Poll: What's it going to take to make you buy a PS3?
By Paul Miller 
posted Feb 27th 2008 11:25AM
posted Feb 27th 2008 11:25AM
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Personally?
Hardware backwards compatibility, a couple of games, and DualShock. For under $300.
Repackage and slim down and re-price all day long. But It still will never be able to compete with Xbox Live.
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).
Speaking of Backwards compatibilty, how about some HD DVD playback capabilities?
Oh, wait...
Scratch that.
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.
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!)
Nonsense. Pay for play bites.
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?
"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)?
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.
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.
Hardware BC for PS2 games, Price Cuts, DS3 and...
SPYRO THE DRAGON!!!!
No option to actually say 100% no.
I guess Engadget is right, I SHOULD buy one... :p
@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.
yup, the week that PS4 comes out they will offer that. Maybe in a slimmer package and a bonus game or two.
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.
give me dreamcast or give me death.
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
release proper drivers (cell/graphics) for linux compatibility, and ill buy the super computer at a markup.
and learn how to use linux regularly
i'd like 299
but also you guys mentioned them slimming it down, so how can we buy something when know info like that?!?
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.
£150 ($300) would do me but if it ever reached that prices in the States, we'd still be getting ripped off over here.
i agree, $299 or less
or kingdom hearts 3...
I agree here. I never have paid more than $299.99 for a console and I don't plan to start yet.
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.
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.
Bru lay wins the format war and suddenly we all plump for a PS3? Lame trolling, Engadget.
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.
@Flashpoint
Anyone that uses the measurement 3.5/4ths does not get a say on anything, ever.
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.
@ 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
Holy crap; http://peecee.dk/uploads/022008/ps3.PNG
8 options.. 11.1% each.. doesnt make sense.. 8 x 11.1% = 88.8% where did the extra 11.2% go ?
Ummmm 100% / 8 = 12½% (12.5%) - not 11.1 .....
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.
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.
That's my reasoning. It'll be enough for the PS3 and a couple movies and games
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.
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.
Spooooon!
Ha! That's what I used to buy my 360.
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.
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?
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.
the ps3 doesn't work with the harmony remotes? that really sucks. that may be the deal breaker for me.
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.
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!
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)
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.
Apparently you can't purchase the 80 gig anymore through sonystyle.com
Sony has cut so many things from PS3 to cut cost. So a cut in size is also in order. It should be no larger than 2 PS2 slims duct taped together :P
Just to frustrate a few folks: I bought my PS3 for the Bluray player but have no games for it (it was bundled with a movie).
I enjoy my Wii on occasion, but do not have any plans on buying PS3 games. It's just a movie player for me.
Variation on your answer: I already own the 360 and enjoy it a lot. I am convinced it is the better gaming buy for the excellent multiplayer experience and huge library. I got the PS3 for Blu-Ray only. I have a 106" front projection home theater and Blu-Ray was a must for me after the war was won. But of course I won't completely ignore the PS3's excellent gaming capabilities. I own two games for it (Warhawk and Tekken), and am playing a borrowed copy of Assasin's Creed on it (EXCELLENT). But the 360 remains my primary system and I will only rent or buy the occasional PS3 game - just the top ones that are unique to the PS3. And I'm anxious to try Home when it comes out.
A side question about the BR player if I might...
Are there features of the BR format that are missing with the PS3's player that you might get with other players? I'd hate to get a PS3 for the player only to find out that it cannot handle everything BR has/will have to offer.
Animator-
As far as I know, the PS3 is the only BD player that will be upgradeable to BD profile 2 when that is released this fall. So I doubt you're losing anything now.
Yeah, the PS3 is actually the BEST BR player to buy right now because of how easily it will upgrade.
@Ghen : Agreed. The PS3 is the best BR player available, so I really don't get why the other players are so damn expensive.
I have nothing against the PS3, it's a great system, but I'm sticking to Microsoft and Xbox. While I personally don't own a 360, my cousin does, and I play on it all the time. Before I downgraded my Live subscription to Silver, I used to play it all the time (and still do on my cousin's account).
I'm just too closely associated with the Xbox community via Live and my investment in the Xbox brand (shit ton of games and peripherals and etc).
Too invested? You bought some games and peripherals for your *cousin's* system, and therefor you can't change to PS3? For some reason I think this survey wasn't meant for you.
Incorrect assumption, sir. I have an original Xbox sitting right here next to me. I have ten games with me here and a lot more back at my mom's house. I've spent a lot of money on games, peripherals, Xbox Live, downloadable content, and things of that like to justify my switch to PS3.
I've spent nothing on my cousin's 360, except for renting a few games every now and then and buying him a controller for Christmas.
So, yeah, I would say the survey was meant for me, considering I'm stuck in the "old generation" and was faced with a decision (and still am).
So according to the poll.
A. You paid too much and own one
or
B. You are not willing to pay the current price.
Bottom line it's still viewed as an overpriced overhyped console. Blu-ray be dammed.
I do think it's too expensive, but overhyped? Nah. It just needs to drop $100 and then I think it'll be pretty reasonable.
Wow! Zak made an intelligent comment on Engadget! Congratulations buddy, you are all grown up!
Gears of War 2 being a PS3 exclusive would make me buy one.
I already own one but I'd like to see some next gen games (haven't actually seen one yet, only games with next gen elements).
That shouldn't have been a reply but since I'm posting here again I'd like to point out that gears of war is only impressive because 360 games are gash (not including oblivion and fable 2).
I already own one, and I can say that I was very unsatisfied initially (back in Dec 2006), but now the great titles are starting to get closer to release. Some are already here too. I recently completed Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and I was incredibly impressed with the game. It's now one of my favourites. I'm occupied with Hot Shots Golf 5 (the Japanese version) and I'm really liking it. The free online thing is great too, but lacks in the friend communication area. Once Home comes out though (hopefully this year), things should improve a lot.
As far as multimedia goes, I can't complain as of now. I would, however, like to see support for more containers and such, like MKV but with the recent addition of Xvid and Divx, I can't complain that much. Blu ray is nice too, but I'm not really one to buy movies.
Same here, I bought a PS3 when it came out and I was disappointed with the lack of high quality games. I ended up adding an Xbox 360 for the games and the Media Extender capabilities. I'm enjoying the best of both worlds: Lots of games and high end Blu-ray movies. Granted, this not the most economical solution, but at least I don't have to buy an HD-DVD player now...
MGS4. That's all it'll take. Best. Series. Ever!
msg4 has noth on the final fantasy series
@ Robert
I did NOT just hear you say that.
Technically, you read it.
If xbox 360 doesnt come out with a bluray add on soon I think I will have to switch over the the darkside aka Sony
It will probably take an offer of a two wand controller. The Wii has such a unique hold on video gaming today. After a few hours on the computer, at the same spot, at the same chair, the Wii offers a unique experience for someone who wants to take a break and wants to move around a little.
When I play wii I still just sit on the couch and flick my wrist to play. Does that mean I'm doing it wrong?
"Does that mean I'm doing it wrong?" Yes, yes it does. Just kiddin.
The Wii experience is unique, but you'll likely get bored of it pretty fast. My Wii has been gathering dust for months.
100% backwards compatibility.
$299.
Lower Power Consumption.
Smaller Footprint.
Nobody I know actually uses backwards compatibility and if you want a smaller footprint go and live on the streets picking up all the litter you come across.
AMEN!
I'd like to add: several must-play PS3-only games
Fulfilling those requirements would be... difficult.
So, Johnnychipface, you really don't know what 'footprint' means, do you?
Man I wish the 360 had a Blu-ray player.
It's coming, just give it a couple of months.
I might be missing something, but what exactly is the seemingly massive appeal of the DualShock controller over the SixAxis controller? Is force feedback really that special?
Apparently...
i like force feedback.
when done nicely and subtle it does add a nice element to gaming {and a standard}, necessary -- no, but for those whom knew it was only a matter of time and like rumble then it is a 'no-brain-er' to save the $55 and wait for dual-shock, were still on the up ramp for console purchase and you do get a lot more then when some of us were kids for the $400, but overall $299 is when the majority of people start to buy.
I'm really just waiting to move into our new house. My parents agreed to give us $800 towards a new TV. With that new TV, we'll want a Blu-Ray player and with that blu-ray player I'll want to play Grand Theft Auto 4, and Resident Evil 5, so the PS3 is the natural choice.
What about...
"Make a SKU with backwards compatibility"
That will sell me as long as it includes a DS3 and a decent game for free...and under $400...
- Better bundle deals = better value.
Thats when I will buy one.
When I had my 360 (may 07), I paid £290 for the premium console, which included: 2 controllers , Gears of War, PGR3, Crackdown and the Arcade games disk which included Geometry Wars. Until the PS3 reaches this kind of value I won't be getting one.
Solid backwards compatibility! I need to play Jak and Daxter at least 8 more times in my life... as well as Shadow of the Colossus. :)
I just don't want the PS3 I don't care how cheap it is, how many Blu-Ray DVD's you can stuff in it or if it'll give me HJ's while I watch House. I just don't want it and I don't plan on re-buying my current DVD collection to support the BluRay format.
either you're 6 and didn't do the VHS-to-DVD thing, or you're too stupid to know you're supposed to buy new titles on bluray, not rebuy the old. Ass.
Yes I'm 6. I did do the whole VHS - DVD and it sucked having different formats and eventually I ended up re-buying all the movies on DVD. What, you still have VHS laying around? Regardless of Blu-ray I still don't want a PS3. I'm fine with the 360 and my DVD collection. Ass.
Burnout Paradise
That's what it took for me to get one yesterday :)
And what do you think? Personally I think it isn't nearly as fun as Burnout Revenge was. And I hope you didn't buy the PS3 version if you have a 360, because the 360 version is at least as good, if not slightly better.
I purchased one (60gb) already for two reasons:
Hardware backwards compatibility (an important feature before launch for Sony...now not so much)
Blu-Ray
I also own an X360 and owned a Wii for a short time. I'm happy with the Blu-ray capabilities of the PS3 but Sony lost quite a bit of respect with their disregard for BC which before the PS3 launch was a big priority to them. I was going to purchase a PS3 down the road but felt kind of bullied into buying before I was ready due to the fact that BC was disappearing from models and no guarantee that it would return. So I'm hoping that the summer-holiday 08 time the big exclusives really deliver on their promises because right now the machine is being used mainly for PS2 and BD movies.
I'm waiting for the HD format war to get settled...
Oh! Never mind...
FFXIII