce a gaming machine and finance the huge loss on hardware with sales of media then great.
Why are you acting like Sony peed in your cherios? I dont get it.. Theire a buisness, please stop with the ridiculous souless megacorp comments.
J B Cougar @ Mar 13th 2006 11:34AM
Since when did video games become so political? Press conferences? Spin? Viral campaigns launched in the underground? This sounds like a stunt my president would pull.
I imagine Sony will use this "important press conference" to tell us all not to worry and to expect some "big news" at E3. We owe it to them, you see, since they gave us such a grand old time with the ps2 and the PSP. My big prediction is that they still will not mention price or a date.
And, while I would love to agree 100% with #6, I do not believe the PSP was designed to sell UMDs, or that the PS3 was designed to flood the market with Blue Ray -- not entirely anyway. The PSP, ironically, is the PS2, and you still can't take it outside.
With the PS3 Sony is guilty, once again, of trying to corner 100 different markets with one device. The advice is the same as it has always been: design a device that does one thing, and does it well, and you have a good chance of making money.
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 11:34AM
June 2005
100 dev kits out
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/06/09/news_6127242.html
Jan 2006
4000 dev kits out
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/679/679086p1.html
SE has one of those 4000, and I'd bet they had one of the first 100.
A holiday release isn't wild speculation, but Spring 07 or $700+ is. It's just like when people said the PSP will cost $500. I'm not saying they are all accepted, but those types of speculations are made and some people seem to think Sony's silence is admitance of the legitamacy of those claims.
I'd like someone to explain this to me: Why does Sony care if I, as an average gamer, know the release date 6 months in advance? Or 3 months in advance? Or 1 month in advance?
What do they have to gain by showing their hand now?
They do lose from doing that though. There are still a few great games left in the PS2 library, better than most games I've seen for the 360. Rushing the PS3 will only stunt the last growth spurt from the PS2.
Ninegauger @ Mar 13th 2006 11:53AM
I know I've still got a bit to look forward to on the PS2. All RPGs but still...
And to somebody up there... we don't "owe" Sony anything, most of the best games on their platform are made by 3rd Parties. With the exception of course of the Jak and Daxter games and God of War... and I'll take Devil May Cry over that one.
If Sony has to choose one territory this Christmas they'd better be smart and choose North America... The 360 isn't going anywhere in Japan and anything you lose could be made up quickly while in North America they're going to be significantly behind by launch. Unless the 360 gets some major Japan-centric announcements between now and the Holidays... I'm talking Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy big.
All I know is every day I see a new Xbox 360 game that looks sweet and all I've seen on the PS3 is the promiss of DMC4.
But who am I kidding the only system I'm getting this holiday's the revolution... but after that I'll probably have to choose...
Kenofthedead @ Mar 13th 2006 12:08PM
I have a 360 (won it thanks to Pepsi), will be getting a Revolution (I love the controller from the TGS demos alone), and I will be getting a PS3 once they fix first generation bugs (usualy after 6 months).
So with that said, I hope Sony does worse this generation then the last two.
Not because I dislike Sony, outside of SOE that is, but because I want a much more competitive quest to be # 1 for all three.
To me the best moments in gaming have come when one company tries to out do the other and take that #1 spot.
A battle where it is closer to 33%, 33%, 33% with Phantom taking up that last 1% is something I would like to see.
Before anyone says anything, I know that won't happen.
I also would like to see the word "exclusive" mean something again when it comes to games.
It meant a lot during Sega vs Nintendo days, and even the N64 vs Saturn vs PS1 days, it can so again.
Oh well, as long as the games are good of course.
My 360 needs more games that I like, since I'll play FPS on PC if able over 360.
PS3 will need to not cost an arm and a leg, and I don't mind if they push back the release date as the PS2 still has plenty of great games coming out.
Revolution is looking fine from where it stands now, as long as it has the games.
Jeremy Wright @ Mar 13th 2006 12:11PM
#10: "I'd like someone to explain this to me: Why does Sony care if I, as an average gamer, know the release date 6 months in advance? Or 3 months in advance? Or 1 month in advance?"
Yeah, and why do movie studios release trailers? Why do novels have "and now, read a chapter from this author's next book" at the back?
Why, oh why, oh why... Let us ponder. Me, nope, I can't come up with a SINGLE REASON why they'd waste their money thus.
copa @ Mar 13th 2006 12:13PM
"Why does Sony care if I, as an average gamer, know the release date? What do they have to gain by showing their hand now?"
That's really a moot question. Sony has already committed to a release date: Spring 2006. They made the decision to show their hand.
The problem is not that Sony has chosen to release no information about the PS3 (which, as you point out, might have been a smart move).
The problem is that Sony HAS chosen to release information, lots of it. And as that information has proven to be wrong, or extremely worrisome, they have not been able or willing to correct it. They are creating the impression that they are a corporation that lacks the agility to adapt to a rapid marketplace, and that they may be committed to releasing a product that looked like a much better idea two years ago.
They have publically committed that there are no planned changes to a release date in Spring 2006. A couple of months before hardware production begins.
They have publically committed that families will need to make a significant financial investment to own a PS3. And they have since been undercut by a relatively affordable $400 Microsoft product.
They have publically committed that the PS3 is married to Blu-Ray. But we know that Blu-Ray will initially be expensive, that production has been delayed because of a mammoth DRM bureacracy, and that it provides limited benefit except to owners of HDCP-enabled HDTV's.
Contrast this with the information that Nintendo has released so far about the Revolution. No HDTV support, innovative new controller, marketplace for old Nintendo games. This information is consistent with a focused product release that could be quite successful. The information that Sony has chosen to release is considerably less comforting.
Andrew @ Mar 13th 2006 12:21PM
i think the reason they release a release date to the public is to stop people from buying a x360. if you know a "better" machine is coming you may be willing to hold off from buying until the ps3 is available.
Steven Dyer @ Mar 13th 2006 12:25PM
The way I see it is, if they announce on Wednesday that the PS3 wont be released till next year (2007 in the UK) then I will probably go out this weekend and buy an XBOX 360. I am a big Sony head, and am almost blind in my love for them. However, I am starting to see games now trickle through for the 360 that I really want to play, and I am not going to wait another year nearly to get into Next Gen gaming.
I mean, another year from now!?? Thats almost another generation of gaming in itself. It would no longer be a direct competitor of the 360, because it wont be released anywhere near the same time as the 360.
More worryingly for Sony is, I dont think I will be alone in my choice. I think if they do announce that it wont release over here til next year then a lot of people will just go out and buy the 360 if for nothing more than to see them through til then. Then microsoft will have an unassailable edge over them, especially as they will have had 2 festive seasons to themselves!
Also...how successful was the PSP? rubbish, brilliant hardware zero games. Sony are losing it. They've lost out in the Plasma TV world because they refused to adopt earl, they lost out in the MP3 market with their refusal to accept MP3, they lost out in the handheld market to Nintendo just because they have released fk all games, and they could be about to lose out their biggest brand to Microsoft. Its a sad time.
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 12:26PM
#13, Jeremy, you didn't answer my question.
If Sony starts marketing the PS3 now, they'll divert attention from the PS2. So they'll lose potential sales.
What do they gain by promoting it? People know it exists and they know it'll be out eventually. There are far more details about the PS3 than there are about the Revolution. While it's not likely to be kept, Spring 2006 IS the official launch date.
There are over 100 games announced for it, according to 1UP:
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3148332
What do you want Sony to tell you, and why do you want to know? What do you have to gain in knowing every detail about the PS3 months before it launches?
J B Cougar @ Mar 13th 2006 12:41PM
To someone up there, please look up sarcasm and then reread my comment on why we "owe" sony.
epobirs @ Mar 13th 2006 12:52PM
Probot, you have to be kidding when you claim not to understand a product launch date far in advance of the event itself. This is no different than car manufacturers previewing their line up for the following year or any other product that represents a major purchase for a large portion of the target audience. while for many well to do adults the purchase of a new console at launch for themselves or their kids is an easy decision, the investment comes far harder for those younger gamers who are avidly anticipating the product.
Keeping the consumers locked into saving up for your product instead of the competition is important. While many of us will own multiple platforms within the same generation there are many who feel that was letting the hobby get too much of their life. Sony has little to worrry about in terms of stunting the ongoing sales of PS2 hardware and software. The majority of the PS2 installed base isn't going to buy the PS3 at launch. If only 10% of existing PS2 owners plan to get a PS3 at its initial SRP that still equates to 10 million consoles sold. More than enough to establish the PS3 as a major publishing platform both for games and Blu-ray movies.
Locking down the details for consumers before the Xbox 360 builds serious momentum is part of the requirements they must meet. As 360s become easier to find at retail (the stores in my area still sell out quickly but say the shipments are coming more reliably and containing more units) Sony needs to give those who've been holding out to see what the PS3 really offers some reason to keep holding out instead of spending that money burning a hole in their pocket. Giving the press some real hands-on demos and a definite launch date and price is critical to keeping those consumers locked in.
A small number of consumer might put off a PS2 purchase but it would be a terribly small group. People looking to buy the PS3 at launch would almost certainly have gotten themselves a PS2 long, long ago. Those most likely to purchase a PS2 today aren't in the market for $400 or higher console. Those are the consumer whose PS3 will be sold to them around 2010 or later.
As for PS2 software, it shouldn't suffer much either. Sony has promised full backward compatibility (the reality remains to be seen but...) so any current software investment for current PS2 owners would be carried forward. Those who would rather hold on to their money in favor of buying PS3 games probably aren't buying many new games these days as is. In either case, Sony gets the money. That works just fine for Sony. Their objective is to keep gamers from buying the Xbox 360 and becoming committed to spending their money on its software.
MosquitoControl @ Mar 13th 2006 12:53PM
#15 - I'd say Spring 2007 for Europe is about right.
Someone said Holidy 2006 isn't a wild prediction, but Spring 2007 is. Hardly. Holiday 2006 is best case scenario. It might also be the likely scenario, but it's also best case. That gives Sony 8 months to get this together, assuming a November release. It's also very unlikely that they'll retread in MSFTs footsteps and go worldwide, so that's Christmas 2006 for Japan, Spring 2007 for the rest of the world.
Not a wild prediction, but a rather safe one given the information at hand. A rational one. Of course, Sony might have things up their sleeves, but it's rare for them to not trumpet themselves when they have firm details. And Sony might go worldwide, in an attempt to show how much better they are than Microsoft, but from a purely strategical standpoint that's like Hitler trying to one-up Napoleon by invading Russia in the winter.
And, to the guy that said hopefully they'll announce that they're launching in two weeks... didn't the Saturn teach you anything?
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 1:01PM
#14 Copa,
Every point you made is valid, and I understand all that. I'm just trying to argue against the idea that Sony needs to release more information about their console to hold people's interest.
But if clarification or confirmation is what people seek, then I can understand them not like the silent treatment from Sony.
As I said, the release date and price are non-issues to me because my knowing them won't affect anything. I'll concede that may be more important to others.
They have admitted to production issues with the Blu Ray drives:
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144963.html
While Sony is the in the hot seat because of DRM problems in the past, the stuff about only working with HDCP-enabled HDTV seems to be based on this IGN editorial:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/691/691408p1.html
A lot of that went over my head, and I'm not a HD person, so I could see how that would concern people interested in HD.
I do understand people wanting to know this stuff for sure. But, worrying about something doesn't mean it will break. And conversly, not worrying about it doesn't mean it will work.
I'm just trying to say that, though our discussions are interesting, they don't really have any effect on Sony.
epobirs @ Mar 13th 2006 1:02PM
It is meaningless to speak of the number of dev kits shipped to developers when that hardware is but an approximation of what the final product will be and cannot run code suitable for publishing.
People might recall the similar situation when the Xbox 360 dev kit was primarily a dual processor Mac G5 with an ATI video board. It was generally understood that this allowed for a lot of prototyping but fell well short of what devs would need to ship a game. The brief availability of final hardware before launch played a major rle in limiting the number and quality of the launch titles. If PS3 developers do not have the final hardware yet it is unavoidable that the launch of the product is at least three months later than the date when those final versions are received.
If October rolls around and devs still cannot test a game with confidence it will behave identically on a PS3 bought at retail, then Sony simply cannot launch in time for the Xmas season. Unless they were prepared to make a go of it with just Blu-ray movies and no games until well into 2007.
apoc06 @ Mar 13th 2006 1:02PM
#15) actually sony has regained steam in the HDTV market. their bravias are the top selling hdtv as of now. what are you referring to?
the handheld market was always nintendos' to start with. sony was the upstart, and to steal away ~30-40% of the marketshare belonging to a console thats had almost a ten year monopoly is quite a feat. sony was the underdog in that fight, and theyve held on in spite of the odds.
as far as the psp is concerned, games are still trickling out for it. to start developing games in a vacuum takes a while. theyve had a few solid titles come out, and they have more on the way. two metal gear titles, another GTA, siphon filter [which got great reviews at IGN], killzone, daxter[great reviews too], etc, etc, etc. if you own a psp, you should actually try playing some of the titles instead of just reading the reviews [which tend to be biased anyways; its a handheld, people expect it to be a ps3]
as for the ps3, i say wait and see. sony has all of the cards right now. we have to wait for them to show their hand before we blindly condemn them. you wouldnt condemn the revolution would you? we know just as much about both. actually weve seen more from the ps3.
besides, if sony takes this press conference to announce that they are selling ps3s at $299 a pop. and theres 50 launch games, im sure someone will STILL have something negative to say.
the pr blackout is about to come to an end, if the ps3 wasnt being released until 2007, why bother announcing anything until e3? even if we dont get the exact date, or price, im sure we will finally hear which items have made the cut and which were redesigned or left out. we will probably get a few more trailers or gameplay movies since devs have had all xmas to work on material, and the devs that presented back at e3 should be that much closer to finishing their titles.
xbox360dsPSP @ Mar 13th 2006 1:06PM
If you want to play next-generation games right now, pick up an XBOX 360. There are some great games on the platform and the next couple of months look entirely interesting release-wise. Get yourself an XBOX Live gold account and have a great time.
The PS3 isn't coming to these shores anytime soon. The boxes are clearly constructed out of unobtainium. Even with "superior hardware", the PS3's first generation batch will pale next to polished 360 titles. I fully plan on buying my PS3 next spring when there is some availability AND half-way decent games.
That said, I am not going to get sucked by Sony into another PSP-like experience. I bought my PSP at launch and was frustrated by the lack of software. Forget quality, there was simply nothing new to buy for a healthy stretch. Lumines, Burnout Legends, GTA, and SOCOM. That's the start and end of all the handhelds worthwhile titles. I've owned and played every game of relevance on it (including clunkers like smart bomb). The PSP is a console with only four titles worth your time. I certainly hope that its not the model for the PS3.
I don't want a multimedia device. I want a kick ass gaming console.
XBOX FANBOY @ Mar 13th 2006 1:10PM
HAHAHAHAHA XBOX FANBOYS AM CRY
Sushidrew @ Mar 13th 2006 1:22PM
I agree with xbox360dsPSP, I would rather have a lot great games on a console and not just buy a console for a few good games! I'm with my ps2 until spring of 2007 for ps3 unless they have a great launch list!! N64 was by far the console with the greatest launch titles for me.
Oh btw sort of off topic but, did you know this is also the same day Final Fantasy XII is going to be released in Japan? (Which is a very big thing right now)
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 1:26PM
#19 epobirs
If people spend money on PS2 games, they won't be saving money for the PS3. If they save money for the PS3, then they won't be buying PS2 games. That's the logic, and something of an assumption that NPD and other analyts are making. I'm just saying that's one argument against a massive PS3 marketing campaign.
The money is going to Sony either way, but if they play their cards right, they can get you to spend money on both, rather than choosing one or the other.
"Keeping the consumers locked into saving up for your product instead of the competition is important."
I understand that. And I'm not talking about that exactly.
I'm specifically talking about the price and release date. I'm generalizing, but a lot of chatter on forums and even Joystiq is about Sony not giving firm details about price and release date. I'm trying to argue against that specific complaint. That's all.
Convincing people to buy the PS3 is something else entirely. Personally, I don't expect anything like that until E3.
Probot @ Mar 13th 2006 1:30PM
"It is meaningless to speak of the number of dev kits shipped to developers when that hardware is but an approximation of what the final product will be and cannot run code suitable for publishing."
The only reason I brought up the number of dev kits was because the original story read something like "publishers like SquareEnix still don't have any development kits."
I was just pointing out that that isn't entirly true, since they've confirmed that a large number of kits are out.
SuicideNinja @ Mar 13th 2006 1:39PM
@ #4 Jeremy Wright: They would have to have some type of dev kit. They need an actuall cell processor to work with.
I personally like the direction Microsoft is going allowing their employees to get involved directly with the gaming community. Sony could learn from that example, but they are too strict on their business practices. It makes Sony seem really cold, especially when their executives don't talk about playing games, but rather how their products are superior and that they have no worries. Even Gates talks about playing games with his kids, so Sony should lighten up.
As for Nintendo...well just about everyone loves Nintendo in some shape or form. It seems to me that they embrace the support more than exploit it.
Personally, I'm having a more and more difficult time accepting the PS3 as I read about it. Bluray and HD-DVD's hardware DRM crap disgusts me and my non-HDMI-having HDTV, so that is far from a selling point. They aren't updating the controller, which is a necessity. They push features that are unimportant like 1080p resolutions that developers can't realistically use. Many of us are already expecting empty promises (learned from the last generation). But the games are what get my money; if they can't provide that...then the other two companies will be fine with me.
Sony probably should hold off until they are ready, and can provide a realistic price point. I would say drop the bluray drive, as it's really not necessary, but they are banking on it (one of their formats has to become accepted eventually, right?).
This should be interesting; the console leader can never seem to be at the top for more than two generations; they get cocky, and then they lose their lead. Will history repeat itself?
Eric @ Mar 13th 2006 1:47PM
#16.
I highly doubt that the PS3 would launch this year in the UK. And even if the PS3 launches a year and a half later than the Xbox 360 it's still in the same generation and in direct competition with it, just like the GCN/Xbox coming 1.5 years after the PS2.
Also, everyone acts like a 360 costs $400. It doesn't. Even though the Core package is useless, it doesn't change the fact that next-gen gaming can be had for $300, and I wouldn't be surprised if Sony released the PS3 is multiple flavors akin to the 360 Core/Premium.
mrBUCKET @ Mar 13th 2006 1:53PM
sony was the underdog in that fight, and theyve held on in spite of the odds.
Are you kidding me. Nintendo was the underdog in that fight. The psp was a monster graphically and everyone thought it would kill the ds and look what happened. A weak kids toy with two screens is beating in sales and games it. You are a pathetic fan girl.
Darth Pixel @ Mar 13th 2006 1:58PM
#22
You do realize 90% of all Xbox 360 launch titles were developed on dual processor Mac G5s with ATI video boards, don't you?
Why do you believe something similar can't be done for Sony's hardware?
Abstraction layers and OSes exist to shield developers from hardware concerns.
kay @ Mar 13th 2006 2:30PM
HHAHHAHAHA!!! Finally. Finally Joystiq admits they are sony fanboys. I quote: "Will Sony end our fanboy misery and spill the beans on the PS3 launch this Wednesday"
Thats what you get for being silly little fanboys!!
/runs back to playing GRAW on Xbox 360
Gonzo @ Mar 13th 2006 2:51PM
One thing's for sure, this is going to be a very interesting launch.
Sony is a big corporation and like any big corporation they're going to heavily weigh the how much money consumers are willing to spend with what they can give us as well as how much more they can get from us with addons, repairs, and services.
I'm expecting 3 things: 1 out by the Holidays, 2 very expensive, 3 some sort of exclusivity, like the Blue Ray
ACL Terror @ Mar 13th 2006 3:06PM
Disclaimer: I am a 360 fanboy at heart.
But Sony's decision of taking their sweet ol' time with news and announcements (and launch) are what's best for their business. They have learned from the 360's (too) early launch that taking their time on manufacturing and making sure chip yields, assembly line efficiency, etc. can be perfected through proper planning. This way, they can possibly shrug the monkey off their backs of the fact that the first wave of their game systems go kaput in someway or another within the first year or two of use. (Think of why 100 mil PS2s have shipped).
Regarding the console and controller designs: I assure you, they are listening to consumers for feedback on those concept designs they thought were pretty close to final, so don't be surprised that coming up with the final design could be one of the many reasons why they haven't launched.
And lastly, as a 360 fanboy, I would've really liked for the HD-DVD drive to have been implemented into the 360, even if it meant a release in the spring, summer or even fall of '06. The Blue-Ray (sp) implementation of the PS3 will give Sony some great 3rd party support just because it offers more space (hence more room to work with) than DVD9s (even though the DVD9s still suffice for the 360). Once devs demand more space for the 360, not having the HD-DVD drive into the 360 will bite Microsoft in years to come if they don't come up with next-gen DVD drive support.
Last note:
Stop saying that the 360 is competing with the PS2, it just pisses people off. I'm all for fanboy-ness, but that just adds belligerence to both sides. Hooray for consumers, period.
Lookin forward to Revolution and PS3.
Zsavior @ Mar 13th 2006 3:09PM
Wow we are the children dancing to the Pipers flute aren't we? As much as gamers that come to blogs like joystiq or engadget try to seem cynical, and knowledgeable, we swarm to any bit of sony news like lemmings to a cliff one following the other. There was no real news in that statement, it didn't really tell us anything at all, but some how the statement spawned into gamers either defending or accusing sony, as if the messeage was passed from ear to ear and finally we read SONY SUCKS.
We are actually speculating on the hype this man will say at this conference. Because make no doubt about it, he will say nothing negative or concrette about the system and up coming dates. What he will probably do is give more vague information to keep fans and enemies, itching like a crack addict going cold turkey. You want your PS3 faster don't pay attention, you want to hurt sony Don't Pay attention. The recipe is same for the sony fan and enemy, because we are the one creating the fever pitched atmosphere for them. We are the one giving them the permission to delay by holding interest in them, once our self created hype whether positive or negative stops sony will be in dead water and they will have to produce. In sony world no news Is good news only because we are creating the news for them
Uglypimp @ Mar 13th 2006 4:03PM
Why does everyone harp on the 360's launch titles? PGR3, Perfect Dark and Call of Duty 2 were GREAT games. They weren't killer apps but they were definitely fun, and Perfect Dark Zero could definitely be considered a classic.
Patrick @ Mar 13th 2006 4:25PM
Ahhh.. Isnt this the story the same as last Thursdays???
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/ps3-update-hinted-to-arrive-on-the-ides-of-march/
Arch @ Mar 13th 2006 4:50PM
heres the problem with alot of you, which i have read your posts. you say you want a 360 because you dont feel like waiting, and that the PS3 wont even be a competition because its like a completly new gen.
this isnt the case. AT ALL. sonys problem, is that, this is the SAME console that went official with its specs months ago. the SAME console that got the technology from the same time period as the 360, with a different architechture. THIS is what sony is worrying about. this is why they arent sending information. to keep the public thinking that because its coming later, that its superior. (which is what 100% of the uninformed public thinks.)
they are so caught up in bluray that its delaying their console. and if bluray only works with a certain type of HDTV, then what about the games? they wont even use them for games. everybody would hate them.they would have to buy new tvs. but still. bluray is delaying them and causing a stir everywhere else. everybody, such as most of you in here, are now questioning. THIS is the predicament they are in themselves. THIS is why its so funny, if you think about it, when they call the Xbox 360 the next dreamcast.
LaughingTarget @ Mar 13th 2006 4:55PM
Developing a PS3 game using alternative methods is probably not as viable as suspected actually. The 360 is based on existing technology. Existing, but beefed up a bit. Because of this, developing on a dual core G5 and an ATI board is reasonable, though they are not able to fully tap the entirety of the 360, but can still release titles for it.
The PS3 is a bit different given Cell. There is no close cousin to Cell available for anyone to purchase and use in a make-shift alpha or beta dev kit. Cell doesn't operate like any other existing processors, so Sony can't just jimmy one together for their developers to use. Plus, the Cell isn't even done yet, so giving out pre-release test units, let alone 4,000 of them, is a risky move. If the processor has errors in them, then the software won't function right on the real deal. This will translate into a more disappointing launch for the PS3 technology wise when compared to 360 launch software.
As for knowing release dates, well, Sony wants gamers to know when it will release to drum up pre-orders from various joints like GameStop and online retailers. Pre-orders do a good job of locking in software sales, which Sony gets a cut of. Microsoft opened up pre-orders for the 360 about 5 months in advance, so it is expected that Sony will do something similar.
At this point in the game, without any allowances for advance sales for retailers available yet, the earliest imaginable is November, because the pre-order window theoretically allows the earliest launch to be in August, but that is a bad month to release anything people want to buy as it is a back to school month, thus week sales.
Arch @ Mar 13th 2006 5:06PM
#40 . first paragraph. no. thats wrong.
"The 360 is based on existing technology. Existing, but beefed up a bit. Because of this, developing on a dual core G5 and an ATI board is reasonable."
THATS NOT TRUE AT ALL. THE 360 WAS ENTIRELY CUSTOM. even the new pcs out right now cant match video game visuals wise. they built it for the long run. it more acurate to say that the new pcs are based off the 360, but not there yet. yes i know your 1337 pc with 4 gigs of ram makes you think its better. its not. not for games. so please. devs dont make games for 4 gigs of ram. or even 2. or 1.5.
DocEvil @ Mar 13th 2006 9:35PM
"SE has one of those 4000, and I'd bet they had one of the first 100." (dev kits)
I think what's being missed here is that SE was specifically talking about the FFXI game when they said they are waiting to see final specs. Since this game is massively multiplayer, I think that the final specs of both the hardware and Sony's online service will be very important for development. I'm sure they are working away at other titles with what they have.
"I'm just trying to argue against the idea that Sony needs to release more information about their console to hold people's interest."
I think a big part of the answer to this is consumer confidence.
Sony has made a number of promises about the PS3 including things such as a spring release, cell powered 1080p games, 'Live' killing online services, Blu-Ray support, etc. and this creates a picture of the PS3 in the consumers minds. Then Sony suddenly went into media black-out while the rumour mill continued to grind away, rumours like Blu-Ray being expensive and plagued by DRM delays, online services not being complete at launch, cell (under?)powered 720p games, a delayed launch, etc.
As a consumer, these rumours eat away at my mental concept of the PS3, some of the rumours are founded on speculation and educated guesses but others are based on more reliable, empirical evidence and Sony's refusal to address any of these rumours, especially the most likely/reliable rumour (release delay) only gives all of them more credibility as a whole. Now, further reinforce that with developers going on record saying that they don't know what Sony is doing either and all those negative rumours suddenly become very tangible.
Meanwhile, Xbox 360 inventory is appearing on shelves for walk-in purchase and 'next-gen' quality games are being released.
I think it is VERY important for Sony to start talking, and soon.
slow news day @ Mar 13th 2006 10:59PM
Sony's fiscal quarter ends March 31st. They need to put these rumors to rest and either confirm that the PS3 will be delayed or they need to announce the new console.
Investors don't appreciate lies, so it'll be interesting to hear what Sony has to say.
Chucky's Cat @ Mar 14th 2006 1:00AM
I'VE BEEN SAYING IT FOR A LONG TIME FOLKS!!! It ain't gonna launch in 2006. Get it through your thick skulls. I've worked in advertising & marketing for over a decade and I can spot when someone is stalling in a major way. When a company is this far behind in their product developement the only reason for their announcements is to help prevent the loss of market share without truely disclosing how far the PS3 launch delay is. Anyone thinks it's gonna happen this year needs to contact me so I can sell them some swamp land at greatly inflated prices.
Oh ya another thing...I wish them luck on getting a brand new processor out in sufficient yeilds to meet their market demand.
scotty @ Mar 14th 2006 2:55AM
Sony are SOOOO obsessed with owning home media that they have literally thrown all thier eggs into the PS3 basket, I honestly beleive if the PS3 fails sony are done for. no wonder they're panicking to get it right. People complain that the X360 didn't have HDDVD support from the get go, yet Sony and it's hollywood bedfellows didn't even agree the DRM strategy for bluray till last month, think about it a technology platform which sony has committed as its media for the next 5 years didn't get consumer support till just a couple of weeks ago, Sony are taking big big risks right now
ProtossX @ Mar 14th 2006 7:50AM
Sony HAS Never been the under dog in the video game industry ok they were friggin BEHEMOTH IN all forms of entertainment an name more known by 1000x all over the world over nintendo you have no idea how big sony was while nintendo was around
Doesn't anyone realize that SONY acts like there GODS of every electronic device and when something gets big like video games sony says ok lets destroy nintendo an give people a machine that plays movies games with tons of media that nintendo can't deliver
SONY is evil CORP that destroys little companies an acts like there the TOP of everyhting they do computers tv's consoles
People need to realize sony isn't a nice guy company like microsoft an nintendo THERE A COCKY BRATTY COMPANY LIKE BMW AN MERCEDES
these guys are assholes I can't believe people actually like Sony when microsoft are 1000x nicer an friendlier to people
They want everything to be the best I mean what kind of attitude is that
Duckncover @ Mar 15th 2006 3:16AM
I can't believe the moronic comments on this blog. Someone actually said that the 360 is equaling the PS3 for power. Idiot!
The PS3 can take as long as it wants as long as it needs as long as it isn't rushed out like the 360. I have never used a more shoddy piece of gaming equipment than the 360. Updates srewing it up, poor networking hardware, next gen in graphics and nothing else. Do they really think a DVD is going to hold the data necessary to run games over the next 6 years? Maybe they expect you to buy another console in 3?
Another stupid comment about the online system. It takes barely any time at all to design an MSN clone. It's a piece of piss and someone actually thinks that if the PS3 releases this year it will be without it. The easiest thing to do out of all of it.
Hoping the PS3 is taking as long as it needs and not before in the 360's case.
Duckncover @ Mar 15th 2006 3:25AM
ProtossX - "They want everything to be the best I mean what kind of attitude is that?"
er...
The one of a company making the best console. I don't want a console made by nice people, I want one made to be the best. Sony are a corporation, Microsoft are a corporation and, oh my god, so are Nintendo.
They will be concerned about one thing and on thing only and that is making there share holders money. Microsoft will do it by buying technicnology, Nintendo will do it by holding a niche market and Sony will do it by shocking everyong with the PS3.