PS3 is well-positioned for the first time, says Signal Hill analyst
by Nick Doerr 
{ Jul 22nd 2008 at 6:30PM }
Greenwald also mentions what he feels is another advantage Sony holds over the competition: a strong game lineup. He also says that the $399 price point is a great advantage over the competition's similarly priced model, since it comes standard with so many more features. In the end, he's just one analyst -- your personal opinions are always the ones that count the most. Do you think he's got a point?
[Via CVG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
gamingeek @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:37PM
Even though I prefer my 60GB PS3 (for which coincidently I still play more PS2 games on) to my XBox 360 I fail to see how the PS3 will be able to compete in sales w/ the 80GB PS3 that is NOT backwards compatible and still $100 more expensive. I know that part of what your paying for is Blu-Ray but let's face it: Most gamers don't buy it for that!
freker @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:02PM
Same here.
I've got one of the UKs 60gb PS3s with limited PS2 emulation in, seeing that theres not actually many games, or as much to do on the PS3 without BC (No insult, there really is some gems on the system) but we don't have the newly revealed video-store yet, have to wait months for some PSN games and not all PS3 games are simultaneously released, also theres a severe lack of decent PSOne games to DL.
It would whole heartedly be better to have built in PS2 emulation at a slightly more cost; as face it, the 360 has recently (to my anger) completely abandoned BC and I still have about 9 of my XBOX titles unable to play. Out of my PS2 games, only 5 won't play, thats Jak1 and the Ratchet and Clank series. It would be one better than the competition.
Right now except the promises of the future, (and the well established First party developers) there really isn't much ammunition for Sony to tempt new consumers...UNLESS, they put the damn PS2 emulation in again.
Also; I have NEVER seen a Blu-Ray film on my PS3, I buy game consoles to GAME.
Woooooowowow. That was quite long. Apologies. :D
Branden @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:54PM
Well considering the Wireless network adapter alone is nearly $100 and the ps3 has it built in...thats good enough. Plus blu-ray...and another 20 gb...Im sold. Oh wait..damnit..I already have a80 and a 40, and 360. I hate being a early adopter sometimes
cluster1 @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:42PM
everyone plays games online, for the ps3 its free, for xbox it is a yearly fee... add that up for as long as you've owned the system...
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:08PM
Whoa, they better fix that BC. PS2 Ratchet and Clanks play on my original 60 GB, as does Soul Caliber III (which originally locked up, have no idea how they fixed that), haven't tried Jak & D. These are seriously great games that should run!
vask @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:40PM
sony does have a nice lineup for 08-09 and made some interesting announcements for the psn. This new 80gb system im sure will turn some heads but if it functions the same as the 40gb (no Backwards Compatablility, 2 USB Ports) its really nothing to go nuts about especially since the HD's are really easy to change. I guess i cant really complain though its a bigger HD for the same price. I just hope that they can start rolling in with the JRPGS soon Eternal Sonata and Disgaia 3 are good to start with but still only 2 games, not really much to work with there. For the most part i think sony's somewhat got their heads in the right place.
mike soto @ Aug 2nd 2008 2:38AM
I couldn't agree more with this article, The PS3 is on a hot streak that sees no cold weather in site, HUGE lineups combined with a BLU ray player and an overall better system are sure to put SONY as the front runner this holiday season and beyond. Sony dominates Microsoft in the PAL region and Japan and as more people upgrade from the PS2, the obvious choice is clear that the PS3 is what they want. :)
NotoriousB-O-B @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:48PM
I hope hes right, but i guess only time will tell
TypeF @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:52PM
Most gamers that own a ps3 comes from ps2. I don't get why the fuss about not being able to play ps2 games on the 80gb ps3? Everyone wants something for free or included >.>
Carney @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:03PM
Why are gamers upset? Because gamers have come to expect BC from Sony. The PS2 had full BC with the PS1. And the first gen PS3s (the 20GB and 60GB) had full BC with the PS2 and PS1, and were advertised as having them (I still have the brochure about "embracing our past" and such).
Then, after building these expectations, Sony pulls the rug out from under us and cheaps out.
Especially with your question talking about people moving up from PS2. If you're replacing your console, you'll want your current game library, which has warm memories for you and perhaps is still challenging and fun, to be something more than coasters.
If there had not been this history of BC, including in the PS3 at first, there wouldn't nearly be this level of anger.
Finally, you asked
kint @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:54PM
He is right +360 sucks!!!
HAAS599 @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:57PM
Just buy a 60GB launch model on ebay, then buy a new HD if needed
Don't worry about getting a used one either, no red rings of death on the PS3.
Hashbrown Hunter @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:13PM
Yeah I really wish I had picked up a 60GB.
Carney @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:03PM
I did that! I bought a 60GB PS3 on eBay. Factory sealed, new in box. Paid $709 before shipping. Then I bought a $130 SquareTrade warranty just in case.
I was so happy to have the best PS3 model, sealed and new. Opening the box and setting it up and playing PS2 games that no other model could play was awesome. But right away the thing began to make a high pitched whine noise. Very annoying, and would happen no matter what I used it for, even just surfing around the XMB.
And then it started overheating and crashing whenever I used the Emotion Engine (UT for PS2). And then it overheated and died for good when I was playing Warhawk. This was six weeks after purchase.
Sony wouldn't help because it wasn't bought from an "authorized retail outlet". SquareTrade wouldn't help because it had a pre-existing condition and had failed within the first 60 days. Good thing SquareTrade and my seller refunded my money.
My 60GB gave me annoying noise, crashes, stress, and disappointment.
My new MGS4 80GB has crippled BC (no UT for PS2, no Soulcalibur 2 or 3 aargh), but it can run some PS2 games (X-Men: The Official Game is great). And it is QUIET! And I got it from Best Buy, a real store.
AVOID EBAY PS3s.
HAAS599 @ Jul 23rd 2008 8:45AM
PS3 failure rate is, like .02% or something.
You are very unfortunate, but you got a full refund.
Why would you tell someone not to buy a PS3 off ebay? If that PS3 was in fact brand new, factory sealed as you say, then you could have bought it anywhere. It's definately not ebay's fault.
HAAS599 @ Jul 23rd 2008 9:19AM
I have a luanch 60gb PS3 since 12/07
and it runs perfectly.
no problem with GTA4 and no problems with firmware 2.40
I am somewhat of a neat freak, so that may have something to do with it. Every couple of months I spray compressed air through the vents and always set it vertical on a hard surface with nothing but open air over it.
Take care of your PS3 and it will be fine.
typedef ron @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:58PM
I own an XBox but I'm planning on getting a PS3 for the following reasons:
1. HD-DVD... fail
2. PSN Video > Netflix. It requires Netflix account and XBox Gold Account, I have neither.
3. PSN is free
4. Dual Shock came back
5. Game lineup is starting to look amazing
If Sony would sell the 40GB version for less I'd get it now. As it stands, I'm saving up for the 80GB in Sept.
infekt @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:18PM
We all hope you can gather up the rest of the cash for a PS3! 'Welcome', in advance.
lucky_7s @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:39PM
glad to hear you are saving for a ps3 - welcome to the fanbase
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:11PM
Dude, you won't regret it. Some of the games are just so different, and the experience, from just using the XMB, it's all so clean and... nice. Horrible word, but you feel when using this machine that people care about art, and experience.
blahblahbloo @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:45PM
Getting movies on Blu-ray from Netflix is a better deal in most cases than the PSN video service.
MexicanTerrorist @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:59PM
I can't believe people are still complaining about backwards compatibility. The system is designed to play next-gen games, not last-gen. But even then, when Sony has given you B/C, you still moan about how not EVERY SINGLE GAME works exactly right.
Considering that you're getting a hard drive, cell processor, blu-ray drive, built in wi-fi, free access to psn, and a whole bevy of other features, why are people still complaining about the price being "so high"?
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:13PM
I agree, I really cared about BC, and was extremely excited when it became upscaled. So I bit the bullet and bought early. But people with ps2 games and no ps3-- you already have a ps2. Just get a video router, you can have both, GEEZ!
Huschke @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:02PM
I also think backwards compatibility is still very important, especially to those casual gamers that still buy a lot of games for their PS2. It would make their transition to the PS3 a hell of a lot smoother and soooo much easier!!!
Huschke @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:03PM
You know, not everyone is as hardcore as you guys...
freker @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:09PM
I think Backwards Compatibility is an important part to Sony, because basically; in the console world they more or less established it. Its 1 chunk of the PS brand blown off since its been removed. Remember the fascination when the PS2 ran PS1 games in the press? That and DVD was a selling point.
I love my virtual memory cards on my 60gb and its a real shame late adopters don't get it.
I guess its a case of MIMO (Miss It, Miss Out)
But it would be worth it if Sony was to reintroduce it later down the line if possible with software emulation.
infekt @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:21PM
Honestly, I think a lot of ppl that have PS2 games still have their PS2 around. I have mine just to play imports. Luckily, I bought the 60gb machine just before they pulled it even though I knew the cheaper 40gb was available. Its not that big of a deal considering that you can get used PS2s for 50 bucks or less if you really, really need to go back and play the good old oldies. Heck, I've seen ppl giving way their PS2 slims for $30 CND!
decimalator @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:45PM
Wasn't the $50 "cut" for the 360 more of a "let's get rid of the 20GB model but try not to piss the people off that buy it when we bring out the new model with more storage"?
infekt @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:59PM
Was it? Thats smart on M$'s part. Most stores won't even carry 20gb HDDs anymore.. and if they do, you can get them at the price of a happy meal at mickeys.
seamonkey420 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:27PM
yea.. i really don't get the whole PS2 BC too.. do you really want to play last gen on the now gen machine? but honestly, i loathe any PS2 game and the jaggies on my ps3.. i bought a PS3 for 3 things: gaming in high def, bluray, and using as my living room digital hub.. if i wanted ps2 games, i'd stuck w/a PS2.. plus, i got a 60gb w/bc and the memory card readers.. :P
hit up my youtube for some vids (if your wondering what the ps3 can really do if you put the time and effort in; which isn't too much requiered.. hehe):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d4mfsmSHG-g
decimalator @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:45PM
I'm sort of on the fence with BC. It was a much bigger issue at launch when there were few PS3 games available. It would be nice to not have to hook up my PS2 to play PS2 games on my non-BC models. But I do still have a pair of PS2's that I can pull out if I get the urge, and I have a launch 60GB and an 80GB that both are BC already.
Isn't BC on the current 80GB model done in software? I wouldn't imagine it would be too difficult to get that working on the 40GB (and new 80GB) model. Especially if it would help to drive sales and help convince the people that haven't upgraded yet.
Even cooler would be if they did get software BC working and re-released some PS2 games on PSN. I'd buy some games again just to be able to play them from the hard drive.
Hashbrown Hunter @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:17PM
The whole reason why the 40GB and this new 80GB model do not have BC is because they are desperate to cut down on expenses to gain profitability. They said that is their number one priority right now, so this is the way it is for now.
But after they reach profitability, maybe BC will be reintroduced in a few years in a new SKU. I would love to see that happen, but I doubt that.
blahblahbloo @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:50PM
The 80 GB backwards compatibility uses software to emulate the Emotion Engine CPU of the PS2, but the graphics chip of the PS2 is in the PS3. In order to make the 40 GB model backwards compatible, they'd have to write software to emulate the PS2 graphics chip.
tdh @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:53PM
I agree and disagree with Señor Terrorist @ post 11.
I have a 60Gb model, that comes with the best backwards compatibility option of any of the available PS3 SKUs. It was important to have as I have a PS2 collection that consists of 40 games.
But I also have a PS2 sitting right next to my PS3, but it's my launch PS2 and could die at any moment. If that happens I will hold a 21 gun salute for the fallen soldier and then start playing on my PS3.
For other consumers I think it would be a huge selling point if when they decide to upgrade to the PS3 they can trade in their PS2, maybe a few of the games, and get a new PS3 that will allow them to continue playing the PS2 games they still have. Start watching Blu-Ray movies, slowly start buying PS3 games all while still enjoying their current PS2 library.
But Señor Terrorist is still correct in saying they're buying a Next-Gen console. Comes with A HDD to reduce load times on these new huge games that could potentially fill a 50Gb Blu-Ray disc, and displays glorious HD. Perhaps it should not be their main focus as you're going to be downloading Super Stardust HD and PixelJunk games from the PSN while playing Uncharted, Ratchet, MGS4, and waiting for Resistance 2, LittleBigPlanet and more to come.
Rumor still says a B.C. firmware update will release later this year to allow the 20Gb, 40Gb, and new 80Gb some measure of B.C. so my friends can start borrowing my PS2 library, but rumors often don't fly.
MexicanTerrorist @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:05PM
Senor Terrorist?
lol, i like it.
Sora57 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:59PM
The benefit of bc is that so many people have old PS2s and a big library of ps2 games. If the PS3 had bc (like my 60 gb), ps2 owners would know their library of games can still be played if they upgraded. Without bc, the choice becomes between the Ps3 and 360, 'cause neither one will play their old ps2 games. To those folks, bc is important and would give the PS3 a leg up, all things considered.
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:23PM
Ummm... you just now said that the people you're talking about have ps2's... so they can already play ps2 games. Your argument = fail.
blahblahbloo @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:57PM
Sure, they can keep the PS2. But an Xbox 360 is just as good as a PS3 at sitting next to a PS2 on the shelf. Only the PS3 could potentially allow them to get rid of that PS2.
Sora57 @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:02AM
Like I said, if they want to UPGRADE the choice is made harder by not offering bc. And like me, I upgraded to a ps3 because my ps2 died. I could have gotten a ps2 if all I wanted to play was old games, but I needed a new console, have an HD screen, and wanted to play the newer games too, without needing 2 consoles. Your argument=fail
Sora57 @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:06AM
Blahblahbloo: exactly.
Hunts314 @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:05PM
just a question guys but how many generations do you think they're going to be able to keep up BC? I understand PS3 had it in the beginning and that's the problem (they're taking it away), but do you honestly think the next playstation should/will include PS1, PS2, and PS3 BC? Come on there has to be an endpoint eventually. I didn't care as I bought PS3 to play PS3 games, my PS2 (that I just bought, I was an xbot that generation) is on my old SDTV where I can play it if I should want to. I had the 360 before too, how often did I use BC? Once or twice when I was bored. However other than that I bought a 360 to play 360 games while I had it.
My brother has a PS3 (60gb original), he used it (BC) to play Madden for like a week and then never used it again. I just don't think it should be a major selling point for a system. Is it good to have? For some maybe, but paying 400-500 dollars to play games on an old console...not me.
tdh @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:42PM
B.C. for some systems will disappear at that logical point in time. Currently PSone support makes perfect sense as they're going to be releasing more (Hopefully.) PSone games via the PSN. As well as those of us who still have our PSone collection and are enjoying playing them via Remote Play on our PSPs. But the next iteration of the PlayStation won't need to support PSone games. However it may still be helpful to support PS2 and of course PS3 games at that time. They may release PS2 games via the PS Store like they do with the PSone games now. Who knows.
But at present B.C. is a great selling point and would encourage PS2 users to upgrade to the PS3. And let's face it, right now this is a huge target group for getting PS3s into consumer homes.
blahblahbloo @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:59PM
PS1 backwards compatibility is easily done right now in software. New platforms that use the faster technology that will undoubtedly be available in the future will have an even easier time emulating a PS1 in real-time without any specialized hardware components (and thus no addition per-unit manufacturing costs).
I recall reading someone like Jack Tretton or Kaz Hirai saying that they could just go to full software backwards compatibility for the PS2 at some point in the future, but that it wasn't a priority at this point in time. If they get that software to work, then it can simply be ported to new, faster platforms as well, still adding no per-unit manufacturing cost.
Aaron @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:56PM
One thing people keep forgetting to mention about the BC in PS3 is the upscaling for PS2 games. A regular PS2 cannot do this. It doesn't make the games look *that* much better, but it does help quite a bit on my widescreen. This is a great reason to use a PS3 as a PS2.
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:26PM
I fully agree. I still play Gran Turismo IV, and it looks better than ps2 on a HD tv. I also intend to re-purchase all the Ratchet and Clanks, Jak & Daxters, and Sly Coopers-- all to look better than they originally did.
Dehshizknight @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:09PM
Jeez, the PS3 has only been out for 2 years, people! Jack Tretton made a good point at the beginning of the E3 Sony Press Conference by saying that the big-name titles did not come out until years 2 - 5 with GTA, Gran Turismo, God of War (in year 7 was it?), etc.
The PlayStation brand is not gonna just die... It'll take a lot more to kill them.
Johnny Lasley @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:27PM
The winner of this generation won't be known until for quite some time. I'm sure M$ has a line-up for the holidays. I doubt analysts are operating off perfect information
I don't want a winner yet anyways. I want the one-upmanship to continue. Competition is good.
Taylor @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:12PM
Man I have been waiting for the PS3 to be in a good position so that when i buy it I can play more than Motorstorm 10,000 times a day. Now that this price drop is happening I now decided that this is the perfect time to get a PS3. Man, when in the hell are they gunna release the date for America and Canada price drop dates!?!? COME ON!!IM WAITING!!
myevo8u @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:14PM
I think this guy is on crack. I work at a blockbuster and i would say that 90% of our bluray renters say that they own a ps3 for there movies and that they have a 360 for their games or they just have a ps3 for their movies and they dont care about games and that when they bought their ps3 the guys at the best buy they bought from told them if you want a video game system buy a 360 if you want a hd movie player buy a ps3.
John @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:29PM
Wow that was INCREDIBLY LAME. Lies are lame. But at least you prefaced your false statement: "I would say..." Yeah, we just read what you would say. WOW.