Sony Inflating Sales #'s [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

neotokeo2001

06-19-2003, 08:42 PM

I just had to buy my 3rd Playstation 2. Same old story, bad CD laser leading to Disc Errors.

Here are my options

1.Buy a replacement laser for $45 and install it myself. (Yeah RIGHT!!)

2.Send it to Sony who denies there is a widespread problem. They will fix it
for $120 plus shipping.

3.Screw it!! I won't ever play another Playstation game.

4.Go to FYE pay $177 for a new Playstation2 with a free game, DVD Remote,
Extra controller and a $30 mail in rebate.

Gee, I guess I'll go with #4.

Out of all the millions of Playstation 2's that have been sold, I wonder how many are replacement purchases for broken machines?

The only systems I have ever had trouble with were Sony(PS1,PS2).
Are they designed to wear out?

Looks bad for collectors of Sony games. 10 years from now you won't have working systems to play your games on. Unless the Playstation 4 is backwards compatible to the PS1.

Mr. NEStalgia

06-19-2003, 09:17 PM

I don't know about everyone else, but I've never had a single problem with either my PS1 or PS2...I own my first of each and still work perfectly. :P

-=Mr. NEStalgia=-

SoulBlazer

06-19-2003, 09:21 PM

Toward the end of my PS1 unit's life (after I had it for about four years), the unit started to become a little picky in which games that it would read, but once past that it worked just fine. It was'nt long after I got a PS2, so I did'nt mind that.

My PS2 has worked just fine since I got the unit about two years ago, though.

Sega's systems seem to have caused me a lot of problems as well -- games not working in the 32X, the CD drive needing PERFECT games to read them properly, controllers going bad one day and working fine the next -- stuff like that.

Nintendo, though, has ALWAYS built their games and systems to last. I recall horror stories of what people did to some of them -- even the old NES units! And I dropped my GBA 12 feet on pavement last year and it did'nt even have a scratch on it! Nice to know they still make them for all time. :)

Drexel923

06-19-2003, 09:22 PM

I also own my original playstation and ps2 and they still work fine, which is kind of a miracle since it's been dropped on the floor twice. The only problems I've had with Sony products are my dvd player, reciever, and a ps2 controller all kicking the bucket. So I still am kinda pissed. I've heard that a lot of people have had to buy multiple ps1's and 2's though.

kevincure

06-19-2003, 09:23 PM

Yeah, I have had no problems with either myself, and my PS2 has ridden in the luggage on cross-country flights four times. I know a lot of the PS2 problems involve the machine being shut by pushing the disc tray instead of the button (same problem exists with CD-Rom drives on PC's).

In any case, here's what you should do: Anytime you buy hardware, simply get the 3-year warranty that most stores offer very cheap (usually 20-30 bucks). I think Best Buy's allows you to simply return your broken machine and get a new one that day. Another option is to buy your PS2 with certain types of credit cards (most AmEx cards are good with this): Many will include a free 2 or 3 year warranty on electronics bought with the card, so check your credit cards to see if you have any that offer this.

Griking

06-20-2003, 12:09 AM

I made sure that when I bought my PS2 that I bought a replacement plan as well so that WHEN it broke it'll be replaced at no additional charge.

digdug

06-20-2003, 12:16 AM

hezeuschrist

06-20-2003, 01:11 AM

Adding to the PS2 Woes, my machine is just eating it. Whenever it's been transported it's been done so in the original box, with original styrofoam packing. Sometimes the second controller port just wont read (Where my dvd remote is plugged in), my AV cable just flat out died on me, doesn't work at all, and it killed my PSOne memory card right when i got the system.

Oh well, I guess just needing a new AV cable (using RF now, almost cant wait until paycheck to get another av cable. RF BLOWS.) isn't anywhere near as bad as needing a whole new system... although I would wait until they re-release the system with progressive scan and a power button remote in november/december.

dave2236

06-20-2003, 03:33 AM

Well my PS2 died ladt week and I had one before that die on me. So your not the only one with the problem.

Stark

06-20-2003, 04:45 AM

I have never had a problem with my PS1 OR PS2 systems and bought each the first week or so they were released. I had one problem though with a PS1 memory card (Sony brand) that erased all my saves. A friend of mine though had the same problem that neotokeo2001 had but his happened right after he bought his around the time the PS2 was released. 8-)

EnemyZero

06-20-2003, 08:37 AM

Ive had problems with my ps1's and 2's as well.....Ive also owned a couple of each and I've had problems where the dvd's wouldnt work, where I could only play blue back disc's, where i couldnt play blue back discs and where the laser eye stopped working, my ps1 just stopped working a few times as well

Daltone

06-20-2003, 09:32 AM

I've had a few minor problems with my PS2, not reading games first time and the ever-present crappy DVD playback, which is nothing compared to what happened to a friend of mine. He had his PS2 in the 'vertical' position and was playing on Street Figher, all of a sudden there was a grinding noise, so he took the disc out and found a huge trench cut all the way around his game :/

kainemaxwell

06-20-2003, 10:11 AM

In the PSX I still have my friend and I've had to clean the lens a couple times, mainly since it was old and a first gen PSX (I think). That one was given to me by a now ex-friend when he got his PS2.

The PS2 I have thanks to another friend I've had no problems except for the occasional noise reading certain discs and the skipping-like noise as loading (Like with Vice City).

neotokeo2001

06-20-2003, 06:08 PM

cheesystick

06-21-2003, 06:55 AM

My friend has a stack of 3 broken ps2's on his bookshelf. He is on his 4th one. That is nearly an 1000 dollars spent on just ps2s. I'm glad that I have a trust gamecube. It fell a good 6 fett onto solid pavement, and it didnt even turn off. My same friend put his N64 into his frezzer for 2 whole weeks just to see if it could take it, and it did! 8-)
-crispy

ManekiNeko

06-21-2003, 11:22 AM

They're thrown together with cheap parts so people will have to run out and buy more. I thought that would be common knowledge by now. There's even a site on the web that's trying to organize a petition, although Sony has predictably ignored it.
Sony will only take advantage of their customers as long as they continue to let it happen. When your system breaks, don't replace it with a new one. Buy a used unit if you must, but boycott the PS2 entirely if you can. It's the only way Sony will learn to take their customers seriously.

JR

cheesystick

06-21-2003, 12:50 PM

When your system breaks, don't replace it with a new one. Buy a used unit if you must, but boycott the PS2 entirely if you can. It's the only way Sony will learn to take their customers seriously

I agree whole-heartedly. If you bough a new car, drove it down the street, and it fell apart. would you go right back to the dealership and buy the exact same model car? multiple times?
I think if anyone gives up an extra 180 bucks to sony beccause of their own design faults, they are being had.
maybe that was one of the reasons that sony design the ps2 to sit upright. I know they did it because it looks cool, but perhaps they did it also in hopes that some kid would knock it over, breaking it, and would rush out to the store to buy a second one to all Junior's ps2 games didnt become worthless. Genius buisness idea, but still an asshole thing to do. :grumble:
-crispy[/quote]

Achika

06-21-2003, 03:09 PM

Ya know, I just got a nasty email from my site about how I don't document on the PS2 page that "Sony knows they are faulty, noisy, etc." WTF? I've had a release date one, and recently picked up a Japanese one...I've had no problems what so ever, it's no noisier than my Xbox or even my DC.... Someone show me proof that they are infact putting faulty parts in there, show me proof that they are shitty.

All the ones that are brought back to me broken at Gamestop look like someone dragged them through the mud, and these customers acknowledged they put them on the carpet...what else do you expect?

zmeston

06-21-2003, 03:20 PM

They're thrown together with cheap parts so people will have to run out and buy more. I thought that would be common knowledge by now. There's even a site on the web that's trying to organize a petition, although Sony has predictably ignored it.

Where in the world is it "common knowledge" that PS2s are made of "cheap parts"? (And as opposed to the gold leaf and titanium construction of the Xbox and GameCube?)

Also, Sony's hardly alone in ignoring online petitions:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.htm

-- Z.

brandver3

06-21-2003, 04:19 PM

Well guys, i hope you like online. Something I forgot to mention the Sony rep told Amanda. Sony has decided the once they sell through the 179.99 PS2's, they are going back to 199.99, with the Network Adapter. From now on you can only by new with the adapter. So get ready to have some extra adapters floating around the house.

GrandAmChandler

06-21-2003, 05:17 PM

Someone told me once that if you play DVDs on a PS2 for an extended period of time, that even though the system was designed as a DVD player, by playing DVDs it causes strain to the Laser Lens, and there for faulting later on, I too had the same problem with the system only playing Blue Back discs later on...

Is there any way of telling when the PS2 is produced? A version number on the back or something??

The thing is crap, but the games are good. sigh...

neotokeo2001

06-21-2003, 05:39 PM

Don't goto FYE for your PS2, take your defective one to EB and they will give u $100 credit towards either a new one or refurbished one and get the warranty with it. Best investmet you could make.

Dig Dug

Don't know how Sony is not getting sued for faulty equipment.

I verified at EB that they will indeed give a $100 credit for a non-working PS2. They then return the PS2 to Sony for a refurbished one that they sell for $144.

If you have never had trouble with your PS2, then consider yourself lucky.
But don't become a Sony Fanboy and claim there is no problem with the PS2.
Every game store I go to, the PS2 Disc Error problem is well known

My PS2 sits on a desktop with open space all around the unit. When not in use it is covered with a dust cover. It does have heavy use, between my game playing and my 3 kids it is on up to 3-4 hours a day. It looks brand new and has never been dropped. My TV and DVD player see much more use and they are 4 years old, by some grace of the gods they still work.

As for other game systems, The X-Box scratched disc problem which I think was only in Japan, was also denied by Microsoft. Rumors are that there was an internal fix done by Microsoft. I don't know the real story, if someone does I'd like to read about it.

kainemaxwell

06-21-2003, 10:34 PM

Shame they don't make video game systems like they used to...

neotokeo2001

06-22-2003, 08:45 AM

Shame they don't make video game systems like they used to...

That's exactly my point. With the high breakdown percentage, what are collectors going to play their games on. Even with backwords compatibility of the newer systems, I would still like to use the original system sometimes.

swlovinist

06-22-2003, 12:54 PM

I have an origional PS2, and the system is still going strong! I consider myself very very lucky! Working at a Software Etc for over a year, I saw some interesting things. Not only did all my friends(most of them were very stingent on only playing new games and taking extreme care of their system) go through a system a piece, but this post alone proves that the system is not durable at all. The bottom line......use your playstation till a new one comes out(I am waiting for a smaller one or a different looking one), and trade your old one in. Nobody should have to pay squat if it was up to me! The Nintendo Gamecube has a year warranty from Nintendo and guess what.........I know two people at least that have gotten their system replaced for free......that includes shipping! Sony has a horrible stance on their policy of "replacing a broken system that was their fault to begin with and making money on it" . I absolutely love the games on the system but I cant wait till someone gives them a run for the money and forces them to make a better system!!!

kainemaxwell

06-22-2003, 03:45 PM

I take it the disc spinning noise is commonplace too?

Shadysmurf

06-22-2003, 03:52 PM

My Original Ps1 works fine, but my ps2 I bought it around christmass launch year, I took it out of the box it did'nt work, ok I return it get a new one. 3 months later still underwarrantry mind you the lazer is broken (Disk Read Error). I ship it to them overnight mail, then they actually send me a letter saying they can't find it after I called and asked what was up after a week, so I got my tracking informatation and they send me a whole new ps2. 5 months later not under warrantry it breaks down, I send it to them via Ebgames for $75 for repairs, it lasted about 2 months and it won't work again now... it's REALLY pissing me off I still have my original gameboy,nintendo,super nintendo and I have'nt even had a repair done of ANY of them except for putting a little bit of super glue on the Gameboys screen casing

Captain Wrong

06-22-2003, 07:23 PM

Said it before and I'll say it again, it's not just the PS2. I really question the quality of Sony's entire product line. (And yes I have MULTIPLE expirences to back up my statement.)

tssk

06-22-2003, 07:36 PM

But if Sony are selling the PS2 at a loss, doesn't bringing out a console that is designed to fail cripple them financially?

(BTW : Had my PS2 for almost two years now in high use, still works like a charm.)

Nature Boy

06-23-2003, 11:01 AM

neotokeo2001

06-23-2003, 06:34 PM

Said it before and I'll say it again, it's not just the PS2. I really question the quality of Sony's entire product line. (And yes I have MULTIPLE expirences to back up my statement.)

The Cap'n is right I think guys. Sony's consumer electronics lives mostly on the name and not on it's quality. I certainly would never consider replacing my stereo receiver with a Sony.

Stating that they're inflating their sales numbers by purposely making faulty units is retarded though. If you're truly pissed off about it sell your games and buy a Gamecube or an Xbox or something.

No, what's retarded is thinking that I'd sell 500 PS1 and 200 PS2 games because Sony has quality control problems. Sony is #1 and if you want to play those games you have to put up with their hardware.
And I already have a Gamecube or an Xbox or something. If they broke down after a year I'd rant and rave about them too, but they don't.

Also, in the August issue of EGM in the letters section, the PS2 Disc Error problem is brought up again and talks about a pending lawsuit against Sony:
http://www.sheller.com/sonyPS2classaction.html

kainemaxwell

06-23-2003, 08:22 PM

Well it's about friggin time someone started sticking it to Sony!

zmeston

06-23-2003, 08:43 PM

Also, in the August issue of EGM in the letters section, the PS2 Disc Error problem is brought up again and talks about a pending lawsuit against Sony:

Judging from their website, the jackals -- er, lawyers at Sheller Ludwig & Badey keep themselves quite busy with dubious lawsuits. One pendiing SL&B action against printer manufacturer Lexmark alleges that "these top-loading printers malfunction in that they begin multi-feeding and are thus unusable. The malfunctions result in paper jams and paper misfeeds." A printer that suffers from paper jams and misfeeds?! I've never heard of such a thing! Release the hounds!

Another suit against Palm alleges that "m130 PDAs, which were promoted by Palm as having 'Bright Color, Great Reliability with Support for More than 65,000 Colors,' actually support far fewer colors than that." It's 58,621 colors, according to Palm, which offered refunds to customers left wanting for the other 6,379+ colors. That apparently wasn't good enough for SL&B.

I'm not at all doubting that some PS2s are defective, and that the people of this forum, who play their PS2s much more than the average gamer, would experience a higher rate of hardware failure. I am doubting, however, that the PS2 defect rate is any higher than the Xbox or GameCube defect rate. Achika, who works retail and thus has direct experience with this issue, said herself that most of the "defective" PS2s brought back to her store have been abused like redheaded stepchildren.

-- Z.