You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

[Rodster]

http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/11/technology/e3_kaz/index.htm

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Gamers were quick to react on message boards.

"My wallet just cried," wrote one gamer, who calls himself 'DingoStoleMyBaby' on Shacknews.com.

The decision to offer two versions also surprised many industry observers, who felt Microsoft created some confusion amongst consumers when it took the same approach last November with the Xbox 360.

Hirai said different versions of gaming machines will likely be the norm from here on out, likening it to buying a computer today, where buyers can select from different configuration options to what best suits them.

-->*This quote is a slap in the face to gamers because we already know this*<--

"We felt that if you want to save something on your Memory Stick, most people have those readers on their PC, which is easily adaptable to the PlayStation 3 with a USB cord," said Hirai. "The only difference is HDMI – and at this point, I don't think many people's TV's have that. The ultimate result, to my eyes anyway, is there's not a discernable difference between what you get between HDMI and other forms of high definition."

The lack of an HDMI output could have future ramifications on the system, though.

[Jimplication]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

If someone decides to get a PS3, they might as well fork out another $100 to get the HDMI version. The high end PS3 is still going to be cheaper than standalone Blue-Ray players, and thus I don't really see the cheaper model being a viable long term option.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

more arrogance from sony.

[Rodster]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

So i'll ask another question. Was Microsoft right when they said all that was needed to produce a high quality HD signal are component cables?

They claimed HD gaming starts with 1080p so how are those to feel about their 20 gig PS3 purchase. This is truly unbelievable, how Sony is handling this.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

The $500 version is the "Core" version. It'll be just like the 360 launch, for every 20 PS3's in a store, 2 of them will be the $500 version. It still gives you the benefits of the PS3, and a Blu Ray player (not in 1080p, but if you can afford a 1080p tv, you can probably fork out another $100 for the better PS3). To me, it's a mistake just like the 360 launch, but it's what these companies have to do to get them in stores. That's just obvious that the Blu Ray components are very expensive, otherwise, no way Sony has the core at $499.

But if any of you don't think this thing won't fly off shelves, you haven't looked at the demographics. Sony's targeting 18-40 with the PS3. With the ease of getting a credit card, it's $10 a month for some 18 year old. That's nothing in their eyes. Because of Credit Cards, the PS3 will sell like hot cakes and be sold out in seconds.

[Kilmer]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

I think the likelyhood of a PS3 sellout at launch is very high but not gauranteed if Sony is able to ship 4 million units by the end of 2006 "worldwide". You are looking at a minimum of 1 million units in North America and the PSP could not sell out at 750,000 units. The PSP's high price is what keeps its sales low. I think the same thing will happen to the PS3. But demand for consoles at a launch is probably higher than a handheld, so you have to figure Sony could easily sell a million $1000 dollar machines at launch, there are probably enough consumer who won't bat an eye at that price during Christmas.

Sony's real challenge will be to keep pace with 360 and Wii sales after Christmas, something I highly doubt will be possible for a $600 machine. The price of the PS3 and scarcity do to high launch demand at Christmas time will drive many consumers right into Microsofts lap, that will drive word of mouth after Christmas. Nintendo is a wildcard though, I really have no idea how comsumers will react to it.

[faster]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

Sony has absolutely no chance. They're a year behind AND they priced themselves out of the market. Game designers have all marvelled at the relative ease to work with the 360 and have time and time again said the PS3 is a beast to develop games for. Will it sell out at launch? Wow, good question... it might. Will it compete with the 360 for how many units games each of them sold in their first six months on the market? No way, no how.

And keep in mind, the PS3 will have a competitor with Nintendo Wii right around the corner as well...

[CaptainZombie]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

Sony has absolutely no chance. They're a year behind AND they priced themselves out of the market. Game designers have all marvelled at the relative ease to work with the 360 and have time and time again said the PS3 is a beast to develop games for. Will it sell out at launch? Wow, good question... it might. Will it compete with the 360 for how many units games each of them sold in their first six months on the market? No way, no how.

And keep in mind, the PS3 will have a competitor with Nintendo Wii right around the corner as well...

If the Wii comes in at $199, Sony will be in for a big battle this fall.

People will be like I could spend $600 and buy 2 next gen consoles or I could send $600 and only have 1. There are many multi console owners out there that may go the MS & Nintendo route.

Flawless just posted an article in E3 where MS & Nintendo are teaming up. I think they will sell out at or around launch, but after XMAS they will be in the same boat as the PSP. I'm sorry but all these factors will hurt Sony.

-price
-being 1 year late to the dance
-$500 stripped down version will detract people
-teaming of MS & Nintendo for marketing purposes
-competing against Zelda and Gears of War in the fall which are 2 of the most anticipated games of the year

[Jimplication]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

I think the American economy has proven it can support three consoles, and I don't think it will be any different this time around.

[Misfit]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

The real "battle" comes in 2007 when everyone is running at full strength, so we're going to have to wait awhile to see how this shakes out. Unless of course, the PS3 has a poor launch but I think most expect it to sell-out with relative ease in the short-run.

[Hellrot]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

No doubt Sony will manage to sell pretty good due to name recognition, and brand loyal fanboys, but I think they're in a tight spot. Not only is the Wii going to be priced to sell, but I'm sure Microsoft will drop the price of the 360's right around the PS3 launch too.

I just can't fathom too many soccer moms out there willing to drop $800 or so on a video game system and a couple games just because "Little Timmy" is screaming he wants one for Christmas.

[Heelfan71]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

1080p gaming is all hype. It won't be noticeably better and very few tv's are capable of doing 1080p. Only 20% of people even have an HDTV. and most all of them can't do 1080p.

[Dondadda]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

1080p gaming is all hype. It won't be noticeably better and very few tv's are capable of doing 1080p. Only 20% of people even have an HDTV. and most all of them can't do 1080p.

Yeah, and in just 2 years, approximately 80% of Americans will have HDTVs, and 1080p won't even be the high standard for resolution.


Big whoop.

You have to think FORWARD, not 2006. Demographics will change BIG TIME, and very rapidly, in home entertainment over the next 5 years.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

Yeah, and in just 2 years, approximately 80% of Americans will have HDTVs, and 1080p won't even be the high standard for resolution.


Big whoop.

You have to think FORWARD, not 2006. Demographics will change BIG TIME, and very rapidly, in home entertainment over the next 5 years.

80%?!?!?! 80% don't even have cable/satellite.

[Dondadda]

Re: You'll want to read this Sony interview from CNNMoney

80%?!?!?! 80% don't even have cable/satellite.

Yes, this is what most targeted surveys are saying.

Plus, you are forgetting about the federal DTV legislation forcing a conversion to broadband TV signals in the near future. There is going to be an incredible movement in TV demographics over the next 2 years. I mean, the amazing reduction in HDTV manufacturing costs since just one year ago is pretty astounding . . . huge advancements are being made.

But no one can predict the future - just going by some studies that I've read.