Phil Harrison: the PlayStation 3 will kill PC
by Adams Briscoe 
{ Jun 1st 2006 at 11:30AM }
Oh no he didn't! Yes gamers, he did. In a recent interview, Phil Harrison of Sony stated that PC gamers will find themselves without a viable platform once the PlayStation 3 hits the shelves. When he wasn't defending Sony against "copy-cat" allegations concerning the new controller and Nintendo, he had this to say: "We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play games, watch films, browse the Web, and use other [home] computer functions," said Harrison. "The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC."One thing is for sure: with the price of the PS3 being closer to a PC than a home console, it better damn well perform like it. Now whether it's going to be killing off the personal computer as we know it (for gamers, at least) is debatable. The PC has always staved off the threat of videogame consoles, so it's hard to imagine that a system with so much ground to cover could show up and take out a platform that's been historically healthy throughout the years.
Think you'll be getting rid of your PC when the PlayStation 3 comes out in November?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fan @ Jun 1st 2006 11:43AM
No.
Allthough desktop PCs are on the decline laptops will remain.
Sony is gonna have an uphill battle if they are gonna rebrand the Ps3 in peoples minds as something other than a gaming platform.
Maumau @ Jun 1st 2006 12:26PM
With that price sony, maybe you need to thing if you can even kill wii....not pc gaming.
sputnik @ Jun 1st 2006 12:39PM
Hahahaha HaHahaha....Whoooohooohahahaha...hahawohohahaha
Eyecandy @ Jun 1st 2006 12:44PM
Well put Sputnik.
Just when I think the folks at Sony couldn't say anything as stupid as the last comment they say something like this. All I have to say in response is real time weapons change and RRRIIIIDDGGGGE RAAAACCCCEERR!!!!! HA HA
gorgonzollas @ Jun 1st 2006 1:24PM
Yeah, sure. Too bad I already own a pc, several in fact. And upgrading is much easier since I know how to build them, and costs me no where near the amount of a PS3, and games are insanely cheaper, if not free. Oh, and sony, how am I to get my 1.3 terabyte of hard drive space on the PS3? And does this spell the end of Viao? Sorry, I am a huge Playstaion fan, but the statement is simpy ridiculous. Can we connect our iPod to this thing? I doubt it.
Vince @ Jun 1st 2006 1:34PM
Well like a large percentage of people, my PC does little more than surf the net and send emails.
The PS3 could quite easily replace my PC.
Lokiz0r @ Jun 1st 2006 1:38PM
Phil; you're an idiot. Krazy Ken makes enough comments like this without you trying to steal his thunder.
yubaduba @ Jun 1st 2006 1:51PM
C'mon guys. I understand you're trying to get more hits to your website, but jeez.
You've taken what he said totally out of context. He said the PS3 doesn't need a PC to be a viable platform like the 360 is all.
Good God.
SuicideNinja @ Jun 1st 2006 2:03PM
So I can install the office software I use all the time on their shoddy proprietary Linux? How about the dozens of other software programs I use daily? What about multiple monitor support? Burning CDs or DVDs? Mulitple hard drives? Internet Explorer (unfortunately, many websites are opitmized for it)?
We'll still need a PC Phil. You are starting to sound like Kutaragi.
Pedro @ Jun 1st 2006 2:39PM
All I do in my PC is surf the net, store pictures and download some music. If I can do this with my PS3 while laying in my bed, on my 50" hdtv and also play games. My PC is as good as dead.
jfc @ Jun 1st 2006 2:49PM
to gorgonzollas:
While I don't believe there's anything Official announced there has been ALOT of speculation surrounding iPod support including rumors of the PS3 actually running iTunes (possibly with the ability to transfer songs in both directions). While this could certainly be a good a thing, what about the people who have another type of MP3 player? Would Sony partner up with Apple and say screw you to anyone who bought another brand of player? It's a definate maybe. (for sources on that just google it you can't post links here.)
and to Vince:
Yeah, my PC is definately replacable. PC = iTunes, Web, and... yeah thats about it.
OyoyoY123 @ Jun 1st 2006 3:08PM
even the fanboys are not comfy with this ............
unless PS3's Linux can do everything a PC does (and better) there is no way PS3 would kill PC.
I am not buying a 360, but i must say MS's stratage is better: making Xbox360 PC's little bitch.
Paul @ Jun 1st 2006 3:29PM
wow this is the dumbest thing i have ever heard... EVAR
P.J.Brown @ Jun 1st 2006 3:57PM
Did you know that the PS3 could destroy Chuck Norris in a schoolyard spork fight? You didn't...until now.
Seriously, I'm getting less and less interested in being a PS3 owner by the day.
Jay @ Jun 1st 2006 4:24PM
I think the posting missed the context in which Mr. Harrison was referring to. This is a passage taken from the article about this interview on IGN.com:
Spiegel Online asked Harrison if he was concerned about the PS3 competing with the Microsoft's Xbox 360's ability to seamlessly network with PCs via Live Anywhere Harrison said, "No, this doesn't concern me and I don't think that it concerns the consumer. When you buy a game console, a primarily entertainment device, then you only want that. We believe that the PS3 will be the place where the users will play, watch movies, surf the web, and use other computer entertainment functionality. The PS3 is a computer. We don't need the PC."
From this, I interpretted Mr. Harrison as saying that the PS3 doesn't need to have the kinds of connectivity that Xbox 360 does in terms of an entertainment device. Why would he say we don't need PCs all together, I think it's a little naive to think that he was.
Khidr @ Jun 1st 2006 4:28PM
I'm sure we can count on sony to completely open their platform to third party development, to ensure it's viability as a pc replacement. They've already killed the ipod AND the DS with the psp, and it's open architecture.
Seriously though, I'm stoked about the ps3, but as long as pc's remain 1) upgradable, and 2) easy to develop on, they'll be alive and well... the path to market for consoles will always be prohibitive for some developers, and innovations for better or worse like newer video cards quad sli, dedicated physics cards and so forth will always drive development forward. Consoles on the other hand offer stability and ease of use. They're just different worlds.
Mike @ Jun 1st 2006 4:53PM
Thats a bold statement, many household computers are shared with families, I dont see mom and pop surfing or looking at emails through PS3. Also now with Xbox Live Anywhere MS had made PC gaming more powerful, and oh yea, unless WoW goes exclusively to Sony what Mr. Harrison said is lunacy.
SuicideNinja @ Jun 1st 2006 5:06PM
Jay is right. I think this was taken out of context.
However, many of you would be surprised how many websites do not function properly if you don't use Internet Explorer and/or ActiveX. "Just browsing and email" on the web makes me think of useless/frustrating services such as WebTV, PSP browser, or Lindows.
If you think that the PS3 is a viable PC replacement, then take an old junk PC (300mhz - 500mhz is good enough for web browsing), install some distro of Linux on it, and try putting up with it for a month as your desktop. Write a letter or do homework with OpenOffice as opposed to MS Office.
If you are not computer savvy, it won't be acceptable. You'll hate it. Why do you think everyone still uses Windows?
I like Linux (specifically Mandrake and SME Server), but they just aren't acceptable to computer..."noobs" (I hate that word).
User 1138 @ Jun 1st 2006 7:51PM
Sony is quickly running out of gamers to offend.
OyoyoY123 @ Jun 1st 2006 9:04PM
huh!?
say if PS3 really supports Itune and ipod, wouldnt it make sense for PS3 to have a larger HDD??'cause you know, ipod is 30GB and 60GB........
Fan @ Jun 1st 2006 10:10PM
I cannot see why the Ps3 should not support all mp3 players by USB. There is no reason that it should not. If they decide to lock it down it would be stupidity. My hope is that the Ps3 will be open.
I really hope that the Ps3 can act as a fileserver. From Jays clarifying post it almost seems like Phil is saying it wont. Of course if Sony goes open on the Ps3 someone real sexy could write one for the Cell.
Meastro @ Jun 1st 2006 10:38PM
Yep, its definatley gonna kill the PC.
The PS3 can do everything a PC can, such as mouse support, has access to every PC exclusive game, video editing, application development, scientific computing, word processing, and CD/DVD burning. Oh wait... it can't do any of those.
Zoidy @ Jun 2nd 2006 1:44AM
Well, I am certainbly getting rid of my HTPC when I get the PS3. I really will not need the HTPC anymore.
Dan O'B @ Jun 2nd 2006 4:49AM
does anyone think that maybe that is what sony is aiming for? think about it, they enter the market with what is essentially a supercomputer, but it runs the competing OS to both mac and windows, and it has all the capabilities to do great things, i don't know that much about linux, but what if they really push the customer base of linux with the PS3, people can have a computer, a next gen disc player, and a next gen games machine, for 5/600 bucks. i mean, if sony make the ps3 and its interface capable of installing linux programs etc.
this means they have the potential to catch up some serious ground on microsoft on the computer OS front, and also blu ray, which alienware is already using, and a games machine which is percieved by the average consumer to be WAY more powerful...
does anyone see where i'm coming from?
(for the record, i want the 360 to succeed)
Eyecandy @ Jun 2nd 2006 8:43AM
Dan O'B,
Pass over whatever you are smokin' Brother.
A jack of all trades is usually a master of none. Just like the PS2 before it the drive will not be that great. The OS already uses 24% of the power of the cell.
What sony has done here, is take the two successful branches of its corp. (Viao & PS) and mixed in all the other failing divisions to try and keep them in the black. (Blu-Ray, Cell, motion capture tech, etc.)
But that is beside the point. $ony is over promissing in every area, and gamers are finally calling them out on it. If the PS3 is anything short of being the second coming it will loose market share from this generation.
Vegetable Stew @ Jun 2nd 2006 10:10AM
Did you hear... Sony has convinced Fox to put the PS3 as a replacement for Jack Bauer on 24.Seems that he can't do everything humanly imaginable like the PS3... at least according to Phil.
Chazz @ Jun 2nd 2006 1:14PM
Um...Since when did the psp kill the ipod and the DS? Those things are selling way better than the psp. Ignorance is bliss.
Harry @ Jun 2nd 2006 3:29PM
There are two things I would like to say.
The first is a short one, how can u all take Phil's comment so seriously. He just doesn’t mean that the PS3 is going to replace the PC. He just means that it is comparable to a PC and is much more like a PC than a gaming console.
The second thing, why not???
Yes why not? Why can the PS3 be used as a PC. It has a 7 core processor running at 3.2 GHz and 512 MB of RAM, atleast 20GB hard disk that’s upgradable, has 4 usb ports, one ethernet port, bluetooth for wireless connectivity and a disk drive that supports CD's, DVD's and Blu-ray. But one thing is missing??? Mouse and keyboard???
Well the solution, a hack that can install Windows on the PS3 hard disk. With windows once installed and running from the PS3 hard Drive, mouse and keyboard just needs to be attached to the PS3 through the USB ports...
Now the PS3 is a computer, u can do almost(not all) anything that a normal PC running on windows can do... Run windows, install software and PC games, run Internet explorer, save all ur data on the hard disk, n the list goes on...
Another thing, how r u going to burn CD's or DVD's??? Well if u hav a external CD writer just attach it to the PS3 and use it just like u would on ur computer or laptop...
Also, Hard disk of upto 300GB, 800GB, etc. can be made available by 3rd party Producers too...
So here u have a complete entertainment system that is a multimedia device, a next gen console and next gen movie(blu-ray) player and PC as well...
Korn Untouchables @ Jun 2nd 2006 4:34PM
actually PC already killed the PS3 and let's not forget the MAC as well.
Lhasapso @ Jun 2nd 2006 6:24PM
"They've already killed the ipod AND the DS with the psp, and it's open architecture."
Message for Khidr: WTF?!?!?!?!?!
Sorry, but the iPod and DS aren't dead. The PSP is a great little device, but the iPod is still the number one music player, and the DS is beating the PSP verywhere in the world. If you don't believe me, check this link:
http://www.google.com/trends?q=playstation+portable%2C+ipod%2C+nintendo+ds&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all
Spudweb521 @ Jun 2nd 2006 6:35PM
I don't care for the rubbish they talk and what they talk about, till the console releases the PS3 is a "Power Console".
Zeromaru @ Jun 2nd 2006 6:57PM
Well, I considered getting a PS3 running Linux to provide a high-end PC for rendering and other CPU-heavy tasks, but that's the only reason I ever would.
Dan O'B @ Jun 2nd 2006 7:02PM
eyecandy, i was just unloading my chain of thought man, i never said they were gonna succeed, i just think that maybe that is what they could be what they're aiming for, like you rightly said, a jack of all trades, i personally, think they don't have a chance in succeeding, but over here in the uk, sony's market is so blinded by brand loyalty its infuriating, that i know $ony is not going to have a flop on there hands come november, unless of course, they can't make anywhere near enough, which i am hoping for...
PS3 @ Jun 2nd 2006 9:59PM
O...cmon...PS3 cant replace the home pc
Tom @ Jun 2nd 2006 10:31PM
Sounds great. I'm gonna install Vista on my PS3.
lionzub @ Jun 3rd 2006 2:59AM
You know, it's dumbasses like this guy that makes it hard for people like me to remain a Sony Fanboy. This guy is really making our job difficult.
I won't get into what a PC can do, I think everyone here already touched on that subject.
I'm personally thinking about taking that $649 dollars (Cdn) to get a Blu-Ray burner for my PC. If it ever comes out.
Canadian Geese @ Jun 3rd 2006 4:13PM
The only thing the PS3 will let you do is browse the web and listen/watch media (assuming that you physically move your media over to the PS3).
The only thing the PS3 is going to kill is 10 million wallets.
free games @ Jun 4th 2006 2:52AM
I'll be getting a HDTV and a PS3 this Christmas, but I will not be ditching my computer anytime soon.
bladestar @ Jun 7th 2006 7:43PM
"We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play games, watch films, browse the Web, and use other [home] computer functions," I can't wait. The first thing I'm going to do is install vista on my PS3 and play Halo 2 and AOE while using my XBox 360 usb controller. Is Sony's frustration turning them into idiots what kind of crap is this? I wouldn't trade my computer (PC(Linux,Windows,unix) or MAC) for a Xbox 360, PS3 or wii. I currently own a PS2, PSP, DS, XBOX 360 3 Laptops(old ,new and mac), 1 PC and 2 servers and each one of them have something to offer. That's Sony’s problem they are forgetting people want a console to play games not replace their pcs.