oi, sony...again. the heck are they doing

[Niku-Sama]

some one posted this on another message board:
http://uk.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=26183865&sid=6185228&om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;3

what the heck are they doing? i mean havent they added and taken away different trim levels of consoles enough already. i dont really see the point of a 40 gig and never have get rid of it!

[Trebuken]

If they are going to add PVR functionality this looks like a must. I am sure they are going to adding more media for download. They have an Internet Video Link device for many of their HDTV's and the content you can get from that will almost certainly be available to PS3 users.

I do hate the baby steps in hard-drive increases. They should just throw in something even bigger to save time. Their is word of a cost reduction in the Blu-Ray laser production which will likely foreshadow yet another variant...

[neuropolitique]

What Sony is doing is confusing the hell out of consumers.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Still waiting for the official PS3 grill... Eventually PS3 will be every appliance in your home. They just gotta run out of console variants sometime. Then it's off to toasters, can openers and convection ovens. :D We have just uncovered the secret key to the 10 year life cycle! LOL

Blu-Ray evenly cooks your meals to mouth watering perfection... ALL IN 1080p!!!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Okay ... so, Sony's phasing out the 80 Gig SKU and replacing it with one that has a larger drive and a Dual Shock Sixaxis.

What's wrong with that?

When consumers go to retail, once the 80 Gig is phased out (and it'll likely be sold-through) at retail by the time the 120 Gig SKU hits, they'll still only have two choices.

Every major game company has had varied SKU's and varied pack-in's at retail since the dawn of home gaming. (Christ, how many Odyssey's were there?)

Heck, even the NES had 3 or 4 SKU's (with totally varied pack-ins in each) in it's first year on the market, and in recent years, Microsoft has been equally guilty (if you consider it a "bad" thing) of multi-SKU-ing up retail shelves.

The bottom line is that "confused" customers should do a bare minimum of research (as simple as asking a knowledgable employee as to the differences between system models) before making a $400+ dollar investment ... on ANYTHING much less video game systems.

At this point, I don't think either of the current PS3 SKU's are that spectacular, so, let Sony give the consumer more HDD space and a Dual Shock, new system adopters deserve it!

If anything, this is ONLY making the USED system market a "crowded" one with varied makes, models, and standard features...but that's pretty much par for the course for any system.

[Overbite]

Okay ... so, Sony's phasing out the 80 Gig SKU and replacing it with one that has a larger drive and a Dual Shock Sixaxis.

What's wrong with that?

When consumers go to retail, once the 80 Gig is phased out (and it'll likely be sold-through) at retail by the time the 120 Gig SKU hits, they'll still only have two choices.

Every major game company has had varied SKU's and varied pack-in's at retail since the dawn of home gaming. (Christ, how many Odyssey's were there?)

Heck, even the NES had 3 or 4 SKU's (with totally varied pack-ins in each) in it's first year on the market, and in recent years, Microsoft has been equally guilty (if you consider it a "bad" thing) of multi-SKU-ing up retail shelves.

The bottom line is that "confused" customers should do a bare minimum of research (as simple as asking a knowledgable employee as to the differences between system models) before making a $400+ dollar investment ... on ANYTHING much less video game systems.

At this point, I don't think either of the current PS3 SKU's are that spectacular, so, let Sony give the consumer more HDD space and a Dual Shock, new system adopters deserve it!

If anything, this is ONLY making the USED system market a "crowded" one with varied makes, models, and standard features...but that's pretty much par for the course for any system.

It doesn't say that the new model has backwards compatability and I'm assuming it doesnt because they said they weren't going to focus on it and that they took it out of the 40gig one.

This means there will be no PS3 that can play PS2 games, which is bad.

[neuropolitique]

The bottom line is that "confused" customers should do a bare minimum of research (as simple as asking a knowledgable employee as to the differences between system models) before making a $400+ dollar investment ... on ANYTHING much less video game systems.

You have obviously not read the GameStop walkthrough.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

Okay ... so, Sony's phasing out the 80 Gig SKU and replacing it with one that has a larger drive and a Dual Shock Sixaxis.

What's wrong with that?

When consumers go to retail, once the 80 Gig is phased out (and it'll likely be sold-through) at retail by the time the 120 Gig SKU hits, they'll still only have two choices.

Every major game company has had varied SKU's and varied pack-in's at retail since the dawn of home gaming. (Christ, how many Odyssey's were there?)

Heck, even the NES had 3 or 4 SKU's (with totally varied pack-ins in each) in it's first year on the market, and in recent years, Microsoft has been equally guilty (if you consider it a "bad" thing) of multi-SKU-ing up retail shelves.



Well, the various pack-ins did not change what the system could and could not do. They are not just changing the 'extras' that come with the system. I thought that one of the benefits of consoles over computers was that if you had the console, you could play the game. As opposed to computers where you had to have the right amount of memory, the right video card, etc.

JY

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

It doesn't say that the new model has backwards compatability and I'm assuming it doesnt because they said they weren't going to focus on it and that they took it out of the 40gig one.

This means there will be no PS3 that can play PS2 games, which is bad.

As hard as it is for some people to accept, PS2/PS1 backwards compatability IS currently an "extra pack in".

As far as "buy the machine" and you'll be able to "play the game" ... keep in mind that the machine is called Playstation 3, and as far as all PS3 SKU's are concerned, you can do that with PS3 software.

The most significant difference currently between the SKU's is in Backwards Compatabilty.

True, the new model likely won't have PS2 BC ... but if backwards compatability means that much to the consumer, they've still got time to pick up an 80 Gig new at retail.

Also, once Sony retires the PS2 from retail, I have a strong feeling we'll get a downlodable software-based PS2 emulator for purchase from the PSN.

The sad state of affairs is that Sony is still making a KILLING off PS2's at retail, and there's no signs of slowing for the immediate future.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The sad state of affairs is that Sony is still making a KILLING off PS2's at retail, and there's no signs of slowing for the immediate future.

Other than Sony not really wanting to support it anymore. I agree.

[Daltone]

So basically you're just getting a bigger HDD and a controller that shakes? I wonder if it'll be cheaper to buy the 'lesser' model, whack a new HDD in (which is an absolute doddle) and buy the controller seperately?

[Policenaut]

No BC? That's a no no for Sony, again.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So,

When the PS3 launched at $600 for a full-featured model with 60 Gigs of HDD space, and 99.99% perfect backwards compatibility on PS2 / PS1 they were approaching the business model "incorrectly" in the eyes of critics for making an over-priced console.

When they figured out a way to cut the price by $100 (removal of the PS2Emotion Engine) and off-set the loss of 99.99% PS2 BC with software based PS2 emulation, and a larger HDD, they were still "wrong" for no longer having "near perfect" backwards compatibility. (Even though critics claimed that purchasing the full-featured model was a bad move to begin with).

and now that they've likely decided to scrap PS2 backwards compatibility completely for the time being (likely to continue further price drops, or as off-setting cost measures in the re-inclusion of Immersion's rumble technology) they continue to be wrong (when once again consumers had the opportunity for close to a year to pick up a PS3 with backwards compatibility options)

... so, what exactly SHOULD Sony HAVE done/should they do moving forward?

Raise the cost of the PS3 and re-include PS2 BC?

Because, if I recall, only a very small portion of supporters felt that the cost and features of the $600 original SKU PS3 were "worth it" at the time it was at retail ... yet now, all I hear is pining for it to return.

I'm truly sorry for all of the late-adopters who "missed the boat" on PS2 compatibility ... but it's not like Sony didn't LISTEN to the concerns of consumers ... and those concerns were clearly cost from the beginning, not BC.

And while I agree that good BC is a sad thing to lose (If I didn't already own a PS2 BC PS3, and I knew that BC was going to go away in future SKU's I wouldn't wait a day to pick one up), but, if you're a late adopter, and you want to wait till the next quarter or so to buy the next SKU PS3, and you REALLY want good PS2 BC ... just go and pick up a PS2, they're NOT very expensive and they're not hard to find.

[Niku-Sama]

what were the first two models, a 20 gig and a 60 gig?
i cant rember any more

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Yup.

20 Gig w/ PS2 Emotion Engine BC, PS1 BC - but no memory card slots, and no built in Wi Fi

60 Gig w/ Everything.

[Policenaut]

Yeah, that's true, PS2 units are not hard to find at all, in fact I have 3. The thing is, Sony was the one who said that the BC was one the best features for the PS3, wich was also true. Maybe if they had not kept saying that it was going to be featured on all their units, people will just "relax" and buy the units without any complain, but they put that feature and later they took that out. Whatever happen with Sony is their fault, they think that everybody will buy anything Sony and the lack of sale since launch is proving them wrong.

PS2 games on PS3 units look better, that's it. Just my opinion.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Don't get me wrong, like I said, I'm not a fan of seeing it go ... but, they're obviously trying to figure out ANY way that they can to get the price down.

For those of you who don't know, they spent a few million last year doing private consumer opinion polls (that were so damned long that took like a half hour to complete) ... and I'm guessing that most of the responses to the question of what they could improve were more along the lines of "lower the price".

Also, I don't recall Sony ever claiming that BC would be a "permanent" feature of the console (though, there's certainly no reason to believe that it wouldn't be considering the PS2's lifelong ability to do PS1 BC).

[esquire]

In comparison, check out what Microsoft has done with the 360, which BTW is not 100% BC:

Core Unit: $299 at launch
Premium Bundle Unit: $399 at launch
Premium Unit w/o the Remote Control: $399 post launch

Elite Unit: $449

Halo 360 Unit: $399

Arcade Unit: $279

Standard Unit: $349

360 w/ HD Unit Bundle: $579

...not to mention all the internal changes (heatsinks; CPUs, etc) made to the units w/o disclosure to the consumers.

[esquire]

I'm truly sorry for all of the late-adopters who "missed the boat" on PS2 compatibility ... but it's not like Sony didn't LISTEN to the concerns of consumers ... and those concerns were clearly cost from the beginning, not BC.

Amen brother. All last year we heard how the PS3 was too expensive and Sony was making us pay extra for Bluray, PS2 BC and WiFi support when not everyone wanted them. Now that Sony is listening to those people and making the changes to make the PS3 more affordable, people still are griping.

Bottom line, if you really wanted a PS3 w/ BC, you should have supported the unit when it was available by purchasing a BC unit, and perhaps Sony would be still manufacturing them.

Otherwise, just buy a PS2. I am sure the difference in cost will be comparable.

[Policenaut]

they're obviously trying to figure out ANY way that they can to get the price down. I truly hope they find the winning formula soon, cuz I want my damn PS3!!

[otaku]

I don't see why BC is such a big deal with PS3 considering how cheap PS3s are and most people (especially potential ps3) owners have one. Only reason I can see is to have one less system laying around but with the PStwo being so small and quiet no big deal if you ask me.

The variant thing is a little confusing for consumers that much i know from selling ps3s at work but I don't see anything wrong with continually refreshing your hardware I'm just glad I haven't bought a ps3 yet cause I'd hate to not have the latest and greatest after a short time.

[Icarus Moonsight]

It's metaphor time! Say a company that makes the best selling cheeseburgers in the world claims the reason for the fame is the very cheese they've been using since the companies founding and most would readily agree. That cheese sure is damn good! Yummers. :p Now fast forward a few months and the same place decides to sell hamburgers only, sans cheese, but with 50% more beef and at a slight discount. In light of what the company attributed their success to in the past it just sounds self defeating doesn't it? Damn it, now I'm hungry.

You shouldn't try everything to fix/solve a problem. Too many approaches is just as bad as not enough. The answer they seek lies somewhere in between what they DID and what they are DOING.

[vincewy]

Various hardware versions are OK with me as long as ALL VERSIONS PLAY ALL PS3 games from launch until the end of life cycle.

I bought one last Fri just in case and also considered returning it if Sony brings out another version with PS2 BC, after thinking over, I'm just going to keep it, this thing grows on you, it's the best looking hardware in over a decade and they're throwing in 5 free Blu-Ray movies (offer ends 31st this month) plus 80GB gives you a free game.

Whether BC is a big deal or not, well, if PS3 has killer aps and has extensive library, then most people will ignore PS2 BC.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

It's metaphor time! Say a company that makes the best selling cheeseburgers in the world claims the reason for the fame is the very cheese they've been using since the companies founding and most would readily agree. That cheese sure is damn good! Yummers. :p Now fast forward a few months and the same place decides to sell hamburgers only, sans cheese, but with 50% more beef and at a slight discount. In light of what the company attributed their success to in the past it just sounds self defeating doesn't it? Damn it, now I'm hungry.

You shouldn't try everything to fix/solve a problem. Too many approaches is just as bad as not enough. The answer they seek lies somewhere in between what they DID and what they are DOING.

Yes, but you see - "Cheeseburger Sony" is still selling that CHEESE by itself.

If you feel you really NEED the cheese, you can just buy the cheese, and apparently, it's much more compatible ... er, "tasty" than the cheese that came WITH the burgers they were selling earlier this year.

Plus, some people are lactose intolerant anyway, and are more than happy with just plain hamburgers.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/CheeseburgerSony.jpg

See, this is the kind of thing that happens when Burger King makes million selling XBOX 360 games.

(Strangest post I've made all year.)

[ProgrammingAce]

Let's go back to the math...

Sony released the 40 GB unit just shy of a year after the original console launch. That makes 4 major hardware revisions in one year. Sony has gone on record saying they expect the PS3 to last 10 years, and looking at the PS1 and PS2 there's no reason to doubt them.

If Sony keeps up this pace of releasing additional SKUs, there will be 40 different major hardware revisions in the marketplace by the end of the console's life.

Compare this to the revisions of other consoles:
PS1: 2
PS2: 4 (counting the loss of the firewire port as a revision)
Xbox: 1
Game Cube: 2
N64: 1
SNES: 2
NES: 2
PS3: 40

[Icarus Moonsight]

I feel the need. The need for cheese! :D

Yeah, the weirdness came most likely because I'm running on zero sleep since Monday and my brain does no connecty right now. Time to log off I imagine. @_@

[Rob2600]

if you're a late adopter, and you want to wait till the next quarter or so to buy the next SKU PS3, and you REALLY want good PS2 BC ... just go and pick up a PS2

I'm under the impression that some people want the PlayStation 3 to feature hardware backwards-compatibility because it improves the graphics of PlayStation 2 games. If that's true, then that would be an improvement over buying a PlayStation 2 console.


Compare this to the revisions of other consoles:
PS1: 2
PS2: 4 (counting the loss of the firewire port as a revision)
Xbox: 1
Game Cube: 2
N64: 1
SNES: 2
NES: 2
PS3: 40

Actually, there were at least three versions of the PlayStation (one with the RCA plugs, one without the RCA plugs, and the PSOne). There were also two versions of the Nintendo 64 (the standard version and the Pikachu-shaped version).

If we're counting different colors - they are, after all, different SKUs - then there were six versions of the GameCube (purple, black, platinum, with and without the digital output). There were also several versions of the Nintendo 64 (black, green, blue, red, etc.). There were also at least two versions of the Dreamcast (white, black, etc.).

[heybtbm]

Increasing hard drive space is not a "hardware revision". Rob2600 nailed it in the post above. All consoles have revisions throughout their lives. In the past, companies usually didn't market these revisions as a "new" product. Now Sony is. Big deal. There are a few people in this thread who have very short memories. Especially about how many minor revisions and iterations each older console goes through. Gamecube and Playstation only have 2...heh, yeah right.

Anyway, do people really think the 360 and PS3 are going to stay with 120 gig hard drives? Both companies are going to have several more SKU's before the 720 and PS4 come out.

This seems like a lot of bitching for nothing to me.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The head counts on console revisions here are all sorts of wonky/mildly inaccurate...

...in fact, it's really only in this console generation that people seem to be actively aware of SKU's and are in heated public debate/discussion of them.

The PS1 and PS2 had several "silent" internal revisions that were never "announced" the way that PS3's are being (and subsequently dissected on the internet).

PS2 actually had more than 10 internal revisions, and from what I understand, is about to go through another (possibly final) one by the end of the year allowing for Sony to even further maximize profit and streamline the hardware.

I believe that you're all only examining the "cosmetic" revisions of any of the above listed systems ... and while those are valid, know that pretty much all systems that continue to be manufactured are always under the scrutiny of their companies to "make more money" ... and often go through "silent" revisions without the consumer even knowing.

[Oobgarm]

But it seems that bagging on a company for mis-steps and revisions is all the rage these days. I see a lot of folks who have little to no interest in buying a PS3 just ripping into it because it's 'the thing to do'.

It's not like the older 20 and 60GB versions have vanished off the face of the planet. Heaven forbid the necessity to buy a second-hand console to get the desired features. I'm all for it, as they're a much better deal at a used price.

Of course, being the Sony PS3 DP Editor, you might see me as a bit biased. But I've yet to get one, and have played a total of about 2 hours of gameplay with one. I do think what they're doing is silly, but I do understand that I have options when I'm willing and able to secure the PS3 I want.

And yes, upscaling PS2 games is important to me. If it didn't do that, I couldn't give a shit less if it played them or not. I can probably count the number of times I used my PS1 games in my PS2 on one hand.

If you're skipping out on buying a next-gen console (regardless if it's a 360 or PS3) simply based on sub-par/absent backwards compatibility, then you honestly don't need one. Since you're not focusing on the fact that the machines were actually designed to play next-gen games, first and foremost, then you aren't going to miss a thing sticking to what you have already.

[Rob2600]

Increasing hard drive space is not a "hardware revision". Rob2600 nailed it in the post above. All consoles have revisions throughout their lives. In the past, companies usually didn't market these revisions as a "new" product. Now Sony is. Big deal.

I think the reason all of the PlayStation 3 revisions are getting so much attention is because Sony has revised the hardware and released several different SKUs all within its first year. Most consoles have revisions, but throughout the course of four or five years.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I think the reason all of the PlayStation 3 revisions are getting so much attention is because Sony has revised the hardware and released several different SKUs all within its first year. Most consoles have revisions, but throughout the course of four or five years.

I think a large part of multiple revisions in one year was reactionary to the gaming public, gaming press, and financial analysts reaction to the PS3's first year on the market.

(Which, as we know, was not good.)

And honestly, while it feels like more, it's only really been TWO revisions post launch in the 40/80 Gig SKUs (and one forthcoming 120 Gig SKU), as the 20/60 Gig models can't each count as a revision if they were the first units on the market.

The thing that gets me is that while Sony scrambles under the Kirai / Harrison / Tretton guard to fix the errors that came from the Kutaragi regime's "launch big, shiny and very very expensive" school of thought, they continue to get crucified for essentially attempting to fix what was found to be the most "universal" issue (cost).

Looks like BC is just a casualty of war in all these revisions ... I'm sure they know that we love it, and hell, if the forthcoming return of Dual Shock is proof of anything ... if we make enough noise about it, there's even a possibility that they'll bring it back later.

[jdc]

I happen to own a 60 gig, no big deal either way. The way I look at BC is this. It isn't like it was with an old standard TV, where you had to constantly crawl around to the back of the TV and unplug the 3 cables and then plug in 3 others in order to go from one console to another. Or use a switcher box. My modern LCD TV supports 6 gaming consoles, all plugged in and fired up at the same time. That "imput" button comes in handy sometimes LOL. Where's the hassle with having your PSX, PS2 and PS3 all hooked up at the same time, unless you DO own a 1972 Electrohome walnut finished console TV?

[Rob2600]

The way I look at BC is this. It isn't like it was with an old standard TV, where you had to constantly crawl around to the back of the TV and unplug the 3 cables and then plug in 3 others in order to go from one console to another. ... My modern LCD TV supports 6 gaming consoles, all plugged in and fired up at the same time. ... Where's the hassle with having your PSX, PS2 and PS3 all hooked up at the same time

Again, some people like the fact that some versions of the PlayStation 3 make the graphics in PlayStation 2 games better. If it weren't for that enhancement, then I agree, backwards compatibility isn't a big deal.

[mlambert890]

I have to say that I dont see what the big deal is. I got a 20GB at launch and I would say the BC situation is the only area where people have something of a point. Different SKUs, HD sizes, what have you dont really matter unless one of them introduces a change that renders it incompatible with some segment of the software library.

Im glad I have the hardware BC, but not having it available would certainly not have stopped me from buying a PS3 and saving some cash might have even been worth it. That said, the bigger problem, for me, with the PS3 is that the library is pretty lousy and (as I fully expected) the cell proc is purely hype from a GAMING PERSPECTIVE. I MORE than understand the technology of that proc and its relevance in a broader computing sense, but once the realities of game development, and the gaming workload in general, are brought into the picture, the cell proc with all of its hype isnt going to buy you much (and may hurt due to the complexity) I think they would have been better off going with a more standard architecture from a CPU core perspective and ending up with a cheaper to manufacture platform.

[DJ Daishi]

......I'll wait off until the 380gig SKU comes out

[Niku-Sama]

yea it bashing sony, because for a company that almost always got it right they have got it all wrong with this set up, change the PS3 every 3 months and slowly get rid of the stuff that matters and jack the price up on the new models only after lowering the prices on the models you arent going to sell any more. hell yea i am gonna bash the heck out of them uintill they can pull something good from their bums.

if i ever bought a PS3 it would have to be a 20 or 60 gig first model, backwards compatibility is a BIG part for me having more than 70 PS2 games.
the 360 is comming out with a larger HD model as well for IPTV and other things how ever when you add kinda pointless shit to the line up it makes it not worth it.

sony and PS3 need to hit the reset button DESPERATLY

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

yea it bashing sony, because for a company that almost always got it right they have got it all wrong with this set up, change the PS3 every 3 months and slowly get rid of the stuff that matters and jack the price up on the new models only after lowering the prices on the models you arent going to sell any more. hell yea i am gonna bash the heck out of them uintill they can pull something good from their bums.

if i ever bought a PS3 it would have to be a 20 or 60 gig first model, backwards compatibility is a BIG part for me having more than 70 PS2 games.
the 360 is comming out with a larger HD model as well for IPTV and other things how ever when you add kinda pointless shit to the line up it makes it not worth it.

sony and PS3 need to hit the reset button DESPERATLY

So, let me get this straight ... you're criticizing Sony for releasing multiple SKU's and discontinuing older SKU's in an effort to drop the price on the PS3 (for the record, they've never gone above or "jacked up" their original MSRP high-point of $600) and for adding ... "pointless shit"? (Anything they've "added" has been via firmware - and that's all been free.)

Microsoft hasn't released multiple SKU's with "pointless" things this year?

Microsoft doesn't have AWFUL backwards compatibility with XBOX games?

I mean ... I love my 360, but MS is not beyond boneheaded moves:

A proprietary HDD that costs WAY more than it should for it's minuscule size.

A 360 "Arcade" SKU touting the virtues of XBLA! ...with NO HDD included? (Prof. Farnsworth voice) Quaa Whaa? Hey, buy this "CHEAP" 360, check out all the awesome "Live Arcade" games ... and when you're ready to start downloading games ... buy this $180 HDD and you're ready to go!

IPTV? Hey, they can add whatever they want, and while i'm not at all opposed to extra (free) feature sets like that, I think that could fit SQUARELY into the category of "pointless shit" as much as their "downloadable movie/TV show" library.

Sure, Sony has definitely made some mistakes ... but so has MS no?

And "pointless" features well, those are totally relative ... IPTV, DVR, Blu-Ray, HDDVD, Media Streaming, XBOX Originals, Remote Play, Backwards Compatibility ... one persons "junk" feature is another persons "treasure".

It's 2008, and I think from this point forward, this is the model we're going to see from home game systems.

This is the era of internet connected, firmware upgradeable consoles, and "hot & fast" re-packing and re-SKU-ing based on immediate market-quarter research and results.

I really don't think we'll see a year go by without mutliple console SKU's. Or at least not "silent" behind the scenes ones like with previous game systems.

[vincewy]

Out of disbelief, I found a 60GB unit at Gamerush today for $450, originally I was content with 80GB but 60GB is definitely preferred. Besides nearly 100% BC, 60GB has more high end parts, 80/40GBs had some of the parts integrated on the motherboard and looks are cheaper, one reason Sony was able to cut the cost of each system by half, perhaps some of the experts here can clarify.

[Niku-Sama]

So, let me get this straight ... you're criticizing Sony for releasing multiple SKU's and discontinuing older SKU's in an effort to drop the price on the PS3 (for the record, they've never gone above or "jacked up" their original MSRP high-point of $600) and for adding ... "pointless shit"? (Anything they've "added" has been via firmware - and that's all been free.)

Microsoft hasn't released multiple SKU's with "pointless" things this year?

Microsoft doesn't have AWFUL backwards compatibility with XBOX games?

I mean ... I love my 360, but MS is not beyond boneheaded moves:

A proprietary HDD that costs WAY more than it should for it's minuscule size.

A 360 "Arcade" SKU touting the virtues of XBLA! ...with NO HDD included? (Prof. Farnsworth voice) Quaa Whaa? Hey, buy this "CHEAP" 360, check out all the awesome "Live Arcade" games ... and when you're ready to start downloading games ... buy this $180 HDD and you're ready to go!

IPTV? Hey, they can add whatever they want, and while i'm not at all opposed to extra (free) feature sets like that, I think that could fit SQUARELY into the category of "pointless shit" as much as their "downloadable movie/TV show" library.

Sure, Sony has definitely made some mistakes ... but so has MS no?

And "pointless" features well, those are totally relative ... IPTV, DVR, Blu-Ray, HDDVD, Media Streaming, XBOX Originals, Remote Play, Backwards Compatibility ... one persons "junk" feature is another persons "treasure".

It's 2008, and I think from this point forward, this is the model we're going to see from home game systems.

This is the era of internet connected, firmware upgradeable consoles, and "hot & fast" re-packing and re-SKU-ing based on immediate market-quarter research and results.

I really don't think we'll see a year go by without mutliple console SKU's. Or at least not "silent" behind the scenes ones like with previous game systems.


well thats alot to read and honestly i didnt read it all but the M$ releases different versions but not to replace previous ones, you can still buy a base model, 20 gig and 120 gig drive model. you cant buy 20 or 60 gig model PS3's any more new can you? and from the looks of it the curent systems wont be arround either

[zektor]

Honestly, who CARES how many SKU's Sony puts out? Seems to me that both Microsoft and Sony are trying their best to inch into multiple budget ranges, and that is ok by me. I mean, you can get a 360 for as low as $280 (Arcade), a medium price with more options, and a high end price with the works. The PS3 has the low end model for a very reasonable price, and a high end for not too much more.

Bottom line is that as long as they all can play the same games (and I am not talking BC of their predecessors..but rather THEIR own games) which they do, let em keep going. Variety is a great thing.

[Charlesaway]

Compare this to the revisions of other consoles:
PS1: 2


Uhm, there were substantially more than 2 revisions on the PS1.

I recall that SCPH-100x came with AV out ports (I read the Japanese version had an SVIDEO port), plus a serial port.

By the next revision, they had removed the AV port, and the next one introduced the dual shock controllers as standard. Finally, with the 900x series, the serial port was removed.

Then the PS One was introduced.

Now, I know it's not that important to the thread and your comparison specifically, as I understand the point you're trying to make. But it would be more accurate to say the PS1 went through at least 5 major revisions during it's 8+ year lifespan.

[WanganRunner]

BC sucks anyway.

Original hardware FTW.

[Jasoco]

When the time comes for me to buy a PS3, it MUST have PS2 compatibility. I have an HDTV with two Component inputs. (Fuck HDMI, my TiVo is connected to that.) One of them is taken by my AppleTV. The other connected to a switcher that has three inputs. Xbox 360, Wii and PS2. If I can't use my PS2 games on my PS3 then fuck sony right in the ear. It's not a question of having one machine, it's a question of having enough ports. And right now I only have room for one PlayStation. And I'll take the one that plays my games over the one that plays my movies.

When the time comes, which won't be until Team ICO releases their next game (As that will be the one and only PS3 game I will buy until another Katamari game comes out or SquEnix releases another DQ game on a Sony system.), I will be looking at GameStop for a used PS3. It must have BC. And being used, I don't have to give Sony my money. (Instead I get to give it to a greedy game store.)

Seriously. Any PS3 I own will function as my Blu-Ray player and PS2/PS1/Team Ico machine. And if I can't play DQ8, ICO or SOTC, then what's the point?

(BTW, what are used PS3's at GameStop currently going for? Namely one that is BC.