The changing state of the PS3: What stays and what goes?
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ May 21st 2007 at 7:55PM }
There is a lot of information in Game Informer's interview with Sony's VP of marketing Peter Dille. One discussion point is the rumble feature mentioned by Cory Barlog for God of War III. Dille passes over the question because there currently is no rumble feature in the PS3 controller -- but it's obviously coming. The rumor of a redesigned PS3 has been floating out there for a bit and seems probable given all the changes occurring with the system (coupled with poor sales). It might be time to wonder what the PS3 redesign will entail.We know that rumble controllers are going to be in this redesign. Sony and Immersion buried the hatchet, which prevented the PS3 from shaking in the first place, and Sony is currenly "working closely with them" to explore "new and innovative ways to utilize this technology in PlayStation products."
There's been some significant changes in the storage capacity of various PS3 models and how the company has dealt with them. Today the 80GB model was announced for Korea, a global release shouldn't be unexpected. The lack of a European 20GB model was the harbinger of its North American death and we're still waiting for the official Japanese death, but like we said before, we expect that to happen when the 80GB model is officially announced for the region. Plus, each model released during this incremental launch has been slightly different than the last. We can watch the evolution (and the survival of the fittest) in progress.
Part of that evolution is the issue of backwards compatibility. An internal change was made during the Euro launch, switching compatibility over from a chip to software emulation in a move to reduce overall cost -- for Sony, not for Europeans. We're still waiting for Sony to drop the same hammer on the non-PAL units, hopefully only after the compatibility rates are in the 90% range. We're also just going to skip over the whole pricing issue here, because that's another paragraph on its own.
There's been a lot of changes in the PS3 over its short life and a lot of changes expected that haven't manifested. Any other random bits and pieces we may have missed about what's in the pipeline? We also only mentioned internal changes, what about a totally different look on the outside? Sony's PS3 isn't going to go down without a good fight and early indicators are hardly a measure of what eventually happens. The PS3 may be a great system in time, but there are some obvious changes foreshadowed both inside and outside the console that are going to happen before too long.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joshua @ May 21st 2007 8:04PM
Very funny that people are already talking about a redesign for a six month old system. Not that I wouldn't like to see one -- I'm waiting to buy the system until the redesign IS released -- but there's no way we're getting one this early in the game.
Then again, if we use some A+++ logic...
PS1 release: 1994
PS1 redesign: 2000 (Six years)
PS2 release: 2000
PS2 redesign: 2004 (Four years)
PS3 release: 2006
PS3 redesign: 2008?1?!?! (Two yearS/??a!)
NeverSage @ May 21st 2007 8:07PM
I wouldn't trust a redesign. Sony made an incredibly reliable console. I don't want them to make some mistake in a redesign and I start getting some blue ring of death or something
Jake @ May 21st 2007 8:13PM
Wow. I remember how much flame was spewed when the 360 announced the Elite with larger HDD and HDMI outputs, neither necessary to enjoy a game to its fullest. The fanboys went ballistic. If the PS3 announces that you need to buy rumble controllers to enjoy future releases to their fullest, all hell will break loose on Joystiq.
NeverSage,
I agree the PS3 seems very reliable and is better built than the 360 when it comes to failures. But, 6 months into the life of a 10 year system is awful early to call the thing super reliable. ;) I went through a total of 3 PS2's and they all lasted a year or more. I'm on my second 360 and only owned my first for 11.5 months. Warranty + perfect timing ftw, I guess.
kingofwale @ May 21st 2007 8:13PM
I think the only reason Korean are getting 80gb is because IPTV is popular there, and that takes A LOT of space.
but then again, if they can do 80gb + rumble remote for the same price as 60gb. and then lower 60gb version by 50-100 bucks. It won't be a bad idea.
JUST don't BULLS### us with a price increase like the Elite.
Kevin Little @ May 21st 2007 8:15PM
A new release with the promise of titles like God of War III will earn my money.
http://www.ebizmba.com
Bachus @ May 21st 2007 8:16PM
want a console? get something that's wholly unique. (yeah, that's probably something nintendo)
want a ps3? build a decent desktop.
i just dont get waiting for killzone when you can play BF2, CS:S, etc, etc now.
what you give up is marginal, at best.
PCs have had "HD quality" for years and Square rpgs get boring after a while.
Ninegauger @ May 21st 2007 8:16PM
I don't know... I can't think of another console that's ever stuttered out of the gate (in the face of competition) and ever come out on top.
Maybe the DS... but I don't think that really helps Sony's case any.
wackychan @ May 21st 2007 8:17PM
What if they threw out the Cell processor and the blueray drive! Well, maybe just the blueray drive!
I would buy it then for $400 bucks EASY!
Jake @ May 21st 2007 8:31PM
Bachus,
I don't want to play a good shooter for years before the next one comes out. I like games other than RTS, Shooter, and RPG. I like local multiplayer. I need a console.
Digi Smalls @ May 21st 2007 8:32PM
this is Sony's opportunity to really redesign the controller.
don't just add rumble, gives us a more ergonomic shape with less edges, real triggers that don't make our fingers slip off in racing games, stiffer analog sticks that aren't on the same plane, removable batteries and self shutoff. most importantly, give us controllers that won't randomly disconnect.
i'll gladly pay for a Sixaxis ELITE, even though i shouldn't really have to.
.
Keif @ May 21st 2007 8:32PM
so youd pay 400 bucks for a system that cant play games? cause all ps3 games are on blu ray discs so they kinda need a drive to read them
this is why early adopters are dumb, no point in owning a system till it has a decent library and all the bugs are worked out
AoE @ May 21st 2007 8:35PM
You'll correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't MS buy a 20% stake in Immersion when they settled with them? Now that Sony's settled and is working with Immersion on rumble for the PS3... does this mean that MS will be making some cash on every rumble-equipped PS3/Controller sold? If so... lol.
John @ May 21st 2007 8:36PM
what if they added xbox 360 game compatability? Then it would be worth owning.
required @ May 21st 2007 8:37PM
wackychan, are you mad?
I prefer portable systems, yet I'm open to a PS3 for http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=384
that and locationfree - I dig the idea of watching accessing the PS3 via PSP
BPM @ May 21st 2007 8:41PM
Bachus, the reason you buy consoles instead of a PC is because of THE GAMES.
Each platform (including the PC) have many exlcusives.
I have a GameCube for Zelda, Mario, Viewtiful Joe, etc. I have a PS2 for Katamari, Guitar Hero, Xenosaga, etc. I plan to get a 360 sooner or later for Dead Rising, Blue Dragon, Viva Piñata, etc.
(ports to other systems at a later date don't count :P)
You can't play any of those games on a PC. To keep yourself exlusive to PC gaming not only has a very high entry cost (well, if you want a good GAMING PC, anyways), but you'll miss out on games exclusive to other platforms.
And while a PS3 is expensive compared to other game systems, it's still cheaper than a good gaming PC. :P
Digi Smalls @ May 21st 2007 8:41PM
required is right.
forget the controller altogether, Sony just pack in the movie remote.
.
Jeff @ May 21st 2007 8:41PM
"does this mean that MS will be making some cash on every rumble-equipped PS3/Controller sold? If so... lol."
Yeah, "lol", like this doesn't happen every day in every facet of business.
Who do you think gets the money for all those copies of Windows and Office that Sony runs their business on?
Who do you think gets the money for all the movies MS employees go to on weekends, and the music they listen to at work? Who do you think is paying who to be part of the Zune music store?
MS makes money off Sony, Sony makes money off MS. Hilarious.
softgun @ May 21st 2007 8:47PM
For the redesign, just get rid of the godda%$#% Spiderman Font.
Seriously, this thing was designed by a misguided 13 year old Spiderman goth fanboy
lk @ May 21st 2007 8:50PM
For the most technologically advanced system, PS3 seems to have impending or rumored revisions moreso than its rivals.
required @ May 21st 2007 8:51PM
lol, great visual softgun
hvnlysoldr @ May 21st 2007 8:51PM
There's ManBearPig! Get him Al Gore!
I bought my Wii on a total whim but I shall not buy a PS3 until it reaches below $200. Maybe not even then since Nintendo fills my needs.
Bachus @ May 21st 2007 8:52PM
BPM,
trust me, im well aware of the reasons to own consoles. im just very NOT aware of the reason to buy a ps3. it runs linux out of the box, is touted for media reasons, and has a very lackluster library. I'll just keep my PC, with an only-passable 6800GS. I've got plenty of consoles, but sony has their work cut out for them to get the hype back in the ps3.
atomicstrawberry @ May 21st 2007 8:53PM
What I don't understand is, given that the PAL PS3's backwards compatibility is now completely emulated, why do they still enforce region lockdown? I've got close to 50 PS2 games and at least a third are US imports, while the rest are Australian releases. Not being able to play a chunk of my collection because of artificial market restrictions is a massive barrier to entry for me, especially given that buying an Australian PS3 will set me back about $820 USD.
AoE @ May 21st 2007 8:54PM
@ Jeff,
Calm down buddy, it'll be okay. Yes, obviously there's a lot of cross-selling, even between competitors, when you're talking about mega-corps. However, and please correct me if I am wrong here... MS has an OS division, Sony does not. Sony has a computer division (that is to say that builds/sells laptop and desktop machines), MS does not. So there's obviously synergy between the two companies where these divisions are concerned, wouldn't you agree?
Now that we've gotten that out of the way: Sony has a division that makes a home video game console, whereas Microsoft... also has a division that makes home video game consoles. Do you see how the two companies actually compete with one another on this front? Do you see the difference between the two situations? Now add this into the mix... several years ago Immersion sued both MS and Sony, MS settled for an undisclosed amount, and purchased at 20% stake in Immersion. Sony fought it, and lost... but the two companies later settled out of court. So... even if you don't find it funny yourself... can you see why I might find it amusing that Sony is going to be paying royalties to MS in one of the few divisions (if not the only one) where they're actually in competition with each other?
chugger1992 @ May 21st 2007 9:07PM
I barely need 80gb on my PC, let alone a game console. Heck, with the Wii, 512mb is plenty for saves, are you seriously going to be downloading 79.5gb of game demos? Better get that upgrade to Fiber Optics right now!
Ken @ May 21st 2007 9:02PM
Get rid of Blu-Ray (thus bringing down the price) and you'll sell a LOT more PS3's.
But I'm not a marketing person, by any means.
Joshua @ May 21st 2007 9:10PM
I agree with softgun (#18).
colin @ May 21st 2007 9:14PM
LEAKED REDESIGN !!!!! FULLY BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE with all PS1 and PS2 games !!!!! REGION FREE !!!!! http://uk.gizmodo.com/psoneplustwo.jpg
Jake @ May 21st 2007 9:14PM
AoE - 1
Jeff - 0
First to 1 wins.
Ken @ May 21st 2007 9:29PM
colin, that image was amazing!!!
Durkin @ May 21st 2007 9:47PM
So for all the people like myself who bought a ps3, are not going to be able to have the rumble. That sucks... hopefully they can come out with some sort of firmware update that enhances the ps3 system to rumble, giving the fact that they are going to have to make a new controller. They should sell 2 seperate controllers one for sixaxis, and one for rumble. And also the games it self must support rumble as well
kingofwale @ May 21st 2007 9:50PM
>But I'm not a marketing person, by any means.
and trust me, it shows.
getting rid of Blu-Ray is probably the LAST Thing Sony will do, probably right next to power switch and maybe internal fans.
Winning next gen format war is VERY important too.
WhackMushroom @ May 21st 2007 10:52PM
what is the point of this article? that technology evolves? what a waste of time. how about you guys try to write some real shit the next time you think about a half-ass refry like this one. its almost as if your a leeches.
Tron Knotts @ May 21st 2007 10:37PM
I could make Sony a million bucks if they jsut followed my simple plan to redesign the PS3.
Take a PS2, add Wi-Fi connectivity out of the box, give it a motion sensing laser pointer controller, and sell it for $200.
Somebody write me a paycheck. I just saved Sony's ass.
junkie @ May 22nd 2007 4:06PM
To all you PS3 fanboys (like WhackMushroom): you make me sick. If you don't like hearing about problems with the PS3 you should just avoid all the game blogs entirely. It's the only way you won't read about their lackluster sales and other problems. Or you can realistically look at the situation and just enjoy your console without feeling the need to defend it. I've had a 360 and a Wii since launch week for both systems, and I never felt like gettting defensive with all the talk of 360's dying or Wii's inferior graphics or whatever, because I either didn't have those problems myself or didn't care about them. If you enjoy your games, that's what matters.
wackychan @ May 21st 2007 10:30PM
I love it when fanboys take me seriously, I joke on all three systems just for fun, so lighten up.
Digi Smalls @ May 21st 2007 10:32PM
"Winning next gen format war is VERY important too."
for who exactly? gamers or Sony?
.
Beni Nkangoh @ May 21st 2007 10:45PM
I hope Sony lowers the price of the PS3 soon. I want one alot. But I really don't have 600$ to be spending in one load like that.
WhackMushroom @ May 21st 2007 10:54PM
so if you dont have 600 you wont have 500 ... wtf beni are you just not good at teh maths? $100 dollar difference is horseshit. sony would have to bring the 60gb ps3 down to the price of the elite at LEAST to get back into this battle (and i mean the first year, the war is a whole different ball of wax)
dsub @ May 21st 2007 10:53PM
They had it right with the 20GB model. If Sony would re-release a model with a 20GB HDD, rumble support, no built in WiFi or SD/MS ports, and no hardware BC and sold it for $399 and got some good games out for it, they'd be kicking the 360's ass.
I was about to buy a PS3 before they axed the 20GB version. I'm still hunting for a used one (EB sells them for $399) either way, Sony has two choices:
1. Lower the retail price of the PS3
or
2. Create a subtle re-design and dub it the PS3 Lite or something of that sort. Keep blu-ray, keep the internal HDD, but drop all the costly stuff that no one really cares about. Sell it for $350-400, and voila! PS3 will start selling.
The trimming of certain features should help absorb the losses a bit. One thing is for sure, Sony needs a turn around, and fanboys, this past months NPD numbers should finally open your eyes up to the fact that Sony is in trouble. If it gets much worse, who knows what could happen. Sony is in a do-or-die position with the PS3. If they lower the price on the current model, they lose to much and don't meet there sales goals for the year, which pisses off investors. However, if they DON'T lower the price, it will continue to sell worse and worse. The next 6 months will be interesting. We'll get to find out if Sony cares more about it's consumers, or it's investors.
Tom @ May 21st 2007 11:04PM
I'll buy the PS3 when it's glossy white to go with my 360 and Wii... also it has to have rumble, an 80GB harddrive, and it's $400 or less... oh yeah and I won't even buy THAT until both *Uncharted:Drake's Fortune* and *Shadow of the Colossus II* have been released.
Sony, do all of this and I will buy lots and lots of your Bluray movies... afterall, that's what you REALLY want, isn't it?
vidGuy @ May 21st 2007 11:12PM
Add 120GB HDD
Add 4x BluRay drive
Redesign the 10-year-old controller to put the analog sticks in the right place
Add proper motion control
Make more than 1 game worth buying the system for
Make me breakfast in the morning
Price below $300
Then maybe we'll talk.
Honestly, I think a redesign with new features would just lose more money, especially if it was priced higher than the standard model. I would like to see it happen though, just to see Sony eat crow. Just like I'm going to be content when the next XBOX has motion controls after years of hearing MS execs say they are pointless.
BPM @ May 21st 2007 11:29PM
Colin, that's just two PlayStations duct taped together.
Good job, son.
horngreen @ May 22nd 2007 12:13AM
"The PS3 may be a great system in time"? Please enlighten me as to what other console became a hit after such a slow start? I would love to be one of the dumb ass early adopters who have two or more non rumble controllers. That would suck to have/want to buy additional controllers. Jeepers I thought Sony and it's rabid and ignorant fan base didn't think rumble was important? Too many changes will tank this console for sure. You can't keep adding and yanking features and have it remain the "same" console. Maybe just do the PS4 at this point and take your losses.
micheal82 @ May 22nd 2007 12:10AM
PS3 = PS1 and PS2 duct taped together!!!!1!!! lol
dereq @ May 22nd 2007 12:42AM
If you think that the Playstation 3 is going to be relevant for 10 more years, than you must be taking crazy pills.
V @ May 22nd 2007 1:56AM
I really feel that anyone considering a PS3 purchase should at least wait until they start packing in rumble controllers. That, clearly, is the future for the system.
severian00 @ May 22nd 2007 2:17AM
What is it with all you people saying take out the BluRay. First of all every single game that's come out so far would be worthless because they are all on BluRay discs. Plus Sony obviously doesn't care about games this generation. All they care about is winning the HD format war. Someone there still believes that it's 1982 and that Beta will win. Remember Beta was the superior format over VHS, but Sony screwed themselves then just like they are doing now. They wanted to much in the way of licensing fees and couldn't bring the price of the players down as fast as JVC and it's partners. It's all happening again.
Fester @ May 22nd 2007 2:31AM
"I'll buy the PS3 when it's glossy white to go with my 360 and Wii... also it has to have rumble, an 80GB harddrive, and it's $400 or less..."
I feel much the same (depending on GAMES of course).
It's funny how they will prob include rumble in future when they insisted they left it out on purpose it interefered with their gimmicky sixaxis nonsense AND that it was apparently "so last gen". ;P
jorojoserojas @ May 22nd 2007 2:31AM
At this point, I don't know if I even notice rumble anymore (although if I played a game without it, maybe I'd miss it -- never know what you got 'til it's gone, right?), but I DO notice that lofty price tag. I actually do want a PS3, mainly for the Home service and games like MGS4 and Shadow of the Colossus II.
I think the PS3 sounds like a great console...it's just a little too rich for my blood right now. I've got tuition to pay! :(