PS3: A tale of 2 SKUs

What happened to the & controllers and the dual HDMI. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Sony is NASTY.

Anyone else feel like they're not part of Sony's target audience any more?

It only has one hdmi.

I predict that the cheaper version will sell tons more. The majority of consumers don't need the extra features you're getting in the pro version.

lots of people have pointed out (correctly) that AACS will not enforce the image token downgrading for the foreseeable future. this means that the lack of HDMI ports on the 499US model really won't matter for at least the next couple of years. however, should the DRM issue be resolved and the AACS DOES move forward, future BR and HDDVD discs will be image scaled back to 540p. I'm not all for Sony, but I'm not against them, either, so I think it's important to mention that Microsoft, too, is going to run into huge problems with this same issue regarding the USB HDDVD. USB is an unprotected connection, the 360 doesn't currently support DVI although Microsoft says it certainly CAN, and most importantly even when it will, the console still won't be HDCP compliant. so barring a firmware solution, both the cheaper model PS3 and the 360 are kind of obsolete purchases IF the AACS moves in the next two or three years on the issue of digital rights management.

that said, the two-SKU plan is freaking insane. selling a bargain basment model that can't be upgraded to the good unit specs later is foolish.

one last: to all the people defending the cost of the PS3 compared to the 360 by means of tacking on the cost of Live and potential accessories, consider this: the average consumer really doesn't mind spending a little more money later on to augment a console. in fact, most people really don't even consider those sorts of things when choosing which system to buy, because they're OPTIONAL and you can spend that extra money WHENEVER IT IS CONVENIENT. you should really consider the facts straight up-- the 360 is two hundred dollars cheaper than the only model of the PS3 anyone should buy, and if Microsoft drops the price further it'll be an even bigger price gap. that's a tough sell for Sony.

just a thought...

At $600 are Sony trying to avoid the shortages, the 360 had upon release?

Surely the average gamer (myself included) would find it hard to fork out $600 for a new console...then there's the 2 million (or so) others who can and will pay.

Why not wait until the price drops in 2007? A few more games will hit the shelves and you'll have some decent options...

There's one reason why I think that HD-DVD may have a chance to beat out Blu-Ray. The cost of the dedicated players. I just checked Best Buy's site and the first HD-DVD player is priced at CAD$800 while the first Blu-Ray player is priced at CAD$1,200. As a consumer I know where I'm spending my dough. If MS sells the HD-DVD add-on for a reasonable price and soon (within a month or two), they can beat the Blu-Ray to market and Sony will be left holding their THIRD failed movie format (for those playing at home, those are BETA, UMD, and Blu-Ray). If MS lets Sony release first, or doesn't get enough of alead they will be letting them of the hook.

XBox360 ($400) + Xbox360 Wifi ($99) + Xbox360 HDD upgrade from 20->60GB (??) + Xbox360 HD DVD ($99?, yea right!). That adds up boys and girls, we're talking over $600, and we're not even factoring all those charge n' play stupid kits that should have come in the Xbox360 box.

You guys remind me of the people who whine about gas going up 3 cents. Look at the big picture.

Sony stated that their PS3 online services like friends listing, text messaging and player profiles etc. will be free of charge. Did they say how much subcription fees for online gaming would cost? Will there be a monthly fee charged by them or will it be done on an individual third party basis like on the PS2?

#103
I noticed that as well, its weired that they mentioned what was free but conviently didn't mention playing games online.

To be honest I cant see sony giving up on $60 yearly subscriptions that MS get. Say 10 million subscribers (easily) that equals $60m per year for doing nothing, MS have already proved people are prepared to pay of the system is reliable.

I wonder what will happen this holiday season when the main stream press, the newspapers and non-gaming magazines right articles comparing the systems.

They'll look at price (huge difference), quality of graphics (little difference), number of games (360 100odd titles by then).

I dont think it will make good reading for Sony execs.

Well folks, I will start off by mentioning the awesome beauty that was SNK's NeoGeo. Remember this system? The most powerful of consoles for many many years? Released in 1991 for the sum of $600 dollars and the first couple generation of games for $150-200? I wanted one so bad, I concocted skeems to sell my dearly loved genisis and super nintendo and all my games just to buy a used Neo and one game LOL. Of course, years later I did start my collection, which has been replaced by emulation...but I digress. Even though that was 16 years ago and with inflation, would probably be in the nieghborhood of $1000 bucks if it were releaed today, its still close enough to call comparisons with the PS3. Sure, I'll buy a PS3, when it comes down to around 300 bucks (I always wait for system to get cut in half...takes about a year, but worth the extra couple hundred, and by that time, plenty of cheap used games too!) But come on, 600 bucks! pluse $60-70 per game?!? And with people being crunched financially as is with gas prices and cost of living skyrocketing, I just dont see people having several hundred dollars to shell out for a new toy. And toy is the key word. Yes, many games are around my age (25-30) but children and young teens still hold there share of the market, and I know damn well if my child were to come to me and say daddy I want "X" thats gonna cost several hundred dollars...I would say, ummm...NO! And what about the familys that may consider such a cost, maybe outwieghing the blue ray factor, maybe considering the media player capabilities...hmmm...sounds like PC stuff, didnt we just see a few dell's or gateways on sale for around the same price that mom and pop can use more than a stand alone video game system, not to mentin that junior can play games on the computer as well...another lost sale to sony. I know where gaming is going, and with the next gen several years down the road, i dont think it will be a spli between home consoles and pc's. you will have a pc that is designed around a console, per say. So the cost of buying a pc that is super geared towards gaming will be relative, but in todays time, 600 bucks for a console? hell i thought the retail 500 bucks for the 360 was to damn high, let alone another 100 clams. It will be very interesting in the next year of gaming to see who comes out on top...I think nintendo and thier stratigy of fun and strickly games, no media centers, no home theatre thrills, and less than half the cost stands more than a fair chance against the other big boys on the block. Oh, and i will be reserving my PS3, as many as i can, because i know there are some fools out there that will buy the rights to buy one from game stores, just as they did with the reserved buys for the 360, for the cost of the sytem itself!

Ok why do yall want to pay that much for a console system? With what the PS3 and xbox 360 has you might as well go to a computer from here on out. Yes hey will have select few game that will not be on the pc but hell you can multiplayer like you can on a pc. Come on 300 or 600 buck it too much for any system. They do not have the function you can get on a pc.

Yes I have an xbox and a Ps1 and PS2 and all the other console before them. But I found the pc gaming to be more fun in multiplayer mode then on a dang console.

A lot of people are yelling Blu-ray this, Blu-ray that to justify the price when 85% you when not utilize it outside of gaming. This HD game is expensive and at least half of are not ready to play. Who will drop $60 on a blu-ray disc when its DVD counterpart is $20? The people who spend $600 on the PS3 are buying JUST a GAMING CONSOLE.

btw, I stream HD content to my 360 via WMCE 2005.

i never thought i would say this, but... fuck sony. thats the last straw. strictly pc for me. i think my pc could put a 600$ over haul to better use.

PS3 ~ Suckers! While you wait for your precious PS3 to arrive in November (that's if you can get one) you are missing out on some awesome game play. I thought it was about the games... Get a system to enjoy, not to "prove" you are right. Keeping licking your lips! Long live the games.

This will be one expensive X-mas present.

I am not sure if this will fly on the market or Wall Street. Analysts are going to rip this one apart. $600 is how much we pay for Dell laptops nowadays. Now imagine as a parent, would you rather buy your kid a laptop or a ps3? This should be a no brainer, unless your kid already have a laptop the parent will buy the kid a laptop IF they are going to spend $700+ on Christmas.

The same logic would go for adults. For $700 a person can buy an alternative game machine (wii cough cough) plus a nice new Treo, an Ipod, or whatever cool gadget at ~300 price range they have always wanted.

Wasn't it supposed to be smaller than the 360?

Sony's Official specs :
Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D) Weight Approximately 5 kg

Xbox 360 Physical Specs:
Height: 3.26" (83 mm)
Width: 12.2" (309 mm)
Depth: 10.2" (258 mm)
Weight: 7.7 lbs.

But to be honest we should add the "brick" to the 360 size and weight.

What a bunch of whining whussbags you all are.....
"360 is so much better!"

See people. This is what happens when a video game console developer loses his focus on gaming entertainment. He starts tacking on features to his console THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PLAYING GAMES WHATSOEVER!

High Definition. Do we really need High Definition output? Most of the HDTV's are still quite expensive, even for middle class Americans.

The hard drives. If I am going to be paying money for these hard drives then I better start seeing the games actually taking advantage of the hard drives that makes them worth having. Gaming should be the main reason why these hard drives are necessary and nothing else.

WiFi. I may be wrong in saying this so please correct me if I am wrong, but the last time I heard. Wifi gaming still sucks. You get better pings (lower latency) if you just connected a cat 5 cable into the LAN adaptern not to mention less outside interference.

The memorystick/SD/Compact Flash. These ports are completly unnecessary IMHO. Espcially since the PS3 has USB ports. If you need to transfer photos, do it through the USB cable that comes with your digital camera. If you need to transfer data from your computer into the PS3 (if you really want to) you can do it through the USB cable, or if you're real clever through the LAN cable on your home network.

I also would like to see the costs of the parts that go into making the Playstation 3 Premium and see just how much Sony is inflating the system price.

This system should be a gaming system. This system should NOT be an "All-in-One" system. Gaming is the main appeal to people buying a video game console and it should remain so.

I love how they highlight mexico as part of north america, and yet show no price for mexico...

hint: the console wont be released in mexico.

Sony didn't ever release the PS2 in mexico, it just kind of ended up in some stores that imported it. That's why we still have to pay ~$2500 pesos (about $230 dlls) for a PS2.

M$ and teh big N did have official releases for their previous consoles...

If the 360 ends up getting a 100GB drive before Sony does, should the MS fans talk smack for the month it takes Sony to provide the same thing? Using the "PS3 has 40GB more" argument is silly when the drives are easily upgradeable. Well, I would hope the Sony HDD is easily upgradeable...

HD-DVD and Bluray are both a sham. You shouldn't consider the HD-DVD add-on as some required cost of owning a 360, nor a wireless adapter. I'm sure as hell not buying either one. DVD's are fine, and CAT5 wired is better than 802.11g wireless (more reliable, faster, and cheaper).

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
yeah, that's pretty much my reaction

is anyone actually crazy enough to pay $600 for a George Foreman Grill when the 360 is half the price?

and don't forget the Wiiiiiii!

wow u guys are goin all crazy about the 600 dollar price come on now ps3 blu ray and linux on the harddrive your not jus buying a gaming console your buying a computer with the power of a state of the art computer and i know if u guys give it time that ps3 will run windows on it with the hackers we have now u guys have to stop complaing about this 600 dollars is a great deal yea some ppl cant afford it but alot of ppl will look at it 60 gb operating system buy a keyboard and a mouse and your set that is if u use linuz ofcourse but basiaclly you are getting a hardcore gaming console next gen movie player and a computer at that whats else do u want for 600 dollars jesus

#39 All the stuff you and everyone else keep adding to the 360 cost is all optional. So people like me, who don't care about them don't have to pay for them. Why are you guys hung up about how big the HDD is going to be. You can always delete!

How much space do DVD movies need. Eveyone that on the storage band wagon needs to tuck and off a cliff. I just want to play games with my kids. I don't need WiFi because my PC, Xbox, and 360 are in my game room, connected to the same HDTV. The thing I'm thinking about is how much are games and movies going to cost a year or 2 from now, since that's were you spend most of your money. Buy what ever system that makes you happy. I don't care who wins the CONSOLE WAR!!

I don't mind paying $5 a month to play every game that's live enabled(which is 80% of the games I buy). Sony says that their online is free but I bet it will be like that FF crap on the 360 were you have to pay $4 just to play that on game. I have a job I can afford to pay for Xbox Live every year. I can work 1 day of overtime to cover it and buy a game.

So you guys complaining are going to spend $300 on a Wii and then another $300-$500 on an Blu-Ray player all while complaining about the $600 PS3 price point?
Okay...

First of all, #124, the Wii will cost less than $300 and secondly, if you take the time read a lot of the comments here, gamers want a console to play games. If fact most people will want to wait to see which format, blu-ray or hd-dvd, becomes the standard to HD before they fork over money for a player and movies. I think sony is really giving the gaming community a slap in the face by forcing them to pay extra to push an unproven media format. Think about it like this, you could get a PS3 for $600, have the blu-ray format become obsolete and then have to buy a HD-DVD player anyway.

Sony, how about this concept, a gaming console directed at, of all things, the games. It was one thing with the PS2 having a DVD, that was a great idea because DVDs were a new but proven format. What you are asking your customers is to take the risk of potentially throwing away hundreds of dollars in order to secure your company billions in royalties. This is just another example of your disregard for your comsumer base. Anyone remember the DRMs on audio cds or the Star Wars Galaxies revamp?

I meant #125 in that last post.

All of you are indeed right on your opinions. Sony was a fool to think that gamers everywhere would actually pay $600 for a PS3 WHICH IS ONLY 2 TIMES MORE POWERFUL THAN THE 360. But soon enough both modles will lower their price around $100 if not all that many people and spoiled rich ignorant families and teens buy it. Remember the first month the xbox showed itself?

The PS1 Launched at $299.00 and the PSP at $250.00. Do you really think you will get a Blu-Ray player much cheaper than $500.00??? Why isnt anyone complaining about HDTV's costing an arm and a leg? If you dont have a HDTV you arent going to be buying a $600.00 video game system for one. Same with the Xbox 360.

As far as Wii, it has yet to be seen if this will work or not for more than the obvious games. I hate using the DS touch screen for just about every game, whether it works for that type of game or not. And as far as add on's, Does the Wii come with the regular controller also? or do you have to pay more???

Quit bashing Sony and only Sony for what all 3 are doing!!!

hey u peeps just saying tht i dont care about the no hdmi in the cheap sku cuz my tv only supports 1080i which can easily be dun with a composite im only pissed off because no wifi!

Hey, the PS3 is lookin' hot! I mean, it has better graphics, memory, and way more features than the Xbox 360, and for only 100-200 dollars more! I recommend we all get the PS3, at least the basve version