Behold: the Playstation 3.5

by Nick Doerr { Jan 2nd 2007 at 10:30AM }

Seems that two SKU's aren't enough for Sony. We've got our surprisingly acceptable $499 model of PS3 and the super-snazzy Wi-Fi $599 model, but how would you guys like to toss out those bits of trash and obsolete Sony nonsense for the amazingly awesome, beyond your wildest imagination $2500 model? No, we didn't put one too many zeroes on that (the words zeroes and zeros are both acceptable, so no worries). Rub your eyes and continue reading.

This rumored new model of PS3 in the works is a more "media-centric" build. It's going to look more like a video player and have upgraded playback features, including two HDMI connectors to keep your audio and visual separate. It's not the SCEI brand -- it's a Sony. It's not the PS3 -- it's the PS3.5 and it hasn't been verified, but it's slated to set you back $2500. Oh and yeah, it can also play those PS3 games. What do you guys think of this? Bad idea, or the worst idea?

Tags: Playstation 3, Playstation3, PS3, Sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

lewi @ Jan 2nd 2007 10:59AM

Good idea, wrong price. being more "media-centric" can be done a lot cheaper with a normal PS3 and a budget shuttle/HTPC. Even going for the 60gb model leaves you with a fair amount to play with.

alienclay @ Jan 2nd 2007 10:59AM

.... can anyone else hear echos of the PSX, or is it just me?

i'm not against one being made, but sony better not waste more than 100 BD diodes on the first batch...

just my opinion...

lewi @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:04AM

Thinking about it an extra HDMI port and some upgraded playback features could just be a nice gift from sony for making us European PS lovers wait so long! :D

Because really $2500 seems a stupid amount for what they are offering. im hoping this just a PS3Fanboy mixup and i was right!

Trev @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:14AM

As someone with a ps2, a psp, and every intention to get a ps3 once the whole second semester rent thing is out of the way (pretty irresponsible to drop that kind of cash on a toy with a crappy college job and expenses coming up), I'd say this is a terrible idea.

Because it plays games it will still be thought of as a playstation and not a fancy blue-ray media machine, people will be turned off. They don't want a playstation. It's more expensive than a blue-ray player (which is saying something) and all-in-one components aren't generally embraced by the high end user group.

Even assuming people wouldn't, Sony should focus on getting the ps3 rolling before making variations not designed for the game market. I've still only seen one or two ps3s on shelves and unless they've drastically bumped up blue diode and cell production, it seems like it will just be using limited resources on something that wont help them in the console race.

Tristan @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:18AM

Bad idea. Think of psx. I don't think it did that well. Sony shouldn't be gambling money like this they are already in debt.

Tristan @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:21AM

Also I would rather have a white ps3, so it could match my 360 and wii(when I get one).

Dylan Neild @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:22AM

I remember the PSX, only released in Japan. No, not the PS1, the PSX. It was a PS2 that was built into an AV component style casing and had a big hard drive for PVR. Ever heard of it? Probably not.

The PS3.5 will probably go the same route.

No, mind - if it has cablecard (or dual cablecard, even better) for hte US market, offers a good interface for recording television, is upgradeable like the PS3 is and has a BD-R drive for backing up HD TV content....

Well, then maybe then you might have my attention.

But at $2500? No. $1500 for all that, maybe.

John Sivla @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:59AM

Really, what can Sony be thinking? Don't get me wrong, I've been a Sony fanboy for a long time. I agree with Tristan. Sony is already going into debt with the PS3, why dig a deeper hole? They should put 110% into the PS3. I'm hoping this is some "crazy rumor", I already have a PS3, and I think it's a great machine, with great potential. Let's just concentrate on the PS3 now, take full advantage of the power it obviously has, and show the competition what it can really do. Thanks!

Brian James @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:14PM

$2,500? Shoot, I'll just build a HIGH end PC.

PSX is right, this thing probably wouldn't be seen outside of Japan.

sean @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:30PM

i think its cool. i wouldnt buy it cause i already have a PS3. and also cause i dont even have anything that uses hdmi yet lol

seanp @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:33PM

I thought that the PS3 was already media centric enough with it Blu Ray and hard drive, and card reader, and CELL ... anyway, SONY should not forget that most people interested in the PS3 do so because of gaming ... instead of releasing something that will be bought by a few people who will hardly play, they should make sure that we hardcore gamers regain interest in the PS3 ... and excuse me, but why would I need 2 HDMI ? isn't one enough to display HD in 1080p ?

Go Sox @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:48PM

That is the dumbest thing in the history of dumb moves made by Sony in the past couple months. Im no fanboy for anyone, I own a 360 and a Wii and am thinking about buying a PS3, but that is just a dumb idea by a company notorious for making dumb move over the past few months. I have no reason to buy a PS3 now, I wouldnt even spend $500 on it, so theres no way I would buy one for $2500. Even those who could afford it probably wouldnt buy it, because A) they probably have DVR on their TV's B) they dont need a Playstation and C) they probably already have Blu Ray Drives. Also, Sony needs to worry about making sure the PS3 actually sells well, and that Blu Ray doesnt fall flat on its face like UMD. I guarantee that PS3.5 wont even sell 1000 units. Sony will lose so much $$ off that thing and will be in more trouble than now.

Matt @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:50PM

The two HDMI's would be so that you could have uncompressed audio going out through one to a reciever/amp and video through the other.

josh @ Jan 2nd 2007 1:15PM

I just want a white PS3 at about $399 instead if $599. Do that, and i'll buy one.

Brent @ Jan 2nd 2007 1:27PM

@Go Sox

Its a rumor, It hasnt been announced I wouldn't decide not to buy something because of a rumor you see on a fanboy site.

PS: I love my PS3 :)

josh @ Jan 2nd 2007 1:27PM

White or brushed aluminum is better.

Gloss black is a horrid color for any AV component. It just collects dust like nobody's business.

Joe @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:04PM

I say it should be priced at 1000 no more. It should come with a TV tuner for Location Free on the PSP. But I think maybe this could also be sold at 1500 I know that is 500 more then I said I would like it to be sold for but normal BR players sell for a 1000 so 500 more for extra stuff is not a bad price at all. Other then that I would like to see it come with a Blu-ray disk burner and DVR features that would be nice too.

If this was to come out with features like that it would sell really well in the next couple of years plus it could also help make the PS3 cheaper in price down the line.

Ben @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:07PM

If they make it white and out of plastic and have an hour glass shape and have a green X in the middle then it will look like the other media center that I have in my living room.

Oh wait, they would also have to charge only $400 for it to compete with the X-Box 360 and its media center extender capabilities.

I'll stick with my media center and my two wired X-Boxes beaming beautiful PVR to my HD-TVs.

And yes, I know much is in standard-def, but with the advent of Vista, the crippled Cable-Card, and the "secure" computer (Hate cable-labs, not microsoft for this), I will have HD-PVR.

Thomas @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:25PM

Sony should focus on the products they have out... when the ps3 is produced adequately... worldwide, and they get that product to the top then they can worry about a ps3 3.5... otherwise, right now it's worthless. The money they spend on developing that system could have went towards an exclusive game.. that would help to sell more ps3 systems... Guess we all gonna be xbox 360 owners by the end of the year is Sony doesn't get their act together.

mike @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:45PM

I think that is the worst idea from sony what where they thinkin? isnt supposed that the ps3 will be the media center of our houses?

even if i am a ps3fanboy i find it awful :S

Neo @ Jan 2nd 2007 7:55PM

For rich people with enthusiastic videogame hobbies, its a good idea, but for us average joe, it's bad.
BTW, my guess/prediction, Sony will name it PSX2. And one thing for sure, a huge harddrive (500gb or 1tb or more).

PS3_1N4M3R @ Jan 2nd 2007 9:40PM

This information is confirmed already. Ken Kutaragi himself is the one who introduced this Idea. What i think about this idea, when i first read the article afew weeks back on ps3today, it made me feel like ps3 was already last gen. i was so pissed, a new ps3 with more bells and whistles for 2500+(maybe). Im like, so here ill be with my regular ps3, but someone out there will have this tricked out version, more ram, 2 hdmi, i just couldnt help but feel that the current ps3 is just nothing. I hate this idea, i wish and hope it completley fails cause i cant live with the fact that someone else outthere has a more powerfull ps3 than me. makes me feel ripped off. 600 dollar price is alreayd high enoough and yet im still willing to buy it. Everyone thinks the 600 price is high but they still willing to buy it, doesent mean your should test us and take us a step hgiher by intruducing a more expensive verison thinking it will be the same store. IT WILL FAIL JUST LIE THE PSX. Dont get me wrong, im actually a sony fanboy, but some moves sony make just discust me.

wfb @ Jan 2nd 2007 9:47PM

First off, this is still a rumor, so quit treating it like fact. Second, it won't be a horrible idea as long as they do not market it as a PlayStation. It should be considered a high-end BD player with the added bonus of being able to play PS3 games. I will not buy it, but if they do it right it won't be completely idiotic.

Brian James @ Jan 3rd 2007 1:42AM

@Josh

"14. I just want a white PS3 at about $399 instead if $599. Do that, and i'll buy one."

It's called the XBOX360. Get one.

Sunny @ Jan 3rd 2007 1:56AM

Sony wants to digg our pockets until were broke. nobodys going to buy this

Tyler @ Jan 3rd 2007 5:07AM

If it includes a bluray BURNER that would be an awesome toy to have.. but seeing how I have a PS3 already, and a TV that only supports up to 720p.. its a low priority buy

As for the 2 HDMI cables, I already have HDMI video and optical audio... an extra HDMI would serve no purpose for me.. Either way, being a tech junkie I'm looking forward to more details if sony decides to go through with it.. we'll see..

You think they'll still be losing money with a 2500 price tag?

Majormauser @ Jan 3rd 2007 5:48AM

My Opinion - This is the Worst Idea bordering on insane... SONY Finish what you STARTED!

Diamond Blade @ Jan 4th 2007 11:22AM

So the solution to a bad, over-priced, over-hyped machine is to release a worse, even more over-hyped, over-priced machine?

SuperOctane @ Jan 4th 2007 4:14PM

I agree that the investment on developing a new version of the PS3 is rediculous when you concider the present situation that consumers are dealing with on the new glitchy and pricey PS3.
I own a 20gb version of the PS3 and I must say that the jagged graphics on ps2 games needs to be #1 priority or it will be the demise of Playstation like sega,3do,atari ect.
Why Sony?Like you didnt know.My ps2 games look like crapolla on my PS3.PS3 games look great but honestly speaking...You let me down.Fix it NOW please or do a recall.