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Sony hopeful for successful Black Friday PS3 sales
Ya know those sexy new commercials Sony recently unveiled highlighting the new 40GB PlayStation 3 and just about everything else that makes us love the system? Well, they've all been leading up to tomorrow - Black Friday. It just happens to be the day when the gaming industry sells more games and systems than any other day of the year.And on the eve of such an important day, Sony issued a press release to ensure we and everyone else know why the PS3 is geared to achieve the kind of holiday success it has always hoped for.Hit the jump to see the evidence.
40GB PS3 coming to India by December
With India home to the world's second-largest population, it only makes sense for Sony to devote some attention to the country. According to Atindriya Bose, India's PlayStation country manager, Sony is doing just that as it's set to launch the 40GB PS3 in December. "We are currently selling the 60GB PS3, the 40GB PS3 has been launched in many of the European markets, it's just a logistics issue that we might have around one, one and a half month delay," he said. "By the time we hit December, you will have the 40GB PS3 in the [Indian] market at a price point that matches the European market."While the 40GB looks destined to hit India by the close of the year, Sony is also looking into adding PS3 starter packs, as well, Bose said. Either way you look at it, it's clear that Sony plans to dominate the world with the 40GB PS3 one country at a time.
Sony: PS3 sales increased dramatically, won't reflect in NPD
Sony's CEO Howard Stringer is giving a little tease about Sony's current PS3 sales numbers before NPD lays down the law later today with the October data. Stringer says that in the two weeks prior to Nov. 11, they sold 100,000 units per week. However, the NPD group will only reflect data for the month of October, which saw the PS3 selling between 30K and 40K per week, according to Stringer. Sales only expectedly jumped after the introduction of the 40GB model on Nov. 2.Stringer admits to all the difficulties the PS3 has found in the last year, telling the Associate Press, "Obviously, we've taken so much heat over the year on PS3 ... Finally, the turning point has been passed." Although it's probably still too early to say that, at least Sony seems to be on the right path -- good thing everyone's sales go up during the holidays. [Via GameDaily]
DualShock 3 rumble works with PS2 games
Even if your PS3 doesn't work with PS2 games, apparently your fancy, imported DualShock 3 controller will. And that doesn't just include letting you spin two (count 'em!) two analog sticks while you're catching monkeys with a net. No, friends, you'll also be able to feel the visceral thrill of rumbling as you whack the monkeys with your stun club. ... Or, you know, play other PS2 games that don't involve catching monkeys. The DualShock 3's rumbling abilities with PS2 games, which only a few would have noticed by now, was apparently added by the PS3's 2.0 firmware.So the DualShock 3 is the newest gen of a next-gen peripheral now reaching back through time to accommodate a last-gen feature on last-gen games. But the only PS3s that support it will be those that play last-gen games, a feature that itself has become last-gen. We've honestly lost count of the layers of irony. Help us out here, Alanis.
40GB PS3s have 65nm Cell chips, 90nm GPUs
After conflicting reports regarding the chipset being used for the new 40GB PlayStation 3 model, Sony's Kaz Hirai has explained to Japanese publication Impress that the new model will indeed use 65nm Cell processor chips, which will greatly reduce the power consumption of the console, while currently sticking with the 90nm RSX graphics chip.Sony had denied initial reports of 65nm chips being used in 40GB version. Also mentioned in the interview is an indication that Sony is open, per se, to the possibility of bringing back the 20GB or 60GB models. "Depending on how the market reacts, it's possible for Sony to produce them again," he said. That would probably take people with pitchforks storming the Sony Castle demanding Metal Gear Solid 3 be fully compatible; we don't see it happening.[Via Engadget]
Forty percent failure rate completely false
There are a lot of rumors that simply don't end up on PS3 Fanboy. Why? Because some lack any semblance of credibility whatsoever. One was a recent report that 40% of 40GB PS3 systems were failing ... days after the system's launch. The reports were limited to a number of unknown websites, and details were slim.David Reeves from SCEE responded to these reports, telling Kotaku "We are very proud of the quality and reliability of PLAYSTATION 3 and are disappointed that such extremely sloppy journalism has resulted in this totally inaccurate story ... Since launching the 40GB PS3, we have experienced a fantastic jump in sales and the failure rates have remained at the very low level that we not only strive for, but have been achieving since the launch of PS3.""Sloppy journalism" and "totally unfounded rumors" do seem to go hand in hand, especially on the internet.[Via Three Speech]
New Target commercial may be a bit too much like Sony's
After watching Sony's latest round of PlayStation 3 commercials, it's probably safe to say most of us were awestruck, especially considering what lackluster commercials we've been subjected to for the past few years. While we assumed Sony's "marketing geniuses" created the new "Universe" ads, the company actually didn't have as much to do with them as previously thought. In actuality, Sony enlisted the help of marketing company TBWA\Chiat\Day, which, in turn, "commissioned the talents of Superfad who set out to design an animated universe that literally explodes from the system," according to Superfad's website. While we've long said Sony needs to reach outside its current marketing team for ideas, we're happy it finally did. However, we're not too sure how okay it is when that marketing team then creates another commercial using the same artistic direction as the one it created for Sony, which is exactly what happened when Superfad created the Art Connects commercial recently for Target. Although the two sets of commercials were created by different directors, the artistic similarities can't be ignored as both predominately focus on objects emanating from visually appealing black blobs. In the end, though, it's probably not that big a deal, as we're sure most consumers aren't dumb enough to confuse the two, but it is kinda strange to see both sets of commercials airing on television at the same time. Maybe next time Sony should make sure the company it hires to come up with its next round of commercials isn't so excited with its new style that it also applies it to another client.
Sony set to launch its biggest hardware ad campaign
Most gamers and industry critics alike have long said it was only a matter of time before the PlayStation 3 got its legs underneath it and came out swinging. It seems that time has arrived as this weekend will not only mark the 40GB PlayStation 3's official launch in North America but also Sony's largest-ever hardware marketing campaign to promote its new console.The marketing push will center around several 30- and 60-second commercials that feature the lower-priced unit, Sony's recent and upcoming first-party and exclusive titles, the PS3's Blu-ray capability, Home and the PlayStation Network, Vice President of Marketing at SCEA Peter Dille announced on the PlayStation Blog. "Beyond the brilliant HD games that the PS3 delivers, you'll also see a big focus behind the PS3's Blu-ray movie capability and, for the first time, you'll see a major focus behind the PlayStation Network and the exclusive gaming content available on the PlayStation Store, as well as break through services like Home," he wrote."Add to that the inflow of great games and a PS3 brand campaign - our largest ever behind a hardware platform - and we think it's going to be a great holiday season for PS3," Dille wrote. In the past, we've been critical of Sony's past marketing attempts of the PlayStation brand, but we think it's right on track with these new TV spots. However, only time will tell if this new push will create the consumer awareness that translates into the desired hardware and software sales.
Sony gets head in the game with new PS3 ads
The word you're looking for is: FINALLY. Sony America finally gets their damn head in the game to sell some PS3s with a new ad campaign for this holiday. Sony Senior VP of Marketing and PSN Peter Dille wrote a long love letter on Sony's blog about the plan with this holiday's marketing. "Last year, we launched the PS3 with a campaign that become known as the 'White Room' and we received a strong reaction to those ads for being provocative and demonstrating the PS3's power," Dille wrote, obviously unaware of the extreme delusion in that statement. "With those technology messages now firmly embedded, we wanted to move beyond the 'power' message with a more high-energy, entertainment driven focus for the PS3. The games are here, the price point is now $399 and we wanted to make the news loud and clear."The 30 second spot (above) focuses on the exclusive games for the console. And in a shocker for Sony, they actually show the games in the ads. After the break is the 60 second spot focusing on the PS3's features. Now we wait to see if new consumers notice the lack of backwards compatibility in their new $399 PS3.
40GB PS3 run cooler and quieter
Engadget is reporting that the new 40GB PS3 - which is on sale right now in Europe and Australia and which will be released in early November in America and Japan - is built quite differently from its 60GB and 80GB brethren. It seems Sony has done a bit of cleaning up of the internals of the machine by utilising a new motherboard and smaller components. Even the Cell itself has had a bit of a spruce up and the chips inside the 40GB SKUs are of the 65nm variety. This means that the 40GB PS3 runs quieter, cooler and at a lower power consumption than its big brothers. For audio-visual-philes this can only be a good thing when the PS3 is being used as a media hub. We've never had a problem with our PS3s making noise, but we're always happy to see technology get improved.
40GB PS3s run cooler, quieter, use less energy
A report from German site Computer Base reveals that consumers giving up backward compatibility on their 40GB PS3s are at least getting something in return. The new systems utilize the new 65nm version of the Cell processor, reducing the power usage from 200 watts to 135 and further limiting the heat and noise the system gives off.With both the Xbox 360 and PS3 now having the cheaper, more efficient 65nm CPUs integrated into their designs, the race to 45nm can truly begin. After that? We're predicting microscopic quantum CPUs.[Via Engadget]
Alabama Wal-Mart breaks 40GB street date
The question if retail outlets would receive shipments of the 40GB PS3 around Oct. 28 has been answered. Yes they did, and Wal-Mart has gone so far as put the darn thing on the shelf! A sharp-eyed PS3 Fanboy recently spotted the goof at a Wal-Mart in Birmingham, Ala., which is about three days ahead of the 40GB's officially scheduled Nov. 2 launch.We're sure we'll hear more stories of retailers jumping the gun in the next few days, and while we're sure it doesn't make Sony a happy camper, it's definitely a win for us.[Thanks for the tip, H. Phillips!]
40GB pre-orders go on sale
Major online retailers, such as amazon.com and Gamestop.com, are now taking pre-orders for Sony's upcoming 40GB PS3 system. The $399 system will lose backwards compatibility with PS2 games and memory card readers. It will, however, come bundled with a Spider-man 3 Blu-ray movie. Although this is the cheapest PS3 model yet, this version will still retain built-in wireless support.The system will be available on November 2nd. How many PS3 Fanboy readers are interested in picking this price-reduced model?See also:Comparison: Is the 40GB PS3 such a bad deal?
So what happens to the 20GB and 60GB models?
Remember the 20GB system? Long thought gone, the system is still available at Gamestop.com for $380. This is the cheapest system you can get. At $20 less than the 40GB model, you lose wi-fi connectivity and 20GB of hard disk space. However, you gain backwards compatibility. For those that want the cheapest PS3 that can also play PS2 games, this one may be for you.Thanks to the price drop, the 60GB model officially costs the same as the 80GB one. However, retailers aren't going for any of that nonsense and are now packaging the system with many other goodies. Walmart.com, for example, is bundling one free game and a Blu-ray remote with the 60GB system (making it a far better deal than the 80GB, in our opinion). Retail Best Buy stores will soon run a promotion where you can get a free copy of Heavenly Sword (or Lair, if you so dare) and an extra controller with the 60GB system. Obviously, these are "while supplies last," so you may have to rush to take advantage of these deals.[Via CAG]
80 GB PS3 price drop active now
You have to hand it to Sony: Once they've made their minds up, they like to act fast. For example, you might have thought that they would wait to cut the 80 GB PlayStation 3's price until the 40 GBs were in the wild, but not so. In fact, you can scoop up the only PS3 that can play PS2 games for $500 at your favorite game retailer, even though its little 40 GB brother won't be on the scene until Nov. 2. Just do us a favor. If you're going to buy a PS3, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Make sure you're buying it for Warhawk or Everyday Shooter or high-def movies or any of the many perfectly valid reasons to buy one. But don't buy it out of fear. Don't buy it because you're afraid that when you do want one the system will be even worse, or missing some other key feature that you care about. You're too good for that, and you work too hard for your money to be bullied into spending it. You already know that Sony dropped backwards compatibility to make you buy more PS3 games, you don't need to let your hand be forced. Remember, you're the one with the power. They have to make it compelling for you.[Thanks, Mike]
Comparison: Is the 40GB PS3 such a bad deal?
Click for full resolution image. Is the 40GB PS3 really such a bad deal? We stacked a number of systems side by side to see which gaming console is the best value (at least, in terms of hardware). For example, when compared to the Xbox 360, the $399 PS3 may seem like a pretty good deal, provided you're looking for built-in wi-fi and an HD movie player. These two peripherals cost $99 and $179 each for the Xbox 360.However, let's not forget that the 20GB Xbox 360 includes some backwards compatibility support (the 40GB PS3 does not). In addition, you get two free games with the system.The 60GB PS3 is in an interesting position right now, as it currently costs the same as the 80GB model. For the same price, you can get a larger hard drive and a free game. The only difference? The 80GB has more limited backwards compatibility support. Patrick Seybold from SCEA reminds us that "There are no plans to lower the price of the 60GB model. The 60GB model has nearly 95% backwards compatibility, so consumers looking for that feature have the option while supplies last."[Update: Chart updated with user suggested information. Updated with minor corrections. Thanks, readers!]
40GB PS3 + 80GB price cut confirmed for the US [Update]
Bet you didn't see this coming. We certainly didn't (that's sarcasm, by the way). SCEA have now confirmed that the 40GB PS3 will be coming to America for only $400 on November the 2nd. Not only that, but the 80GB model with have its price slashed from $600 to $500. Of course, the 40GB will "suffer" the same "drawbacks" as it does in Europe and Japan. Namely, a lack of backwards compatability, fewer USB ports and no memory card readers. Expect a surge in the sales of the 80GB system. We're just confused as to why Sony is waiting until November 2nd to get this launched. It's almost been out for a week over in Europe. [Update 1: Price-reduced 80GB systems are now available at GameStop. Also available at amazon.com][Update 2: Images of the 40GB box have been uploaded. Check past the break.]
40GB appears in Target, scans for $399
Take this as even further confirmation that the 40GB PS3 is coming. Scheduled to be in stock on 10/28, the new PS3 is ringing up at a nice $399.99. Add a Spider-man 3 Blu-ray disc, remove PS2 support, and you have one of the least surprising price drops ever. Sony won't "officially" announce this yet, of course -- there's just too many 60GB systems lying around.[Via Joystiq]
PS3 sees sales spike in Europe
MCV reports European tracking firm Chart Track informed them that the PS3 has seen a 178% increase in sales recently. They reached this conclusion calculating the "week-on-week PS3 hardware sales" following the introduction of the 60GB bundle and the new 40GB unit. It sounds like some fancy math is going on there, but we'll take any good news on the PS3 at this point.Chart Track says the introduction of the 40GB PS3 created the third largest hardware sales week for the system behind the console's first two weeks on sale. Software sales also increased as Resistance: Fall of Man jumped the charts from #22 to #8. Heavenly Sword and Motorstorm also saw increases. It appears Sony is finally getting the PS3 into a price range consumers are comfortable with.
PS3 sales surge 178 percent in the UK
And the price drop is the cause. Since releasing the 40GB model and reducing the price of the 60GB one, sales have skyrocketed, besting even the Xbox 360. However, the PS3 was unable to trounce upon the sales leaders, Wii and DS.With the recent surge in popularity of the PS3, games like Resistance have been climbing up the all formats chart. Insomniac's year-old FPS is now the eight best selling game in the territory.[Thanks, Boris!]
