PlayStation 3 Launching in November
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
March 15, 2006


Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it would launch PlayStation 3 (PS3) in early November 2006 in Japan, North America and Europe simultaneously. With a monthly production capacity of one million units, SCEI will push forward a powerful product launch to spread the platform rapidly throughout the world, together with a strong and attractive lineup of PS3 game titles.

PS3 incorporates the final specifications of BD (Blu-ray Disc), and with the overwhelming computing power of PS3, it enables playback of BD software at a high bit rate. With a maximum storage capacity of 50 GB (dual layer) and robust security, BD is a highly anticipated storage medium that delivers digital entertainment content such as games and movies at an unparalleled level of image quality.

PS3 is compatible with a vast lineup of television sets currently out in the market, from standard-definition TV to full high-definition TV.

Users can also connect PS3 to high-speed broadband network through Gigabit Ethernet and comfortably enjoy a wide-range of rich and exciting content and services over the network.

SCEI, together with the support and cooperation of game content creators around the world, will strongly promote the creation of a new world of computer entertainment available on PS3.

PS3 is compatible with a vast lineup of television sets currently out in the market, from standard-definition TV to full high-definition TV.


Umm...why bold it? It's not like this is a PS3 exclusive feature.

PS3 is compatible with a vast lineup of television sets currently out in the market, from standard-definition TV to full high-definition TV.


Umm...why bold it? It's not like this is a PS3 exclusive feature.
No just some question as to whether it would be as goodlooking on standard TV's as they have with Xbox. That is why i highlighted it. Stop hating. I let you have your all things xbox thread sucka. [smilie=arnold.gif]

It would be great if you can get a $50 trade in discount for your XBox. That'd reaaaalllllly piss off Gates.

Good news Gutz.

It was originally supposed to be a spring launch, then I started to hear more like summer, and I figured it would be well into the fall. I wonder which is going to dominate my life for the next 5 years the 360 or the PS3? Next gen terrordome anyone?

i dont know if im more excited about BD's maximum storage capacity or robust security.

by the way, why does a video game need 50 gb's of storage? are games going to be that long?

i dont know if im more excited about BD's maximum storage capacity or robust security.

by the way, why does a video game need 50 gb's of storage? are games going to be that long?
one can hope. not to mention they can think up making animated features/or live action movies to go with the game. plenty to of room to work out ideas though.

There is no excuse not to use voice acting for everything now.

50 gig? Holy shitballs. You should be able to save your game right on the disc now. Not bloody likely, however.

50 gig? Holy shitballs. You should be able to save your game right on the disc now. Not bloody likely, however.
http://www.djmonkeyboy.com/clothing/haterade-1.jpg

actually there will be a few options.

The PlayStation 3 comes with an array of data storage and transfer features. Whereas the PlayStation 2 only supported a memory card and the optional hard drive attachment (for a brief time), the PlayStation 3 supports numerous forms of portable media. The PlayStation 3 has 6 USB 2.0 ports, a memory stick slot, an SD slot, and, in stark contrast to many of Sony’s other consumer electronics products, the system actually supports compact flash. Sony even saved a space for a removable 2.5” hard drive.
hmm is xbox doing direct to disc saves on 360? since they carry 25 gigs which isnt too shabby either and plenty of space to do so. [smilie=anxious.gif]

like i said before i may end up buying a 360 this fall,but i'll measure them both up to each other fairly before i choose what i roll with.

That's cool. I wouldn't mind using the memory stick I already own to save my PS3 stuff on.

That's cool. I wouldn't mind using the memory stick I already own to save my PS3 stuff on.
also much like i can do with my psp i do like the usb option to store it on my computer.

But i'm still wondering what type of memory they expand on gaming wise. As far as the effect on backgrounds and maybe the size of them. Like how big could you make a seemless GTA free roam?

50 gig? Holy shitballs. You should be able to save your game right on the disc now. Not bloody likely, however.
hmm is xbox doing direct to disc saves on 360? since they carry 25 gigs which isnt too shabby either and plenty of space to do so. [smilie=anxious.gif]



Dude, whoa. I'm a PS fan also, chill. I was just thinking out loud... er.. onto a keyboard.

50 gig? Holy shitballs. You should be able to save your game right on the disc now. Not bloody likely, however.
hmm is xbox doing direct to disc saves on 360? since they carry 25 gigs which isnt too shabby either and plenty of space to do so. [smilie=anxious.gif]



Dude, whoa. I'm a PS fan also, chill. I was just thinking out loud... er.. onto a keyboard.
im also just messing with ya. loosen up e-ray. [smilie=arrgh.jpg]

[smilie=angryfire.g: << some people get like that about consoles, and I'm glad you're not one of them.

What's everyone's guess on the cost?

[smilie=angryfire.g: << some people get like that about consoles, and I'm glad you're not one of them.

What's everyone's guess on the cost?

No word on consumer cost yet, but there is all kinds of stuff out about cost to manufacture.
http://news.com.com/PlayStation+3+component+prices+Why+so+high+-+page+2/2100-1043_3-6042226-2.html?tag=st.num

I'm guessing they can't get away with anything more then a 100 over the current price fo the 360 when the PS3 is launched.

[smilie=angryfire.g: << some people get like that about consoles, and I'm glad you're not one of them.

What's everyone's guess on the cost?

No word on consumer cost yet, but there is all kinds of stuff out about cost to manufacture.
http://news.com.com/PlayStation+3+component+prices+Why+so+high+-+page+2/2100-1043_3-6042226-2.html?tag=st.num

I'm guessing they can't get away with anything more then a 100 over the current price fo the 360 when the PS3 is launched.
possibly. remember that sony is willing to take a hit on the price to get systems into peoples hands.

Yeah that's mandatory this generation. Gone are the days when companies made profits off the hardware of consoles.

That link puts the pice tag between $800-$900 to make per system. Eating production cost is mandatory, its about how much they are willing to eat. M$ has eaten cost with both the Xbox and the 360.

for all ps3 updates keep up with this link.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/697/697658p1.html

Hard Drive rumor maybe.

We recently spoke with a Sony representative concerning the PS3's hard drive. At that time, the Sony representative's response was "it is our intention to have the HDD installed but we will look at territory conditions before launch."

It seems that situation may have changed. The UK branch of Yahoo News is reporting that a Sony contact "confirmed this morning that PlayStation 3 will come with a 60GB HDD as standard," and that the hard drive can be upgraded. To leave no room for misunderstanding, the Yahoo article refers to the fact that that US websites were describing the hard drive as "optional," but that Yahoo News "can confirm this morning that all PS3 consoles will be sold with the HDD out of the box."

We will confirm this information with our Sony representatives; it's possible it's a case of trans-Atlantic miscommunication. But if this information is true, and every PS3 is shipped with a 60 GB hard drive, it will be interesting to see how this development will impact the final price of the PS3.

60 gig

O_o

GDC 06: Online key to PS3
Worldwide Studios head Phil Harrison unveils Sony's grand online plans for its upcoming console with high-definition demos and slides of next-gen interfaces.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--It would be an understatement to say that anticipation was high for the Sony keynote address at the 2006 Game Developers Conference. More than an hour before its scheduled start, a crowd gathered in front of the San Jose Civic Auditorium, the site of the speech, under the surprisingly warm central California sun.

And little wonder. The presenter was Phil Harrison, president of Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios, former executive VP of development at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and cocreator of the EyeToy peripheral for the PlayStation 2. His speech promised to reveal details about the newest addition to the PlayStation family, the PlayStation 3.

Even before the event, the next-generation console was visible. Or, more accurately, its box was. A mockup of the silver and white versions of the PS3 were literally put on a pedestal onstage, surrounded by PSPs and PS2s in colors not available at North American retailers. The original PlayStation was up there as well, apparently to help convey a sense of dynasty to Sony's platform.

When the hall's doors opened, an eager crowd surged forward--first to save their seats, then to bum-rush the stage to take pictures of a technological equivalent of a pheasant under glass. Confused staffers tried to stop them, first saying they couldn't take photos "of any kind," then allowing press to snap some shots, and finally bowing to the inevitable and letting everyone with a camera shutter away--for the first five minutes.

Finally, after what seemed like a torturously long delay to those who overindulged at the previous night's Microsoft event in San Francisco, the lights dimmed. The loop of covers of The Clash blaring on the PA faded out, and an unseen announcer repeatedly admonished anyone within earshot to turn off their cell phones and refrain from videotaping.

After a brief introduction by GDC head Jamil Moledina, who said GDC was "proud to host the demystification of the next-generation transition," Harrison took to the stage. Though intimidatingly tall, he proved more amiable than most other executives, balancing his grander statements with deadpan British humor.

Much of Harrison's presentation rehashed points made by SCE president Ken Kutaragi at last week's PlayStation Business Briefing in Tokyo. Using some of the very same slides as his boss, Harrison played up the PlayStation 2's success, reminding the audience that the console has sold more than 100 million units. He said the 6,732 titles released for the console had sold in excess of a billion copies worldwide, and repeated Kutaragi's claim that the console has a 60 percent market share.

To remind everyone of the PS2's capabilities, Harrison brought out SCEA Santa Monica developer David Jaffe, who showed off God of War II. The crowd ate up the "exclusive" clip, which showed game hero Kratos ripping one of the heads off a Cerberus, gouging a Cyclops' eye out, and hacking the wing off a griffon in midflight.

After joking that the presentation was a "family show," Harrison then turned to the subject of the PSP. Boasting that the now-$199 handheld is the fastest-selling platform in Sony history, Harrison said that Sony has sent out 5,412 PSP development kits worldwide. He then repeated the main PSP-related points from the PlayStation Business Briefing, showing off its forthcoming camera peripheral and GPS receiver. He said both have "tremendous gameplay potential" and urged any designers in the crowd to create games that used them.

Harrison also reiterated Sony's plan to digitally distribute original PlayStation games to PSPs via an archive server. He said the service would begin "this winter," after the portable gets video/voice chat and audio/text RSS functionality. He said the PSone games and other content would be available via archive servers, but that the PSP would get the ability to boot off of and store entire games onto a Memory Stick Duo. However, he emphasized that Sony would continue to release games via the PSP's proprietary Universal Media Disc (UMD) format.

Harrison then neatly segued into the subject of the PS3, touting that the console will be "seamlessly integrated" to the PSP. He repeated that the PS3 can be used as a content server, delivering media from its hard drive to a PSP "anywhere in the world."

Harrison then showed the latest spin on the famous rubber duck demo that was used to showcase the graphical capabilities of the PS2 and PS3 at previous Sony events. But instead of ducks in a tub, his demo showed several ducks lying on a seabed. Then the camera tilted upwards, showing the sun shining down through an ocean filled with thousands of fish. Harrison then pointed out the complex shifting schools of fish, and assured the audience the Finding Nemo-esque scene was all being rendered in real time.

To quell any potential skepticism, Harrison quickly moved on to a real-time PS3 demonstration. After clarifying the console would launch in early November 2006, the executive brought out Andrew Bond, Senior Engineer of physics-engine-maker Havok, and Richard Lee, technical director of SCEE. The pair then showed off an amusing demo that showed off how the PS3 can render complex rag-doll physics in real time and high-definition resolution. This was done by blasting around hundreds of fully skinned and rigged onscreen soldiers via invisible concussions, much to the audience's delight.

The next demo was from an "unnamed game" from SCEE's London Studio. The shop's technical manager, Simon Hobbs, presented a brief clip of a Volkswagen-esque car being shot to pieces by an offscreen machine gun. Besides being pocked with bullet holes, the car's windshield and taillights shattered, its engine came apart, and finally, its wheels popped off.

Having temporarily sated the crowd's appetite for destruction, Harrison then went on to extol the virtues of the Blu-ray Disc (BD). He said the high-capacity medium is the preferred format for the PS3 because of the massive amount of data next-gen games require in the form of high-resolution graphics, high-fidelity sound, more-theatrical content, and more dialogue. "It's not just cost of creating assets," he said. "It's also in storage cost."

To illustrate his point, Harrison showed a street scene from the upcoming PS3 sequel to the Getaway, which showed a re-creation of London's Piccadilly Circus. To demonstrate it was in real-time, Harrison panned the camera around, pointing out how the numerous details in the environment would require a vast amount of data--a quantity that he said BDs are perfectly suited to store.

Harrison used another approach to shill Blu-ray. He pointed out that BDs have enough capacity--up to 50GB per disc--to store all localized versions of a game. That would allow publishers to have a single SKU for the entire planet, which would streamline production and distribution costs.

Then it was on to one of the presentation's highlights. Dylan Jobe of Sony's Incognito Studios came onstage and briefly played a demo of the PS3 remake of Warhawk. He talked up the PS3's ability to create "ambient warfare" via the sheer computing power of its Cell central processor. He said the power of the Cell is very accessible, and Warhawk didn't need to create effects using low-level assembly programming language.

As he spoke, Jobe piloted a jet fighter through a massive in-air battle. In the background and foreground, hundreds of enemy fighters engaged in "next-generation behavior" by dodging clouds of tracer fire and strafing massive airborne capital ships.

During his demo--which featured highly detailed graphics full of dynamic shadows, detailed explosions, and cloud effects--Jobe also revealed that Warhawk would be playable at E3. That means that there will be PS3 kiosks on the floor of the event, a fact that had not been previously announced.

After some sustained applause, Harrison retook the stage to talk up Sony's answer to Xbox Live, the PlayStation Network Platform. He stressed that the lengthy title was strictly "an internal name, not a consumer name," resurrecting rumors that the online service would be called the PlayStation HUB.

Then, it was on to business. Like Kutaragi the week before, Harrison said the cornerstones of the PSNP are "the four Cs": Content, Communication, Community, and Commerce. He said it would go online alongside the launch of the PS3, and that the basic service would indeed be free. He said SCE would support the basic service, but repeated that the PSNP would also allow for the integration of third-party servers.

In a thinly veiled swipe at Xbox Live, which does not support third-party servers, Harrison said Sony is adopting an "open Internet business philosophy" for the PSNP. Specifically, he said this was done to encourage "makers of massively multiplayer online role-playing-game-type products" to integrate into the network. Later, he would hold up the wildly popular MMORPG World of Warcraft, which boasts more than 6 million subscribers, as a paradigm. "If World of Warcraft were a country, it would be bigger than Ireland," said Harrison. "That's what we would like to achieve in terms of community."

Using the mention of community as another segue, Harrison presented several slides that showed the interface of the PSNP. Using the PS3 game Formula 1 as a backdrop, he showed how up to three simultaneous video chat windows could pop up during gameplay via a minimalist, translucent heads-up display (HUD). Later slides showed how a player could send messages, check e-mail, scour friends lists, and send game requests all while in-game--and all using the same translucent HUD architecture.

Moving on to commerce, Harrison displayed the first shots of the PSNP store, which can also be accessed in-game. He showed a mockup of a menu offering an additional racetrack that players could buy, again using the same translucent design as the communication HUD. He then showed how the PSNP store menu could be customized to match the look of a game with a slide of a car being bought in Motorstorm. The menu featured the same bold yellow design as the off-road racing game's logo, but retained the same elements as the other store menu.

Unsurprisingly, the mention of Motorstorm cued a demonstration of the game, presented by Evolution Studios' Scott Kirkland. The demo was a far cry from the trailer which wowed audiences at E3 2005, even showing slight frame rate issues at times. However, the results were still impressive, as Kirkland guided a dune buggy through a plain of mud, which dried in real time, eventually impeding the vehicle's progress. He explained the PS3's Cell had the ability to render sophisticated in-game dynamics, allowing wheels to drop in newly created ruts and dirt splattered onto walls to visibly dry.

More impressive was the subsequent demo by Ted Price, CEO of Insomniac Games. Price played several minutes' worth of his studio's forthcoming shooter, Resistance: The Fall of Man, which was formerly titled I-8. Looking much like a next-gen combo of Black and Half-Life 2, the shooter saw Price fighting off wave after wave of oncoming aliens with a variety of weapons, including a needle-grenade launcher, which drew impressed "whoas" from the audience. He then announced that the game would be "out this year," within weeks of the PS3's launch.

When the demo ended, Price delivered his stump speech for the PS3. "Even though we've had a close relationship with Sony, we're an independent developer," he said. "We chose PS3 because it has superior firepower." He said this firepower stemmed from two features of the PS3. First, Blu-ray's storage capacity, which "allows us [developers] to put content on we previously couldn't," including extra dialogue, into games. Second was the Cell processor's seven synergistic processor units (SPUs), which allow for much faster calculations. "The PS3 has parallel processing on a scale we've never experienced before, coupled with a storage medium that will help us give consumers the content they demand," said Price.

Closing his portion of the presentation, Price then showed a clip of "a game we haven't yet announced." However, its identity didn't remain a mystery for long. After panning across a city skyline that resembled an eco-friendly version of The Fifth Element's futuristic metropolis, the camera angle followed several vehicles through packed lanes of flying cars and buses. Then, across the frame, a blimp coasted by with a giant billboard on its side bearing the words "Ratchet & Clank."

When the lights came up, Harrison retook the stage to present his concluding remarks, which covered Sony's vision for the future of the game industry. "Right now, we make content on discs inside boxes in stores," he pronounced. "But in the future, we will be creating and servicing a network of game communities." Harrison went on to show the increasingly complex revenue streams that will stem from said communities, which include mobile gaming, game object auctions, and traditional packaged media.

Harrison also said episodic content and network sales would soon become key parts of publishers' income. He then announced Sony was launching an international "e-distribution" initiative to help generate "content that will be only available online." (More information can be found on the initiative's trilingual official Web site.) He also said subscriptions would become very important, and that he "would love to bring social-network functionality into PS3" much like the Web site Myspace does to nongamers.

The final part of Harrison's diagram of future game-industry income was merchandising akin to that of Hollywood films. "We are creating phenomenally powerful brands and IP," he told the crowd. Continuing the Hollywood metaphor, he laid out his hopes that one day games would become a part of everyday life and more mainstream.

"I believe games can have as much social currency as television shows," he said. "You know how you hear people talking the day after they see a really good episode of 24 or Lost? I think games can do that too."

For more news from the event, check out GameSpot's GDC 2006 page.
By Tor Thorsen -- GameSpot

Good find, 'chach.

Heres some official statements on PS3.

It will have an upgradable 60GB hard drive. With the Blu Rays storage capacity it would be possible to put multiple language tracks of games on there and regional coding is not a requirement anymore(being left up to the software companies). What that means is that a game released in Japan can be played here and the companies who created could put an english translated version on the same disc.


Online play will be free with a platform similar to xbox live and will be available upon release of the system. Completely free sounds crazy to some im guessing for them to upgrade the network. but there will be a charge for downloadable content. kinda like it was with FF-Online and now with new maps on socom 3. Publishers down the road will try to use it for full game downloads and upgrades(for use on a series like FF, Socom, or GTA). but this is something that wont be an option for awhile.

the controller is possibly being redesigned to have even better grip. the system will retail for $425 in american money converted from japanese yen in Japan. the consoles are slightly cheaper in america "typically" so it could possibly go for $399.

The 60 gb hard drive will be standard on it.


the 3 showcase games at the Summer E3 event will be

Motor Storm
http://www.ps3source.net/images/ps3_screens/motorstorm/MotorStorm_01.jpg
http://www.ps3station.com/pictures/MotorStorm_02.jpg

Resistence: Fall Of Man
http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/135/928399_20050516_screen001.jpg
http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/135/928399_20050516_screen002.jpg

Warhawk
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/614/614733/warhawk-ps3-20060117020256810.jpg


and possibly a couple more surprise titles. i think ratchet and clank also. dont have the screenshot. but in the magazine it looks just like the fifth element.

i think ratchet and clank also. dont have the screenshot. but in the magazine it looks just like the fifth element.

Bad?

http://images.movie-gazette.com/albums/20050720/fifth-element-05.jpg

Bad?

http://images.movie-gazette.com/albums/20050720/fifth-element-05.jpg

though i dont see the pic. i meant the landscape. not the bad part.

though i dont see the pic.

That's crushing to me ... [smilie=sayitaintso:

Also Unreal tournament 2007 will be on PS3.

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/692/692785/unreal-tournament-2007-screens-20060301023214987.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/643/643575/unreal-tournament-2007-20050819054422981.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/692/692785/unreal-tournament-2007-20060316012144906.jpg

Sony sets PS3 price, launch date
Systems start at $499, available starting 17 November

Sony plans for a worldwide launch of its next generation Playstation 3 gaming console on 17 November, the company unveiled at the E3 gaming tradeshow in Los Angeles.

The device will be priced at $499 for a basic model featuring a 20Gb hard drive. Upgrading to a 60Gb hard drive will cost $599.

European users should expect to pay about $636 for the basic model, which amounts to a 27 per cent premium.

Sony promised to have two million PS3 systems available at the launch date and aims to sell 6 million by 31 March 2007.

The launch date puts the gaming console in stores 51 weeks after Microsoft launched its Xbox 360. Analyst estimates pegged sales of the Xbox 360 at about 1.3 million consoles by the end of last year.

The Microsoft device was priced significantly lower than the PS3, with the most desirable Xbox 360 premium sets costing $399.

Sony however claims that the PS3 will outperform the Xbox through the use of a Cell processor featuring six processing cores.

The units furthermore will feature 256Mb of RAM memory as well as 256Mb of video memory. They come with integrated Bluetooth, Wifi and Ethernet networking, as well as a Blu-ray high definition DVD player.

Sony is currently the largest supplier of gaming consoles, with sales of the Playstation 2 exceeding 100m units since its introduction in 2000.
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/0-0&fp=446022f4d2c4e7dd&ei=Oz5gRK_8LIP2owKFiN25Cg&url=http%3A//www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2155574/sony-sets-ps3-price-launch-date&cid=0

http://www.joystiq.com/media/2006/05/ps3stock.jpg

http://www.joystiq.com/media/2006/05/DSC_2434.JPG

ah, they are sticking with the same controller. cool. no adjustment period required.

$500 bucks! That's Ludacris! I'm not paying that crap! And they didn't change the controller at all? I didn't mind the old one, but I was just hoping for a new look. I kind of liked the "boomerang" idea.

I think I'm going to be rolling with the 360 for a long time.

i'm cool with sticking to the consistent controller. though i heard the boomerang one will be available at some point for separate buying.

I am absolutely thrilled about the controller decision. Awesome choices there, IMO. However, the pricing should be down 100 each in order to compete with 360's launch pricing, in my opinion.

I am absolutely thrilled about the controller decision. Awesome choices there, IMO. However, the pricing should be down 100 each in order to compete with 360's launch pricing, in my opinion.
Agreed 100%.

I think that there should be SOMETHING different about the controller though.
It's true that it's a hard controller to improve, but it could be a different
material or even have a slightly different shape. Maybe the boomerang, but
not full fledged. Perhaps a hybrid of the two? Other than that, I'm in!!!!

Tekken6 is going to be fucking SICK!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, the controller hasn't changed in shape-- and I say if it's not broke, don't fix it. It was one of the most, if not the most, comfortable controllers last gen. It is supposedly tremendously lighter now as well and wireless and it now has tilt/motion sensors, but no rumble anymore (which I am fine with- I don't think it added too much to games outside of FPS's). Those are enough modifications for me.

I am actually pretty disappointed with Sony.

The console is too expensive to start ($499 for the 20GB version and $599 for the 60GB version). But the thing that pisses me off is the fact that the basic version is missing MemoryStick/SD/CompactFlash slots, the built-in WiFi and the HDMI port. So if you want the complete version, you HAVE to get the $599 version.

At least Microsoft offered all the features in both their systems, except the HD which can easily be added to the Core system. On the other hand, with Sony you can't add anything if you buy the basic version.

I think Sony really blew it. The changes they've made to the original spec (the controller, the twin-display support, etc.) have a faint whiff of desperation around them.

^^Amen to that.

I think I've been priced right out of the market. I just don't care enough about it to drop 4-6 hundy on the box.

I think I've been priced right out of the market. I just don't care enough about it to drop 4-6 hundy on the box.

Yup yup. This is getting reeeeeediculous. That's more than a solid computer. Sony is getting arrogant and quite frankly it sucks.

BTW, Seraphim, what was your old screen name? I'm drawing a big blank.

$500 bucks! That's Ludacris! I'm not paying that crap! And they didn't change the controller at all? I didn't mind the old one, but I was just hoping for a new look. I kind of liked the "boomerang" idea.

I think I'm going to be rolling with the 360 for a long time.

$500!!?? Holy fuck, does the thing make your bed and do your laundry too? I'll have to steal this shit. I don't care about the controller, but I do care about the fact that I can buy a brand new 360, Wii, and F-117A Nighthawk Jet for the same price.

500 bones? But no surprise that they're launching around Christmas time. I'd have an XBox right now if they would have manufactured enough of them to support the launch last Christmas.


So now maybe it'll be a Sony. Damn sure won't be a 2500 hundred dollar gaming puter.

Who am I fucking kidding? I'm a degenerate for this shit. I just watched the FF13 trailer which made me want to go back and look at the 12 stuff and there's no way I'm not going to have the system that feeds my FF fix. The industry is still fucking shit up though.

I'm with Moodini! 500 bucks for the lesser version?! That's bullshit! Sony is losing a BIG TIME fan here. I was one of the die hard gamers that passed on the 360 because I was waiting for the PS3! And I'm sure I will be one of many that are absolutely sickened by the price. 300 bucks has been the going rate for a brand new system at release time for decades! Sony lost a big time fan today.

Microsoft....you have a new customer.

its a pretty bold move on their part. the only question now is how many do they sell in america and europe. japan will buy it outright regardless. hopefully they better back up their belief that its just that much better than 360.

if more games look like this i might look into it. dont know yet though. they got some serious proving to do.
http://sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/706/706168/e3-2006-ea-sports-lab-interview-20060509052034609-000.jpg
http://sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/706/706168/e3-2006-ea-sports-lab-interview-20060509052029218.jpg
http://sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/706/706168/e3-2006-ea-sports-lab-interview-20060509052032562-000.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/705/705900/resistance-fall-of-man-20060508080434579.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/614/614753/tekken-ps3-20060117015053471.jpg

500 bones?

*faints*

I thought the previous Playstation versions launch prices were expensive as hell, but this is just, wow.

Money grows on trees out here in Cali.

I think I'll buy two.



500 bucks!!!! Gezus Fuckin' Kryst!!!

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/8487/ps3controller7jw.jpg

Here's another angle of the PS3. It looks pretty damn sweet. 600 bucks! F U Sony!

http://i.i.com.com/cnet.g2/images/2005/features/ps3inandout/ps3inandout_screen002.jpg

This thing is going to be calling my name for a very long time. And I am pretty weak........stay strong......stay strong.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/8487/ps3controller7jw.jpg

Apparently the PS3 controller is going to have "Wii like" motion sensoring in 6 directions-up, down, left, right, forward, and back. It will charged by plugging into the PS3 a la the 360 with the "plug and play" pack.

if they launch with the titles worth playing. i may get sucked in. i'mma reserve it and test both systems out when it launches. if it holds up i'll grab it. if not refund my deposit.

I know I'll end up getting this, $500 or not. I have no willpower.

I know I'll end up getting this, $500 or not. I have no willpower.
damn. you a bad muthafucka then. i unfortunately will have to make a decision. i'll probally reserve one and test it out when it comes out at the free play booth. if i like it i grab it. if not refund my deposit.:D

I would get this, but I kind of feel like the motion sensor controller thing is gay as fuck.

I would get this, but I kind of feel like the motion sensor controller thing is gay as fuck.

No worries. Only certain games are going to use it (I think Warhawk will, a flight game), and it's not going to be nearly as vital to the system as it is for the Wii. Really, I doubt many games will use it at all.

so far my only complaint is sony getting the lawsuit against them stopping their use of dual shock technology. that does kinda sting them. they woulda been better off settling out of court like microsoft did. the motion sensing controller will not run on most games like eray said. and it doesnt require you to buy batteries like some suggested. just plug it into the system for recharging.

uUFQq5Vs38M

heres a clear look at the controller and the system.

FUCK SONY! That's my new slogan.

Damn Gutz, after watching that I find myself thinking of ways to scrounge up 600 bills. Geez, this sucks.

WTF is Sony Doing? They're going to charge 800 bucks for the PS3 in the UK.

Report: PlayStation 3 to cost £425 in UK SOURCE: GameSpot
UK price of high-end version of Sony's next-gen console may cost $200 more than US counterpart; no-frills 20GB model may not be option in region.

fuck the british. ;) :p

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/21/AR2006092102079.html
Sony Cuts Price of PlayStation 3 to $410

By HANS GREIMEL
The Associated Press
Friday, September 22, 2006; 1:55 AM



Sony Computer Entertainment President Ken Kutaragi, speaking at the Tokyo Game Show in Makuhari, just east of Tokyo, said the move was in response to consumer complaints the upcoming console was too pricey.
Sony will cut the price of its basic PlayStation 3 model in Japan to 47,600 yen ($410), from an originally planned 59,800 yen ($515). That puts the PlayStation 3 in the same range as the combined basic Xbox 360 and HD DVD player in Japan, where the duo will sell for 49,600 yen ($427).
In Japan, the PlayStation 3 will hit stores on Nov. 11 and in the United States on Nov. 17. Sony spokeswoman Nanako Kato said there were no plans to lower the price in other markets.
The PlayStation 3 launch, initially planned for earlier this year, has been postponed twice. Sony now expects to ship only 2 million units by year's end instead of 4 million as originally planned.
Earlier this month, Tokyo-based Sony said it would delay the European release by four months until March.
The announcement could give the PlayStation 3 a badly needed boost in Sony's home market at a time of embarrassing delays for the highly anticipated upgrade. Rival Nintendo is also scheduled to release its next-generation Wii gaming system by year's end, while Xbox 360 has been selling in Japan since December 2005.
The price cut affects the basic PlayStation 3 model, which comes with a 20 gigabyte hard drive. Another upscale version of the PlayStation 3 will have a 60 gigabyte hard drive, but Sony is leaving its pricing to retailers.
Xbox 360 was rushed to market last year to get a headstart on its rivals, but it has seen sluggish sales in Japan, which is one of the world's biggest video game markets but one in which players have a deep loyalty to homegrown Sony.
U.S.-based Microsoft's decision to launch an HD DVD peripheral in Japan on Nov. 22, based on a rival format to Sony's Blu-ray, is seen as one attempt to eat into that base. The basic Xbox 360 doesn't come with any high-definition DVD capability.
Nintendo said last week its new Wii game console will arrive on schedule in the final quarter of the year, priced below both rivals, the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

http://effectu.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=295&Itemid=2
PS3 To Receive Price Cut
Written by Michael O'Connor Thursday, 21 September 2006




The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that due to pressure from the XBox360 and forthcoming Wii, Sony has opted to drop the price of the basic PS3 from $515 to $410. Sony must be scared. A 20% discount on a product that they're already losing bundles of money on? Of course, the Herald isn't very well known for their breaking tech news, so they could be wrong, but if it's true, Sony could be reclaiming a large portion of the console wars back.

The Washington Post has confirmed the story.
Oh, and if you're wondering, there will be no official price cut for the premium version. Sony is leaving it's price up to the vendors.

Update: This price cut has been confirmed. It was announced by Sony at the Tokyo Game Show. In addition to the price drop, which is so far only offical in Japan, Sony announced the addition of HDMI (1.3/Deep color) to the PS3 basic (both PS3 versions will support HDMI). As for the probable US price (if the US is to receive this price cut), the numbers work out to around $397, so a retail price of $399 in the US is very possible.

Interestingly enough, should Sony carry out a price cut of the PS3 basic in the US from $499 to $399, it will actually become cheaper than the Xbox 360 Core System + External HD DVD drive. The Xbox 360 Core and HD DVD drive will likely cost about $499, while the PS3 basic, which comes with a Blu-ray drive in it (and now HDMI), may cost only $399.

interesting.

With the PS3 coming out in less than a month, who here is planning on getting it. I have vowed that I will never buy a PS3, but as the release date approaches, I'm getting weaker and weaker, and I see a PS3 in my (distant) future.

i might. havent decided.

I'm sure I will eventually. The question is when.

If the price every drops below 400 dollars. I will probably pick one up for the kid for Christmas.

If the price every drops below 400 dollars. I will probably pick one up for the kid for Christmas.

Not a chance Art. The regular system will be $500 and the premium system will be $600, and that's without a second controller and a game. YUCK!

mood, who do you honestly think you are kidding. you will have it 2 weeks after launch...

JickBoy

I am not talking this Christmas or even next Christmas...I am looking 2-4 years down the road. They will have to lower the price sooner or later. I can wait.

mood, who do you honestly think you are kidding. you will have it 2 weeks after launch...

JickBoy

I know, but I want to fight it for right now.[smilie=boxing.gif] Do you think the fiancee will notice a $600 shiny black box next to the 360?[smilie=wink2.gif]

Seriously, what is up with the new PS3 commercials? Are they trying to scare away the kiddie gamers and aim them at the Wii? Damn, that hovering baby doll staring at the PS3 in that padded room is freaky. Is Sony that cracked out where they would sell a system for $600 and and accompany it's launch with commercials that remind people of the movie Saw? Creepy.

Gotta agree there. I haven't seen a PS3 commercial I've liked yet.

Yeah, I was curious as to the point of that PS3 commercial with the baby as well. I have no idea what that was about.

Man, I'm really starting to feel the PS3. I'm loving the fact that the controller has a motion sensor, blu-ray technology, free online play, wi fi connectivity to the PSP (from anywhere), downloadable PS1 games, backwards compatitbility with all PS2 games, a built in web browser, and oh yeah, amazing PS3 games.

This thing will be bought. Later rather than sooner, but it will be bought, you can quote me on that.

Yeah, free online play is pretty damn nice. Paying $50 a year or whatever adds up.

It all seems tight but that price is just killer. I could build a fast shitty car for the upper model lol. For now Ill take a Wii and 5 games for the same price, mebe the roomie will splurge on a PS3. On the commercial note, the baby one was scary but I liked the Rubix cube one.

Yeah, free online play is pretty damn nice. Paying $50 a year or whatever adds up.

I really don't mind paying for the online play. It gives MS the ability to constantly update their live service with new features and what not. I don't think Sony's online service will be close to what Live is.

I really don't mind paying for the online play. It gives MS the ability to constantly update their live service with new features and what not. I don't think Sony's online service will be close to what Live is.

Free sounds grrreat! We'll have to wait and see how it compares to Live. I'm sure it will be waaaay better than Sony Online for the PS2.

Bring your credit card and your flak jacket...

http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/11/16/ps3campers_driveby_shooting/


Three PS3 campers and news reporter hit in drive-by shooting

Humphrey Cheung

November 16, 2006 03:07



Lexington (KY) - Three PS3 campers and a WKYT news reporter were hit in a drive-by Wednesday night while outside the Lexington Kentucky Best Buy store. The four people were hit by BB pellets and were not seriously hurt. According to WKYT, some of the campers are now afraid for their lives and have left the line.

Dorsett was interviewing someone while the shooting happened. She was hit in the back of the leg. No one has been arrested yet and police are still investigating the shooting. Police will stand guard over the campers until Friday morning, when the store opens.

I'm a horrible person for laughing at this. People BB gun busting over PS3 is pretty hard for microsoft to top. I say rifle shooting over xbox 360 in isle 15 at wal mart is next.

just got back from meijer, I tried to buy a spot in line. One guy said I could have his spot in line for 750 dollars, but he was only gauranteed a 20 gb. I dont know if I made a mistake, but I told him 500 was as high as I would go, the guy at the front of the line said for 1200 bucks I could have his spot which was for the 60 gb. I just thought it was too much risk and with all the ebay fees, but you could get 10 percent off for opening a miejer credit card. I dont know what do you guys think?

I think waiting a couple months > shelling out 500+ for a spot in line to buy a system for 500+

My buddy just saw one on ebay for $9100.

I don't get people who are that obsessed with the new gaming systems. I would love to have a 360 or a PS3, but not for 600 bucks, let alone 1200. You can get a pretty sweet PC for 1200 bucks.

I've never been one to rush out and buy something like that. It's going to be just as fun in a couple months too.

nerds gone wild

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061117/ap_on_re_us/playstation_shooting

The PS3 might be great, but the difference between the PS3 and the 360 from the screens that I've seen does not warrant paying that much more money.

As an avid gamer you should know that that kind of thing only becomes clear as developers become experienced at programing for a system.
1st gen games for every system are usually quite poor in terms of graphics compared to the system's ability.

As an avid gamer you should know that that kind of thing only becomes clear as developers become experienced at programing for a system.
very good point. there is a steep learning curve with the cell processors new way of programming. so it'll be interesting to see how its games look in about a year.

That being said, the 360 is still in its first gen so its not like its maxed out now either.

nerds gone wild

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061117/ap_on_re_us/playstation_shooting

I wonder if the guy who got shot still got his PS3.

Does anyone else think it's possible that this is the most overrated/overpriced system ever?

Not saying it will happen, but I have a feeling it could drastically not meet expectations.

I wonder if the guy who got shot still got his PS3.

If I was a Sony exec Id personally deliver a free one to him in the hospital.

If I was a Sony exec Id personally deliver a free one to him in the hospital.
now thats publicity :

Yeah, that is a good PR move. The question then becomes, would you take a bullet for a PS3?

I think I'm going to get the Nintendo on Sunday. Ps3 seems way overpriced.

That is my current plan (though not Sunday) as well.

Yeah, that is a good PR move. The question then becomes, would you take a bullet for a PS3?

No. I assume you are talking a bullet wound that you fully recover from (except for a scar maybe). We are also assuming you have the insurance to cover the cost of recovery. If that is the case...

It would probably take about 20 grand or so to make me think about it.

The pain of recovery is not worth a $600 game system IMO.

Yeah, that is a good PR move. The question then becomes, would you take a bullet for a PS3?

If someone answers yes, then its an even bigger PR move. FTR seen one on ebay w/ 3 games for $15,000 now.

You may have to wait to see what systems can do with games. However, some of my favorite all time games for systems came out at launch.

Currently, XBox 360 has 4 brand new games that rank between 88%-95% on gamerankings.

PS3 Launch games, only one has cracked 80%!

Is that suppose to mean something, especially since the 360 is just about to turn 1 year old while the PS3 is literally hours old?

I hate that you're making me produce so many pro PS3 comments Tre. Stop posting such dumbass statements.

You've already bought your 360 and ar happy with it. No need to tear down systems you don't have to make you feel better about your purchase.

Is that suppose to mean something, especially since the 360 is just about to turn 1 year old while the PS3 is literally hours old?

I hate that you're making me produce so many pro PS3 comments Tre. Stop posting such dumbass statements.

You've already bought your 360 and ar happy with it. No need to tear down systems you don't have to make you feel better about your purchase.

I have been a die hard Sony guy for over a decade. I'm not providing 360 statements because I want to justify my purchase. I'm making them because Sony deserves to be blasted. They lost me as a fan with their ridiculous prices and unexciting titles.

I believe your posts make you sound like a dumbass. You are defending a $600 system that can't even give us one exciting title to purchase with the system. The 360 had several jaw dropping games at release time. Do some research. If they want 600 bucks from me, they better have a few great titles to choose from. So according to your logic, I should spend 600 bucks and then have to wait months for the game creators to get some things out. RIDICULOUS

Reason for high pricetag: Blu-Ray. People don't understand how expensive that shit is, you're technically getting a fucking bargain if you get a PS3 at face value.

I have been a die hard Sony guy for over a decade. I'm not providing 360 statements because I want to justify my purchase. I'm making them because Sony deserves to be blasted. They lost me as a fan with their ridiculous prices and unexciting titles.

I believe your posts make you sound like a dumbass. You are defending a $600 system that can't even give us one exciting title to purchase with the system. The 360 had several jaw dropping games at release time. Do some research. If they want 600 bucks from me, they better have a few great titles to choose from. So according to your logic, I should spend 600 bucks and then have to wait months for the game creators to get some things out. RIDICULOUS
The only thing making me look dumb in that post is the atrocious spelling (either it was late or I was wasted).

No one is justifying the price or the lack of release titles (btw, last I knew there's supposed to be 30 when its all said and done and from memory its not like the 360s release lineup of PGR3 and CoD2 blows the PS3 games away). As for the "according to my logic" bit, keep that bullshit in the NCAA forum where you and the Michigan slaps constantly pretend the other guy is saying shit he's not. Why would I justify a price I'm not willing to pay? The only thing I've done here is reply to your idiotic statements like "see the PS3 doesn't look so much better graphically than the 360" and "with a year of extra production time the 360 games are better than the 5 games released so far for the PS3". Did you really just tell me to do some fucking research? The reason I haven't spoken about the 360 release titles (the litany of sequals that it was) is because you didn't bring them up. You said something like "the 360 just pumped out 4 games that gamerankings has as 85-95%". No word of "360 release titles" in there, because you weren't comparing the two systems' release titles. You compared the current releases for both systems, which is exactly why I pointed out how dumb a thing that is to do.

BTW, the reason I'm not killing the PS3 is because that shits already been done. Look back over the forum, its all over the place. By the time of the release everyone knows the pros and cons of the systems in theory and all that remains to be seen is the execution. The only thing to say is that they don't have any systems to sell and that's been said already too.

Actually the library launch titles for the 360 was very underwhelming. The only blip on the radar screen was PGR3. Of the launch titles, only 4 were over 80%, PGR3 (88.5%), King Kong (80.9%), Kameo (80.8%), and Perfect Dark Zero (80.8%). Madden 06 was a titanic bust.

You could actually make the case that the PS3 launch titles are superior right now with Resistance at 88.8%, Marvel Ultimate Alliance at 86.2%, Call of Duty 3 at 85.1%, and NBA 2K7 at 82.3%.

With all of that said, I'm not buying a $600 video game system any time soon, and I couldn't be happier with my 360, it's options, and all of it's titles right now.

Sorry, don't mean to spam, but I didn't feel like rehashing these articles.

Anyway, it looks like the NY Times isn't a fan of the unit either.

http://consolesports.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=53

i prefer to judge for myself. i've heard so many things that i didnt agree with from guys trying to be experts, that i'd rather find out for myself on the big decision of where to go for my next gen gaming.

i prefer to judge for myself. i've heard so many things that i didnt agree with from guys trying to be experts, that i'd rather find out for myself on the big decision of where to go for my next gen gaming.

I personally think that you can't go wrong with the 360. They have and will continue to have a better online system with XBOX Live, Sony has lost the exclusive GTA license and Microsoft already has two system selling franchises in Gears or War and Halo. And last, but not least, they aren't as expensive as the PS3's.

unfortunately i dont feel too enthused about halo and gears of war(two games that much different in genres) vs resident evil, socom, final fantasy, god of war, and many other sony franchises that will make their way to ps3. Xbox please show me more than this in your exclusive archive. Seriously.[smilie=prick.jpg] i'll stay indecisive until next year. but at the moment xbox hasnt really jumped up at me with its exclusive lineup so far. only thing thats even caught my attention was its exclusive online feature for gta 4...but thats not enough.

And maybe i'm not with the cool nerd crowd, but gears of war and halo arent about to lock me up on a 360.

Mass Effect. Lost Planet. BioShock.

That's just off the top of my head, check out the trailers and movies for them.

unproven, but they look sharp. again 360 touts having 100 games now and the lineup hasnt jumped out at me so far so i'm not all that hyped for unknown upcoming franchises. PS3 hasn't shown much outside of resistance so far. So I'm stuck comparing the franchises I know will be on each system's exclusive lineup in the next year. Right now Sony has the edge to me there. I'll try out the games you listed over my friends house if they come out this year. But dont know what to expect honestly. Once again i'm just out of the FPS loop. FPS are good to have, but they can't sell me on a system.

That's true. I wish the 360 had more than shooters. A couple of good RPG's would be wonderful...

they have oblivion. but so will PS3. canceled out. Square Enix seems to be more dedicated to sony still, and thats a big deal IMO. But honestly the games i love right now are the new socom: allied assault(i love it), ff12, scarface, MGS3 subsistence, and resident Evil 4. with those getting my attention at the moment. dont see what good a 360 does me. they have to lock up those franchises, and they still haven't. And one franchise(ninja gaiden) i did like on xbox is working both systems now. So right now the onlt xbox only franchise that i like is the star wars knights of the old republic series. Though i wonder if that'll be on both systems too.


but as far as next gen goes the games that grabbed me were.

Stranglehold(both systems)
FNR3(both systems)
Madden(both systems)
FF13(sony only)
FF7 remake (Sony only)
GTA4(both systems, exclusive content on 360)
MGS4(Sony Only at the moment)
Resistance(Sony only)
call of duty 3(both systems)
Halo 3 (360 only)
Devil May Cry 4(Sony only)
Def Jam Icon(both systems)
Tekken 6(sony only)
virtual tennis 3(both systems)
Star Wars Next Gen Massive worlds game(Sony so far)
Gears of War(360 only)


I look at that and honestly feel 360 has to show me something.

http://www.planetboredom.net/video.php?id=2944

Dude buys a PS3 and then takes it to the line of waiting customers and breaks it with a sledge hammer. Way to waste $600 bucks. Takes the dude like 5 swings to do anything significant to the box by the way.

Takes the dude like 5 swings to do anything significant to the box by the way.
more good press.

Ah, I forgot about Oblivion... Already killed about 100 hours of my life with that one, but I don't think I'll ever play it again. Also, I doubt a FF7 remake is in the works, although that would probably be the pushover for me to get a PS3. Konami is also said to be forcing Hideo Kojima to put MGS4 on the 360 as well (this month's EGM). I'd search for more intriguing games but I'm lazy at the moment...

http://www.planetboredom.net/video.php?id=2944

Dude buys a PS3 and then takes it to the line of waiting customers and breaks it with a sledge hammer. Way to waste $600 bucks. Takes the dude like 5 swings to do anything significant to the box by the way.

That guy didnt waste $600, he set up a site for donations. Most people donated $5 or so, but I saw a couple that were $20.

As far as game lineup, for years now I think Sony has had the market pretty much cornered for quantity of quality games. Not saying other systems dont have good games, but Sony has always had a lot of good exclusives. 360 is making a good push though, maybe the tables will finally be evened out.

It doesn't matter who's $600 it was, it was still a stupid use and waste of $600.

Also, I doubt a FF7 remake is in the works, although that would probably be the pushover for me to get a PS3.
hard to say, but with all the pub this ff7 demo gets, i think its only a matter of time and ff13 looks like it'll be sick. heres the tech demo though.
3pdQ9md6unA

the 360 roster has disappointed me so far :(. especially with 100 games. they haven't gained much steam in its variated collection of exclusives IMO. But they have a vice grip on exclusive FPS titles. Just not my cup of tea in deciding on a system. They still got some games to put out until next year, so i'm giving them a chance. but they've got to str8 up get off their arrogant wagon and put out some real deal exclusives worth giving up on socom and other sony exclusives i love.

http://www.ps3seeker.com/

Wizzle and I had a chance to get a PS3 when we bought our Wiis. We were at Target when the store opened, and someone had returned a PS3 and it was there for the taking. We talked about buying it and selling it on ebay, but were hesitant and decided not to do it. Then we walked and talked for about 30 seconds and changed our minds and went back to get it, but we were too late, it was gone. We were pissed, thinking that we missed out on the chance to make some serious cash.

When we got home, we checked ebay to see what new PS3's were going for. The system sells for $600 and they were going for about $650 dollars, hardly worth the hassle. I'd attribute the lack of high bidding to the already reeediculous price and technical problems.

I feel much better now.