New PS3 Slim coming out this September...

[Nionel]

I don't think it'll be $200 cheaper, keep in mind that Sony is partnered with other companies that make blu-ray players, so if they make it too cheap that could hurt those other companies sales and make it more difficult for them to work with said companies in the future. My prediction is that we'll see if for somewhere between $299-$349 in the US, but no less than that, unless Sony makes it so the PS3 slim is unable to play blu-ray movies.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

My prediction is that we'll see if for somewhere between $299-$349 in the US, but no less than that, unless Sony makes it so the PS3 slim is unable to play blu-ray movies.

If this happens, then the new PS3 will be incapable of playing all PS3 games released up until that point- because they're all on Blu-rRay.

[ProgrammingAce]

If this happens, then the new PS3 will be incapable of playing all PS3 games released up until that point- because they're all on Blu-rRay.

Reading data off a blu-ray disc and playing a blu-ray movie are 2 different things. Even so, sony isn't retarded enough to remove that feature.

[Therealqtip]

It should be cheaper but a price point hasn't been confirmed yet.

Ah true, but smaller probably means less to make.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Reading data off a blu-ray disc and playing a blu-ray movie are 2 different things. Even so, sony isn't retarded enough to remove that feature.

I always understood that you can add a layer to Blu-ray that is able to be read by a DVD player, but it has to be specifically designed to do this. I didn't think a DVD drive would be able to read a disc specifically encoded for a Blu-ray machine, because of the density of the information. Unless Sony has been encoding their discs like this from the beginning.

Also when Blu-Ray players are $129 at Wal-Mart, it doesn't seem likely that Sony would engineer a disc drive that would read their Blu-Ray discs that wouldn't also play movies.


From Blu-Ray.com


Blu-ray Disc


Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a next-generation optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience.

While current optical disc technologies such as DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM rely on a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray. Despite the different type of lasers used, Blu-ray products can easily be made backwards compatible with CDs and DVDs through the use of a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical pickup unit. The benefit of using a blue-violet laser (405nm) is that it has a shorter wavelength than a red laser (650nm), which makes it possible to focus the laser spot with even greater precision. This allows data to be packed more tightly and stored in less space, so it's possible to fit more data on the disc even though it's the same size as a CD/DVD. This together with the change of numerical aperture to 0.85 is what enables Blu-ray Discs to hold 25GB/50GB. Recent development by Pioneer has pushed the storage capacity to 500GB on a single disc by using 20 layers.

Blu-ray is currently supported by about 200 of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer, recording media, video game and music companies. The format also has support from all Hollywood studios and countless smaller studios as a successor to today's DVD format. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month. For more information about Blu-ray movies, check out our Blu-ray movies and Blu-ray reviews section which offers information about new and upcoming Blu-ray releases, as well as what movies are currently available in the Blu-ray format.

[Sonicwolf]

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1009959p1.html

http://www.amazon.de/Sony-PlayStation-3-Konsole-slim/dp/B002JM1GPU/

Interesting... The website has a comment review about the PS3 slim which translates with google translate to this:

"Hello,
I am one of the lucky PS3 Slim Pre allowed.
The New PS3 slim volume is more than 70% smaller and much lighter. It is distributed by Euro plug power.
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of the PS3 Slim:

Advantages:
Finally, 2 HDMI ports to another device "Durchzuschleifen"

Probably, it will be cheaper than the "thick" version.

-Nurnoch 80 watts power consumption

-All games can be via Remote Play on PSP Go play because of the missing keys is indeed known as the Bluetooth port on the new PSP a Dual Shock connect.

-PS2 backwards compatibility via software. This Sony is hoping that higher sales figures.

- A very nice Feautures for Linux fans: It is a small graphics chip installed with the Linux will be usable. Thus, the graphics are no longer on the Cell emulated. Bring high-Performanche relapses.

Negative:
Hard to replace very expensive, since a 64GB SSD for use with the mini PCI Express slot.
-Unfortunately, the version installed on my mini-fan rasping sound (not sound but stop annoying noise) I hope this is changing.

Conclusion: The PS3 Slim, or how the final product is hoarse is a very mature product, which at last brings the backward compatibility.
Unfortunately, this Sony is not responsible for the thickness PS3s veröffenltichen so they sell more PS3 Slim.
What is very positive, which no functions have been restricted (Blu-Ray movies or license any accessory use)"

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

high-Performanche relapses.
sign me up!

it all seems pretty plausible up until the ssd. why would a company so desperate to drop manufacturing costs go with a storage solution with such a high cost per gig? of course, this is sony we're talking about here.

[FxMercenary]

LOL way to go K-Mart! A few hours until Sony actually makes their Big Announcement, K-Mart updated their Ad ticker with the new PS3 Slim.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/fxmercenary/slim.jpg

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&partNumber=018W014436760001P&adCell=W2&catalogId=10104 Link to buy PS3 Slim @ Kmart.com

Also, starting tomorrow ALL existing PS3s will be dropped to $299.99. This includes the Uncharted 160GB bundle, which sports a larger HDD than the new 120GB Slim.
*Note: there is confusion on this, some are saying the 80GB will be $299, and the 160GB will be $399.


Available in stores from the first week of September
Same features and function. 120 gb drive 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter
It will be $299
That's $299, 299 euros, 29980 yen
That will be the price for the current ps3 starting tomorrow
Release date for slim will vary by region but available everywhere by sept 1st!

*Specs
*Bult-in Wifi + Bluetooth
*Full Blu-Ray Support w/BC DVD/CD
*2 Front USB Ports
*120GB HDD ( can be upgraded )
*Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller
*HDMI Cable Included ( lol they are only $5 bucks now anyway )
*Free Online Gameplay
*The new CPUs are believed to be 45nm, making this the lowest power consuming PS3 to date ( under 100w? )
* Front Right - Slide out bay for HDD Access.

PS3 Firmware update 3.0 http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/08/18/playstation-3-firmware-v3-00-update/

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/101/1015007/gc-2009-ps3-slim-and-price-drop-announced-20090818112010706.jpg

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/101/1015007/gc-2009-ps3-slim-and-price-drop-announced-20090818112015315.jpg

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/101/1015007/gc-2009-ps3-slim-and-price-drop-announced-20090818112016471.jpg

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Kaz just announced the real PS3 slim at Gamescom.

PS3 Slim (yes it's real) will be available September 1st.

120 Gig HDD

$299

All PS3s still on shelves will begin retailing for $299 tomorrow 8/19/09.

Okay, there we go.

Slim PS3 hardware, nice size HDD, reasonable and competitive pricing.

No word on PS2 BC, but based on recent patents, there's a chance that it'll be back at some point.

[Oobgarm]

Wow. They should have done this about a year ago, but refreshing to see nonetheless.

[Clownzilla]

They still need to drop the price another $50-$100 for me to buy it. I want one but I still won't pay $300 for yet ANOTHER current gen game system (along with my Wii and Xbox 360). Now if Sony had a lower price point and better software support when I was contemplating purchasing an Xbox 360 Vs. a PS3 then it might of been a different outcome for me.

[unwinddesign]

They still need to drop the price another $50-$100 for me to buy it. I want one but I still won't pay $300 for yet ANOTHER current gen game system (along with my Wii and Xbox 360). Now if Sony had a lower price point and better software support when I was contemplating purchasing an Xbox 360 Vs. a PS3 then it might of been a different outcome for me.
Edit: Somewhat misread your post. Thought you said the software support was weak atm. Yeah, you're right; a year, year and a half ago there wasn't as much to be excited about (that, and a $400 vs. $300 price tag for the PS3/360 respectively).

Exclusives:

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction/A Crack in Time
Uncharted 1 & 2
Little Big Planet
MGS 4
God of War 3
Infamous
Killzone 2
Resistance 1 & 2
Valkyria Chronicles
Motorstorm 1 & 2
Heavenly Sword
Heavy Rain (still a way's off, but looks cool)

Plus pretty much any multi-platform game available for 360. So the software's there. The system is just A) too expensive, even at $300 (rumors of a price drop on the 360 abound) and B) the online sucks. Period. I'd rather pay $50 a year for something good then be saddled with an under-featured sack of crap.

The big one, however, is that I will not buy a PS3 without BC. This may be just me, but the PS2 has one of the best (if not the best) software library of all time. There are tons of games I missed that I want to play (MGS3, Yakuza 2, Grandia 3...). I will not buy a PS2 to do so. For $300, the PS3 is worth it if it includes BC. Otherwise no, since I already own a 360 and a Wii.

[Clownzilla]

I think if the PS3 were the only current gen system available then $300 would probably be a good deal. The reality is that the 360 and Wii exist and they are already in the homes of MILLIONS of people. Sony has to realize that this isn't the 80's-90's anymore and they no longer corner the electronics market. Sony no longer can demand these premiums that they have been accustomed to for the last couple of decades.

[Clownzilla]

Edit: Somewhat misread your post. Thought you said the software support was weak atm. Yeah, you're right; a year, year and a half ago there wasn't as much to be excited about (that, and a $400 vs. $300 price tag for the PS3/360 respectively).

Exclusives:

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction/A Crack in Time
Uncharted 1 & 2
Little Big Planet
MGS 4
God of War 3
Infamous
Killzone 2
Resistance 1 & 2
Valkyria Chronicles
Motorstorm 1 & 2
Heavenly Sword
Heavy Rain (still a way's off, but looks cool)

Plus pretty much any multi-platform game available for 360. So the software's there. The system is just A) too expensive, even at $300 (rumors of a price drop on the 360 abound) and B) the online sucks. Period. I'd rather pay $50 a year for something good then be saddled with an under-featured sack of crap.

The big one, however, is that I will not buy a PS3 without BC. This may be just me, but the PS2 has one of the best (if not the best) software library of all time. There are tons of games I missed that I want to play (MGS3, Yakuza 2, Grandia 3...). I will not buy a PS2 to do so. For $300, the PS3 is worth it if it includes BC. Otherwise no, since I already own a 360 and a Wii.

I agree, their current software lineup is pretty strong. I guess the upside to waiting for another price drop is not having to pay higher prices for the current hit games:)

[TonyTheTiger]

I think what's interesting is that while each subsequent Xbox 360 has improved (if for no other reason than because the later the revision, the less likely it'll self destruct) each subsequent PS3 has been stripped down. Because of that, as somebody who as of yet doesn't own a PS3, I have to see the actual specs of the Slim in order to determine whether or not it would be better to get this or to seek out a 60 gig model.

[portnoyd]

If they launched at this price, they'd be in such better shape. Too litle, too late... but at least if I want a second PS3, it's not insanely priced for a top end model.

[RCM]

Kaz just announced the real PS3 slim at Gamescom.

No word on PS2 BC, but based on recent patents, there's a chance that it'll be back at some point.

I've known about the PS3 Slim for a little while (as in, real confirmation), but didn't hear anything about PS2 BC (but that doesn't 100% mean it isn't coming). As I've maintained, they're most likely going to sell full PS2 games via PSN.

How is BC an advantage at this stage in the game for Sony? People are buying PS3s for PS3 games and most likely don't care about PS2 and PS. Why would Sony pour resources into developing something that will barely benefit them? PS2 downloads make sense.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I've known about the PS3 Slim for a little while (as in, real confirmation), but didn't hear anything about PS2 BC (but that doesn't 100% mean it isn't coming). As I've maintained, they're most likely going to sell full PS2 games via PSN.

How is BC an advantage at this stage in the game for Sony? People are buying PS3s for PS3 games and most likely don't care about PS2 and PS. Why would Sony pour resources into developing something that will barely benefit them? PS2 downloads make sense.

Yeah.

PS2 BC is pretty irrelevant at this point.

It's a really great feature and nice to have ...

but I'd like to think that it shouldn't make/break a PS3 purchase for the general public, there really is enough software available at brick & mortar and via the PSN to keep most gamers busy/happy on a weekly basis.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I think what's interesting is that while each subsequent Xbox 360 has improved (if for no other reason than because the later the revision, the less likely it'll self destruct) each subsequent PS3 has been stripped down. Because of that, as somebody who as of yet doesn't own a PS3, I have to see the actual specs of the Slim in order to determine whether or not it would be better to get this or to seek out a 60 gig model.

Jack says it's "full featured" in the announce video, so it likely has nothing stripped from the current model units. And you get a Dual Shock 3 standard now which you didn't for the first 1 1/2 - 2 years of the console, so for what little value that adds it's something.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/08/18/playstation-3-now-299-slimmer-version-coming-september-1st/

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

have you guys seen the pics of this thing? it is one ugly beast. it lacks the ps3's classy piano-black finish (even tho it is a fingerprint magnet), and the proportions aren't too attractive. although it is thinner, it got deeper in the process.

i thought this was gonna be the ps3 slim, not the ps3 flattened.

time to get a phat before they're all gone, i guess.

[kupomogli]

Wow. $100 price drop and people are still bitching.

The price is now down to the amount of the 360 Pro 60GB console. What Microsoft is probably going to do is phase out the 20GB Pro and have only the 60GB Pro at that price point for $250. The PS3 would then be $50 more and still a much better value. As just a gaming system, not even talking about being a Bluray player.

Maybe we should make another price point comparison with only a year of XBL service at the standard rate only against the 360 arcade unit. Maybe Duffmanth will post in this thread soon.


the online sucks. Period. I'd rather pay $50 a year for something good then be saddled with an under-featured sack of crap.

Before you quote some 360 fanboys words, how about owning both systems and using both services frequently. If you're playing a multiconsole game you won't notice the difference no matter what version you're playing.


The big one, however, is that I will not buy a PS3 without BC.

Because you're too cheap to purchase a PS2 doesn't mean Sony should throw BC on there to benefit you alone. When you purchase a new system, you purchase it to play games built for that system.

Did the SNES have backwards compatibility with the NES? Did the N64 have backwards compatibility with the SNES? Most console systems didn't have backwards compatibility and it wasn't a selling point with any of the systems until the PS2 came along. How many people are bitching that the DSi sucks because it's removed GBA compatibility? Not many.

*edit*

Also. I thought the PS3 slim would look like crap with the angles of the pictures shown before. That actually looks pretty good.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

have you guys seen the pics of this thing? it is one ugly beast. it lacks the ps3's classy piano-black finish (even tho it is a fingerprint magnet), and the proportions aren't too attractive. although it is thinner, it got deeper in the process.

i thought this was gonna be the ps3 slim, not the ps3 flattened.

time to get a phat before they're all gone, i guess.

Mmm ... it looks fine to me, I wouldn't call it ugly, though I can't recall the last game system that I really loved the look of.

I'll take slim over tall any day and as sexy as mirror black finish is, it shows dust and fingerprints like a motherfucker. Hooray for matte black.

[BetaWolf47]

Finally a powerful current-gen system that won't hog my gaming surface.

[The 1 2 P]

It's about damn time but we all knew this was coming. I agree that it's an ugly ass system from the front but the back has that cool laptop vibe. Starting next month I think Sony will finally start to move some real units but we won't get official results until the second week of October when NPD releases their results.

I'm very interested to see how the PS3 sells now(all of them) because theres no longer a huge price difference. The 360 Elite is dropping down to $299 later this month(it's already been confirmed with a store's ad) and the 60 gig Pro is being phased out. So the $199 arcade(still the cheapest next gen system) and $299 Elite will do battle with the $250 Wii, $299 120 gig and 80 gig PS3 and the remaining 160 gig $399 PS3. Things are definitely going to get interesting next month.

[HappehLemons]

I might actually pick it up. I really want PS2 BC though.

[Hwj_Chim]

I like the look of the PS3 Slim. Does anyone know if you can still change the hard drive on the slims?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I like the look of the PS3 Slim. Does anyone know if you can still change the hard drive on the slims?

No idea, but I'm going to fall back on the "full featured" quote from Mr. Tretton again.

Can't imagine why they'd prevent that from being an option, they never sold 1st party brands so they weren't making money off of those anyway. They want people putting 400 gig drives in there and going download crazy on the PSN.

[portnoyd]

When you purchase a new system, you purchase it to play games built for that system.


The PS3 would then be $50 more and still a much better value. As just a gaming system, not even talking about being a Bluray player.

Then don't. I don't see how the PS3 becomes a better value at $50 more, BR player aside.

XBL is better than PSN and I have used both.

Backwards compability is featured on the Wii and the 360. Not having it on the PS3 is definitely a negative.

Gotta say I like the new design. Having pressable power/eject buttons would be a godsend.

[exit]

I like the look of the PS3 Slim. Does anyone know if you can still change the hard drive on the slims?

From what I understand you can still change the HDD, although the 120gigs of space provided should be plenty to live on for a while.


have you guys seen the pics of this thing? it is one ugly beast. it lacks the ps3's classy piano-black finish (even tho it is a fingerprint magnet), and the proportions aren't too attractive. although it is thinner, it got deeper in the process.

Honestly, I really don't think it looks that bad at all, although it would have looked a lot better if they kept the glossy look. I'm happy with my bulky PS3 tho and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon, but this should probably help the system sell a lot better now. I'm glad that the slim rumors will finally be put the rest, now they just need to lay the BC rumors to rest.

Is BC really that big of a deal? I have the 80gig model with BC and I've barely played any PS2 games on it. So other than it being a convenient feature at times, I doubt that more than half the people bitching about BC will even play PS2 games on their PS3 anyway.

[heybtbm]

Well, well, well. It's real...

http://kotaku.com/5340260/playstation-3-slim-the-unboxing-the-up+close-examination/gallery/

[Snapple]

Now that the complete PS3 costs less than a Wii+Nunchuk+Motion Plus, are people still going to use the excuse that they can't "afford" a PS3 over a Wii?

[coreys429]

$299....and it still doesn't have backward compatible...No sale. Looks like I'll just go over a friends house to play it. I just can't justify buying one. Even with the announcement of the failure rate of the 360, I rather buy one of those.

[kupomogli]

The man himself speaks. Look at how it looks beside a phat PS3 and look how light it is, he picks it up like nothing.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/08/18/playstation-3-now-299-slimmer-version-coming-september-1st/

[heybtbm]

$299....and it still doesn't have backward compatible...No sale. Looks like I'll just go over a friends house to play it. I just can't justify buying one. Even with the announcement of the failure rate of the 360, I rather buy one of those.

It's coming. Emulated B/C will be better than no B/C at all.

[swlovinist]

Emulated BC should be put on, instead of "Its coming". I remember when Microsoft said that "all Xbox games will be playable on the 360". The $299 system is good for them, but really, is it that hard to put BC on a system? Still good news, at least they are trying.

[PapaStu]

Not as tall or as thick, but it looks to be wider than the 'Phats'. Either way, i've got a Drake's 160GB bundle that i've still yet to play a PS3 game on (Heck, took me 5 months to get it out of the box and hook it up). I'm more worried about the probable push for mass installation of games (Lost Planet, DMC ect) and killing the HD's with 3 or 4 games. They give me BC huzzah, if not i'll gladly use my 2 PS2's to play my games, without any potential problems that the emulation will bring.

[otaku]

its nice but I'm not sure its as sexy as the original. Decent price though for sure with good hdd but they still have one problem....no games....and they still don't have a service to really compete with live

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

... I remember when Microsoft said that "all Xbox games will be playable on the 360" ...

And sadly, they did not speak the truth.

(Glares at copy of Tron 2.0 Killer App)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

sign me up!

it all seems pretty plausible up until the ssd. why would a company so desperate to drop manufacturing costs go with a storage solution with such a high cost per gig? of course, this is sony we're talking about here.

No SSD drive. Standard serial ATA laptop HDD.

official specs:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-debuts-slimmer-ps3/

Solid State Drives are WAY too pricey to be shipping with the all new bargain price slim PS3.

[unwinddesign]

Wow. $100 price drop and people are still bitching.

The price is now down to the amount of the 360 Pro 60GB console. What Microsoft is probably going to do is phase out the 20GB Pro and have only the 60GB Pro at that price point for $250. The PS3 would then be $50 more and still a much better value. As just a gaming system, not even talking about being a Bluray player.



Better value is subjective. Yeah, it comes with built in wi-fi and a bigger hard drive. Yeah, it comes with free online. But, honestly, you get what you pay for. I'm about the farthest thing from a fanboy. It's so ridiculously stupid to hate on a system for no reason or because I can't afford it. But you know what? I can afford a PS3, and there are reasons why I WON'T buy one at this price.

The Wi-Fi is weak. My overpriced USB dongle for 360 may have cost $100 -- another problem in and of itself -- but it works. It works damn well. PS3 wi-fi? Spotty. For that matter, so is the Wii's. Cheaper? Yes. But temperamental. Blu-Ray is a nice bonus until you realize the price of the discs is simply outrageous. I can count the movies I've seen twice on my two hands. I don't need a Blu-Ray player.

A little discussed feature of the 360 is its incredible media extender capabilities. It mops the floor with the PS3 in this regard, and this, imo, is much more useful/valuable than Blu-Ray. Plus, Netflix streaming is sweet. Others' mileage may vary. Thus why value is really in the eye of the beholder, not merely based on the sticker price.



Because you're too cheap to purchase a PS2 doesn't mean Sony should throw BC on there to benefit you alone. When you purchase a new system, you purchase it to play games built for that system.

Sony instilled this expectation in me with their PS2 BC. And then by putting it in the PS3 as well...at least for a bit. The 90s are irrelevant. How many people bitched that the polygons in Star Fox didn't look like real ships? Uh...not many, the game looked amazing in the mid-90s. This may be obvious, but it has definitely escaped your logical reasoning: things change. I want BC because I don't want a million systems running around. I don't have a giant PS2 collection, nor do I plan on amassing one. I want to play a couple games I missed on PS2. So, either I'll wait until I can get a new PS2 for $50, or they put BC back in. I'm fine with my 360 and Wii now.

I have a cable box, 360, a Wii and a receiver. You know what? My TV unit doesn't have room for a PS2. Also, the PS3's upscaling is a big plus...because I have an HDTV. PS2 games that don't support progressive scan look like ass on an HDTV. And you know what else? I don't want to pay $20 for a memory card and another $30 for a Wireless controller, both of which are standard (hd/bluetooth) on the PS3.

I'd love to buy a PS3 slim to play the games I already mentioned above. But Sony's making it hard for those who already own a 360 or Wii (to a lesser extent) to come on over and buy one, since they really haven't added a lot of features since Day 1...only really been removing them.

[Snapple]

Those of you who want backwards compatibility, is space in your entertainment center the issue, or have you guys just not bought PS2s? I hope y'all bought PS2s, because it's been nine years.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

PS3's Wi Fi is SPOTTY?

You don't own a PS3 and you're going to claim that it has spotty Wi Fi ... and that the Wii has superior Wi Fi hardware?

There's a reason that people have purchased the Wii's USB ethernet adapter in droves, and it's not because they want something to fill that extra USB slot when they're not using it to charge their PS3 controllers.

I'm not sure where you're getting that info from or how you can quantify it as a non-owner of a PS3, but I've never owned a single device - game system, laptop, smartphone, anything with a more solid Wi Fi connection than my PS3.

The PSN network can be a bit on the slow side when you're downloading a large game from the PSN Store, but the PS3 has by my estimation - excellent built in Wi Fi.

[BHvrd]

Better value is subjective. Yeah, it comes with built in wi-fi and a bigger hard drive. Yeah, it comes with free online. But, honestly, you get what you pay for and man that's alot for the money

Fixed it for ya :D


The Wi-Fi is weak. My overpriced USB dongle for 360 may have cost $100 -- another problem in and of itself -- but it works. It works damn well. PS3 wi-fi? Spotty. For that matter, so is the Wii's. Cheaper? Yes. But temperamental. Blu-Ray is a nice bonus until you realize the price of the discs is simply outrageous. I can count the movies I've seen twice on my two hands. I don't need a Blu-Ray player.

Wi-Fi is weak? Don't know how you get that, but I guess paying an extra $100 is worth the...lost me here.

I can agree to an extent on the Blu-Ray part, but I love the non-scratch discs and a fantastic HD experience.


A little discussed feature of the 360 is its incredible media extender capabilities. It mops the floor with the PS3 in this regard, and this, imo, is much more useful/valuable than Blu-Ray. Plus, Netflix streaming is sweet. Others' mileage may vary. Thus why value is really in the eye of the beholder, not merely based on the sticker price.

WRONG!

PS3 has media sharing as well and tho it is pretty slow and I haven't compared the 2, that's beside the point. Did you know that PS3's can play DVD-R data discs? It also supports playback of Avi, Mp4, Divx and WMV.......nuff said.




Sony instilled this expectation in me with their PS2 BC. And then by putting it in the PS3 as well...at least for a bit. The 90s are irrelevant. How many people bitched that the polygons in Star Fox didn't look like real ships? Uh...not many, the game looked amazing in the mid-90s. This may be obvious, but it has definitely escaped your logical reasoning: things change. I want BC because I don't want a million systems running around. I don't have a giant PS2 collection, nor do I plan on amassing one. I want to play a couple games I missed on PS2. So, either I'll wait until I can get a new PS2 for $50, or they put BC back in. I'm fine with my 360 and Wii now.

I have a cable box, 360, a Wii and a receiver. You know what? My TV unit doesn't have room for a PS2. Also, the PS3's upscaling is a big plus...because I have an HDTV. PS2 games that don't support progressive scan look like ass on an HDTV. And you know what else? I don't want to pay $20 for a memory card and another $30 for a Wireless controller, both of which are standard (hd/bluetooth) on the PS3.

I'd love to buy a PS3 slim to play the games I already mentioned above. But Sony's making it hard for those who already own a 360 or Wii (to a lesser extent) to come on over and buy one, since they really haven't added a lot of features since Day 1...only really been removing them.


By chance do you know The Sizzler?

[Icarus Moonsight]

Looks like I'm back into Sony again... Fuck, it took them long enough to join the real world. I'm still want competent BC though. Not because I was too cheap to buy a PS2, I bought three, but for the assurance of back-up redundancy. I was going to drop a hundred on a back-up PS2 slim soon anyway (making it 4 total, 2 died, w/ 2 on hand). Might as well throw out a bit more and get a PS3 slim instead if it does most PS2 soft.

I have to hand it to them, they have done more to address my concerns with the slim PS3 than MS has done with the 360 thus far. Barring any massive errors in the slim design, of course. Most likely, I'll pick one up after the holidays are over or whenever I can find one after that. It's possible Sony is going to make a huge rally if nothing changes soon. I see it as a fairly aggressive market move, and I love it. I want to give a window so it can prove itself and to see what MS has to say about it. Fight for my monies! LOL

[Tron 2.0]

The PS3 slim doesn't look that bad to me but it's too late for me so i guess a lol.I was waiting on that price drop for the current models,but afther a while i gave up.Just recently i completed a deal with a member at neo-geo.com for a used 60GB PS3.So right now i'm waiting for it too arrive in the mail.Oh btw "i see a few people in here" have complained the price drop for current model isn't enough wtf !? It doesn't seem that bad to me given what you get with the console all ready.Plus it's library of games have been picking up as of late.Not to mention there are titles now that have been released under the greatest hits label.Though the most recent one to added to it is uncharted.

[garagesaleking!!]

its still a sony, and

Its just a little too late, a little too wrong, and i cant waiiit, you know all the right things to say, you knooow its just too little too laaaate. Ohhhua!

[swlovinist]

I did a long rant, and my great awsome computer lost it. So I will retype the short version.

Two big features that people wanted with the PS3

$299 price point
Backwards Compatibility

BC is something that help the PS2. People like that feature in systems. Whether or not it will be used. It is a selling feature. It does not have to be perfect, it just has to be present. Also both competators have it in some form or other.

Sony to not announce it in the new PS3 slim is a mistake. People want that, check the forums out on other sites. There are several folks that are just waiting to trade in the PS2 and get the PS3 with the feature.

[IronBuddha]

I still won't buy it unless it's BC. If I want to play PS2 games then I have to keep both systems around just to do this. I know this might seem like a little stupid thing to rag about, but when you also have a cable box, a PS2, a 360, and surround sound hooked up at once you begin to lose space and things begin to look ugly and cluttered. I'm also not sold about downloading games either. PS2 games are beginning to become extremely cheap, why would I download a file if I can have a physical copy............ only because the PS3 isn't BC! I feel like it's a business scam.

I just don't like blatantly being dicked around by a company just so they can to make money. Not to get off topic but even with the 360 I don't purchase any downloads just because how fucked up their point system is.

[The 1 2 P]

I can agree to an extent on the Blu-Ray part, but I love the non-scratch discs

Blu-ray disc don't get scratched?


I want to give a window so it can prove itself and to see what MS has to say about it. Fight for my monies! LOL


Microsoft is dropping the price of the Elite to $299 (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/report-xbox-360-elite-price-drop-coming-end-of-august/) at the end of this month and are phasing out the 60 gig Pro. Did you think they were just going to let Sony gain momentum and market share without any rebuttal?

Back on topic, as a 360 and Wii owner I think that this new slim PS3 is a very good value, regardless of PS2 BC(mainly because I still have my PS2 slim). There still aren't as many games that I want for it(especially this holiday season) but Sony has come along way from the mistakes they have made since launch. And as I stated in my last post, things are about to get real interesting for all three systems this holiday season. The 360 has the cheapest system by $50 and the Elite and PS3 slim are only $50 more than the Wii. Nobody can make anymore excuses about why which system sells better--the playing field has finally been leveled.

[Ed Oscuro]

[short list of exclusives]
wtf is this I don't even

DEMON'S SOULS, MAN!

From Software!

Basically half the reason I'd want to get a PS3 right there.

[DeputyMoniker]

The big one, however, is that I will not buy a PS3 without BC. This may be just me, but the PS2 has one of the best (if not the best) software library of all time. There are tons of games I missed that I want to play (MGS3, Yakuza 2, Grandia 3...). I will not buy a PS2 to do so. For $300, the PS3 is worth it if it includes BC. Otherwise no, since I already own a 360 and a Wii.

My 360 and Wii don't play PS2 games and that didn't stop me from buying them. Seems like "principle" ruins the experience for a lot of people. I hope you're enjoying life on lonely island. I don't mean to be confrontational but that's just a really intolerant attitude to have.

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, at least you're not cheering on the day when PS2-compatible machines are no longer made because you think it'll make collecting cheaper...hopefully we all know how that one goes...and for a notoriously unreliable disc-based system to boot...

[Oobgarm]

I still find the claims about lack of games to be laughable.

MLB 09: The Show
Valkyria Chronicles
Metal Gear Solid 4
Killzone 2
Little Big Planet
InFamous
Ratchet & Clank
Uncharted

Those alone should fit just about anyone, really.

(plus all the cross platform titles)

[Ed Oscuro]

Those alone should fit just about anyone, really.
DEMON'S SOULS, MAN! :P

[Lothars]

its still a sony, and

Its just a little too late, a little too wrong, and i cant waiiit, you know all the right things to say, you knooow its just too little too laaaate. Ohhhua!

Well I don't think it's a little to late especially if this generation lasts for another 3 years or so, it's not a bad time for them to drop it.

It should have been dropped sooner but it's definitley not to late

To Unwinddesign.

I think your totally wrong the PS3 media capabilities with streaming other than Netflix is as good if not better than the 360's in every comparable way.

also the wifi on the PS3 is just as good as the 360 wireless adapter.

I don't know why your saying it's not but you are incorrect.

[CelticJobber]

Blu-ray disc don't get scratched?


No, or atleast they're very hard to scratch. I've dropped PS3 discs on the floor, they've hit my entertainment center pretty hard and still didn't have a scratch. And even rental copies are usually just heavily finger-smudged at worst.

[heybtbm]

Those of you who want backwards compatibility, is space in your entertainment center the issue, or have you guys just not bought PS2s? I hope y'all bought PS2s, because it's been nine years.

The PS1/PS2 memory card archiving feature on the PS3's XMB is phenomenal. It was worth the extra $300 "price of admission" IMO. I have plenty of space for a PS1 and PS2. It's just the convenience of having all three machines in one that's a nice thing to have. When my old 60 gig finally bites the dust, it'll be a sad day.

[GrandAmChandler]

I've merged both PS3 Slim threads into one PS3 Phatty thread.

Also, it's for preorder already on Amazon.com. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002I0J4VQ/?tag=retrcom-20)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2B7ijf43jL._AA280_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31w4WFb5XzL._AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002I0J4VQ/?tag=retrcom-20)

[Gentlegamer]

Looks like a good deal and move by Sony. Price is still to high for me since I already went Xbox 360, but I'll keep my eye out for deals as time goes on. It will also have to wait in line behind Wii, since I'm waiting for Black Wii to hit the states.

I think the redesign looks pretty attractive, except for one nitpick: the PlayStation brand logo is no longer colored (or movable).

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Food for thought.

A sharp drop in the new price of PS3s will cause a subsequent drop in the price of used units.

With the general above-average quality of PS3 hardware (not as prone to failure as other current gen systems or previous gen Sony hardware) people interested in getting in on PS3 usage have an even lower financial hurdle to cross now if they go used, and with the solid hardware of the PS3 they can do it with greater peace of mind.

[exit]

The Wi-Fi is weak.

I don't mean to be an echo, where exactly do you get this information from? I can get a relatively low signal in my room and the PS3 can usually pick it up perfectly, plus setting it up the wireless on my PS3 was easier than setting it up on my PC.


A little discussed feature of the 360 is its incredible media extender capabilities. It mops the floor with the PS3 in this regard, and this, imo, is much more useful/valuable than Blu-Ray. Plus, Netflix streaming is sweet. Others' mileage may vary. Thus why value is really in the eye of the beholder, not merely based on the sticker price.

My PS3 would like to have a word with you on this. The PS3 has been able to play media files for the longest, I can just simply download an episode of a show that I missed, load it up on a USB and pop it right in my PS3 for viewing. The support for what type of media it can play gets better almost every update, so problems playing a file have been becoming less and less as the time goes on. I could honestly care less about netflix, the whole streaming thing doesn't really bold well with me since my past experiences have usually been chaotic.


....since they really haven't added a lot of features since Day 1...only really been removing them.

Again do a little research will help you realize a lot has been added within the past year, let alone since it's launch. I was originally going to get a 360 before my PS3 almost 2 years ago and I researched the hell out of the PS3 before I decided to get one. Of course then it was a pretty hefty purchase, if I had waited until now it probably wouldn't have required as much and I would have been able to make the decision a lot quicker.

[kaedesdisciple]

Food for thought.

A sharp drop in the new price of PS3s will cause a subsequent drop in the price of used units.

With the general above-average quality of PS3 hardware (not as prone to failure as other current gen systems or previous gen Sony hardware) people interested in getting in on PS3 usage have an even lower financial hurdle to cross now if they go used, and with the solid hardware of the PS3 they can do it with greater peace of mind.

The only exception I can see with this price-wise is the sale of 60GB units, because of the hardware based BC. Sellers who know what they have are already charging more because they know it's not available in other versions, this may simply fuel their fire.

Once again, no BC = no sale for me. I have a 360 to play newer games/watch Netflix, I have a PS2 to play my PS2 games (which I was hoping to replace) and I have a blu-ray player for my DVD/HD movie fix.

Say whatever you want, the PS3 at this point has no place in my life. This will probably be the console that I pick up much later in the generation.

[guitargary75]

It looks fake! If it is real it looks like shit!

[Oobgarm]

Don't worry, it's not.

[Muscelli]

Looks great. I can't wait to buy one.

[garagesaleking!!]

Little Big Dic*, that can carry a system alright, o jeez, and dont you dare even forgot about mlb 09, its a legendary game.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The only exception I can see with this price-wise is the sale of 60GB units, because of the hardware based BC. Sellers who know what they have are already charging more because they know it's not available in other versions, this may simply fuel their fire.

Once again, no BC = no sale for me. I have a 360 to play newer games/watch Netflix, I have a PS2 to play my PS2 games (which I was hoping to replace) and I have a blu-ray player for my DVD/HD movie fix.

Say whatever you want, the PS3 at this point has no place in my life. This will probably be the console that I pick up much later in the generation.

Yes, Absolutely on the BC front, until Sony decides how they're going to re-integrate that into the hardware the 60GB hardware BC units and 80GB software BC units will likely remain pricey.

I fully understand the desire to have a BC unit and it's still a very legit gripe for a segment of the gaming community ... but they didn't devise and patent a new method of software BC for nothing. It'll likely rear it's head sometime in the future be it pay to download PS2 titles or re-integration into the firmware for all models that lack it.

But as far as their critics go, over the past few years IMO Sony has met each criticism head on, yes in a slow fashion ... but considering the mess that the "old guard" of Kutaragi and Co. left them at out of the starting gate, I think that Jack and Kaz (and Harrison prior to leaving) have done everything that they could to repair damage and wipe some egg off their face.


Too expensive out of the gate - stripped features and got the price down likely at a loss to them for a considerable time.

Limited XMB features/online store - rapidly improved firmware updates to get both the OS and the store up to a very respectable state. Still no cross-game chat, but free online service in general and extras like Trophy support and Home in some small way counter than sore spot (for some) in the meantime.

No rumble - smoothed things out with Immersion and now DS3 is standard and packed in.

Too expensive in general - $100 price drop to normalize the marketplace.

Are they still ultimately to blame for their mistakes? Sure. We've all be vocal about what we want ... but sometimes companies need to be bold, throw shit to the wall and see what sticks.


There's no doubt that Sony has seen what stuck and for the remainder of this gen and moving into the next I think we'll see more conservative decisions partnered with the occasional bold move/experiment (PSP Go).

[eskobar]

I have received an email from Amazon announcing the pre-order for the "PLAYSTATION 3 120 GB - SMALLER AND LIGHTER" for $ 299 usd and any doubt i had about the legitimacy of the PS3 slim has gone.

The console looks good, in its time, the PS2 design and the Slim redesign looked better than this PS3 Slim, but the price is what Sony needed to bring the PS3 to other markets.

Even if the Wii brought many "casual" gamers and created a new market segment, those people can migrate to PS3 at this price. The Wii is failing to deliver good gaming experiences to those new consumers that demand higher quality games and they can find it on the PS3.

I had a few PS3 but i have bought them just for one or two games and then i re-sold the console .... now, with a better library and the new price; i will purchase the system again and this time i will keep it; backwards compatibility is not a issue for me.

[Swamperon]

See, I can see why people don't see need for BC, but as I've never owned a PS2, BC would probably push me into buying a PS3. At £250, with free online, blu-ray player included, PS2/PS1 BC and the other extras, it'd be hard to say no.

[alexkidd2000]

The PS1/PS2 memory card archiving feature on the PS3's XMB is phenomenal. It was worth the extra $300 "price of admission" IMO. I have plenty of space for a PS1 and PS2. It's just the convenience of having all three machines in one that's a nice thing to have. When my old 60 gig finally bites the dust, it'll be a sad day.

I think this is the biggest thing. I have a PS2 and PS1 but I just dont want to have to bother with them. Having my 60gb PS3 with bc is the best mostly because everything is in one system and I get to use wireless controllers. I no longer have to worry about the kids running in front of me ripping the system to the ground or the dog chewing on the cables or the messiness of having cables everywhere.

Its not the end of the world not having bc, I would still own a PS3 happily without it. Sony should offer some sort of bc option. Perhaps a special mail order only version of slim that costs $50 to $100 more that has the chips to play PS2.

[alexkidd2000]

Quote:
A little discussed feature of the 360 is its incredible media extender capabilities. It mops the floor with the PS3 in this regard, and this, imo, is much more useful/valuable than Blu-Ray. Plus, Netflix streaming is sweet. Others' mileage may vary. Thus why value is really in the eye of the beholder, not merely based on the sticker price.

This is more BS then I can take. I have a PS3 and 360 and the media center capabilities on the PS3 KILL the 360s. For one you can play blu ray which offers great quality but with a simple app on your PC called Tversity the PS3 becomes a much slicker and user friendly media center. I can stream ANYTHING to the PS3 and the picture, options (like ff rewind etc) and speed kills what the 360 offers!

[The 1 2 P]

No, or atleast they're very hard to scratch. I've dropped PS3 discs on the floor, they've hit my entertainment center pretty hard and still didn't have a scratch. And even rental copies are usually just heavily finger-smudged at worst.

I find that very interesting. All my disc are in excellent condition(PS1, 360, dvds, cds, etc.) but I've had to be very gentle with them. Being able to fondle(for lack of a better word) my disc alittle more would definitely be an advantage for blu-rays.

[megasdkirby]

Sears lowered the price on the 80GB PS3 today. I was REALLY tempted to get one, but I noticed that the slim will come with a 120GB HDD.

But I am scared that cooling may be detrimental on the slim, as with what happened to the PS2 Slim.

Should I wait for the slim, or just get the phat PS3? I would love the 80GB model, but it's HUGE! But then again, the slim is very wide (inwards).

HDD is not a concern, since I can simply replace it. But cooling is. I read that it will have a new CPU variation (something a la 45nm?) so would this be helpful?

Thanks guys.

[Kid Ice]

Should I wait for the slim, or just get the phat PS3? I would love the 80GB model, but it's HUGE! But then again, the slim is very wide (inwards).

We already know the phat is reliable. If I didn't already have one already I would by one. However, I'm not big on the "slim" thing in general....it just sits there on my desk, doesn't matter so much what size it is.

[megasdkirby]

A friend just told me that the phat had disc/laser issues. What are they, exactly?

I am heading towards the phat, because I also found out Linux cannot be installed on the Slim, because the firmware option is gone.

But my main concern is stability and functions...what thinsg were eliminated from the phat?