Another individual hails 2008 as the year of the PS3

by Nick Doerr { Mar 18th 2008 at 9:30PM }

Going around and arbitrarily spouting that 2008 belongs to the PlayStation 3 is one thing, but when someone brings a few solid reasons to the table as to why they believe this is the PS3's year (and still think the system has a slim chance of winning the console war), we have to give them the nod. Why does Don Reisinger from CNet feel this way? He says Sony has finally woken up and shifted their strategy to make an appropriate impact. Along with a few other things.

His first reason, though not the most important, is the inclusion of Blu-ray. He says that it is important to some and Microsoft's decision not to work with Sony to create a Blu-ray player for their console is a debilitating decision when someone goes to buy a console that also plays hi-def movies. Sony gets the nod for games in 2008 -- mostly hinging on Metal Gear Solid 4 to bring in the sales numbers, but we're sure a lot of you can toss out more titles that have you lying awake at night.

Reisinger's third reason is the fact Sony has finally woken up. The company is no longer sitting around and expecting the world to wait for it to catch up in terms of sales, features, games, or whatever. With price drops, tweaked SKU choices, and releasing more and more things to assist developers in working with their system, the PS3 is starting to get the attention it deserves. What do you guys think is a compelling reason for the PS3's success in 2008?

Tags: blu-ray, cnet

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Dru @ Mar 18th 2008 9:49PM

Overwhelmingly it is the hardware. Everyone knows the games are coming (already here IMO), it plays BD, free online (it's a big deal), but late last year people started to understand what they were getting with the PS3. It does so much, from remote play to free themes (I've actually made my own!) to web browsing (I could go on, ya know?). And the hardware is top-notch. I don't ever recall such an error-free (manufacturing) launch since maybe the NES.

Folks now know what the PS3 is, what it stands for (near-future proof) and what kind of quality product it is. The games are here, Home and in-game XMB are coming soon, BD is it and if digital distribution is the future, Sony's got you covered already with the idiot proof hard disk upgrade.

Derick @ Mar 18th 2008 9:52PM

I actually use the PS3/Media server/PSP/Bed combo virtually every night.

Plus the addition of music to folding@home means I have soothing/hippie music playing while I work... plus Im saving the world! *giggle*

Derick @ Mar 18th 2008 9:49PM

Hmmm MGS wouldnt make me buy a ps3. FFXIII would. I think its the only game that would actually make me go out and buy the system if i didnt have one.

That being said, I got my PS3 because my mates said they were getting it. I already had an xbox360 but few of my friends have one, and those that do dont have XBL gold.

chin @ Mar 19th 2008 6:24AM

And what made you buy a XBOX? There are many reasons to buy a PS3, but I had no reason to buy a XBOX.

Derick @ Mar 19th 2008 11:39PM

Im Australian. The ps3 was getting pushed back and back and I wanted HD gaming then and there.

Hell if i didnt own an xbox I probably would have bought one for Lost Odyssey. Its basically my Final Fantasy fix for now and its much better than the other mistwalker abortion (Blue Dragon).

Lost Odyssey reminds me a lot of FF7, which isnt a bad thing.

Dru @ Mar 18th 2008 9:50PM

Oh...and the games are going to kick some major a$$ too! Didn't want you guys to think I was only about the hardware!

ZombieOrgasm @ Mar 18th 2008 9:55PM

Wow. Yet another market analysis article. I love this site keeps raving about PS3's success, with mostly only posting these pointless articles. Yet other console sites, have quite a bit more articles focusing on actual software/hardware. Rather than an analysis article (which means nothing) or a youtube video.

Am I the only one who notices this?

kung fu shenanigans @ Mar 18th 2008 10:14PM

This is PS3 fanboy homey. I love hearing this kind of news, as do many others.

Kspraydad @ Mar 18th 2008 10:35PM

Yes.

Hala Madrid!!! SSBB Code:3866-7729-0830 @ Mar 18th 2008 11:12PM

Yeah lets not forget all the articles about how Blu-Ray won Zombie

Tom @ Mar 19th 2008 3:56AM

Well many would say that Bluray and tweaked SKUs are hardware, and that games are software. So you've not really read the post as it covers both of them.

There are plenty of game sites which will have to change their strategy when it comes to the PS3... they got it wrong: the PS3 is the superior console for many reasons and I suspect that a further price-cut for the xbox360 won't exactly improve build quality.

Justin @ Mar 18th 2008 10:03PM

Joe Schmo goes into the store and sees consoles sitting next to each other, then looks at price and software.

With the 2008 lineup (is there really a need for me to list them?), and with all the unnannounced titles (its only MARCH and a killer lineup has already been revealed) this is definitely Sony's year, but ADVERTISEMENT will be key. This will be the determining factor whether 2008 will be the biggest year in gaming history for Sony, or just 'better' than last year. Sony really could turn the tables drastically and become the console of choice for all the not-yet-next-gen gamers.

-Dualshock 3's in stores (1 less advantage 360 has)
-LBP (to persuade the casual crowd..)
-MGS4 (for MGS fans, PS3 window-shoppers, 3rd person shooter fanatics)
-SOCOM (for the PS2 Socom crowd to switch over to next-gen gaming)
-HOME (for mass appeal and expansion of PSN)
-Re-vamped PS Store (including video download service to compete with XBL)
-Imminent Price drop (for mothers / fathers / wii-owners to come on over)
-Blu Ray price drops (for movie-enthusiasts)
-the Agency (for MMO players even though its also for PC)
-firmware updates

In 2008 for Sony, there's something for everybody. Even 360-only owners may finally see a reason to pick up a new console. And I don't mean 'another' 360.

Daniel @ Mar 18th 2008 10:51PM

Awesome post. Couldn't have said it better.

Justin @ Mar 18th 2008 11:06PM

Thanks Daniel...I was a bit scared there.

I typed it all, hit "add your comments", but it didn't automatically post.

It gave me the "Congratulations!.. blah blah - email confirmation" screen.

but surprisingly...i never got that confirmation email.

I thought the post was lost. Glad to see it made it.

Thanks again.

Schoolimangooli @ Mar 19th 2008 10:49AM

How come people don't ever mention the media server?

Come on guys it dos what apple TV does. Streams music, pictures and videos from your computer. Without ever having in stored on your ps3. I watch movies all the time from my ps3.

Fiddlesworth @ Mar 18th 2008 10:08PM

The best Blu-ray games, the most stylish presentation, Blu-ray Disc playback, free online play, great hardware reliability, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth supporting a wide range of third party hardware, Remote Play and so on.

Fiddlesworth @ Mar 18th 2008 10:10PM

Harddisk and HDMI standard in every PS3, the most interesting upgrades through System Software updates.

The most future-proof Blu-ray Disc player. :D

hey_big_dck @ Mar 18th 2008 10:22PM

i will tell you why it WILL succeed it is because i OWN IT! plain and simple read it weep weepers i IF OWN THY PLAYSTATION THEN IT WILL SUCCEEEED! thats my hypothesis and it can not be proven wrong therefore its true.

LiveStock60 @ Mar 18th 2008 10:32PM

I hear so many people talking about "this game" or "that feature" that is going to be a system seller, yet I never see anybody talking about a very important game that is coming soon. I have a lot of gaming friends (personally and online) that have purchased their PS3's for one game only. Socom Confrontation. Though it is talked about very little, the socom community is very strong. Socom players are devout in their love, even when the last two titles left a lot to be desired. I can name almost ten people I know that are waiting to buy PS3's until Socom comes out. Now that is a system seller.

Kspraydad @ Mar 18th 2008 10:35PM

But will they jump at Confrontation or are they going to wait until 2009 for the full experience?

LiveStock60 @ Mar 18th 2008 10:40PM

They are definately jumping. Most of my friends already have, and they could care less about MGS, FF, Killzone, GTA, etc., etc.

JayD-1K @ Mar 19th 2008 1:42PM

i agree! i'm looking forward to SOCOM as well! i remember when it was, realy the only game that people bought mics for! it got me to buy the network addapter and the $50.00 Socom bundle, and the system all at once! it was a self contained online netwotk with forums, freinds list and game invites! oh and don't forget clan support!

i already have a PS3 (might pick up another one for the lil girl, if the white Ps3 hits anytime soon), but if i didn't.....this would be the push i needed to get going!

PSN-JayD-1K..i'll see yall on the net!

dubq @ Mar 18th 2008 10:43PM

Personally, I hope the PS3 has a great year. I own a PS3 and a Wii and I love them both. It's all about competition - and in the end, it's the fans/gamers who win. :)

Kohath @ Mar 18th 2008 11:10PM

The PS3 is going to have more and better exclusive games than the 360 this year. The 360 exclusive game list is short and lacks big names to compete with Gran Turismo, MGS, Killzone, FFXIII, and the rest.

The Wii will probably outsell both of them in 2008 though. The PS3 won't outsell the Wii until 2009 at the earliest. In 2009, Sony will cut the price, the PS3 games library will be well-established, the Wii will start looking last-gen on an increasing number of HDTVs, the Wii novelty will wear off and the used market will cut significantly into new Wii sales.

massive_98 @ Mar 18th 2008 11:54PM

Exactly. I never experienced GT last generation, but I'm really looking forward to it.

PSN: KillaKornbread (the shirt is a lie!) @ Mar 19th 2008 12:49AM

exactly. i think the Wii is going to run out of steam pretty soon when people realize that they are paying $250 for Wii Sports in most cases since Nintendo only releases like 2-3 big 1st party games a year and casuals probably wouldnt want to play them anyway. Nintendo has almost completely neglected the hardcore audience and it is going to bite them in the end. the fad will fade and then who will be left? the neglected hardcores that moved on to other consoles.

i love my Wii right now since i have Smash Bros. and even though ill probably play this game faithfully until the next one comes out, it's just not enough.

NaCHOburger @ Mar 18th 2008 11:12PM

I have a PS3 and couldn't be happier. Hearing news like this reaffirms my choice was the right choice (to spend my money since I have so little of it, hahaha)

Zombie Huggles @ Mar 19th 2008 12:18AM

I think it's the price. Many people want it, but not the same can afford it. As the price continues to drop, the user base will increase. Most people know it's awesome, but can get fun next-gen experiences for cheaper...

roach @ Mar 19th 2008 12:22AM

I have all 3, so meh.

All hail me.

jahd5000 @ Mar 19th 2008 1:59AM

now thats a good thing, i would love to be in your position, looking how all those companies fight each other releasing every kind of nice things, and you just enjoy them all and lose nothing (except a lot of money)
if my parent would like gaming and would support it, i would do the same, but since they dont, ill have to find my own way to satisfy myself XD

PSN: KillaKornbread (the shirt is a lie!) @ Mar 19th 2008 12:56AM

i know this is just analyst dribble as usual, but what they are saying does logically make sense. it's all about the games and it seems like Sony has that so far. i mean you never know until you've actually played the games but the potential is there. 360 doesnt have as many big name titles as it had last year (i still consider Fable 2 and Gears 2 big named but the list isnt as long as last year is all) and the Wii only really has Mario Kart left and maybe something else for the holidays.

im just hoping that GT5 and FFXIII can make it by the end of the year, though i wont hold my breathe on that. at least there will be plenty more to play anyway.

Fordi @ Mar 19th 2008 1:19AM

I hope that 2008 is the big year for the PS3, and I think it should be as well - but I really hope Sony sort out a couple of little details first. No iTunes AAC tag support, almost no party games, no easy way to make the ps3 a content server.

doc j @ Mar 19th 2008 1:49AM

I'm sure you've tried it already, but TVersity isn't a terrible start. Hopefully with time we'll get some more codec support and such.

jahd5000 @ Mar 19th 2008 1:59AM

key words: party games

Dahk @ Mar 19th 2008 9:45AM

I fully agree.

Although I'm one who would've bought a PS3 straight up with the release of MGS4, GT5 or even FFXII, what the damn system needs is a good 4 player game.

Living with 4 buddies of mine... and really nothing beats a good game of Smash Bros - even with the option of 4 player CoD4 lol. PS3 needs one of these damn party games.

I'm hoping LBP really owns our expectations lol.

Draco @ Mar 19th 2008 10:58AM

"Get Ape Escape 3 pumped and primed" or whatever its called on PS2, its a pretty awesome game, the graphics are almost as good as Wii, and you can play on your PS3.

Jason Axelrod @ Mar 19th 2008 2:15PM

Get Itadaki Street Special for the PS2...

khriskiller @ Mar 19th 2008 2:02AM

I am still waiting for a PS3 game to really wow me. I could care less about MGS4. Wipeout HD will be the first game that I MUST buy. I am not to thrilled with UT3 either. Don't get me wrong, I am not upset at purchasing my PS3 at all, Its just kind of like owning a Lambo that doesn't have any gas and jut sits in my garage looking pretty. So far its just a great media server/blu ray player. Am I the only one who hates the controller? Its to bloody small and feels cheap (too light.)

I am sure no one will like this post but I thought I would speak my mind.

LoCuSt @ Mar 19th 2008 9:06AM

You'll be very happy when the Dual Shock 3s ship here in the states. They are a vast improvement in the weight category and are completely awesome to play with. I tried DMC4 with one and Burnout: Paradise, you really feel EVERYTHING.

Nothing really changed about the design aspect though, so if you felt that it was too small with the regular SixAxis you might still be a little disappointed.

Do yourself the favor of looking into a Dual Shock 3, which is scheduled for release in North America and Europe on April 15.

Fordi @ Mar 19th 2008 2:14AM

The PS3 isn't a media server (although it should be). Being able to stream only to a psp doesn't really count imho.

chin @ Mar 19th 2008 7:04AM

Ever heard about streaming content from your PC or Laptop?

Fordi @ Mar 19th 2008 9:14PM

Being able to stream to the PS3 makes it a CLIENT not a SERVER. No argument about the PS3 being quite a good streaming client.

LoCuSt @ Mar 19th 2008 8:59AM

I think something often not mentioned and goes widely overlooked that is great about the PS3 is the amount of games you have already seen/will continue to see on the PSN. The Wii totes itself as the party system aficionado, however PS3's party games go widely unmentioned. Friends and I have spent hours playing Pain and Calling All Cars, both PSN exclusives. I'm sure many more games are coming out like this as well.

Another great thing that goes widely unmentioned is Sony constantly updating the PSN with its back catalog. Who didn't love seeing Twisted Metal 2, Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Crash Bandicoot, and Jet Moto reintroduced for that nostalgia feel. And the integration that is constantly being upgraded between PS3 and PSP is going to be another strong selling point for BOTH consoles.

Add in a strong STRONG line up for this year/early next year and the success of blu ray and you have a machine that is very capable of winning the console wars.

That being said though, Wii has to be mentioned for this month because Smash Bros. Brawl is a total system seller: 120 copies selling a minute on average? That's ridiculous.

chris.westermann @ Mar 19th 2008 10:28AM

Its both funny and irritating when obvious amateurs weigh in on the PS3. "Sony finally wakes up". How does implementing all the right things right from the start constitute finally waking up a year later. Price drops are inevitable, and I think Sony planned on sigificant price drops and alternate models right from the start. Nintendo is the only company so greedy as to not implement a price drop after over a year on the market. The PhyreEngine platform was developed pretty much before the PS3 was released as games like Flow used them which came out shortly after the PS3's release. 4 games had been developed using PhyreEngine before it was announced.
I think the only people that are waking up is the media shifting from wanting to hate the PS3 to finally believing that perhaps Sony was the only company to release a next generation game platform actually intended to remain relevant 5 - 10 years from now. Both Nintendo and Microsoft created a cosole that made a big splash at first, but they will be back to the drawing boards in a year trying to figure out how to compete against the PS3. Sony is actually strategicaly in a position to be sitting back and waiting for the world to catch up.

Pete @ Mar 19th 2008 12:00PM

If Sony had implemented everything right from the start, I don't think we would have had so many SKUs, so many firmware updates, so many game delays, so few games in the first year, and we would have had in game XMB on November 17th, 2006. We would also have a way to invite friends to GT5:P races and a way to chat with them.

No, Sony has definitely made some mistakes with the PS3. I'm not sure how you could say otherwise.

Popfrogs @ Mar 19th 2008 12:46PM

Basically, if Microsoft hadn't rushed to market with the broken 360, Sony would have had time to "finish" the PS3's software. The hardware is damn near perfect and all the extra Sony SKUs attempt to do is put the PS3 in poor people's homes. The 40GB is living proof, it's all they sell to Europe.

Pete @ Mar 19th 2008 12:54PM

So you are saying that the PS3 was released too early because the software wasn't done. They shouldn't have released the PS3 on November 17th, 2006? The original launch date for the PS3 was supposed to be 6 months earlier than that.

But here we are, 2 years after the original launch date, and Sony still hasn't managed to add in game messaging to their OS. Sorry, you can't blame everything on Microsoft.

I love my 80GB PS3. And Sony has done a lot of things right recently. But there is still some core functionality that is missing on the platform. Hopefully they will get it working well, and soon, so we don't have to go without the functionality for more than 1/4 of the PS3's life span. They have had a LOT of time to get this done.

Knighthawk @ Mar 19th 2008 4:56PM

You say Nintendo is so greedy that they have not dropped the price of the Wii in over a year. You think if Sony sold as many consoles as the Wii they would have dropped the price? Dream on man, all Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony care about is getting as much money out of anybody they can! You honestly think Sony dropped the price to make you cream in your Little Big Planet underoos? LMFAO, how lame are you!?