PS3 Slim & PS3 Price Cuts!

[theFRANCHISE]

As announced today at Sony's Gamescom press conference in Germany, the rumors of the PS3 Slim are true! Roughly 33% smaller, 36% lighter, and 34% less power consumption -- all with the same features of the current generations of PS3 (Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Blu-Ray, free online gaming, media streaming) but with a 120GB hard drive and for the lowered price of $299! Additionally, as of tomorrow (8/19/09) all current PS3 models are also dropping to that price!

Source: [url="http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1015007p1.html"]IGN.com[/url]

So, with all the features and the lowered price, will the PS3 finally beat the 360? Personally, given that a comparable 360 at $299 is only 60GB and has fewer features (while the 120GB Elite model is $499, also with fewer features than the PS3), Microsoft needs something BIG to beat Sony's value right now.

Will this convince anyone to buy a PS3 over the 360 now?

[PuRock]

I personally have been branded by Playstation. I'm use to their controllers, I dig their PS3 games. So something major needs to occur for me to switch me to the XBox.

I do hear great things about the XBox that seperates it from PS3. Such as, the online gaming is better (even though I do not use this feature). And they also allow the Netflix instant streaming. I'd really this feature to come to the PS3. I had to buy a Roku box to compensate.

The new PS3 slim w/ its price reduction, is a very good deal. Considering that, one of the major flaws pointed out by haters is the bulky size of the regular PS3.

[ZIBBY28]

its my birthday tomorrow.. looks like i might be taking a trip to gamestop to treat myself.. good stuff franchise.. we can always count on you

[theFRANCHISE]

Just to help people make an educated purchase on a PS3, features:

Bluetooth 2.0 compatability (including controllers)
HDMI support up to full 1080p
USB 2.0 ports (2-4, depending on the model)
Media card readers (some models)
Media streaming through home network
Wi-fi connectivity
Ethernet port
Easily upgradeable, non-proprietary hard drive (standard 2.5" drive used for laptops)
Supports up to 7 controllers simultaneously via Bluetooth
Blu-Ray drive including BD-Live support and upgradeable firmware
DivX video support as well as other video formats
PlayStation 1 backwards compatability (all models)
PlayStation 2 backwards compatability (older models, also rumored to include software emulation via future firmware update for all models)

PlayStation Network features:
Free online play for ALL titles
Classic PSone games for download
Some console-exclusive downloadable content
Sony-made PS3 games available for full download before retail release (sometimes at reduced price)
New video store offering HD rentals and purchases
Music store possibly coming soon...?

As for the games, the days of console-exclusive games are disappearing because of the economy. Games that were once Sony-exclusive are now also being made for the 360 (Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Grand Theft Auto), and vice-versa (Dead Rising, BioShock, Ninja Gaiden.) Exclusivity is no longer a term used in the industry, so unless you're a devout fan of a specific franchise (Gears of War, for example), your purchase won't necessarily be dictated by the selection of games since both the PS3 and 360 are almost dead even in their offerings.

[PuRock]

Damn Franchise, do you own like a boat load of stock in Sony? Sounds like your're ready to sell some PS3s from the trunk of your car.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='18 August 2009 - 05:01 PM' timestamp='1250629294' post='220959']
Damn Franchise, do you own like a boat load of stock in Sony? Sounds like your're ready to sell some PS3s from the trunk of your car.
[/quote]
lol, I wish. I'm waging a one-man war against the 360. Ever since the Red Ring of Death has affected virtually all of my friends who've owned 360's, I've decided that Microsoft needs to pay for blindly rushing out a product [i]just[/i] in an effort to beat Sony. I mean, I can see why people like the 360, and it definitely has its merits. But the PS3 is more than just a video game console -- it's an ENTERTAINMENT machine. Microsoft is still feeling salty from losing the format war (Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD), and they've had to release flimsy accessories to counter every sales point that Sony's had from launch for the PS3 (network adapter, anyone? Bluetooth dongle?) and try to milk every buck from the consumer.

In order to get the 360 to have every feature that PS3 has out of the box (minus Blu-Ray, which Microsoft hasn't secured), you'd have to drop another $100-$150 in addition to the console. That's not adding in the cost of games and an extra controller and Xbox Live subscriptions.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 04:59 PM' timestamp='1250629158' post='220958']
PlayStation 2 backwards compatability (older models, also rumored to include software emulation via future firmware update for all models)[/quote]
This is what concerns me... will I be able to play my favorite game ever (SotC) or not?
[quote]
As for the games, the days of console-exclusive games are disappearing because of the economy. Games that were once Sony-exclusive are now also being made for the 360 (Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Grand Theft Auto), and vice-versa (Dead Rising, BioShock, Ninja Gaiden.) Exclusivity is no longer a term used in the industry, so unless you're a devout fan of a specific franchise (Gears of War, for example), your purchase won't necessarily be dictated by the selection of games since both the PS3 and 360 are almost dead even in their offerings.
[/quote]
What if I want to play Uncharted, Alan Wake, and Final Fantasy?
I'm not trying to be difficult; you just seem like the right person to ask.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 05:19 PM' timestamp='1250630343' post='220963']
lol, I wish. I'm waging a one-man war against the 360. Ever since the Red Ring of Death has affected virtually all of my friends who've owned 360's, I've decided that Microsoft needs to pay for blindly rushing out a product [i]just[/i] in an effort to beat Sony. I mean, I can see why people like the 360, and it definitely has its merits.
[/quote]

I hear ya. Recently I feel like I'm being slighted because I own a PS3 not an Xbox. For some reason I like the PS3 more than the Xbox. Sony makes sense when it comes to video games.

I just hope that the PS3 can eventually stream more content. Like ABC, NBC, Hulu or Netflix. I do love the purchasing of titles in the store. And the online access for free is always a plus.

I didn't know the point about the accessories and Xbox.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='18 August 2009 - 05:29 PM' timestamp='1250630975' post='220966']
This is what concerns me... will I be able to play my favorite game ever (SotC) or not?

What if I want to play Uncharted, Alan Wake, and Final Fantasy?
I'm not trying to be difficult; you just seem like the right person to ask.
[/quote]
If traditional software emulation isn't offered for disc-based games, titles like Shadow of the Colossus may still make their way onto the PlayStation Network. Sounds stupid that they'd force it to be strictly via download and not via disc, but better than nothing.

Uncharted is strictly PS3-exclusive for now, while Alan Wake is Xbox-exclusive. The Final Fantasy series is cross-platform, though another enhanced remake of Final Fantasy Tactics exclusive to PS3 has been rumored for awhile now. (The PSP remake was criticized for its translation, which relied heavily on olde English.)

[quote name='PuRock' date='18 August 2009 - 05:31 PM' timestamp='1250631107' post='220968']
I hear ya. Recently I feel like I'm being slighted because I own a PS3 not an Xbox. For some reason I just like the PS3 more than the Xbox. Sony makes sense when it comes to video games.

I just hope that the PS3 can eventually stream more content. Like ABC, NBC, Hulu or Netflix. I do love the purchasing of titles in the store. And the online access for free is always a plus.
[/quote]
Actually...there's been rumors for awhile that Sony's been trying to secure a deal with Hulu and/or a major TV network like NBC for exclusive content. But that remains to be seen.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 05:51 PM' timestamp='1250632291' post='220979']
If traditional software emulation isn't offered for disc-based games, titles like Shadow of the Colossus may still make their way onto the PlayStation Network. Sounds stupid that they'd force it to be strictly via download and not via disc, but better than nothing.[/quote]
Eww.
Maybe if I decide to get a ps3, I'll just keep my ps2... I probably couldn't get 10 cents for a trade in anyway.
[quote]
Uncharted is strictly PS3-exclusive for now, while Alan Wake is Xbox-exclusive. The Final Fantasy series is cross-platform, though another enhanced remake of Final Fantasy Tactics exclusive to PS3 has been rumored for awhile now. (The PSP remake was criticized for its translation, which relied heavily on olde English.)[/quote]
Lol, in other words: out of luck?
I guess I'd have to choose between Uncharted and Alan Wake (assuming, of course, that it actually comes out).

[H8R]

Ps3 For Life. I will always buy Sony products! They have NEVER proven my money wrong!

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='18 August 2009 - 06:16 PM' timestamp='1250633787' post='220994']
Lol, in other words: out of luck?
I guess I'd have to choose between Uncharted and Alan Wake (assuming, of course, that it actually comes out).
[/quote]
Pretty much, lol. I don't get what the big deal with Alan Wake is, btw. Microsoft's big E3 gameplay trailer did nothing for me. (Come to think of it, a lot of what Microsoft did, did nothing for me...except the MGS announcement, which was later dulled when Hideo Kojima showed up for PS3's keynote, too.)

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='H8R' date='18 August 2009 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1250635122' post='221001']
Ps3 For Life. I will always buy Sony products! They have NEVER proven my money wrong!
[/quote]
Considering that I bought my 40GB PS3 myself and also own roughly 30 games, I have a lot invested in the system and its survival. Oh, and I've only had it for over a year. You do the math as to what I've spent.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 06:41 PM' timestamp='1250635274' post='221002']
Pretty much, lol. I don't get what the big deal with Alan Wake is, btw. Microsoft's big E3 gameplay trailer did nothing for me. (Come to think of it, a lot of what Microsoft did, did nothing for me...except the MGS announcement, which was later dulled when Hideo Kojima showed up for PS3's keynote, too.)
[/quote]
I think Alan Wake looks cool. The first teaser got me interested and the new trailers make it look like this game is right up my alley... my alley being the game-meets-movie/aesthetic masterpiece sort of thing i.e. Ico, SotC, FF, and such. But I too am a bit skeptical of Microsoft; I've always been into Playstation, but the price tag on the ps3 compelled me to get a Wii.

[RavensClaw52]

Ive owned just about every system from Sony (except a PSP) and Microsoft. I like both, I have a 360 now. The only reason why those accessories dont stand out to me is because im not very picky...

1. I dont want to pay extra for a blue ray dvd just to see it clearer, dont really care
2. I dont need 120gb, i havent even come close to using 60gb
3. Don't need compatability because I dont want to play old xbox games, Halo 1 is all but I downloaded it from xbox live


To each his own, I dont bash on the PS3 or anything, nothing in common with the Steelers, just ended up with a 360 and like it

[darklight1216]

[quote name='RavensClaw52' date='18 August 2009 - 09:19 PM' timestamp='1250644780' post='221043']
To each his own, I dont bash on the PS3 or anything, [b]nothing in common with the Steelers,[/b] just ended up with a 360 and like it
[/quote]
It's black.

[RavensClaw52]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='18 August 2009 - 10:58 PM' timestamp='1250650694' post='221071']
It's black.
[/quote]


lol, my bad

[BmoreRav]

The PS3 Slim and the Original PS3 are getting a price cut to

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 06:42 PM' timestamp='1250635337' post='221003']
Considering that I bought my 40GB PS3 myself and also own roughly 30 games, I have a lot invested in the system and its survival. Oh, and I've only had it for over a year. You do the math as to what I've spent.
[/quote]
damn franchise i got the 80 gb bout a year and a half ago and only got 15 games for it(3 more otw thanks to sony's rls),but i also have invested money in wii and 360 games not to mention a 2 and 3 year old that take up most my time
what would you consider must haves for the ps3?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='19 August 2009 - 07:08 PM' timestamp='1250723329' post='221319']
damn franchise i got the 80 gb bout a year and a half ago and only got 15 games for it(3 more otw thanks to sony's rls),but i also have invested money in wii and 360 games not to mention a 2 and 3 year old that take up most my time
what would you consider must haves for the ps3?
[/quote]
Must-haves for the PS3? (If we're going console-exclusive):
inFAMOUS
Killzone 2
LittleBigPlanet (more of a niche game, though)
Metal Gear Solid 4
Fat Princess (Downloadable title -- I don't have it, but my roommate did, loved it)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Wipeout HD (Downloadable title)
Resistance: Fall of Man
Resistance 2
MLB 09: The Show

Now, if we're going multi-platform:
Fallout 3
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Grand Theft Auto IV
NHL 09
Madden NFL 10
Call of Duty 4
UFC 2009 Undisputed
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2

Needless to say, I have most of those games or have borrowed and played the rest. My collection is pretty respectable and appeals to many different tastes.

[PuRock]

Well it looks like this product might be relevant to me after all.

My PS3 out of the blue, has stopped recognizing game discs. I tried everything, installed the latest update, nothing. Everything else is working as normal. But the games. This sucks.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='19 August 2009 - 09:09 PM' timestamp='1250730593' post='221352']
Must-haves for the PS3? (If we're going console-exclusive):
inFAMOUS
Killzone 2
LittleBigPlanet (more of a niche game, though)
Metal Gear Solid 4
Fat Princess (Downloadable title -- I don't have it, but my roommate did, loved it)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Wipeout HD (Downloadable title)
Resistance: Fall of Man
Resistance 2
MLB 09: The Show

Now, if we're going multi-platform:
Fallout 3
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Grand Theft Auto IV
NHL 09
Madden NFL 10
Call of Duty 4
UFC 2009 Undisputed
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2

Needless to say, I have most of those games or have borrowed and played the rest. My collection is pretty respectable and appeals to many different tastes.
[/quote]
wow thats a pretty cool list and i have three of those otw from sony's rls program(infamous,little big planet,aand uncharted),own mlb the show,the guitar hero games,folklore,street fighter 4,mortal kombat vs. dcu,resident evil 5,silent hill 5,motorstorm(came with ps3),spider-man web of shadows!wow and heavenly sword how did i forget this it's god of war if kratos was a chick...........awesome game

upcoming title will be madden 10,ultimate alliance 2,and arkham asylum.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='21 August 2009 - 12:17 AM' timestamp='1250828228' post='221876']
Well it looks like this product might be relevant to me after all.

My PS3 out of the blue, has stopped recognizing game discs. I tried everything, installed the latest update, nothing. Everything else is working as normal. But the games. This sucks.
[/quote]
Are you still able to download demos/games and play them on your system? If not, it may actually be your hard drive and not the Blu-Ray drive. (though, slim possibility it may be both, too...but again, SLIM chance)

[SaVaGe]

I now have every system known to the commercial game market(Even old school) which is a pretty cool feeling. When I got my 360 from launch year I thought it was the **** but lately they haven't released any stellar games to be honest and it is just playing COD4 online most of the time. Then about a year ago I got a Wii in the household and the novelty of that wore off relatively quick with no games to play other then SSB and Zelda. I got my PS3 2 days ago for $300(Real PS3 not Slim) because the slim is less powerful in compared testing. Though the PS3 didn't come with an HDMI I used my 360's and am waiting for my order to go through at monoprice to receive an $8 HDMI 1.3 chord(XBox is 1.2). With that said I have had more fun with my PS3 in 2 days then my 360, and not that it matters but the graphics are glaringly better.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='21 August 2009 - 12:52 AM' timestamp='1250830326' post='221888']
Are you still able to download demos/games and play them on your system? If not, it may actually be your hard drive and not the Blu-Ray drive. (though, slim possibility it may be both, too...but again, SLIM chance)
[/quote]

Hard Drive seems fine. I can download games. I'm going to play around with it a bit more tonight after work. I've had it for a two year now, I wonder how long the manufacturer's warranty covers.

It sucks, because this is occurring right before the weekend. It's the only time I can get quality game time in, without my fiance ****ing at me.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='SaVaGe' date='21 August 2009 - 02:37 AM' timestamp='1250836660' post='221903']
I now have every system known to the commercial game market(Even old school) which is a pretty cool feeling. When I got my 360 from launch year I thought it was the **** but lately they haven't released any stellar games to be honest and it is just playing COD4 online most of the time. Then about a year ago I got a Wii in the household and the novelty of that wore off relatively quick with no games to play other then SSB and Zelda. I got my PS3 2 days ago for $300(Real PS3 not Slim) because the slim is less powerful in compared testing. Though the PS3 didn't come with an HDMI I used my 360's and am waiting for my order to go through at monoprice to receive an $8 HDMI 1.3 chord(XBox is 1.2). With that said I have had more fun with my PS3 in 2 days then my 360, and not that it matters but the graphics are glaringly better.
[/quote]
I actually think the graphics are comparable, but that's just me. Either way, graphics are a moot point now with current-gen systems because they've advanced to the point now where everything looks as life-like as it'll get for maybe another five years (if that.) My only issue is with how shiny every game looks. Like, literally shiny. Character models all have this sheen to them, and a lot of games have issues where the eyes have this unnatural reflection, so when light hits their face, it looks like they're Raiden from Mortal Kombat or something.

But I'm glad to hear that you've had more fun with your PS3. I truly, honestly believe that it's the most bang for your buck on the market right now. It pisses me off whenever someone tries to argue that the 360 is a better value, when it has fewer features. And the whole thing about the 360's library being deeper is a misnomer since console exclusivity is gradually being phased out, and many 360 games have been ported to the PS3 at one point or another.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='18 August 2009 - 05:19 PM' timestamp='1250630343' post='220963']
I'm waging a one-man war against the 360. Ever since the Red Ring of Death has affected virtually all of my friends who've owned 360's, I've decided that Microsoft needs to pay for blindly rushing out a product [i]just[/i] in an effort to beat Sony.
[/quote]

I've come to find out that Sony does have its own version of the "Red Ring of Death," and I have it (although much rarer than the Red Ring of Death issue). It's called the 80010514 error. Apparently the DRE (disc read error) is a common issue for many PS3 owners and is called the "Red Ring of Death" for PS3.

There is nothing you can do at home to fix it. Firmware, restore factory settings, air clean, reformatting of HD. The only thing you can do is call Sony. If you are within the first year of warranty (which I am not), they replace for free. If not $150.00 and up to 30 days to get it all resolved.

And I was really excited about playing Madden this weekend. Really the only game I play on a yearly basis.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='21 August 2009 - 01:01 PM' timestamp='1250874106' post='222042']
I've come to find out that Sony does have its own version of the "Red Ring of Death," and I have it (although much rarer than the Red Ring of Death issue). It's called the 80010514 error. Apparently the DRE (disc read error) is a common issue for many PS3 owners and is called the "Red Ring of Death" for PS3.

There is nothing you can do at home to fix it. Firmware, restore factory settings, air clean, reformatting of HD. The only thing you can do is call Sony. If you are within the first year of warranty (which I am not), they replace for free. If not $150.00 and up to 30 days to get it all resolved.

And I was really excited about playing Madden this weekend. Really the only game I play on a yearly basis.
[/quote]
Ah, the so-called Yellow Light of Death, I guess? I'm paranoid about it too, but then again, as much as $150 is a blow to my wallet, if it happens, I'd be fine with spending the money to get my console fixed. I have too much invested in it.

That, or get a PS3 Slim.

[darklight1216]

Is Sony still losing money on every console it makes?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='21 August 2009 - 01:29 PM' timestamp='1250875756' post='222068']
Is Sony still losing money on every console it makes?
[/quote]
They had slowly been recouping their money as of April, I think. Either way, with the lowered production costs of the PS3 and the likely boost in sales this coming Fall/Winter, they'll start to turn a profit by the end of the fiscal year.