@(Zombie) Neteher:
I'm missing a Kaz Hirai from my Game Executives TCG set. But, ugh, I've got FIVE Bobby Koticks. Unbelievable. I can't even get rid of them.
I could name them Humphrey and make them juggle... I'll call them The Juggling Humphreys and tour the nation, and everybody will gather 'round to see the Juggling Humphreys as they juggle and be Humphrey.
@(Zombie) Goldwings: I agree, I'd take the business men. I'd make them do dumb things.
"Hey, go relocate dirt from one side of the yard to the other."
or...
"Hey, go decal this weasel."
@Gantz Your Trusted Friend in Home Ec.: Same. Out of all the reps in the gaming world, Tretton is the only one that doesn't make me feel like throwing up. Even when he says something idiotic/wrong, I feel like I can believe him.
Well, im thinking the PS3 slim.
A thought my friend had, is that if Sony were to re-release Final Fantasy VII with all new graphics, with its cult following, it would probably force PS3 sales.
@lorekeeperofmrow: That isn't something Sony can do. That's something Square could do, and if there is one thing I've learned this gen, it's this - Square will never exclusively support the PS3.
This will be announced in August mark my words. Can you imagine the potential sales if Sony marketed the Slim well enough as well as have the next Madden game bundled with it (State side only of course)?
Sony can also finally start going into a little detail about their free online service and the exclusive games coming out for the holidays.
This is all pretty simple economics here:
Sony's going to eventually stop production of the current line of PS3's. The larger cases are probably needless because the new components are probably smaller and I would bet that they're moving the power supply outside of the case as well.
So that means there's really no need for a large external case. Logically, they're making a smaller, less expensive machine. That means it's cheaper to build the case, cheaper to build the components, and easier (and therefore cheaper) to ship completed units.
Now, I would like to see Sony make use of the PS2 BC emulator that came with the MGS4 bundle in the US. Even though it's a software-based BC ability, it's still pretty good. I don't think the PS1 BC is going anywhere, though. I'm also pretty certain that the built-in wifi isn't going anywhere either as that component is neither expensive when purchased in bulk, and not particularly large.
As for the extra data ports up front, I haven't had much use for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if they stayed around either.
Sony would do well to just release 2 versions. A stripped down 20GB and then a full-feature 80GB or 160GB. Prices for internal SATAs are cheap at retail and definitely less expensive at the wholesale level.
Tie that in with a slightly lower price point on the full-feature model and a nice size price point drop on the stripped down version and you'd probably see a lot of conversions from PS2 to PS3. If for no other reason than improved picture quality on HDTVs.
PS3 slim for $200.
yes, that's low, but think of how many PS2 fans (like myself) would snatch that up day one?
THEN Sony can start profiting on Software like they intended to in the first place.
@Crash__Man: $200 is insanely slow. I don't think that even covers the Blu-ray drive, to be honest (though it might just cover it. Blu-ray drives are getting pretty cheap now).
Now, I'd love it if it were $200 or even $250, but I highly, highly doubt that would be the case. I expect it to be $300 or so.
@Crash__Man:
This is a retarded comment. As Sony, which scenario is more likely:
1) Selling PS3's to you at 200 dollars, which is half the price they currently sell at, the most technologicaly advanced system is undercutting the 360 (Elite) by 200 dollars and the Wii by 79.99 (so, imagine the gigantic loss of profit here to sell systems).
2) Selling you a 200 dollar PS3 which has no wireless card, no hard drive, no usb ports, no card reader, no packaged controller and 128mb of internal flash, essentially meaning you've bought a heavily discounted wal-mart blu ray player with a graphics card and a Sony stamp on the front
3) Punching you in the nose for asking me to sell you a PS3 for 200 dollars
Edited because apparently the html breaks need to be inputted manually again
@Komrade Kayce - Hero of Soviet Kotaku: i think 349.99 would be good.. i believe itd have 120 gig hdd instead of 160.. also.. where do you find wiis for 279.99?
@Komrade Kayce - Hero of Soviet Kotaku:
4) re-release a console at a price point that is still prohibitive and continue to hemorrhage money.
I guess you like that one?
Sony is NOT concerned about profiting on the console. they need to profit on the software - which no one can buy without the console!
The simple fact is, if they're about to release a new PS3 they're going to have to do some aggressive and creative things to make it succeed. The most obvious is some type of unit price cut, but I think looking at the PSP GO its unlikely they'll go too far in that direction, not counting possible fire sale pricing on current models of course.
I predict we'll see at least one model at the 399 price point, perhaps with an extra game bundled or a controller, and the highest level of HDD, then I HOPE strongly they'll look at some type of "core" Slim model for 50-100 dollars less with less trimmings, if they could get the slim down near $300 and allow retailers to discount current models until their stock is gone even further then I think Sony might actually generate significant sales momentum and buzz to have a shot at making real progress this holiday season.
The problem is, with the economy the way it currently is and the perception in some corners that Sony has fallen significantly behind Microsoft in sales, they REALLY need a product that hits on all cylinders, and I'm afraid that without serious incentives a 400 dollar new PS3, now matter how slim or cool looking, isn't going to change that.
@DaiMacculate: Your speculation seems reasonable. I would even go as far as saying anything above $250 will be left on the shelves, especially in this environment. 360 and Wii will continue to gain momentum this holiday because of their much lower price. This coming year could be one of Sony's last if they aren't careful.
@Nyarlahotep:
I think the PS3 is dead right now, i think the only game that can do something is final fantasy XIII, but thats only in japan, therefore i dont think it will save it, and remember one big issue, last gen the ps2 was the first console that had pirate games, this gen is the wii, so i think is a trend not a mere coincidence, so i think the ps3 will not comeback from the dead this gen. till this day we have zero, nada, zip, nied pirate copys on the PS3, think about it.
@Manu_otaku: I guess you're not counting the Dreamcast as "last gen"? Since it was possibly the easiest to pirate of any disc based system, and failed to gain significant traction in the market despite that, seems like it might be a potential hole in your theory.
@DaiMacculate: Ah, I am have to disagree with your reasoning. The history of PS consoles show that slimming is a side-effect of cost reduction for more efficient electronics. Then, as the manufacturing price goes down, they can afford to drop the price.
@gojirah: I don't think anybody is disputing that they _can_ drop the price, the question is more will they, and by how much? In recent years they've appeared far more willing to bundle accessories/games/enhanced features at their initial price point than to engage in straight price cuts.
I'd love to be wrong and see their top end Slim come out at $299, but I'm just very skeptical that they're willing to do that.
@DaiMacculate: Actually, I think the timing of Sony's ability to drop the price should very much be in dispute. When are 45nm processes able to be online? Have they passed acceptable quality checks? Is the channel ready to receive large shipments of a new SKU?
You are right about the PSPGo, tho. But I don't think Sony can depend on the price-insensitive tech enthusiasts for very long.
But believe me you, Sony has folks thinking about whether the market will bear the PS3's current price, or whether they will make more money by relying on software sales with a lower entry point on the console.
@DaiMacculate: I domt see it that way i think it complement it, this trend was born with the PS, as soon as the console did hit the market, you started to see pirate copys, then of course like you said came the dreamcast another system that as soon as did came out we have the pirate copy, but the fate of the dreamcast its another story, maybe it has to do with the fact that 3 companys are against it, poor markenting, and internal crisis, cost, but the console was not a failure per se, it has great games an many followers.
the the PS2 again it was the first and the copys for the XBOX and GC came too late, the ps2 had cemented the position, and now the wii, the 360 escapes this reality mainly because you need an original game to play on the xbox live, as soon as microsoft detects a copy, it blocks the 360 program. therefore is almost copy proof, and the ps3 has a problem because first and foremost the cost of a copy pirate game will be to high do the technology and the cost of a blue ray disc.
So i think your comment is spot on only that the dreamcast is another story that has other issues for their failure
09/01/09
Got disappointed there :/ I wanted a Kaz Hirai.
09/02/09
I'm missing a Kaz Hirai from my Game Executives TCG set. But, ugh, I've got FIVE Bobby Koticks. Unbelievable. I can't even get rid of them.
09/01/09
Not because I want to start a multi-national hardware conglomerate, but because I ran out of the color red...
/jk
09/01/09
09/01/09
Nintendo shake ingredients:
-1 mix and mash blender, 1 Nintendo Wii, 1 Shigeru Miyamoto, 2 cups of milk, and 4 pikachus
Instructions:
Step 1- plug in blender
Step 2- Insert ingredients into said blender
Step 3- ?????
Step 4- PROFIT
09/01/09
I could name them Humphrey and make them juggle... I'll call them The Juggling Humphreys and tour the nation, and everybody will gather 'round to see the Juggling Humphreys as they juggle and be Humphrey.
09/01/09
09/01/09
09/01/09
09/01/09
09/01/09
09/01/09
09/01/09
Imagine the loss of money in Shipping!
09/01/09
09/01/09
Also I think those who got the HD TV's during launch had the best deals.
09/01/09
I wish I could be friends with Jack.
=(
09/01/09
"Hey, go relocate dirt from one side of the yard to the other."
or...
"Hey, go decal this weasel."
09/01/09
That and Phil was just too damn tall :/
09/01/09
08/04/09
A thought my friend had, is that if Sony were to re-release Final Fantasy VII with all new graphics, with its cult following, it would probably force PS3 sales.
08/04/09
08/04/09
08/04/09
Sony can also finally start going into a little detail about their free online service and the exclusive games coming out for the holidays.
08/04/09
Sony's going to eventually stop production of the current line of PS3's. The larger cases are probably needless because the new components are probably smaller and I would bet that they're moving the power supply outside of the case as well.
So that means there's really no need for a large external case. Logically, they're making a smaller, less expensive machine. That means it's cheaper to build the case, cheaper to build the components, and easier (and therefore cheaper) to ship completed units.
Now, I would like to see Sony make use of the PS2 BC emulator that came with the MGS4 bundle in the US. Even though it's a software-based BC ability, it's still pretty good. I don't think the PS1 BC is going anywhere, though. I'm also pretty certain that the built-in wifi isn't going anywhere either as that component is neither expensive when purchased in bulk, and not particularly large.
As for the extra data ports up front, I haven't had much use for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if they stayed around either.
Sony would do well to just release 2 versions. A stripped down 20GB and then a full-feature 80GB or 160GB. Prices for internal SATAs are cheap at retail and definitely less expensive at the wholesale level.
Tie that in with a slightly lower price point on the full-feature model and a nice size price point drop on the stripped down version and you'd probably see a lot of conversions from PS2 to PS3. If for no other reason than improved picture quality on HDTVs.
08/04/09
yes, that's low, but think of how many PS2 fans (like myself) would snatch that up day one?
THEN Sony can start profiting on Software like they intended to in the first place.
08/04/09
Now, I'd love it if it were $200 or even $250, but I highly, highly doubt that would be the case. I expect it to be $300 or so.
08/04/09
This is a retarded comment. As Sony, which scenario is more likely:
1) Selling PS3's to you at 200 dollars, which is half the price they currently sell at, the most technologicaly advanced system is undercutting the 360 (Elite) by 200 dollars and the Wii by 79.99 (so, imagine the gigantic loss of profit here to sell systems).
2) Selling you a 200 dollar PS3 which has no wireless card, no hard drive, no usb ports, no card reader, no packaged controller and 128mb of internal flash, essentially meaning you've bought a heavily discounted wal-mart blu ray player with a graphics card and a Sony stamp on the front
3) Punching you in the nose for asking me to sell you a PS3 for 200 dollars
Edited because apparently the html breaks need to be inputted manually again
08/04/09
08/04/09
08/04/09
08/04/09
4) re-release a console at a price point that is still prohibitive and continue to hemorrhage money.
I guess you like that one?
Sony is NOT concerned about profiting on the console. they need to profit on the software - which no one can buy without the console!
08/04/09
I predict we'll see at least one model at the 399 price point, perhaps with an extra game bundled or a controller, and the highest level of HDD, then I HOPE strongly they'll look at some type of "core" Slim model for 50-100 dollars less with less trimmings, if they could get the slim down near $300 and allow retailers to discount current models until their stock is gone even further then I think Sony might actually generate significant sales momentum and buzz to have a shot at making real progress this holiday season.
The problem is, with the economy the way it currently is and the perception in some corners that Sony has fallen significantly behind Microsoft in sales, they REALLY need a product that hits on all cylinders, and I'm afraid that without serious incentives a 400 dollar new PS3, now matter how slim or cool looking, isn't going to change that.
08/04/09
08/04/09
I think the PS3 is dead right now, i think the only game that can do something is final fantasy XIII, but thats only in japan, therefore i dont think it will save it, and remember one big issue, last gen the ps2 was the first console that had pirate games, this gen is the wii, so i think is a trend not a mere coincidence, so i think the ps3 will not comeback from the dead this gen. till this day we have zero, nada, zip, nied pirate copys on the PS3, think about it.
08/04/09
08/04/09
08/04/09
I'd love to be wrong and see their top end Slim come out at $299, but I'm just very skeptical that they're willing to do that.
08/04/09
You are right about the PSPGo, tho. But I don't think Sony can depend on the price-insensitive tech enthusiasts for very long.
But believe me you, Sony has folks thinking about whether the market will bear the PS3's current price, or whether they will make more money by relying on software sales with a lower entry point on the console.
08/04/09
the the PS2 again it was the first and the copys for the XBOX and GC came too late, the ps2 had cemented the position, and now the wii, the 360 escapes this reality mainly because you need an original game to play on the xbox live, as soon as microsoft detects a copy, it blocks the 360 program. therefore is almost copy proof, and the ps3 has a problem because first and foremost the cost of a copy pirate game will be to high do the technology and the cost of a blue ray disc.
So i think your comment is spot on only that the dreamcast is another story that has other issues for their failure