Yup, that’s right…Sony has released another firmware update (1.90). Oh, and this time, it’s not lame.
-WALLPAPERS! We can finally change our PSP’s…errr PS3’s background. =).
-Updating your system via USB is a thing of the past; and it’s about damn time.
-Ejecting discs using Sixaxis. (We are a lazy people).
-Emoticons! And not just smilies, we’re talking the metal sign, hearts, music notes, and a bunch of other crap I can’t quite make out.
-AV Settings can be changed during DVD/ Blu-Ray playback.
-Games can be sorted in the XMB by creation date or format.
Overall, a good update, but we still need a fully functioning/ubiquitous XBM as well as some faster downloads. I’m not gonna lie though, I’m still pretty psyched for Home and hanging out with everyone in my virtual apartment. It’ll be a blast. We can eat virtual popcorn on my virtual furniture while listening to my virtual Bowie albums. Let’s just forget about gaming all together!
If there is any inkling of truth here, this is just downright devious.
While the $100 price cut of the 60GB PS3 may seem like a good gesture and an attempt to move some stock, SCEE president David Reeves tells us a different story. He told GameIndustry.biz:
Well, [U.S. customers are not really given the option to pay a lower price], because what the US are offering from the 1st of August is a USD 599 version with one game. All they’re doing is taking their stock in trade that they’ve got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July.
Whaaaa?? Slow that down. GameIndustry followed up, “So once the 60GB is gone, that will be the end of the 60GB then?”
In America, yes.
Straight out of the president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe’s mouth: Sony is dumping its stock of 60GB consoles at $499, and once they are gone, you will only be left with the $599 80GB model. Effectively, there is no price cut. Don’t look at me, I didn’t say it.
The scary thing is, the logistics make sense. I couldn’t understand the logic of creating a new SKU for $100 more than the 60GB model, with only a measly 20GB and Motorstorm to gain. Who would want that? Apparently anyone who wants a PS3, because it very well may be the only option.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. Is this just one European exec venting at the fact that Europe isn’t see a price cut, too? If it turns out to be true, it will forever be remembered as “the great PS3 price cut conspiracy of 07.” Until then, keep that grain of salt in hand.
I’m sure you are as overwhelmed as me with all the news, coverage, trailers, etc coming out of this years E3. It’s a lot to wrap your mind around, and there is a lot of crap to wade through. In all honesty though, I’m pretty overwhelmed with the quantity of quality games being shown. Here is what I deem worth checking out:
Mass Effect – Xbox 360 (November 07)
The graphics and scope alone are jaw dropping, but it’s the team on board that gives this game promise. We know they can craft a story, and Mass Effect looks like no exception.
It’s official, Hideo Kojima has announced that Metal Gear Solid IV will be on the PS3 exclusively. He went on to say that GOP will be the final installment in the series. This couldn’t have come at a better time since I was planning on microwaving my PS3 for research purposes.
It always amazes me how well composed these CEO types are, even when getting grilled on television (and now the internet). He’s called out on spinning all the BS coming out of his mouth, but I still need to give Mr Tretton some props on not losing face. Just keep telling yourself that about your little 10 year plan.
I seem to remember Sony bashing Xbox 360 during its first year because PS2 was outselling it in some markets. PS2 vs PS3 anyone?
I’m sure you’ve heard the 60gb PS3 price has been cut $100 to a more stomachable $499. And that there is a NEW $599 SKU which gives you… an extra 20GB and Motorstorm. I can’t help but agree with the commentary I’ve read. It’s seems Sony has put themselves right back where they were at launch. There are two price points at $499 and $ 599. Of course you are getting more for your money now, but I’m concerned about the perceived price and value. The 20GB PS3 was canned because no one wanted a gimped PS3 (although there is one collecting dust next to me). The 60GB PS3 definitely isn’t gimped, but with the added SKU, there is still the inhibiting $499/$599 price barrier.
I just can’t see the logic. The 360 is somehow doing fine with 3 SKUs, but at least there is a sizeable difference between them. I guess that’s the trick. You need them to be different enough the justify the price differences, but all must still appeal to a sizeable audience. With the 20GB PS3, most consumers saw how much extra you get for the $100, so it was a no brainer (why the 360 Core didn’t have the same fate, I’m still scratching my head). I would guess now Sony will have the opposite problem (you want $100 more for WHAT?!). All this coupled with the fact they haven’t escaped the $599 price point. Even if no one buys it, Sony needs to ditch that fatal price and get some good PR back.
Even the $100 cheaper 60GB will seem expensive if the rumors pan out true that the 360 is getting a price drop to $249/$349/$399. That puts it in Wii price territory.
All this, and I haven’t even mentioned the new PS3 is dropping the Emotion Engine so they are taking a step backwards in backward compatibility (even though in my opinion the last gen should be behind us, but it looks like the PS2 is selling better than PS3, and is getting more and better games). Oh, plus PS3 is losing exclusives and non-exclusives left and right (no Katamari for you). This should be an interesting E3.
Yeah, I’m bummed I didn’t get in. If you were among the selected, you would have already gotten the email, and the Home Beta download would be greeting you in the Playstation Store. ::gives you a minute to run to your PS3 and let the disappointment set in.:: To help relieve your bitter resentment, I recommend the following parody. It helped me.
Fire up your download queue, because Ninja Gaiden Sigma is up for download at the Playstation Store. The download weighs in at 983MB, so expect a wait.
Also available is a demo for Virtua Tennis 3, if anyone actually cares.
I just got a PS3 yesterday–good timing for me. I got a now-extinct 20GB on ebay for $400. So far I’ve had fun unlocking everything in the GT HD concept demo. My biggest complaint is how slow the downloads are! That, and the lack of trials for downloadable games For free (PSN), I can’t complain. Although, demos and trials are free on XBL for silver members, too. Anyway, back to waiting for Ninja Gaiden to finish download.
Rumor has it Rockstar has some aces up it’s sleeves with GTA IV. Spoilers are after the jump, so only continue if you’re okay with that. If it turns out to be true, chances are you will have a hard time avoiding this info between now and when the game hits. Worse case scenario, it’s just wishful thinking. The tipster apparently revealed that there was a jetpack in San Andreas, and no one listened to him. Lucky guess or liar?
At launch, we offered two separate models of PLAYSTATION 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base. Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of ninety percent in favor of the 60GB sku, so we manufactured and shipped-in accordingly. Due to the overwhelming demand for the 60GB model from both retailers and consumers, we have ceased offering the 20GB model here in North America. In addition to the larger internal hard drive, the 60GB PlayStation 3 features added storage media slots and built-in Wi-Fi not found in the 20GB system. Based on retailer and consumer feedback, we have decided to focus our current efforts on the more popular 60GB model.
So there you have it. Customers haven’t wanted it, retailers haven’t been ordering it, and now Sony isn’t offering it. Actually, I’m not so sure it’s because there isn’t a consumer demand. I’ve read of a ton of people frustrated that they can’t find a 20GB model in stores. For people just looking to pick up a Blu-ray player on the cheap, the 20GB PS3 was your best bet. Everyone can call off the hunt, because the 20GB Playstation 3 is no more.
