It's now $499, but still not worth it unless you want to watch blu-ray movies or play Super Stardust HD or Go Sudoku.  And you can get 5 free blu-ray movies from this promotion's list:  http://www.bluraysavings.com/

They also announced that next month, for the old price of $599, you get an 80GB version with Motorstorm... 60 GB has so far been a lot of wasted space I'd rather have for my 360.

http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=8006

Like I said in another thread: Instead of packing in the game, they should have made it 120 gigs on the hardrive and maybe some other nifty hardware feature (maybe another HDMI output?) Make that extra $100 really count for something.

If you start doing a lot of downloads, especially high def? You'd be amazed how fast that hard drive space can disappear, in addition to a growing number of game saves.

^^ Obviously none of that really matters compared to Sony's greatest need: Get some compelling games out already!

The PSN store hasn't had much of anything to download (save the downloadable games I've gotten and the Dynasty Warriors Gundam demo).  I notice in the article that they will do something similar to XBLVM, but if their prices are comparable, I don't really find that compelling.  I am curious why they aren't trying to match the 360's 120 GB hard drive.

Why would you need another HDMI output?

As for compelling games, Heavenly Sword is looking good at least.

Exactly. The $599 PS3 is not a *deal* in the slightest. $40 for 20 more GB and $60 for a game some people (myself included) don't want. It's the same thing with the one PSP bundle (that racing game/dvd combo). I don't know why you'd want to make the extra something that is hit or miss based on the player's taste in games.

The 80GB system is not a good idea at all for those of you looking to get the best backwards compatibility:  http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/80gb- … atibility/  If you are looking to get a PS3 I'd say sooner better than later.

Is it just me, or is this just an accident just waiting to happen? With the original runs of the PS3 using hardware emulation will people be looking for these on the used market (I don't think there is much of a used PS3 market yet) rather than the newer versions with the hit-and-miss software emulation? Like anyone I think I'd want the latter, but then I'd just keep my PS2 to play PS1 games to begin with.

I don't know if "accident" is the right word...
but I do know that the 360 keeps looking better and better in comparison to the PS3! Although I realize the 360 has been having a lot of hardware issues, Microsoft has just announced an automatic warrenty increase for a full 3 years on the 360! And if you had to pay for repairs, you get reimbursed. An excellent move on Microsoft's part, and then Sony drops the price by $100 which is good, but then again they say the latest version (which is supposed to be superior to the previous versions) can't play my PS2 games?? What's wrong with Sony?! Honestly, at this point the only good Sony system is the PS2.

cheers,

-avatar!

Yup. Which is why in Japan it continues to outsell the new console on a weekly basis 7 years after its release. The drop off in overall impression of Sony from PS2 to PS3 is unbelievable. Someone got way too overconfident and overzealous and produced two consoles I don't have a single iota of interest in purchasing. The PSP has been out two years, and I can't think of a single original AAA title for it. Now they are reducing backwards compatibility for newer PS3 systems? So when FFXIII comes out and I go to pick up a PS3 (hypothetical really, I can't justify a purchase for one game), my unit will be overall less functional than one released 2+ years before? Are they trying to fail?

So are they phasing out the 60GB model? I don't plan on dealing with the software emulation of the 80GB model as waiting for game compatibilty updates for the 360 is a pain in the ass. Way to cut corners, Sony.

*EDIT*

Nevermind, it sounds like they will phase it out. It seems obvious that they would.

Hardware emulation > *.  They really shouldn't cut corners on that.

Ryu: About the second HDMI output? I was just pulling out something off of the top of my head in terms of "originally promised" hardware specs.

Amazon seems to have the very best deal going on right now, at least for U.S. consumers.  In addition to the five free Blu-ray movies, you get the PS3, a Blu-ray DVD remote, and the Blu-ray edition of "Memento" -- opt for the Super Saver shipping option, and it only runs you the base price of $499:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/r … B0009VXAM0

I'm a mouse-click press away from ordering.  ^_^

That means you are probably a couple of mouse clicks away from getting PotC 1 and 2 on BRD, huh?

But of course.  I could give or take the selection of the five free movies (for the curious, I'll likely be choosing The Guardian, Corpse Bride, Underworld Evolution, The Italian Job, and Kiss of The Dragon), but the Blu-ray Pirates releases are the crux of my PS3 purchase right now.

I really should throw a game in there as well, shouldn't I?   Can you suggest a good one?  I was thinking of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, since I've never played the much-lauded Xbox incarnations.  Tried it yet?

I played the demo (which is available for download from the PSN) and I didn't like it.  It plays similar to the first Xbox one, which I also didn't like, obviously.  I have yet to buy a PS3 retail game, just got a few of the PSN download games, although I was slightly tempted to get Resistance (I still prefer the Call of Duty games after playing that demo too).

Have fun with the PSN store!  The MGS4 trailer goes up tomorrow, so it'll be waiting on you, I'm sure.  I do recommend Super Stardust HD.  And Sudoku, believe it or not.  = P

Bleh, I just ordered one (thanks for the amazon link, Angela)

It should ship on Monday.

So the "price drop" is really just a clearance sale?

Nah, the price drop is permanent because Sony has found a few ways to lower the cost of manufacturing.  It's a "please buy this sytem now" plea.  It is to be noted that if one is going to buy it and want hardware backwards compatibility, then now is the best time.  If that doesn't matter, then one can simply continue waiting for the next price drop.

This is really lame Sony...Even though I have the early model.

There's been alot of feedback about the display of PS2 games (even after the recent upscaler patch) on the current generation PS3s.  I'll be keeping my PS2, thank you very much.

Yes, pretty much.  Sony loses more money per unit on the current 60GB PS3 with hardware backwards compatibility than on the 80GB PS3 with software backwards compatibility.  Sony is basically done making this type of 60GB PS3 and wants to clear them out.  Analysts expect Sony to ditch the bundled Motorstorm on the 80GB PS3 and make it the primary PS3 SKU once all the 60GB ones are gone, probably at a lower retail price.

Where'd you get this idea from? Link and source?

Why would they deliberately and ultimately put themselves right back in that box of being stuck at nearly $600?

You can go to www.anandtech.com and call up the earlier stories about how they've found way to greatly ramp up blue diode production, among other things, to bring costs down.

I haven't seen anything yet myself to make believe they would unwisely cut out this $499 60 gig PS3 that everyone knows. They'd be fools beyond comprehension to do so and I just don't see it happening.

EDIT add:

Actually you might be right in this sense: The 60 gig PS3 that's out right now has the hardware emulation and frankly, is a better machine than the cost cutting, software emulating PS3 of the future, 20 gigs more on the harddrive or not.

I guess if the 60's really are on their way out, perhaps Sony drops the 80 to $499 after that 60 stock runs out?

This certainly is foolish and unfortunate if that's how this goes down.

It seems like we're all speculating here, though and none of us really knows for sure.

There are a few things that are holding me back from getting a PS3.  Granted, I have not kept up with PS3 developments, so some of my ramblings may be far off-base, and someone please correct me if I am.  Anyway:

1. PS2 peripherals not working on the PS3.  No beatmania + no Guitar Hero = no dice.

2. The lack of any quality games on the console.  It's been out for, what, eight months?  The only current PS3 game I can name that I would have any interest in playing is Oblivion, but I've already been playing that on the PC for well over a year (and it was $10 cheaper, to boot).  As for future PS3 titles, I don't think I am looking forward to anything except Resident Evil 5, and that's probably a year-plus away.

3. The form factor.  Honestly,  why is it curved?  I like components that I can stack on top of each other.  Right now, I have my PS2 (US) sitting on top of my PS2 (JP) sitting on top of my CD player.  And that all fits (barely) on one shelf of my entertainment center.  A PS3 is considerably larger than a PS2, so it can't really stack it on top of a PS2, and it's curved, so I can't stack a PS2 on top of it.  I don't like orienting my console vertically at all (and actually might not be able to fit it that way in my entertainment center anyway), so I will not be doing that.

4. Pricing of movies and software.  I don't know who is going to win the Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD battle, but either way, the prices that are being charged for these next-generation video formats is astounding.  I saw "Children of Men" on HD-DVD for sale at Target, and it was $40.  It seems like most Blu-Ray and HD-DVD titles are being priced at $30-40.  I'm used to buying DVDs for $10-15 or less, and it's very hard for me to justify spending 2-4 times this much money for high-definition.  Does anyone yet know what the long-term effects of high Blu-Ray usage are on the PS3's performance?  After the PS2 had been out for a while, I started hearing stories about how people who used it mainly as a DVD player were experiencing high rates of system failure because the motor was burning out.  Can the PS3 handle being a full-scale Blu-Ray player?  Similarly, pricing games at $60 was inevitable at some point, but it still makes me balk nonetheless. 

5. I don't like the idea of my PS3 having wi-fi access.  I just don't trust Sony to make changes to the system without my knowledge or approval.  Is there a way to shut off the wi-fi access or restrict it so that I would have to approve any incoming transmissions?

6. Am I the only one that doesn't see the point of wireless controllers?  Is it that hard to deal with a cord?  Do they even have corded PS3 controllers?

7. No pretty colors yet for the console.  I really like my Sakura pink PS2 and my metallic blue PSP.

With that all said, it sounds like Sony is crippling the console for the future, and I'm probably going to have to get it at some point, so I might have to strike now.  I don't like it, though.

Hmmm, I just wonder if the gun works, since I do really enjoy Elemental Gearbolt

Very true... I think that will change with time (I hope), but it seems that quality games are primarily 360 territory right now (also, the only Wii game I played is Zelda)!

Meh, I think it looks good! You're just being picky!

This is an important issue, but prices will go down for both software and high-def DVDs! I think $60 for a game is silly, especially since many will probably get dropped down to $30 if not $20 in a few months (you just have to wait)!

I disagree, I think wi-fi access rocks! Not that I trust Sony, but what exactly are they going to do that could damage my system or games, and why would they do it?

Yes, I think you might be the last man on Earth who doesn't like wireless controllers Personally, I love them! Yes, you have to deal with batteries (that's why you get a recharger), but otherwise I think they're great!

Well, you could always paint it yourself

The $100 price drop is huge! The thing that bothers me is the backwards compatibility issue... does Sony not realize how important this is??

cheers,

-avatar!

I was just going by the messages on the forum that Ryu linked us to in his original post.

http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=8006

Sorry for sounding as though I had a definitive answer. I'd be surprised if Sony continues to produce the 60 GB model, however.

Just put encryption on your wifi network, then the PS3 can't automatically download updates unless you configure it.

I have never had the PS3 or the 360 to DL anything on its own.  The Wii has the WiiConnect24 feature that DLs messages, but that's it.

UK:R is on top of this one again!

http://www.ukresistance.co.uk/2007/07/p … l#comments

Dude - you have a pink PS2?  Do you have breasts too?  I hope so...hahaha j/k man...

Seriously folks, get a PS3, and a modded PS2 and be done with the debating.  Save you time and energy (and money)

I suspect that this is due to the fact that the next-generation video formats are in the early adopter phase. Most people who have next-gen players are either serious videophiles or just have a lot of money to burn, so demand for content is fairly inelastic with respect to price, and content producers can use the two formats to price-discriminate.

They do this in parts of Asia with DVDs and VCDs. When I went to Taiwan a few months ago, a girl I met there mentioned that her mother had asked her to pick up some VCDs from the store. I thought it was a dead format, so at first I thought she meant used VCDs, but apparently they still make new ones.

Fair enough.

Nit picky.

I agree with you on $60 a pop game prices but I have no idea where you're getting these other prices from.

I've been getting new Blu-Rays from Amazon, Deep Discount DVD, Buy.com and other places for $20-$25 a pop on average. There's a lot of others that are pretty much the same cost as DVDs. Same goes for the HD-DVD side.

Full MSRP of some of those discs can reach $30-$40 but there's something terribly wrong if anyone is paying those prices. Even Best Buy and Circuit City sell them for much better prices than that.

Yes.  You don't have to use it if you don't want to.

Not sure, but so far even I have no complaints about the wireless controller's performance save the battery time.

Believe me: Few people are more picky and skeptical about using wireless controllers than I am.

Looks like Nick G might have been right after all:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=26704

^^ I could be way off, but I sure read that as "The $599 corner cut 80GB PS3 will be all that's left in the U.S. after the 60's run out."

YMMV on that reading.

Ooops, I guess it is a liquidation sale... http://www.destructoid.com/ps3-price-cu … 5148.phtml

We've all seen how well software emulation for Backwards compatibility works on the 360. This is just stupid, pure and simple. I can't believe this really saves a lot on cost by half-assing this feature.

Bottom line: Whatever they have out on the streets by Christmas time needs to cost no more than $499.

Here's something else Sony had better keep an eye on:

Sure, MS is having some hardware issues and the 33 percent failure rate and admission that 11.6 units have the potential for failure, but that's what a 3 year warranty is for.

Can you imagine if they cut prices on all of their units for Christmas time, and you could get a Premium for around $300 and an Elite for $400 or so?

Sony had better wake up with some of this.

Meanwhile, Nintendo just continues sit back, laugh, and rake in the cash hand over fist.

Here's an old, but good read:

  http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/19/blu- … -division/

  Another good one:

  http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/feature/fran … 238336.php

  Do you remember when movies first came out on VHS? The prices were far more jaw-dropping than anything now. They started at $90.

You got it. I remember what my old man paid for a Betamax player and a VHS player way back then, too. Take into account inflation? Whew!

http://www.dailytech.com/Article.aspx?newsid=8039

^^ A good take on this whole PS3 price drop issue with good hyperlinks.

Now Sony is backpedaling:  http://www.destructoid.com/scea-denies- … 5169.phtml

Or not, judging from the quotes from Sony president here:  http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=8074

Good grief, does Sony even know what the hell it is doing?

I think they know what they're doing - trying to shift their old stock. Communication hasn't exactly been Sony's strong point in recent years. It does seem, exactly as that article describes, simply a mark-down.

I'd actually be tempted to go for one just for the hardware emulation in those units if it weren't for the fact that there's nothing yet on the PS3 that I want to play. Depending on how that Infamous game turns out and Wipeout HD, I may change my mind but not worth taking the risk yet I reckon.