Poll: What's it going to take to make you buy a PS3?

Dare we say it, the tide is turning. With some hot numbers projected for 2008, the PS3 is seeing a lot of wins lately, most notably that little format-war scuffle you may have heard about. Now that we've (finally) got wind of a release date for the DualShock 3, and an SKU that includes MGS4 sweetening the deal, the still-pricey PS3 is looking mighty alluring. So, what's your story, what's it going to take?

What's it going to take to make you buy a PS3?

I already own one, so I guess I'm ahead of the curve. Suckers.The Blu-ray win settled it, just trying to clear space on a few credit cards.I'm going to need a couple more rounds of price cuts. $299, anyone?Release some of those blockbusters they've been promising (MGS4, LBP, GT5P) and I'm sold.Just holding out for the DualShock 3 SKU, should've been there from day one!I think the box will need to slim down a bit before I can squeeze it into my home theater.I've chosen another side in this war, and I'm sticking to it. Probably.You couldn't pay me to own a PS3. But seriously, how much are we talking here?Vote

[Ian @ Feb 27th 2008 11:30AM]

Personally?

Hardware backwards compatibility, a couple of games, and DualShock. For under $300.

[Tim Hartle @ Feb 27th 2008 12:20PM]

Repackage and slim down and re-price all day long. But It still will never be able to compete with Xbox Live.

[collide007 @ Feb 27th 2008 12:35PM]

I second that, when I do purchase one, which I've been wanting to do for some time, but ever had the funds (thats why I voted for the price cut option) I'll be going the ebay way as I really do want that backwards compatibility (unless EA deliver an SSX title for it then i'll be happy to say good bye to b/c).

[Alex R @ Feb 27th 2008 12:46PM]

Speaking of Backwards compatibilty, how about some HD DVD playback capabilities?
Oh, wait...
Scratch that.

[teej @ Feb 27th 2008 12:47PM]

i chose the "I've chosen another side in this war, and I'm sticking to it. Probably." however, you're right about compatibility. i really miss playing some old school Jet Moto and Twisted Metal! those games made me a PS fan back in the day, but i just loathe the PS3.

if they were to make a new Jet Moto and Twisted Metal, i would seriously consider purchasing a PS3.

[Andrew @ Feb 27th 2008 1:40PM]

I'd personally take that at under £300 myself - there is no BC SKU this side of the pond at the moment (that's the main thing I want!)

[LT73 @ Feb 27th 2008 1:59PM]

Nonsense. Pay for play bites.

[inertia.mc @ Feb 29th 2008 2:26PM]

I think there are a number of reasons potential buyers of PS3 should hold off, most importantly for me is the suggested lower power consumption of the 45nm chip ... with a worldwide user base of 11 million and growing - that's an obscene waste of power that Sony has manufacturd into the PS3 platform, added to which are the crud games going to play any worse than when the greener PS3 arrives?

[rafa @ Feb 27th 2008 2:28PM]

"But It still will never be able to compete with Xbox Live."

Can someone explain to me this sentiment? When PS3 gets in-game XMB, which by all accounts is coming this year (and rumor says April 15th), what is going to be better about Xbox Live?

PS3 already has no lag or any connection problems, the only problem is that when I'm playing a game I can't communicate with my friends who are playing other games (which is the main draw for XBL). So once this feature arrives, how does it not trump live in practical features (especially considering it's free)?

[Andrew Jones @ Feb 27th 2008 2:36PM]

For me, backwards compatibility was never a draw for the PS3. I own a PS2, which works just fine. If it breaks, I can always pick up another one. I'd much rather see them get rid of the red laser entirely from the PS3 to save a few bucks on production.
It seems the PS3/360 fanboi split is sitting at 50/50, which has some sort of strange, sad comfort to it. For every person who would never buy a PS3, there's somebody else who'd never buy a 360.

[ProZach @ Feb 27th 2008 2:57PM]

A built-in IR port.

Seriously, how hard can it be to include one? I would have bought this sometime back if they included one, now it'll be some time as my blu-ray player is on the way.

[Aguiluz @ Feb 27th 2008 3:30PM]

Hardware BC for PS2 games, Price Cuts, DS3 and...

SPYRO THE DRAGON!!!!

[Alan Strangis @ Feb 27th 2008 4:33PM]

No option to actually say 100% no.

I guess Engadget is right, I SHOULD buy one... :p

[teej @ Feb 27th 2008 4:39PM]

@Alan Strangis,
"You couldn't pay me to own a PS3. But seriously, how much are we talking here?" is a 100% NO to buying a PS3. So, you shouldn't get one.

[sepirioth @ Feb 27th 2008 6:54PM]

yup, the week that PS4 comes out they will offer that. Maybe in a slimmer package and a bonus game or two.

[E71 @ Feb 27th 2008 7:53PM]

I think the coolest thing ever would be if you could mod (strip) a slim (if ever released) version of PS3 to fit inside your Home Theater PC and utilize its bluray drive/writer. I only want ONE thing under the TV, my HTPC.

[chewbacca @ Feb 27th 2008 8:04PM]

give me dreamcast or give me death.

[Precision @ Feb 27th 2008 8:28PM]

well, you might find this odd, but one of the biggest put offs i have with the PS3 is the fact that i prefer the Xbox 360's controller. used the PS controlled on PS1 and PS2, never really liked it. prefer the Xbox360 alot more.

another thing is that PS3 currently doesn't really have any games that interest me. i barely ever use my Xbox360 as is. adding another device next to it thats useless isn't gonna help much.

the only thing that getting to look PS3s way right now i LittleBigPlanet. not that i particularly thing its gonna lead to hours of fun -am pretty sure i'll get bored with it pretty fast- however, i still like the concept and the graphic design.

consoles i've bought = PS1, PS2, GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360, N64, PSP, Wii, NDS.
only the PS3 missing from that list. by the way i only own and have the Xbox 360 though. the rest i bought for my kid brothers as gifts :p

[j3oomerang @ Feb 28th 2008 4:56AM]

release proper drivers (cell/graphics) for linux compatibility, and ill buy the super computer at a markup.
and learn how to use linux regularly

[bob sakamano @ Feb 27th 2008 11:31AM]

i'd like 299

but also you guys mentioned them slimming it down, so how can we buy something when know info like that?!?

[rv @ Feb 27th 2008 12:35PM]

I'd say $199. I already have a 360 and none of the ps3 titles pique my interest. I would just be buying it for the blu ray.

[Iain @ Feb 27th 2008 2:36PM]

£150 ($300) would do me but if it ever reached that prices in the States, we'd still be getting ripped off over here.

[Iam9376 @ Feb 27th 2008 3:23PM]

i agree, $299 or less

or kingdom hearts 3...

[Calviin @ Feb 27th 2008 4:47PM]

I agree here. I never have paid more than $299.99 for a console and I don't plan to start yet.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 27th 2008 11:31AM]

First off...

I like these polls because they allow me to see just how many PRO SONY - ANTI SONY people are on Engadget judging from the harshness/praise of their answer.

Secondly, I bought a PS3 just because...

I think its good to have multiple systems available to the consumer because they allow us to experience different philosphies in game design. Games for Wii would never work on PS3 and PS3 games wuld never work on Wii. Variety is a good thing.

Lastly, I think the only thing stopping most gamers from getting a PS3 is the PRICE - which isn't so bad anymore but, due to economic troubles many of them don't have the extra cash (or parents willing to spend on them).

Packaging the Dual Shock 3 in the box should help alot of buyers take the plunge.

[dj-kenpo @ Feb 27th 2008 12:05PM]

that and the lack of good games. I'm sure it'll get there in a year maybe...

but if you don't want bluray right now, and you're not into the lackluster game selection + high price, there's no reason in getting one.

sony backs there consoles up longer though (than ms anyways), so I'm sure in 5 years a lot of people will have a ps3 slim that they got for $150. things change, but right now the things sucks as a game console. if I'm gonna spend that kind of money, there should be a reason. there's better things to do with my money right now instead.

right now. meh.

[ScooterDe @ Feb 27th 2008 12:05PM]

Bru lay wins the format war and suddenly we all plump for a PS3? Lame trolling, Engadget.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 27th 2008 12:32PM]

Kenpo


Microsoft has only produced 2 Consoles.
Sony has the PS1, PS2, PSX, PS3 and PSP.

How can you claim MS doesn't back their consoles?

I own an XBOX and even when XBOX360 was on shelves I was still able to buy plenty of Xbox games - although it was obvious MS cut back production of the original system and its accessories (I couldn't find brand new controllers).

THE original XBOX was a test system for MS but they realized that it was losing them too much money (Xbox was a loss leader for 3.5/4ths of its life span). That's why the Xbox360 forces you to purchase a HDD and peripherals for high prices rather than giving them to you.

[Bryan @ Feb 27th 2008 1:12PM]

@Flashpoint

Anyone that uses the measurement 3.5/4ths does not get a say on anything, ever.

[Calviin @ Feb 27th 2008 4:51PM]

Personally, packaging the Dual Shock 3 does absolutely nothing for me. You're right about price though. I have always said that my limit is $299 and nothing has changed. I only hope that with lowered productions costs and pressure from a 360 price drop, it'll finally reach $299 this year. I really want it to go below $299 before LBP comes out. I'll play the demo on the PS3s that my friends own, but I want to play the actual game on my own PS3. Make it work for me Sony.

[SimbaDogg @ Feb 28th 2008 11:45PM]

@ calvin...
just so you do know, sony has said that they're not going to release a LBP demo. http://www.gamernode.com/news/6044-littlebigplanet-to-be-a-triple-a-title-for-sony/index.html

[Jakob @ Feb 27th 2008 11:31AM]

Holy crap; http://peecee.dk/uploads/022008/ps3.PNG

[holycow @ Feb 27th 2008 12:02PM]

8 options.. 11.1% each.. doesnt make sense.. 8 x 11.1% = 88.8% where did the extra 11.2% go ?

[blzeebub @ Feb 27th 2008 12:14PM]

Ummmm 100% / 8 = 12½% (12.5%) - not 11.1 .....

[Ryan Block @ Feb 27th 2008 12:32PM]

That's how our poll works in the first couple of minutes as voting gets started. When the first cache clears it all adds up. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Alex @ Feb 27th 2008 11:33AM]

In all honesty, I'll be getting that new PS3 bundle once I get my tax rebate. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

[Mike @ Feb 27th 2008 11:55AM]

That's my reasoning. It'll be enough for the PS3 and a couple movies and games

[YouFaceTheTick @ Feb 27th 2008 11:33AM]

You can get a $300 box right now. Go to sony style, sign up for a card and you get $100 off your first purchase - including the 399 PS3. $300 is decently attractive but I need one thing that doesn't exist:

Harmony remote that does BT and IR. I'm not giving up my Harmony and until Harmony works with the PS3 (beyond that idiot work-around), I will not have one.

[JPN @ Feb 27th 2008 11:38AM]

I did that and it's awesome. As long as you pay on time and get it paid in a year, it's all good. Note that if you make a late payment, you lose the credit. It's a great deal. I got free shipping too.

[customjmn @ Feb 27th 2008 11:43AM]

Spooooon!

[yaksplat @ Feb 27th 2008 11:53AM]

Ha! That's what I used to buy my 360.

[Cyque @ Feb 27th 2008 12:36PM]

That comment about PS3 not working with an IR Harmony remote is an excellent point. I had not considered that when I made plans to pick one of these up soon. No point in going with a Blue Rayplayer that doesn't work with my Harmony and I haven't really played out all the games I like for the Wii yet.

I was thinking of getting it because it was a blue player with a free second game console but I do not see myself going back to remote juggling any time soon.

[muddyh2o @ Feb 27th 2008 12:44PM]

and i was getting pretty close to pulling the trigger on a ps3 (solely for BR vids from netflix) but i didn't realize it won't chat with my beloved harmony

what gives with that?

[Dave @ Feb 27th 2008 12:50PM]

I agree, I have a harmony remote, and I'm not giving that up just for a PS3. Pity, because it's supposedly one of the best blu-ray players out there, which is my main interest in it (my kids would have a different take, of course). Make it IR compatible, reduce the price by about $50.00 (with backwards compatibility with PS2, also) and I'd get one today.

[timatl @ Feb 27th 2008 1:20PM]

the ps3 doesn't work with the harmony remotes? that really sucks. that may be the deal breaker for me.

[Mouser @ Feb 27th 2008 1:48PM]

I use my Harmony 880 with my PS3. Had to buy a $15 IR PS3 remote, so the little USB thing is stuck in the front.. but it's small and the Harmony works fine with it. I wouldn't call that a dealbreaker. I think people make too big a deal of this workaround.

[ska8erforever @ Feb 27th 2008 1:53PM]

I own a PS3 already (chose option 1 ;) ),here's the remedy for working with my Harmony 550 remote (scroll to the bottom of the page). It works great!

[ska8erforever @ Feb 27th 2008 1:55PM]

Sorry, link didn't paste: http://schmartz.com/main.sc (it's also molded and glossy so it blends in with the face of the ps3)

[LT73 @ Feb 27th 2008 1:58PM]

Good point my friend...

I own a PS3 as well, but I'm really annoyed that I can't control it from my Logitech 880 remote. The PS3 desperately needs a proper IR solution.

I have to admit though, I do appreciate the bluetooth at times. Like when I'm having a party and want to change the track through walls.

[John @ Feb 28th 2008 1:04AM]

Apparently you can't purchase the 80 gig anymore through sonystyle.com