Editorial: A slimmer, cheaper, better PS3. Was that so hard?
By Paul Miller 
posted August 19th 2009 3:48PM
posted August 19th 2009 3:48PM
Minimum price for a "usable" SKU.
A good deal or not, most of my price hesitation has been based on the fact that the PS3 has always seemed "overdue" for a price cut (as demonstrated on the chart above). That's why, despite Sony's incessant claims of "bang for buck," it's never seemed the right time to buy: I didn't want to be sucker and waste a hundie with a pre-drop purchase.
My price gripes actually had very little to do with what you get for the money, all other factors removed. I currently have a PC-based solution for playing Blu-ray movies, but I'd love the convenience of using my PS3 to view my slowly expanding Blu-ray collection. The networked media features of the PS3 are quite alluring, I like the idea of using the PS3's browser over an HD plug rather than my Wii's low-res browser when showing a must-see YouTube video to guests (something my 360 can't do), and I could even see myself spending a few minutes now and then arranging furniture and watching my avatar get molested on PlayStation Home. Unfortunately for Sony, I've owned a 360 since 2005, and a Wii since a few months after the launch, so I've been pretty much covered in the games department for a long while now.
What's been keeping me up at nights in the run-up to the PS3 Slim launch was Sony's heavy handed treatment of the PSPgo. In as many words (trust me, I've asked), Sony basically realized the PSPgo was desirable due to its improved form factor and lighter weight, and decided to overcharge accordingly -- pegging it at $50 more than the basic PSP 3000, though it lacks the UMD drive of its progenitor. Meanwhile Nintendo has continually drilled down its DS pricetag, while simultaneously introducing substantial improvements to the form factor in the DS Lite and functionality in the DSi. It's pretty crazy that now I can get a PS3 Slim (which plays Blu-ray movies in case you didn't know) for only $50 more than a PSPgo.
 120GB PS3 Slim
|
 160GB PS3
|
 80GB PS3
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | CECH-2000A | CECH-Pxx | CECH-Kxx / CECH-Lxx |
| Price | $299.99 | $399.99 | $299.99 |
| Color | Matte Black | Piano Black (Glossy) | Piano Black (Glossy) |
| HDD | 120GB 2.5-inch SATA | 160GB 2.5-inch SATA | 80GB 2.5-inch SATA |
| Dimensions | 11.42 x 2.56 x 11.42 in. | 12.75 x 3.86 x 10.8 in. | 12.75 x 3.86 x 10.8 in. |
| Weight | 7.05 lb. | 11 lb. | 11 lb. |
| Power | 250W | 280W | 280W |
| Vertical Stand | Optional ($24) | Not necessary | Not necessary |
| Compatibility | PSOne | PSOne, Linux | PSOne, Linux |
| PS2 compat? | No | No | No |
| BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC) | Yes | No | No |
| Bundle | Wireless DualShock 3 controller | Wireless DualShock 3 controller, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PAIN downloadable game voucher | Wireless DualShock 3 controller |
Read more about this chart here.
Of course, it's not all roses for me: the PS3 Slim kicks out the ability to install an alternative OS onto the system, something I was sort of looking forward to tinkering with, and there's also no hint of backwards compatibility: it would sure be a joy to see my copies of Persona 4 and Shadow of the Colossus upscaled to glorious 1080p, and I've certainly considered springing for an old backwards-compat system to stretch my legs on. My fellow Engadget writer and dear friend Nilay Patel just scored a $275 60GB backwards compatible system on Craigslist, and I've thought about hunting down something similar, but in the end I like the lower fan noise and reduced power draw of a PS3 Slim more than I care for upscaled PS2 titles.
See more video at our hub!
Further reading: Check out all of our PS3 Slim coverage from yesterday, including our unboxing and hands-on!
I fail to see the draw with this thing. Aesthetically i really prefer the original, it goes far better with hi end equitment. Also the price reduction is not quite enough, evidence being that im still not going to buy one new.
*equipment (damn cider)
can we RINSE anymore PS3 news out of yesterdays unveiling?
Great article, I am looking forward to purchasing my first Playstaion 3, just you likewise!
Oh, and I though Microsoft were quoted saying they were the only console making advancements this year? :)
just buy one, you know u want to
Rinsing? More like ringing out.
welcome aboard Paul, Look forward to shooting you in the face.. lol
Be sure to write a review on the psn and how it compares to xbox live if you don't mind.. Enjoy the slim..
But does it have a hyperspace generator that'll allow me to travel through wormholes to distant parts of the galaxy? If not I'll stick with my original PS3 and the 320 GB hard drive I strapped into it.
Honestly, I think $300 is really the sweet spot for this thing. If my roommate didn't already have one, I'd seriously be considering buying one. I'd probably wait for some of the new games first though, God of War III and Uncharted II mainly.
It's interesting now that the PS3 cost the same as the 360. If you look at it at a glorified PC point of view, one has a Blu-Ray player, and the other, just your good 'ol DVD player. Back then, systems were bought due to exclusive game line-ups. Now, pretty much each system has a game strikingly similar to its competitor's. So you probably won't be missing much of the cool looking games if you buy one or the other. To me, it now boils down to the bang for my buck, and it looks like the PS3 is clearly ahead
*Note to self* avoid personal opinions on aesthetics or admitting cider drinking foibles on geek blog central. Expect an unpleasant return. This world... blimey.
Addendum:
Even if 360 has that HD Netflix, I think it'd be just a matter time before the company or others to cater to the PS3 crowd.
note: even the "full fledged" $300 xbox does not have all the features of the pared down ps3
I'm still not convinced on the whole console thing - games in particular are pretty expensive compared to PC versions. Then they're also closed systems which aren't particularly easy to modify, plus a PC can be easily upgraded/fixed and can perform other tasks - including running PS1/PS2 emulators. Coupled with Xbox 360 controller compatibility, I think I'll still stick to my PC.
@r3loaded:
console gaming isn't for everyone, and it's great if you can get your gaming fix from just the pc.
as for people like me, i can't really remember my life before console gaming. pc gaming only reminds me of starcraft and baldur's gate. ahh good times, but what about metal gear and little big planet?
Teddy: I have both 360 and PS3, and would still buy the 360 ahead of the PS3 even with the new sexy model and price drop.
Why? Two reasons:
1 - Vastly superior online experience. Yeah, it's not free, but PSN is so bad it'd be a crime to charge for it. On the Xbox a friend can invite me to a game, I can hit a single button to accept his request and BOOM, I'm on my way into the game.
On the PS3 the whole thing is done so poorly that it takes several MINUTES to even begin setting up a match with a friend. First, there no concept of a game invite outside of the game itself - everything is sent as IM messages. So you get the IM message, read it (which takes 6-7 button presses, seriously), then you have to quit the chat window, surf over to the game you want to play, start the game, and once it's started you must MANUALLY then go and RE-DO the invite to get into the game. Ughhhhh.
The online experience doesn't end there, but suffice it to say that, having played with both (and still do) extensively, I would be okay with not having a PS3, but if I had to have a console (and just one) it would still be the 360.
2 - Media center. Yeah, you would think Sony would be better at the media center thing - but nope. I stream Divx movies to my Xbox all the time, it all works beautifully - easy to set up, fast load times, and everything works as expected.
Tried the same thing on the PS3. Nope. I can see the file list (after waiting 30 seconds for it to load, if it decides to load), and when I try to play anything, it works okay for the first little bit, and then starts lagging (imagine youtube video on a bad connection). Worst part: if I try to rewind/fast forward, the whole thing dies.
It's really a shame. The *hardware* of the PS3 is so far ahead of the 360 (in terms of quality and reliability and features), but the software (which in the end is really what matters most) is in the stone ages in comparison.
Interesting, I use PS3 media center to stream to my PS3, and I can't remember having a problem with anything I threw at it.
Woops, PS3 Media *Server* I mean
*puts down the banana peels*
Was what so hard? 360 has been out a year longer and they dont have a slim or rrod-free model
damn right i feel like getting one too! the only thing that sets me back is the price so far.
I like that it's thinner but it's still not cheap enough. Epically with the materials change, it has definitely lost that luxury item look.
I must say I agree, I had seen some of the leaked PS3S photo's and saw that it looked very ugly and unappealing. I had been waiting for the slim for some time, but once I saw that they even took the chrome and the buttons where replaced with these G1 button look alikes, I went out and bought a 80Gb for $400.00. Looks clean and don't regret it.
It's absolutely cheap enough - if you need a (or a second) Blu-ray player. And this, my friends, if the double-edged sword that Sony has been dealing with since launch. Sure it's a great advancement over the Wii & XBOX, but the price you pay for it is prohibitive. And now that it's almost 2010 and most target consumers already own Blu-ray, the price drop seems insufficient (even though it's not).
This whole saga is all about bad decision making at the top of the Playstation food chain. I assure you Sony (and others) will learn from this whole debacle the next time around.
Yup, ugly. The glossy piano black with the capacitive buttons on the front were beautiful. The new model looks cheap. Matte finish (to hide finish flaws?), and regular buttons on the front (to get the price down).
you have got to be kidding. Not cheap enough??? Most blu-ray players are still on the high 200s, and this thing is price at 300 and have wayyy more capabilities. You'll have to wait 2 or 3 more years until the drop the it lower than this...but for now, you won't find a better bang for the buck.
Who really cares how a system LOOKS? It's cheaper, and that's what's important. As long as it works and does the job of blu ray player and console game platform, it's a winner. If you want the giant 80 gig radiator like I got for $500, go out and get it now cause it's ALSO $299 now. But to me it doesn't matter one way or the other.
You guys have to wait until you see it in person. There are tons of high-end home electronics components that look great with matte finishes. The PS3 Slim is over a third smaller, is quieter, and is more efficient. Those sound like high-end features to me. This isn't like the PS2 which went from having a tray-loading drive to a much-cheaper-feeling top loading drive. It still has the slot loading drive. It still has a user-replaceable industry standard hard drive, integrated wifi, etc.
I am a little puzzled as to the true motivations behind removing the Other OS feature. Maybe hackers are getting too close to unlocking the hypervisor restrictions?
The PS3 Slim is plenty cheap enough. Awesome Blu-ray + media extender + games = 300? Nice. Sure, the Xbox 360 and several Blu-ray players have Netflix streaming and most readers of this blog have an Xbox already. For a newcomer to the current gen gaming scene, though, the $300 PS3 Slim is a bargain.
The price for a 360, the wireless adapter for it, a year subscription to XBLA, and the cheapest standalone retail bluray player: $540
The price of the PS3 that includes all of these things: $300
I hate it when people include the cost of a stand alone Blu-ray player when comparing the price of the 360 to the PS3. Yes the PS3 has Blu-ray, but I don't really care about Blu-ray. Yes I have a HDTV (although it won't do 1080p), but Blu-ray still hasn't won the next gen format war, even if Toshiba has given up and is making Blu-ray drives now. When the whole Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD debate was going on every article said it would be the porn companies who determine what the next generation format would be. Well last time I checked they had determined that a decade ago. It's called the internet. Streaming media is where it's at, and the 360 has Netflix, which does have some HD content, and for less than the price of one Blu-ray disk I get 3 DVDs at a time and all the streaming I want (and I watch far more on the streaming than I do on the DVDs). DVD quality video is still quite watchable and for most things I watch I don't really care if I see it in SD vs HD.
Now am I saying I won't get a PS3, probably not. It has finally gotten down to a reasonable price and there are some exclusives that I would definitely like to play.
i agree w/ charlie. even though i already have a ps3 (60gb - best 'fatty' model IMO), i think it's really the inside (hardware) that counts. my ps3 puts out tons of heat so quieter, cooler is definitely a big plus, lucky for those who are gonna get it.
I hope this things starts selling like the Wii, then maybe there will be enough of an installed customer base to FORCE Netflix to join the PS3 party. I won't be buying one - not until they bring back the Emotion Engine. Until then, me and my fatty 60GB will be playing together, loudly.
Installed user base isn't the issue, it's that fat cheque from Microsoft.
Yup, Sony did the same thing to get Blue Ray to be dominant.
Gotta love big corps and their big wallets.
I don't think so, Xbox has it on lockdown =)
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/xbox-officially-the-only-console-able-to-stream-netflix-sorry/
Have you looked into PlayOn?
http://www.themediamall.com/playon
Netflix, Hulu, and others are already accessible on PS3 via PlayOn: http://www.themediamall.com/playon
@ Puggs
'blue ray' ............... $*@!?
My only issue with PlayOn is that I don't like to leave my computer on all the time, or go turn it on while I watch Netflix. I think I'll just get a Roku for $100 and be happy that I'm using less electricity. If Netflix was native to PS3, I would lose my mind. Maybe MS and Sony can work out a deal, they put BRD on 360, PS3 gets Netflix. Everybody wins! Right??
Wow, I'd freak, but it ain't gonna happen.
@mbrennan191
No kidding. I can not understand the big hype for netflix streaming in the first place. Why on earth do so many people care about streaming 5-10+ year old movies with the majority of which went straight to VHS...
If you are one of the few that actually like watching the horrible selection netflix offers you can use PlayOn...
@Dr. Blue
Huh? Not sure if you are complaining about my capitalization or what.
@Puggs
It's spelled "Blu-Ray", not "Blue-Ray". Considering how long it's been out it's hard to believe that people are still misspelling it.
I can see the appeal of the Netflix streaming but I don't consider it a deciding factor. I wouldn't be suprised if it did make it to the PS3 down the road (even though microsoft is claiming exlusivity) considering it is being implemented into many Blu-Ray players, set-top boxes and TVs. For now there are alternatives. I myself am actually considering getting a Roku player now that it includes out of market MLB streaming in HD.
Its not my fault Sony can't spell!
In all seriousness, I know its Blu-Ray but when I'm typing, working and reading... my fingers tend to get carried away!
@Mack211
I don't know if you've ever used netflix streaming but it offers a lot more than that. Yea it has a large selection of old movies but it has fairly recent ones, tv series, The office UK which people that don't have bbc don't get and a lot of gems i wouldn't think of watching if it wasn't for netflix.
The PS3 can play the Blu Ray movies you rent off of netflix though, the 360 can't.
Is it worth the tradeoff? Only if @#$% netflix adds HD On demand for PCs.
playon streams more than just Netflix. It'll stream Hulu, CNN, ESPN, Food Network, Adult Swim, Gametrailers TV, HGTV, Crackle, Spike, and some adult content sites like Redtube.
It works on both 360 and PS3, so its a win for everyone.
playon streams more than just Netflix. It'll stream Hulu, CNN, ESPN,
Food Network, Adult Swim, Gametrailers TV, HGTV, Crackle, Spike, and
some adult content sites.
It works on both 360 and PS3, so its a win for everyone.