Sony's New, Slimmer PS3 Sells 1 Million Units In Three Weeks, But Can Momentum Continue?

In the videogame industry, hardware can not be sold well without software. The upcoming lineup for PS3 seems strong with games like Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Ratchet and Clank: A crack in time, MAG, God of War 3 and other PS3 exclusives. It is all about momentum and Sony has a great opportunity to take advantage with the PS3 slim.

Be aware that while the original PS3 had backwards compatibility and the ability to install Linux for use as a full computer (I did my taxes on it one year for fun, because I don't know what fun is.) The slim model removes those features. :\

Still, my advice to anyone is to buy a system based on the games you want to play. If your favorite games or type of game are exclusive to a single console, that's the console for you.

I own them all, because I'm a geek.

3vi1, consoles + accessories can also run you thousands of dollars. Then add another thousand or so in games.

The other benefits to the PS3 is the lower power consumption. Yet not having backwards compatibility is a huge disadvantage given the enormous library of PS2 games. Perhaps this is a conscientious marketing move from Sony.

Is Sony still losing money on the hardware components on the slim PS3?

gibbersome:

consoles + accessories can also run you thousands of dollars.

This is why I have not picked up a Wii.

$85 for a Wiimote+nunchuck+motion plus(Full controller)

$55 for a PS3 controller

$50 for a 360 controller

what's worse is that Nintendo is only now lowering the price of the Wii. Sales are sagging now that everyone has realized there aren't many good games out for the Wii.

I'm be one of those that have kept the Momentum. :)

gibbersome:

The other benefits to the PS3 is the lower power consumption.

As far as I'm concerned that's the only worthwhile benefit to the new slim PS3.  As long as you don't play too often I don't think it'll cut into your power bill too bad (and you can unplug it when off to be safe) so I encourage people to get a PS3 60GB.  Most used places have them for $250-$300.  Obviously the supply is slowly drying up, but while it exists it's worthwhile.  PS2 backwards + Linux... what's not to love?

PS 1+2 compatibility and linux compatibility both disappeared a long time ago.

I was under the impression that the PS3 uses more power than any of the other consoles (http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-356-1.htm).

>> Perhaps this is a conscientious marketing move from Sony.

I don't quite follow you there. I think it's a move to stop people from buying PS3's, no software, and building super-computing clusters.

I doubt they lose too much money to those installations though, when it's offset by people like me who are sold on the OtherOS functionality and then end up buying a lot of games.

>> PS 1+2 compatibility and linux compatibility both disappeared a long time ago.

No they did not.

Backwards compatibility was diminished in newer models because they moved it from hardware to software, but it still existed to some extent.

Linux/OtherOS capability has been present in every model until the slim.

I see a trend in those releases; they all have the number "2" or "3" in them (or at least it's implied, like that Ratchet & Clank title).

I guess that Activision guy, whose name I can't be bothered to remember but who looks like an evil Billy Crystal, was just stating the obvious: Game developers are only interested in titles which cover the same ground as previous releases, only bigger and louder. Sigh. This is one reason I don't have the latest paperweights from Sony or Microsoft (though Mom loves her Wii, especially the bundled sports games).

If the momentum does continue, a rough calculation shows that in 43 years, every human being on Earth will own one. That doesn't include population growth, of course; but if we're all playing PS3, we won't have time to make more babies.

>> I guess that Activision guy, whose name I can't be bothered to remember but who looks like an evil Billy Crystal...

LoL! And, I'm glad we can't be bothered to remember his name. We should only remember the Activision guys that were interested in innovation, like David Crane (whose name I really could remember off the top of my head).

The PS 3 Slim uses less power and quieter than PS3. The reguar PS3 is still the power hog king.

"The PS3 Slim has a new 45nm version of the Cell processor, which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the “old” PS3 but is smaller and more energy efficient Power consumption for ps3 Slim has also been reduced to 2/3 and that helps to cut down the fan noise."

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/et/256

>> I don't quite follow you there. I think it's a move to stop people from buying PS3's, no software, and building super-computing clusters.

I doubt they lose too much money to those installations though, when it's offset by people like me who are sold on the OtherOS functionality and then end up buying a lot of games. <<

One of two things. The PS3 slim appeals to a newer crowd, who would have to purchase a PS2 separately to enjoy the benefit of both consoles.

Second and more plausibly, they're trying to get people to move away from the PS2, and purchase games for the PS3, from which they'll get a bigger cut.

What would be interesting to see is who are the 1 million people who purchased the PS3 slim.

Are they Sony enthusiasts who already own a regular PS3 (like the crazy apple fans who go out and purchase a new generation Ipod every time it comes out)?

Are they PS2 owners who are ready to move up to a PS3 given the smaller package and better price?

Or is a new segment of the population, who has never owned a Playstation before?

the older design looks better..

I prefer the new design myself.  I will probably be a new owner come Holiday season...

After the failure of HD DVD I vowed to never get a BLU RAY device of any kind. I eventually caved and bought a PS3 Slim a few weeks ago. I still believe HD DVD was the better format though :P

The slims are really nice, and if my Gen 1 ever died then I wouldn't hesitate getting one.

Regardless of which PS3 you have and/or prefer, Uncharted is 1 of a few exclusive franchises that truly make the console worth owning IMHO... awesome games!

I bought one but was disappointed to find there were no component cables included. My TV doesn't have HDMI so for sure I need component to at least get 1080i.