Thinking about getting a PS3

[DragonMasterAlex]

Adjusted for inflation, $600 is not that far out there. It's about what an Atari 2600 cost brand new.

Everyone has a different price consciousness. I realize the extra $200 is a lot of money to some people. Most console sales don't occur until after a few price drops. I'd bet money Sony will do a price drop before Christmas of this year.

Adjusted for inflation a PS1 today would be about $375. PS3 is priced out of the mass market price, and 360 is skirting the edges of it, only falling into the mass market range because of the core, which is no bargain itself

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

True, but inflation doesn't affect consumer electronics like it does most other things.

If it did we'd be paying 5k for a standard PC and 10k for a good television right now.

Astute and accurate observation, sir . Point in addition, if PS3 were commensurate to PS1 in pricing, it'd be about $375 counting inflation, which still puts it $225 above the mass market price point, and I'd even go as far as to say that $375 is still pushing it for a games console, as 360's $400 price point is certainly evidencing.

 

[Stereophile]

True, but inflation doesn't affect consumer electronics like it does most other things.

If it did we'd be paying 5k for a standard PC and 10k for a good television right now.

Inflation effects everything. It doesn't effect CE the same way as other goods. $600 may seem exorbitant in price but in the history of consumer electronics from the last 30 years, it's not that high. A high end TV is still many times more expensive today than in the late 1970s when the Atari launched. Obviously you get more tech for your money nowadays.

The price is the single largest factor in determining which system people buy. If I was looking to start in the next gen console experience, I'd much rather pay $300 for a bare bones X360 than $250 for a gamecube refresh, but many are pennywise and pound foolish. And I'm not knocking the Wii. It has its positives. But hardware "bang for the buck" is not one of them. Nobody brings it up because it's the cheapest to begin with. The PS3 costs more because it includes Blu ray. Whether you mind the idea that it was included for below cost, but without your consent, is up to you. It's simply business. The same way MS forces its OS down everyone's throat.

 

[4saken]

Good console...but no games, and overpriced.

Still dont get the no games argument anymore.
Only game ive been playing on my 360 nowadays is GH2. Rest of the time ive been on my PS3 playing lots of GOOD games.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Inflation effects everything. It doesn't effect CE the same way as other goods. $600 may seem exorbitant in price but in the history of consumer electronics from the last 30 years, it's not that high. A high end TV is still many times more expensive today than in the late 1970s when the Atari launched. Obviously you get more tech for your money nowadays.

The price is the single largest factor in determining which system people buy. If I was looking to start in the next gen console experience, I'd much rather pay $300 for a bare bones X360 than $250 for a gamecube refresh, but many are pennywise and pound foolish. And I'm not knocking the Wii. It has its positives. But hardware "bang for the buck" is not one of them. Nobody brings it up because it's the cheapest to begin with. The PS3 costs more because it includes Blu ray. Whether you mind the idea that it was included for below cost, but without your consent, is up to you. It's simply business. The same way MS forces its OS down everyone's throat.

In the first place, MS doesn't force it's OS down anyone's throat. yes, they've had plenty of bad decisions made, but by and large people by Windows because it's easy to use, has shitloads of apps and games that run on it and is easy to find, usually coming already installed on their PC. That's not forcing, that's choice any way you slice it.

As for hardware bang for the buck, the Wii has it just fine--the difference is that the bang is involved with the control systems rather than the graphics. That's fine for hte mass market, which is still 80+% SDTV in the US and 90%+ SDTV on the rest of the planet. let's face it, PS2, which isn't in the same range of power as any one of the next gen consoles, is still outselling everything but the DS. Why? Because it's cheap, there are lots of games and the graphics are good enough for the vast majority of people.

And yes, $600 for a games console *is* out of line, to the tune of $200 at the low end and $350 at the high end.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Still dont get the no games argument anymore.
Only game ive been playing on my 360 nowadays is GH2. Rest of the time ive been on my PS3 playing lots of GOOD games.

Like what? Motorstorm looks pretty cool to me (like an HD version of Excite Truck, heh), but not another single PS3 game in release today looks interesting to me at all. Maybe Resistance, but not at full price

 

[4saken]

Like what? Motorstorm looks pretty cool to me (like an HD version of Excite Truck, heh), but not another single PS3 game in release today looks interesting to me at all. Maybe Resistance, but not at full price

Of course its all subjective to ones tastes:

But I have logged over 30 hours in Formula One:CE alone. Motorstorm as you said i play a lot. I picked up oblivion out of curiosity and its been holding my interest(of course thats available elsewhere).

Virtua Fighter 5 for the fighter guys out there. Resistance for those needing a shooter. Tekken 5 DR on PSN. Those would be the 4-5 I list as games i play regularly.

Are there a plethora of great games to choose from? No not yet, but to say there are NO games is pretty misleading at this point.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Of course its all subjective to ones tastes:

But I have logged over 30 hours in Formula One:CE alone. Motorstorm as you said i play a lot. I picked up oblivion out of curiosity and its been holding my interest(of course thats available elsewhere).

Virtua Fighter 5 for the fighter guys out there. Resistance for those needing a shooter. Tekken 5 DR on PSN. Those would be the 4-5 I list as games i play regularly.

Are there a plethora of great games to choose from? No not yet, but to say there are NO games is pretty misleading at this point.

Well, I don't recall who said there were *no* games, but yeah, there are a few. Not enough to justify $600 IMHO, but that's just me (well, OK, according to the sales figures it's *not* just me, LOL). Still, except F1 (couldn't care less, ugh) the others are items I'd certainly play. though again, with resistance it'd be once the price drops to $29 or less. I'm still surprised at how ugly it is compared to Gears, but to be fair, it's a launch title, and as such it still looks better than the ass-ugly Perfect Dark Zero 360 launched with.

 

[stevedave]

I would wait just a little bit because they are talking about adding a larger hard drive to battle with Xbox elite. Buy it when the larger HD comes out.

Also if you don't have an HD tv get one of them first they aren't that expensive anymore.

If your going to buy it now buy it knowing that both PS1 and PS2 had a rocky start not as rocky as the ps3's but rocky none the less, and it will take some time for it to start wetting your panties. When the rpg's start dropping and games like little big world, god of war 3, and rachet and clank come out then your panties will need to be put in the dryer

 

[miskari]

I would wait just a little bit because they are talking about adding a larger hard drive to battle with Xbox elite. Buy it when the larger HD comes out.

Also if you don't have an HD tv get one of them first they aren't that expensive anymore.

If your going to buy it now buy it knowing that both PS1 and PS2 had a rocky start not as rocky as the ps3's but rocky none the less, and it will take some time for it to start wetting your panties. When the rpg's start dropping and games like little big world, god of war 3, and rachet and clank come out then your panties will need to be put in the dryer

not even, even if they do add a bigger HDD the price they will put on it will be unjustified, you are better off buying the 60g and upgrading later if you need more room.

 

[stevedave]

not even, even if they do add a bigger HDD the price they will put on it will be unjustified, you are better off buying the 60g and upgrading later if you need more room.

I herd rumors that the 60g was going to go to 499 and the new larger gig was going to take over the 599 spot. Just a rumor from a magazine I read while waiting for drugs.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

I would wait just a little bit because they are talking about adding a larger hard drive to battle with Xbox elite. Buy it when the larger HD comes out.

Also if you don't have an HD tv get one of them first they aren't that expensive anymore.

If your going to buy it now buy it knowing that both PS1 and PS2 had a rocky start not as rocky as the ps3's but rocky none the less, and it will take some time for it to start wetting your panties. When the rpg's start dropping and games like little big world, god of war 3, and rachet and clank come out then your panties will need to be put in the dryer

Aside from some supply issues that were quickly resolved, PS2 did NOT have a rocky start, that's a pile of crap. neither did PS1, it quickly surpassed Saturn and N64 in the market.

I agree there are some good games coming down the pike, unfortunately none of them are coming very *soon*.

 

[Stereophile]

And yes, $600 for a games console *is* out of line, to the tune of $200 at the low end and $350 at the high end.

Maybe for you but millions disagree.

Just because it's the most expensive does not mean it's "out of line". It's the luxury console right now. A stand alone blue ray player alone costs more than a PS3. The consumer is getting something for that extra $200. Sony is greatly subsidizing your next gen HD media buy-in. As the production ramps up, the costs will come way down, and that will be passed along.

We'll just have to disagree about MS and its tactics.

 

[Psychotext]

Maybe for you but millions disagree.

You're right, but it's not nearly as many millions as any of us thought. You remember that famous Sony quote? Because it looks like they were dead wrong.

...the first five million are going to buy it, whatever it is, even it didn't have games

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140302

 

[Technoob]

Still dont get the no games argument anymore.
Only game ive been playing on my 360 nowadays is GH2. Rest of the time ive been on my PS3 playing lots of GOOD games.

Such as?

Resistance and Motorstorm?

edit: saw your reply, but since you seem to imply that there are no good 360 games to play and "lots" of GOOD games on the ps3, i'd think you could answer with more than 2-3. That's LOTS?

 

[G'ßöö]

Just a rumor from a magazine I read while waiting for drugs.

atta girl wudya get?

...slaggin the ps3 cause of the games is old and again, subjective. for gaming, motorstorm is more than enough to buy it, but really its about the BD player first. the new movies are so immersive

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Maybe for you but millions disagree.

Just because it's the most expensive does not mean it's "out of line". It's the luxury console right now. A stand alone blue ray player alone costs more than a PS3. The consumer is getting something for that extra $200. Sony is greatly subsidizing your next gen HD media buy-in. As the production ramps up, the costs will come way down, and that will be passed along.

We'll just have to disagree about MS and its tactics.

Sony's not subsidizing your next gen media buy-in, *you* are, whether you want to buy in or not, if you want a PS3. Sans Bluray drive the PS3 would be at least $100-200 cheaper.

That said, millions *more* agree that PS3's pricing is out of line, as evidenced by the fact that it's quickly been left in the dust by it's most recent competitor (Wii) and continues to be outsold by its year-older graphical equal (360).

Now, I agree with you that for a guy who's interested in a Bluray player, PS3 is the value deal in that segment right now, since you get it *and* the games player for the same price as a low end standalone Bluray player (currently priced at $599). However, for the guy who just wants Playstation 3 and doesn't give two shits about next-gen movies (read: most of the market), it's wacky out of line.

It's fun to watch how this plays out though, and I appreciate reading your perspective, fellow gamer

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

atta girl wudya get?

...slaggin the ps3 cause of the games is old and again, subjective. for gaming, motorstorm is more than enough to buy it, but really its about the BD player first. the new movies are so immersive

LOL, speaking of drugs .

HD movies, both HDDVD and Bluray, are equally beautiful. More immersive than a standard dvd though? Nope. Let's face it, immersion comes from great storytelling, acting, direction, etc., not from higher resolutions. A shitty movie in 1080p is still a shitty movie

 

[ThunderGod66]

I'm not sure how people can say the PS3 is too expensive for what it is vs. the 360. Microsoft just sells everything separately and Sony puts it all in the box. Like it or not, it's not for everyone but they wanted everyone to have the same thing (which I think is better for consumers and developers). Some people have 360s and no hard drives so developers have to take that into account when making games. All PS3s have Blu Ray players so developers know that too (and yes I know the 360 HD-DVD player doesn't play games).

If you don't want any PS3 games, or a Blu Ray player, yes there's no reason to buy it (duh). But if you want either, it's worth the money.

PS3 = $600

360 Platinum = $400
Wifi adapter = $100
Play and Charge kit = $20
HD-DVD Drive = $200
Total = $720

Yes, that stuff is all optional but it IS included in the PS3, so you can't say the PS3 is expensive for what's in it...it just isn't optional. Some people want that stuff, some people don't. Either way, it's still a good deal.

 

[Psychotext]

People say that the PS3 is too expensive for a games console. I think that's the point.

 

[GoldenTiger]

I'm not sure how people can say the PS3 is too expensive for what it is vs. the 360. Microsoft just sells everything separately and Sony puts it all in the box. Like it or not, it's not for everyone but they wanted everyone to have the same thing (which I think is better for consumers and developers). Some people have 360s and no hard drives so developers have to take that into account when making games. All PS3s have Blu Ray players so developers know that too (and yes I know the 360 HD-DVD player doesn't play games).

If you don't want any PS3 games, or a Blu Ray player, yes there's no reason to buy it (duh). But if you want either, it's worth the money.

PS3 = $600

360 Platinum = $400
Wifi adapter = $100
Play and Charge kit = $20
HD-DVD Drive = $200
Total = $720

Yes, that stuff is all optional but it IS included in the PS3, so you can't say the PS3 is expensive for what's in it...it just isn't optional. Some people want that stuff, some people don't. Either way, it's still a good deal.

Also, to get a drive that isn't 1/3 the size of the PS3's and to get HDMI, add $80, and still you don't get uncompressed audio with the 360's use of it.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

I'm not sure how people can say the PS3 is too expensive for what it is vs. the 360. Microsoft just sells everything separately and Sony puts it all in the box. Like it or not, it's not for everyone but they wanted everyone to have the same thing (which I think is better for consumers and developers). Some people have 360s and no hard drives so developers have to take that into account when making games. All PS3s have Blu Ray players so developers know that too (and yes I know the 360 HD-DVD player doesn't play games).

If you don't want any PS3 games, or a Blu Ray player, yes there's no reason to buy it (duh). But if you want either, it's worth the money.

PS3 = $600

360 Platinum = $400
Wifi adapter = $100
Play and Charge kit = $20
HD-DVD Drive = $200
Total = $720

Yes, that stuff is all optional but it IS included in the PS3, so you can't say the PS3 is expensive for what's in it...it just isn't optional. Some people want that stuff, some people don't. Either way, it's still a good deal.

It's a good deal ONLY if you actually want all of that stuff, which not everyone does. If all you want is to play games, it's not a bargain at all. Yes, MS's accessories are obscenely overpriced, nobody's arguing otherwise, but at least you get the *choice*, and if all you want are core gaming functions you don't have to pay for the crap you don't want.

That said, it's really stupid that they didn't build Wifi into the Elite model for no extra charge. Absofuckinglutely stupid.

 

[pothb]

About the 360 being $720, I know what you said but the fact that it is optional is the point. I personally wouldn't touch a wifi connector since I don't need one at all. Charge and play kits can easily be changed with a rechargeable batteries. And they're multipurpose, not just for xbox360, unlike ps3.

Really, people can go back and forth on the price matter all they want. It really depends on what you want to do with it. But I think most want 360/ps3 as a game console rather than media player. And having the options to have a part or not is really important.

I think they're both expensive as heck and wouldn't get one with out a deal but... really you can't really make 360 more expensive without considering what a person wants.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

People say that the PS3 is too expensive for a games console. I think that's the point.

And you're exactly right. You know, we can go on and on about wifi, bluray and uncompressed audio, but the bottom line is that 90%+ of the market don't give two shits about those things. Wifi is probably the one thing that MS really *should* have added to the Elite 360, though, I don't deny that at all. Leaving it out was foolish. Probably not a deal breaker, but foolish.

 

[tirminyl]

Like I have always said, Microsoft is smart in this case. Give people the bare bones and overcharge for your accessories because no matter what they are going to get it. Consumers generally don't like all in one products and like to buy alot of small items to equal the all in one item because it seems cheaper. I can't tell you how many people bash the PS3 solely on price, then go buy a 360 and the HD-DVD drive. There goes their argument.

Anyway, its all a matter of preference. The arguments will never stop and people should just get what they like and what will offer them the most.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Like I have always said, Microsoft is smart in this case. Give people the bare bones and overcharge for your accessories because no matter what they are going to get it. Consumers generally don't like all in one products and like to buy alot of small items to equal the all in one item because it seems cheaper. I can't tell you how many people bash the PS3 solely on price, then go buy a 360 and the HD-DVD drive. There goes their argument.

Anyway, its all a matter of preference. The arguments will never stop and people should just get what they like and what will offer them the most.

yep, there are definitely a large number of folks who can't count. For me, I have zero interest in investing so much as a nickel in a format war that's only just begun, so I'm a customer for neither Bluray nor HD-DVD. If there's something I like about 360 it's that I don't *need* to invest in one of these potential betamax's if I don't want to (and I don't want to). I wish 360 came with Wifi--the $249 Wii has it, there's no fucking reason on earth the $400 or $479 360 shouldn't too. I do blame consumers for this, however, if the damn sheep wouldn't buy the $100 wifi adapter they'd change their strategy. You can't blame them for selling the $5 part for 20 times the cost when people keep buying it; hell, I'd keep selling the sucker too.

Looking at them purely from a gaming platform perspective, 360 gives the most bang for the buck *right now* versus PS3. More games, better games, better pricing, better online service, better controllers. OK, to be fair, *different* controllers, not necessarily better. The rest is pretty hard to argue against though. If I were interested in HD gaming right now, I'd buy a 360 hands down. And an extended fucking warranty for the POS

 

[Rash]

yep, there are definitely a large number of folks who can't count. For me, I have zero interest in investing so much as a nickel in a format war that's only just begun, so I'm a customer for neither Bluray nor HD-DVD. If there's something I like about 360 it's that I don't *need* to invest in one of these potential betamax's if I don't want to (and I don't want to). I wish 360 came with Wifi--the $249 Wii has it, there's no fucking reason on earth the $400 or $479 360 shouldn't too. I do blame consumers for this, however, if the damn sheep wouldn't buy the $100 wifi adapter they'd change their strategy. You can't blame them for selling the $5 part for 20 times the cost when people keep buying it; hell, I'd keep selling the sucker too.

Looking at them purely from a gaming platform perspective, 360 gives the most bang for the buck *right now* versus PS3. More games, better games, better pricing, better online service, better controllers. OK, to be fair, *different* controllers, not necessarily better. The rest is pretty hard to argue against though. If I were interested in HD gaming right now, I'd buy a 360 hands down. And an extended fucking warranty for the POS

im with you on all that, the lack of included wifi in the elite has really chappedmy ass aswell!! Dam ive given M$ so much money this year with the elite /vista/office/autoroute/encarta.....bastards!

 

[4saken]

Such as?

Resistance and Motorstorm?

edit: saw your reply, but since you seem to imply that there are no good 360 games to play and "lots" of GOOD games on the ps3, i'd think you could answer with more than 2-3. That's LOTS?

I wasnt implying there were no good 360 games. I have about 20 360 games, all i was stating is that what Im playing now on the 360 is only GH2 at this time, and the PS3 has had my full attention over the last 2 months with plenty of games to keep me interested.

 

[Baker]

How many people do you see selling a computer 2 years from when purchased for about the price it was purchased?

How many people do you see selling a console 2 years from when purchased for about the price it was purchased?


I personally think that consoles retain more value than computers. Computers have the ability to change and upgrade so frequently, that hardware becomes outdated so fast it loses value.


So the point trying to be made about consoles being just as expensive as PC's is really kinda rediculous. I can go on craigslist and find people selling their PS2's for 100+ bucks plus maybe a few games and such. PS2 games you can buy for 20 bucks (greatest hits) or you can get them used for 10-15 bucks (blockbuster games retain their value for the most part).....


Yet with the PC... I see 2 year old computers going for at least a 1/3 of the price purchased for, and its hard to make money back on computer games. I see people selling FarCry for 5-10 bucks.


If you compare the cost of just console vs the PC tower, PC tower is going to be more expensive up front as well as in the long term. You all can try to twist #'s all you want, but 700 bucks for a PS3 that will last me at least 3 + years is way better than throwing a grand that MIGHT last me 2.

As for price of the display.... that price is basically the same for any platform. You want to game on an HDTV with the PS3... the price is no different if you want to game on an HDTV using the PC. You want to use a moniter for the PC... the price is no difference to use a moniter for your console.


Straight up, PC costs more. Thats not a bad thing but its the truth.

 

[stevedave]

Even if the xbox 360 with all the extra crap is more expensive then the ps3 you don't have to buy it all at once. People love to spread the cost out with almost everything they buy that’s why financing programs are so popular.

PS3’s would fly of the shelves if Sony opened a financing program interest free 50 bucks a month for a year or 100 bucks a month for 6 months. I’d get one for 100 bucks a month for 6 months.

And building a computer can be part by part which makes it seem not so expensive, 100 buck here 200 bucks there doesn’t seem so bad tell you add it up.

 

[ne0-reloaded]

id say wait. i was a huge ps1/ps2 fan but man the ps3 aint worth it right now (unless u want it for a bluray player). my bro has a ps3 and hasnt gotten 1 game for it. resistance and motorstorm maybe decent games, but it wouldnt be anything more than a rental. now if it was gt4 and mgs, then the thing would be flying off the shelf.

so id say wait until theres a game you absolutely must have. by then the console might be cheaper and the older games will definately be cheaper.

 

[Arkanian]

I think I have decided just to go buy one....thanks guys

 

[VoodooChi|d]

Just to make you feel better about your purchase, I talked to a guy I know who is a game dev for Sony and he got to test out "Home". He said it really is everything its cracked up to be and should really kick ass. Although it sounds like he is biased because of his employer he has worked for Valve (one of the creators of Day Of Defeat) and owns a 360. It should probably be finished my Fall and there will be some sort of beta in Summer.

 

[Psychotext]

Just to make you feel better about your purchase, I talked to a guy I know who is a game dev for Sony and he got to test out "Home". He said it really is everything its cracked up to be and should really kick ass.

I think it must just be because I'm old but home just seems like an overglorified chatroom / second life.

Yeah I know, I'm probably missing the point.

 

[Technoob]

I think it must just be because I'm old but home just seems like an overglorified chatroom / second life.

Yeah I know, I'm probably missing the point.

but you can buy ...err... fun stuff...for your virtual apartment!

and yeah, fuck microtransactions on the 360 too before anyone whines.

 

[VoodooChi|d]

I think it must just be because I'm old but home just seems like an overglorified chatroom / second life.

Yeah I know, I'm probably missing the point.

I don't think we really know everything that's going to go on in it... what we saw was just a preview.

This dude wouldn't be excited about it if it was just a second life kind of thing.

They're going to give him a full beta of it pretty soon and he said he'd give me a full breakdown and stuff so I'll definitely relay it over here.

 

[quadnad]

I don't think we really know everything that's going to go on in it... what we saw was just a preview.

This dude wouldn't be excited about it if it was just a second life kind of thing.

They're going to give him a full beta of it pretty soon and he said he'd give me a full breakdown and stuff so I'll definitely relay it over here.

yay for exclusive info

 

[VoodooChi|d]

but you can buy ...err... fun stuff...for your virtual apartment!

and yeah, fuck microtransactions on the 360 too before anyone whines.

I'm pretty sure the apartment stuff is a very minor feature in 'Home'...

I don't have enough money to make my apartment nice... I sure as hell am not going to spend money on my e-apartment.

 

[Soberteq]

After playing WoW two years, and spending hours after hours running in circle in Ironforge reading crap, chatting crap with others, looking up auction while waiting for my friends to get ready for an instance run.. I can safely say that "Home" will be the most successful glorified chat room ever hehe.

 

[Carlosinfl]

Right now there is zero temptation of owning one. No games worth playing at all. I don't see the system moving in the right direction yet and Blue ray is still up on the air.

Perhaps a good GT game will change my mind but until I see some games - it's a brick for me.