The PS3's worst enemy

by Vladimir Cole { Oct 1st 2006 at 10:21AM }

Brand new blog "The Software Pirate" suggests that the PlayStation 3's worst enemy might be the PlayStation 2.

Why? The PlayStation 2's got everything the PlayStation 3 hasn't, including:

A bunch of great new titles, including God of War 2 and Okami
Plentiful supply
Low prices
Proven technology

Lucky for The Software Pirate's bloggers, their posts don't accept reader comments. Beware the wrath of the SDF.

Tags: ps2, ps3, wii, xbox 360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Pedro Van Faulk @ Oct 1st 2006 10:32AM

What, no graph?

Come now, Vman, we thought you cared.
I do find it interesting that after making a post about fanboys and neglecting to mention the most ravenous reality deprived bunch of them all, that you mention them here. And only after being reminded.

shirizaki @ Oct 1st 2006 10:40AM

Wha?

I don't get it. Seriously. That would be ike saying the Xbox beast the 360 because it has Halo, Halo 2, PGR, proven technology, and low prices.

OF COURSE THE PREVIOUS GEN HAS LOW PRICES! IT'S LAST GEN!

whatever.

kc @ Oct 1st 2006 10:45AM

this guy makes alot of valid points. my ps2 still gets the bulk of my gaming time with the DS coming in second.

Mikelx215 @ Oct 1st 2006 10:46AM

I think the real reason the Software Pirate doesn't like the PS3 might be because he's worried that Sony's PSP anti-piracy (and homebrew) upgrades may also happen on the PS3. Even more so because of the uber expensive BlueRay Burners.

I'm not interested in piracy though (coding is hard, if a developer makes a game you like you should support it by buying it), so aside from the possible homebrew lockout this really would be a non-issue for me.

The only reason I'm not getting a PS3 is that I've got enough cash to either get a Wii and a cheap 480p compatable TV or a PS3 and a cardboard box. Plus I want the Wii more.

LordMinogue @ Oct 1st 2006 10:46AM

@2 Microsoft stoped Xbox production when the 360 launched

Lekko @ Oct 1st 2006 10:53AM

That's why backwards compatibility is a good thing. Your predecessor doesn't get killed off a year in advance to make room for the new system, causing a complete lull in good titles coming out for about a year or so.

Forse @ Oct 1st 2006 10:54AM

> Proven Technology

Disk Read Errors?

popstand @ Oct 1st 2006 10:54AM

Interesting, I just actually bought a playstation precisely because the games are so good towards the end of a last-gen console's product cycle. I seriously doubt the PS3 will have games as good as God of War and Okami any time in the near future. I was one of the first to buy an XBox 360, and it seems like I waited forever for a game like Dead Rising...

serbz @ Oct 1st 2006 11:13AM

either way sonys making money.

@8
ive had my ps2 since launch and its still working perfectly. maybe u should learn to keep better care of your things.

Ethan @ Oct 1st 2006 11:18AM

I agree, with the PS2 still outselling the xbox 360, it is bound to outsell the PS3 once there arent any consoles left.

s256 @ Oct 1st 2006 11:18AM

Everybody knows that PS2's had issues early on. Even v12's (first slim version) had laser issues. Xbox had some issues, Xbox 360 had heating issues, PS3 will have something.

The only consoles that have never had issues like this are from Nintendo.

Discuss.

Pedro Van Faulk @ Oct 1st 2006 11:19AM

@10 There were two class action suits brought against sony for disc read errors. You got lucky.

Jay @ Oct 1st 2006 11:20AM

I can only vouch for this. Hell if I'm buying a PS3, I'm not even buying a Wii myself. But I might pick up a PS2 for the few games that looked good on it. Okami is supposed to be almost as good as Zelda. Or I might just forget about it all together...

carlos @ Oct 1st 2006 11:26AM

piracy ftw!!!!!!!!!!!!

emmzee @ Oct 1st 2006 11:39AM

I have to agree with this post ... I'm not even considering buying a PS3, but might pick up a PS2, just to play those handfull of PS2 games that I've always wanted to try.

Russell @ Oct 1st 2006 11:51AM

Hehe in my tabbed browser it says:

The PS3's worst enemy - Joystiq

:) x 100

Franky Digital @ Oct 1st 2006 11:54AM

" I think the real reason the Software Pirate doesn't like the PS3 might be because he's worried that Sony's PSP anti-piracy (and homebrew) upgrades may also happen on the PS3. Even more so because of the uber expensive BlueRay Burners."

Um.. have you even seen the PSP homebrew community? They break firmware upgrades in record times. In fact, the main reason a lot of people still have a PSP is because of the homebrew. I'd wager if the PSP piracy protection is going to be utilized for the PS3, then prepare to see that baby software modded within months of release.

Agent X @ Oct 1st 2006 12:04PM

The author of the original article makes a good point. The PlayStation 2 game library is still the strongest of all the systems, even when taking into consideration only this year's new releases. The PS2 and PSP are where Sony's going to make their real money this year--more than enough to offset whatever monetary losses they're risking on the PS3 launch.

I'd still like to get a PlayStation 3 for myself, though, as I appreciate the features and games has to offer. For those who are fortunate enough to get a PS3, the great news is that it will be backward compatible with PS2 (and PS1) games. PS3 will surely be a great machine, but probably won't click with the masses for at least another year or two, depending on how long it takes for prices to come down. In the meantime, most consumers can grab some affordable and excellent PS2 games. Sony will be happy because they're profiting off of continued software sales, and gamers will be happy to take home some of the greatest games this industry has to offer.

ihya @ Oct 1st 2006 12:38PM

"Hehe in my tabbed browser it says:

The PS3's worst enemy - Joystiq

:) x 100"

Hey, even a broken clock is right 2 times a day...

chimp o death @ Oct 1st 2006 12:43PM

#12:

Nope. The original Famicom in Japan had chip issues requiring a (I think) total recall. This was delt with relatively quickly, with Nintendo issuing replacement machines to original purchasers. Legend has it this is where Nintendo's Japanese loyalty began.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famicom

Also, Sony Ultrafans say one of the proofs of the 360's failure is it being outsold by the PS2. Apart from Sony collecting the money, isn't that gong to be true if it outsells the PS3 (once Sony gets enough consoles in the stores, that is)?

Causality @ Oct 1st 2006 12:48PM

@ 19
"In the meantime, most consumers can grab some affordable and excellent PS2 games." Most consumers will be picking up a wii / xbox 360 this holiday season.

kyou @ Oct 1st 2006 12:57PM

I agree.... even SNK and probably other developers are going to stick witht he PS2 for a while until it becomes a lesser investment to make games for the PS3. What made the PS2 the best console of last gen was it's huge amount of third party support. Witht he PS3 being stupidly expensive... well.... that support is probably going to the Wii, 360, or PS2 even.

Scott @ Oct 1st 2006 1:03PM

@12

Nintendo also did a major Japanese-style(very polite, expressing their personal pain from not giving the consumer the best possible experience etc.) apology when there was a DS Shortage in Japan a few months back.

phipscube @ Oct 1st 2006 1:29PM

The PS2 is the Wii and Xbox 360's worst enemy this fall. Its got the better EVERYTHING compared to EVERY machine out there. Its CHEAPER than Wii and has both casual gamer software AND higer caliber software to compete with the Xbox 360. Football exclusivity might affect PS3 but it doesnt affect PS2. and the funny thing is the PS2 versions of PES6 and FIFA will trounce Xbox 360 sales, you'll see.

If PS2 sells alot more it will be BETTER for Sony, its what they wanted all along. They don't want the PS3 to sell in bucket loads just yet, and the beauty is they can allow that because they have PS2 still making money. How the hell can a sony machine selling more than another sony machine hurt?? Its a no brainer that PS2 will do better anyway. And I much expect it to be kicking Wii and Xbox 360 ass (especially in Europe, maybe close in Jap with Wii, but still a good fight considering its LAST gen).

At least Sony have that option. Nintendo and Microsofts last gen machines have been dead in the water for YEARS.

The amusing thing is all this attention on next gen has made lots forget about the STILL strong PS2 and its FANTASTIC lineup of games this year (and into next). Its still shooting hit after hit each month. It certainly has me buying games for it rather than my poor Xbox 360 at month end when I get paid. Nuff said.

Sony want PS3 to start rolling big time from March 2007, its when they would have launched originally had Microsoft not launced Xbox 360 so early. Hence all the deliberate staggering and supply "issues".

If PS3 sold millions this year it would bust Sony. If the PS2 sells a few more million its profit all the way baby.

karlito @ Oct 1st 2006 1:29PM

i think if your going next-gen this holiday season
your getting a Wii or a 360. unless your part of the sdf

Night Elve @ Oct 1st 2006 1:34PM

@ 8.

I dont get it man. I have my Playstation 2 since 5 years ago and i have never seen a Disk Error problem on my PlayStation 2.

People should take better care of their electronics.

epobirs @ Oct 1st 2006 1:48PM

SDF? Super Dimension Fortress? Has the Macross taken up copyright enforcement duties?

cheese @ Oct 1st 2006 1:52PM

riiiiight... like the Xbox is the 360's worst enemy.... whatever.

I have a chipped xbox and all that entails, and I hardly ever play it, compared to my 360

Halo Flood Victim @ Oct 1st 2006 1:55PM

"I've had my DS Lite since launch and their isn't a single scratch or crack on it. Those people need to learn how to take care of their handhelds."
"I've had a PS2 since launch, and I haven't seen a single disk read error. Those people must not be taking care of their consoles."
"I've had a 360 since launch, and it works and plays perfectly, without a single red light or frozen game. Those people must've not been checking the room temperature every several minutes."

Statistically, you wouldn't have the problems, but don't deny their existence, fanboys. All consoles have their faults. :P

Matt @ Oct 1st 2006 1:59PM

#10:

Perhaps there is a reason you have negative one stars? ;)

Number eight is correct, Disk. Read. Error. She-it.

LameStation @ Oct 1st 2006 2:06PM

27.

Sony has been to court on more than 1 occassion because of the shoddy work they've done with the PS2. You fanboys need to stop with the damage control and think for a second.

Software Pirate @ Oct 1st 2006 2:30PM

Pirate here.

Sorry, but while I might be a hardcore geek when it comes to most areas of geekdom, by prowess doesn't extend to web design. The site is on a basic Wordpress two-column, widget-enabled layout with a few minor style changes. I think I've enabled comments now, so feel free to leave whatever you'd like in the column's news entry, or to post in the forum.

Also, it's just me so far, the singular Software Pirate. And the name's just a play on words, so (legal disclaimer mode) I don't condone software piracy, and will not offer any advice or instructions on how to pirate software. (end legal disclaimer)

Otherwise, feel free to send feedback, tips, complaints, whatnot to me at softwarepirate@softwarepirate.org. Thanks!

Miharu @ Oct 1st 2006 2:36PM

I'm hoping Sony will lower the PS2 price to 99€ when PS3 launches. Of course that's not going to happen as the console would still sell the same amount even if it was 199. My PS2 has been working on life support for the last few years, but I've just refused to buy another copy of the same console for a high price, when Gamecubes or Xboxes which are both newer than PS2 are sold for less than 99 everywhere.

Donk @ Oct 1st 2006 3:16PM

"The author of the original article makes a good point. The PlayStation 2 game library is still the strongest of all the systems, even when taking into consideration only this year's new releases."

PS2 library is probably the strongest ever for any console - unless you only like Nintendo titles, of course. Gamecube for example didn't have much going for it apart from the handful of Nintendo exclusives.

(yeah, I know that Sony is evil and we all are supposed to hate them yada yada)

Nij @ Oct 1st 2006 3:49PM

I don't care how slow a news day it is-- on what planet does "Some Guy Posts His Opinion On His Blog" quality as newsworthy?

epobirs @ Oct 1st 2006 3:54PM

It's odd to posit the PS2's continuing strength as a negative for the PS3. If anything, it is one of Sony's greatest advantages in allowing them to pursue the strategy they've chosen.

If the PS2 were expected to almost immediately fade from the scene as the PS3 emerges, it would be far more difficult to overcome the high price point and supply issues. With the PS2 continuing to hold strong marketshare and revenue the pressure to build the PS3 installed base is much reduced.

It will be interesting to see how well the proimised backward compatibility to the PS1 and PS2 performs in real life. Will it be purely software (not really a problem on the PS1 side) or will there be some semiconductor cost within the PS3 help bridge the gap? The value of the PS2 library to bolster the PS3 early on is worth taking some loss. It would be simpler to just toss a PS2 in the box with the PS3 but more expensive, plus upscaling PS1/PS2 games could be a surprise secondary selling point that has had little mention to date.

Without the strong continuing PS2 market the PS3 would likely be a far more modest design.

Raparat @ Oct 1st 2006 3:56PM

@36

This article itself is "Some guy posting on a blog". Joystiq IS A BLOG. Do people really use Joystiq as their number one news source? Next to the Daily Show, I bet.

Nij @ Oct 1st 2006 4:08PM

Yes, Raparat, numerous people use Joystiq as a news source about gaming. Just as numerous people use Engadget as a news source about gadgets. That's why AOL owns and operates both sites.

Infil @ Oct 1st 2006 4:19PM

The fact that the PS2 is still selling well (and continues to have good games made for it) is a counter-statement to the new Sony philosophy regarding PS3. Namely, that everything must have the best graphics (and in HD) to succeed, everything must be high priced and crammed with features, and development costs must be high to pump out this kind of content.

In fact, aside from the monetary side of things, I'd almost argue that the PS2 selling well benefits the Wii more than anything. It shows that games produced on "inferior" (term used loosely) hardware at low(er) development costs in non-HD graphics can be just as good, if not better, than the offerings on the more expensive consoles.

Sony is now switching philosophies, and they are going to abandon what made the PS2 successful (frankly, I think the PS2 did well simply because of the multitude of third parties they had onboard, not because of really anything Sony did, but that's another issue). They're going to alienate the audience that supported them by pricing the console out of reach for many, and they're going to focus on graphics and high-production values, rather than making games focused on good gameplay.

Anyway, I don't think the PS2 will cut into the Wii's sales at all, since the Wii has the controller going for it and most everyone is itching to get their hands on that thing (how many of you have looked at the Wiimote+nunchuk and just... wanted to hold it once, just for a few seconds?).

Sony supporters will have you think that the PS2 *and* the PS3 will succeed, even though they're basically contradicting each other on almost every level. And any competitor's product (Wii, 360) that falls into one of the camps just happens to be the "wrong" camp (Wii won't succeed because of poor graphics, 360 won't succeed because it's not true-HD, etc). Sony, and their staunch supporters, seem to be a mess of contradictions these days.

Okay, that was too long. Moving along now.

Oh, and to #5, there is one. It's called "scan the top of the post and skip it if you want". Just because Joystiq has posted something you don't find newsworthy doesn't mean you're contractually obligated to read it and post a comment. Skip the post, please; save yourself and everyone else the time and whining.

Anonymouse Rep @ Oct 1st 2006 4:29PM

Vlad, you missed the PERFECT comment from the original post.

"Sony hasn’t done much more but promise technical superiority and demonstrate that the PS3 dwarfs Ken Kutaragi’s head."

And (tongue FIRMLY in cheek) we all know that Sony keeps their promises...

Emotion engine...

Toy Story graphics...

Betamax...

Your laptop battery won't explode... (Half credit for that one - they said that they couldn't get them to do that in their labs, so they can't understand why that happens in the REAL world.)

In a regular comment, as an aside, this does present an interesting quandry - and consumer choice. The launch titles are cool, but there isn't really enough software out there for the AVERAGE consumer to justify the purchase. Not when the PS2 is $129 and has loads of titles - and if someone wants an HD experience, they can pick up a 360 for $400 with around 80 titles in the store and another 80 or so available online through Live. Popping that extra $200 for a gaming console - THIS holiday, anyway - is going to be tough.

And PLEASE, let's not see the comments again about the accessories and making things more expensive - there are two different corporate philosphies in play here. Microsoft went for consumer choice - you can add on as much or as little as you want. Sony is giving you a bunch of stuff right off the bat that you may not actually be able to use. (Wireless comes to mind for me - that's a worthless thing for me since I have my whole house wired with Cat6 and I run gigabit cards / switches / router.)

Dirk Dorkelson @ Oct 1st 2006 4:54PM

"The PS2 is the Wii and Xbox 360's worst enemy this fall. Its got the better EVERYTHING compared to EVERY machine out there."

I'm pretty sure it has the worst graphics of any of the machines out there. So there's one thing. You've gotta be trolling, right? The PS2 is a great system, but it's five years old and technologically inferior to all the new machines in practically every way other than game library. (Well, I suppose you could argue that its rumble-enabled controller is better than the PS3's rumble-free one, but the jury is still out.)

That said, the game library is a compelling reason to pick one up. I've been holding out for another price drop. We'll see if I make it through Xmas. (No way do I want to pay $30 more than I would for a GameCube.) I've already got a 360. I probably will get a Wii once online-enabled titles start coming out and once I see what the Virtual Console has to offer. PS3 can wait until it's $300 or cheaper and it has numerous exclusive games I want to play. In the meantime, a PS2 would be great. I've already got games for it. Just waiting for one more price drop.

Josh @ Oct 1st 2006 5:42PM

I agree completely with The Software Pirate. In fact, this Christmas, I hope to get my FIRST PS2 (or PS1 for that matter). I've been a Nintendo-only person all my life (expect for a Dreamcast), but I feel like catching up on all the great PS1 and PS2 games I missed.

Josh @ Oct 1st 2006 5:46PM

Oh, and Dorkelson, I'm doing the same as you. I want to pay no more than $100 for a PS2, especially considering the technologically superior GameCube is only $100 (and doesn't it come with some bundle, too?).

Also, I'd LOVE to get a PS2 in Ceramic White, but as of now, that color is only available in Japan. We're getting Satin Silver in the US soon, though, to complement our current Charcoal Black color. Perhaps Ceramic White is just a step away? Maybe release it the same day as a price drop (that would clinch it for me).

Rallion @ Oct 1st 2006 5:50PM

I really have to agree with the article. As for myself, as soon as lots of PS3 info came out at E3, I immediately went and picked up a PS2. I was waiting, figuring that I could just wait until the backwards-compatible PS3, but...ugh. $600? For a system from Sony, who'se only in the news these days for installing rootkits and for faulty hardware? Forget that. PS2 for me.

gamesarefun @ Oct 1st 2006 7:13PM

As for me, this holiday will be between the Wii and PS2. Both systems have games I want. The 360 still doesn't have very many great games that appeal to me. I'm not a big FPS person. Next year though I expect the battle to heat up between the PS3 and the 360. PS3's worst enemy: time.

usagi704 @ Oct 1st 2006 7:15PM

Why the damn hell is this being posted about?! This is the stupidest thing ever! Every one of those assinine bullet points can be countered with "it has been out for six years!" Fuck that blog and the dumbasses that run it!

Josh @ Oct 1st 2006 8:05PM

usagi704, all of those bullet points can also apply to Wii, so this only means the PoS3 is a pretty useless purchase this year, and the Wii or PS2 would be money much better spent.

Raparat @ Oct 1st 2006 8:13PM

Well, I don't know about you, Nij, but I lost all faith in "newsworthy" posts since "Major next-gen console news coming tonight". I guess once or twice a month I can expect actual console news, but mostly all I see
is links like this one.

Lasz @ Oct 1st 2006 8:37PM

@10 haha, pretentious much? Mine sat on the same shelf it's entire life (asside from a move or two). Disc read errors have gotten so bad at this point its unplayable. Has nothing to do with how you treat it, its just an old optical drive. Same thing happened to my xbox.