Sony: Blu-ray will always be part of PS3
by JC Fletcher 
{ Mar 12th 2009 at 11:03AM } 
Last month, Janco analyst Mike Hickey predicted a PS3 price drop, driven by a new, cheaper model without a Blu-ray drive. In a statement to Silicon Alley Insider, Sony's Kim Nguyen took on the new hardware rumor, basically killing it for anyone who believes Sony PR: "That would pretty much destroy the PS3's backbone, our games were built on Blu-ray." Nguyen then said the fairly clear, "Quote that: Blu-ray will always be part of PS3." While a cheaper PS3 may be nice, we really don't think Sony would want to harm its movie business by taking the Blu-ray capability out of its best-known Blu-ray player.Sony also denied the price drop in general, as well as an annual fee for an online gaming service. "Online gaming is like a First Amendment right," Sony's Susan Panico said.
[Via VG247]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DeathroW @ Mar 12th 2009 11:06AM
While a cheaper PS3 may be nice, we really don't think Sony would want to harm its movie business by taking the Blu-ray capability out
And harm its video game business, the games are only made on blu-ray!
Cody @ Mar 12th 2009 11:22AM
Taking Blu-Ray out of the PS3 is akin to taking motion out of the Wii.
Or the RROD out of the 360.
WorMzy @ Mar 12th 2009 11:32AM
Hah!
You, sir, win the internet.
TreND @ Mar 12th 2009 12:19PM
@Cody
that was really funny
shawn11150 @ Mar 12th 2009 11:09AM
Mike Hickey=Dumbass
Mo @ Mar 12th 2009 11:33AM
+1 how much do these analysts get paid, and how can I be one?
vDopey @ Mar 12th 2009 5:17PM
they get paid handsomely learn to brown nose, tea bag and give good head and balmer will definitely throw you a bone.
If you can rim and give good head at the same time, you can become one of the elite MS shills / analysts,
Jon D @ Mar 12th 2009 11:09AM
boosh! huzzah for free online gaming!!! it isn't like i'm NOT buying stuff in the PS Store
Jack Spicer @ Mar 12th 2009 11:14AM
They get rid of Blu-Ray and they will have to re-release the games on 2-5 dvd disc's with upscale only 1080p.
Sounds like a microsoft move *coughhdvdcough*
Ignatius @ Mar 12th 2009 11:24AM
Remind me again what's wrong with getting your lazy ass up and changing the disk every 20-30 hours of gameplay?
Jack Spicer @ Mar 12th 2009 11:42AM
20-30 hours?! What magical 360 do you have? For that matter, what kind of DVD are your games printed on?
AkaMagi @ Mar 12th 2009 11:52AM
Maybe he has that magical kind of 360 that has more content for long games with over 100 hours of gameplay such as Oblivion or Fallout 3 than the PS3 with it's big, bad, Bluray drive does.
Ironically, I've got that same kind of magical 360. You could too if you weren't so much of a juvinile fanboy.
Oh, and that magical 360 also has better graphics and better performance in most multiplatform games. Bluray FTW???
Jack Spicer @ Mar 12th 2009 12:20PM
Maybe the 360 has better games that are ported to the PS3 cause they were built on the 360 and not the PS3? If you really believe the 360 can run madden at 60fps and the PS3 can only run it at 30fps, your a dumbass. Ported games dont mean anything, try comparing exclusives to even begin making a point.
I got a game with 20 hours of game play and it fits on a cd, Labrynth. OMG! If they can make games with 20 hours on one cd, why are we useing DVD's? Fallout 3 and Oblivion are just exploration games, with simple combat, and "Choices" that have no effect on the overall story.
And no, i dont mint changing disc's as my favorite games are multi disc. Yes, i would like not to have to change them but that would see me as a lazy bastard.
Ignatius @ Mar 12th 2009 12:58PM
Star Ocean 4?
Jack Spicer @ Mar 12th 2009 1:03PM
Star Ocean is one of my most loved RPG's, since i gave my 360 to my sister i cant play the 4th one (or the first one since its a prequal to the entire series). From what i've gathered about the game, its got a lot of lazy developer syndrome in it, which makes me wonder if they would have put more effort into a PS3 version, maybe? Will never know.
B @ Mar 12th 2009 11:11AM
Why would anyone think they would cut blu ray? That's just ridiculous and would be suicidal.
That would be like Nintendo switching back to cartridges middway through the GameCubes life. Would completely alienate the early adopters and would split your user base.
deaftly @ Mar 12th 2009 11:20AM
Well this IS Sony were talking about, never underestimate them
Ignatius @ Mar 12th 2009 11:11AM
Why would they make a Blu-ray-less PS3? That's just stupid. All of their games are on Blu-ray.
DangerMouse @ Mar 12th 2009 11:12AM
That was one of the worst predictions ever. He must have thought the PS3 used DVD's.
rTwelve @ Mar 12th 2009 11:12AM
Of course, it's not like it's impossible, you do after all have Burnout Paradise on PSN.
But right now? No.
koehler83 @ Mar 12th 2009 11:13AM
Yeah.. No one believed for a second that Sony would release a PS3 unit without Blu Ray. It's simply retarded. Not even Mike Hickey believed this 'analysis' to be grounded in reality.
He simply stated a stupid opinion to get noticed, like hitting yourself in the nuts and posting it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M8xJgQvbvc&feature=channel_page
Bagels PSN:WolfLogic @ Mar 12th 2009 11:23AM
I was equally relieved that all future Wii models will be released with the standard "motion controls". Oh, what a relief.
Ben! @ Mar 12th 2009 11:15AM
A First Amendment right? I like when they throw obvious pandering like that out there and fans eat it up (looking at you, Jon D).
Anyway, yeah, it's ridiculous to believe for a second that we'll see a PS3 without Blu-Ray since all of the existing games are built on BluRay and making a change like that would result in a ridiculous amount of work having to be done, including probable product recalls and lots of games pressed on multiple DVDs (since I imagine developers take advantage of all that extra space by spending less time compressing and optimizing things to fit on DVDs).
TregGert @ Mar 12th 2009 11:16AM
Two quick facts for Mr. Mike Hickey:
1) While I am sure you meant well, the PS3 can't actually remove its Blu-Ray drive just like that. Maybe you meant to remove the Blu-Ray playback functionality, but the problem with that logic is since the PS3 already has the drive, the Blu-ray playback functionality doesn't cost any significant amount of money. Its not like removing that will save the end consumer 50 bucks on the price tag, the cost of the playback is negligible when compared to the hardware (because the Playback is Software/Firmware).
2) I also hate to break it to you, because you obviously think you are incredibly intelligent... The Blu-ray drive isn't what is pushing the PS3 price-tag. Its the other hardware inside: The CELL. (Although if you go by XBOX logic, the Wireless chip in the unit costs 100 bucks!)
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Mar 12th 2009 11:18AM
Can i get a "well Duh!!!!!"
Common sense says that axing the Blu-ray capability from the most NOTORIOUS Blu-ray player would just be down right dumb. Not to mention said player would essentially be turned into an upconverting PS2 with improved networking and a HDD by default.
and as for Charging for Online Gaming, Sony knows that they have already charged us enough with the system as is, if anything Home & advertisements on the PS Store will further pay for any cost that Sony would even consider charging. Now if they can match the offerings of XBL Gold by adding a party system surely MS would follow suit and go free as well. Hell as much crap that is bombarded to all 360 users that have their unit online, you would THINK that MS was making a killing from those advertisements already, and therefore XBL Gold & Silver would be no more it would just be XBL.
Jack_Jackington @ Mar 12th 2009 12:20PM
MS wouldnt have to provide free online gaming. i doubt people would switch to ps3 just for free online. who can easily go out and buy a ps3 AND its best, most popular games? people that have invested a lot of time and money into their system will stick with it
Lee @ Mar 12th 2009 11:20AM
Did anyone expect a bluray-less PS3, what?
Dash @ Mar 12th 2009 11:21AM
First Amendment: All men and woman have the right to free online gaming given by God. Except X-Box 360 user, because they are the devil's child.
Second Amendment: Every console owner is equal in face of the law, and no act of prejudice, trolling or - voting will be allowed, except when yours is truly the best console ever made (Amiga FTW), then you can attack everyone.
Third Amendment: Everybody that has plays a FPS has the right to own a weapon without paying more with microtransactions.
(people, feel free to add more game Amendmants)
Longhorn4Life (PSN MariusElijah) @ Mar 12th 2009 12:20PM
Fourth Amendment: No unreasonable searches, unless your a Wii owner
Dan Rabot @ Mar 12th 2009 11:22AM
Online gaming is like a First Amendment right
Damn straight!
I wouldn't mind if it wasn't for the amount of parents buying 360's for their kids only to find out they can't play online till they fork out more cash! - It's pretty underhanded.
Killjebus @ Mar 12th 2009 11:26AM
I can hardly believe that Sony would even respond to such drivel.
"That would be like Nintendo switching back to cartridges middway through the GameCubes life. Would completely alienate the early adopters and would split your user base."
Perfect analogy, RAmen to you.
Andrew Ryan @ Mar 12th 2009 11:28AM
Only asshole ignorant idiots can predict a blue-ray less PS3. It doesn't take logic to understand the PS3 is capable of more space for their games through blue-ray. Also ANALysts are idiots why even people take their predictions into account EVER is beyond me. There are alot of reasons... Anyone with logic will understand sorry if I sound pissed but I hate people who don't cut to the chase with proper logic. Fuking analysts & predictions... Their theory isn't any better than one we could come up with. Besides this shyt is like rounding up to 9.5 when the actual answer is 9.3.
Jeepers Creepers 712 @ Mar 12th 2009 11:50AM
... you're killing me man.
BLU-RAY. Not Blue-Ray. BLU RAY. Drop the E. The name of the article has it spelled. The technology has been discussed in the media for like five years now. Surely you've seen the correct spelling enough times now to know it's Blu-Ray.
Andrew Ryan @ Mar 12th 2009 1:21PM
I don't give a shyt. The name is a cover up for the tech. Your name could be Sandlerissinno but you're still the same person so stfu. As if I don't realise how I spell.... I don't care.... k?
Andrew Ryan @ Mar 12th 2009 1:28PM
Okay man, i'm not gonna be here the rest of the day so I won't be at my PC. So once(if) you reply again, my new response to your will follow as... "SUCK IT" if you critique/contradict my reply.... OR "Well you better!!!" if you say fair enough or don't reply critiquely... LOL forget it FUK YOU!!!
el serpiente @ Mar 12th 2009 3:38PM
EDITED: For being a jerk.
Andrew Ryan @ Mar 13th 2009 2:35PM
Suck my balls motherfucker What do you come to do here critique the posters? You asshole, apparently you do from reading your posts fuk off troll I could spell how I want i'm not writing for the constituency on this site you bag.
friedriches4 @ Mar 12th 2009 11:28AM
Online gaming may be a first amendment right... but just like the real first amendment right, we're seeing that really it isn't as advertised. And obviously as a society we're ok with that, so I don't see the big deal if anyone charges for online gaming services.
Killiam XXIII @ Mar 12th 2009 11:31AM
No bloody way that's happening.
John @ Mar 12th 2009 11:41AM
And another great post from the "no shit" dept of joystiq.
j.howlett @ Mar 12th 2009 12:29PM
love it
anexanhume @ Mar 12th 2009 11:49AM
We should see the price drop in the summer months. With the killzone 2 fanfare tapered off, it will be until God of War 3 that they have a system mover. It will be a good way to power themselves through the holiday like Microsoft did last year.
ducttapeBigSexy @ Mar 12th 2009 11:50AM
"Sony also denied the price drop in general, as well as an annual fee for an online gaming service. "Online gaming is like a First Amendment right," Sony's Susan Panico said."
Any that's why I'd rather buy games for my PS3 instead of my 360 - Sony doesn't try ripping off their customers nearly as much as Microsoft does (use any hard drive in the PS3, don't try to get consumers to buy their HDMI pack by conveniently placing the HDMI plug and optical plug too close together, etc.)
AkaMagi @ Mar 12th 2009 11:55AM
Upconverting PS2?
Are the PS3 graphics and Cell processor really that bad? I would have thought the PS3 without Bluray would at LEAST be able to match the 360, and it blows the PS2 out of the water with it's Bluray-less capabilities.
So sorry to hear that your PS3 is so bad that without the Bluray drive, which is nothing but a data storage device, is nothing but an upconverting PS2.
el serpiente @ Mar 12th 2009 12:34PM
Why are you so angry? Xbox in the shop again? LOLZ
unboring @ Mar 12th 2009 2:57PM
I think your missing the point AKA, all the games are printed on Bluray disc's. They always have been. To bring a Blurayless PS3 out would mean re-releasing all PS3 games on DVD's , this in itself wouldn't be cost effective and would probably end up costing sony more then they would be saving on the Bluray drives.
Not to mention that many PS3 exclusive games use an entire single or double layer BD disc and that means some games would have to be compromised in audio, textures, and features.
Your actually the worst kind of fanboy. The stupid kind. Read a bit more, learn the facts. Don't talk shit about things you know nothing about. BTW, the PS3 is 35 times more powerful then the PS2's GPU and CPU. BTW your an ass clown.
unboring @ Mar 12th 2009 3:05PM
thought I would also mention Aka, Oblivion was on PS3 was reviewed as having better graphics. you can look at the comparison videos yourself. The load periods are much shorter and the 360 version seems to stutter between load periods, PS3's version also has better draw distances and textures. The same is true between the two versions of Grand theft auto 4. Look it up. 360 version aren't always better, both systems have strengths and weaknesses, it really depends on how the game was developed and what the lead platform was.
Im only mentioning this because you are an ass and brought it up earlier. Fallout on 360 has better textures then the PS3 version, its a more subtle difference though.
PS3 exclusives built specifically around PS3's unique architecture look better then 360's exclusives. Killzone 2 , Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid, God of War 3, Flower, etc. The simple fact is PS3 is a more powerful system, it is however harder to code for making ports sometimes less then perfect. Now that the system has been out for 2.5 years we are seeing some phenomenal results and the line up from sony for 2009 is stunning.
Jack Spicer @ Mar 12th 2009 4:13PM
Thats what im saying.
Lionbacker steamID: detfan1957 @ Mar 12th 2009 5:16PM
Oh, hi gundam.
and also, Fuck you.
Tarheel @ Mar 12th 2009 11:55AM
PS3 without Blu-ray? Should you trust an analyst who doesn't even understand how a company's product works? Actually, if anyone's been watching Jon Stewart lately, why should you trust analysts period?