A 2008 Look At The PS3: Poised For A Strong Rebound?

A full year after I purchased my Wii, I did the math and realized after some strategic sales of some parts of my video game library, I could reel in a rare (but cheap) 20GB Playstation 3 console. So I called around and finally found one.


Choosing Your Playstation

There are quite a few Playstation 3 SKUs. There's a 20GB model, a 40GB one, a 60GB one, and an 80GB one; all corresponding to the size of the hard drive installed. However there are quite a few differences between the models. The 20GB model stopped production in the US sometime around April of last year, but is still in production in Japan. The 60GB stopped production as well sometime this summer shortly after a $100 price drop. After the 60GB version stopped production, Sony rolled out a 40GB model and an 80GB model priced at $400 and $500 respectively. So what's the difference between all these versions?

20GB Model

Bluetooth: Yes
Bluray Drive: Yes
Ethernet: Yes
Flash Card Reader: No
HDD Size: 20GB
HDMI: Yes
MSRP: $300-$350 used
PS1 Backwards compatibility: Yes
PS2 Backwards compatibility: Yes (Hardware Emulation)
USB Ports: 4
Wifi: No

40GB Model

Bluetooth: Yes
Bluray Drive: Yes
Ethernet: Yes
Flash Card Reader: No
HDD Size: 40GB
HDMI: Yes
MSRP: $400 new
PS1 Backwards compatibility: Yes
PS2 Backwards compatibility: No
USB Ports: 2
Wifi: Yes

60GB Model

Bluetooth: Yes
Bluray Drive: Yes
Ethernet: Yes
Flash Card Reader: Yes
HDD Size: 60GB
HDMI: Yes
MSRP: $450-$500 used
PS1 Backwards compatibility: Yes
PS2 Backwards compatibility: Yes (Hardware Emulation)
USB Ports: 4
Wifi: Yes

80GB Model

Bluetooth: Yes
Bluray Drive: Yes
Ethernet: Yes
Flash Card Reader: Yes
HDD Size: 80GB
HDMI: Yes
MSRP: $500 new
PS1 Backwards compatibility: Yes
PS2 Backwards compatibility: Yes (Software Emulation)
USB Ports: 4
Wifi: Yes

So to recap, I chose the 20GB model because it had the most of what I was looking for. I wanted to have the most backwards compatibility as possible because there were many PS2 games I still have yet to play. The hardware emulation after firmware upgrades came close to 100% compatibility whereas software emulation comes in at an underwhelming 80% success rate. The HDD size wasn't a big deal for me because the drives can be replaced with any 2.5" SATA laptop HDD. I have two routers in my house (one acting as a repeater) so wireless isn't needed at all. I wanted the most USB ports as possible because I have lots of USB devices that are compatible with the PS3, including a flash card reader. The 20GB model was selling in the $300-$350 range which is around what I paid for my . So there's my justification, but not everyone else.


Features

The most prominent feature on the Playstation 3 is the ability to play Bluray movies. Ever since Toshiba threw in the towel with HD-DVD just a few weeks ago, this feature becomes even more important. Having a Bluray player is very advantageous for people who have HDTVs and wish to watch movies in high definition.

The Playstation 3 will also feature a service called Playstation Home. It's kind of like a mini version of Second Life where you have an apartment. However it also will attempt to integrate in achievements as were popularized on the Xbox 360. While the service will likely be free to use, there have been reports that add-ons will be available for purchase, which is kind of a turnoff for me.

The Playstation 3 offers access to Sony's Playstation Network as well. Playstation Network is kind of like Sony's Xbox Live only not quite as potent. You can shop for games and movies as with Xbox Live through the Playstation Store. There's voice chat, rankings, and other features similar to Xbox Live. The biggest problem is that the Playstation Network doesn't seamlessly integrate with the games that you're playing. One of the fun aspects of Xbox Live is you could chat with people playing different games while online. However the Playstation Network seems more rigid.

One useful feature is the Playstation 3 comes with its own internet web browser. It's a browser developed internally within Sony, but it's surprisingly compatible with many webpages. The interface isn't nearly as clean and intuitive as the Wii's Opera Browser, but it's still surprisingly easy to use. I actually use it as an alternative to the Wii's browser from time to time.

The Playstation 3 runs on Linux. However, Sony allows you to load your own version of Linux on their hardware. This is really impressive as it's a really nice bone to throw out to such a small percentage of the gaming population. People who really enjoy tinkering with Linux should definitely not discount this feature. Of course it probably isn't as flexible as most hardcore Linux hackers prefer, but it's a nice feature to consider for a small percentage of the folks out there.

The Playstation 3 also has followed suit with what Nintendo has done promoting the synergy between its consoles and handhelds. The Playstation Portable can connect to your PS3 wirelessly. Unfortunately, there isn't much support in the way of games to take advantage of this connectivity and it remains to be seen whether there ever will be. Still, it's worth mentioning as a possibility on the horizon. If you have a PSP and enjoy playing it, then you might want to consider a PS3 if you're excited about the connectivity possibilities.

Finally, there's a humanitarian reason to own a PS3. The PS3 allows you to download a program called Folding@Home. Similar to the SETI@Home project for your computer, Folding@Home allows medical researchers to use your PS3's CPU cycles to do complex calculations via one giant internet cluster. The result is that while you're not using your PS3, it is being put to good use through medical research. Yes you do end up spending more money on your electric bill by leaving your machine on, but I think of it like donating money to find cures to deadly and debilitating diseases.


Hardware

The Playstation 3 has a very impressive amount of hardware within its sleek black casing. The central processing unit runs at 3.2GHz but there are also 6 separate SPE processors that each run at 3.2GHz. There are two sets of 256MB RAM: XDR running at 3.2GHz and GDDR3 VRAM running at 700MHz. The GPU processor runs at 550MHz. The sound runs Dolby 5.1 channel DTS.

The system has an HDMI port capable of up to 1080p, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and a Bluray disc player capable of playing Bluray discs, all types of DVDs, CDs and Super Audio CDs. The Hard Disk Drive is a standard 2.5 SATA drive commonly found in most laptop computers. It's detachable and upgradeable to larger sizes.

Overall the hardware has more raw power than any other game console to date. However, having the most powerful console in terms of hardware doesn't necessarily translate into success. If you look at the Xbox and N64, they were both vastly superior to their rivals, yet they lost out for various other reasons.


Accessories

The Sixaxis controller is the centerpiece of all the PS3 accessories. It's like your standard DualShock 2 controller with wireless, motion sensing, and the removal of the rumble feature. The button layouts are the same with the square, triangle, circle, and X face buttons, the dual analog sticks at the bottom, and the four trigger buttons across the top face. The Dpad is still really difficult to use especially while trying to input diagonals. The biggest subtraction is the rumble feature, which reportedly is returning with the DualShock 3 controller. I think this was an oversight on Sony's part to help recoup the high costs of the hardware. What's new is the motion sensing. It isn't as robust as the Wii remote. That is, it doesn't sense position relative to the TV, but rather just rotation. This allows for the Sixaxis controller to act as a flight stick, or steering wheel. Most early implementations of this feature are either as basic as shaking the controller as a minor gameplay element, or full on flight stick mode with spotty results. Either way a verdict on this feature still hasn't been reached yet. Hopefully with time more developers can do some creative things with the Sixaxis functionality.

Also on the horizon is the DualShock 3 controller. It has the same features as the Sixaxis except it also has a rumble feature. It's noticeably heavier than the Sixaxis controller and even its DualShock 2 counterparts. But overall this is the controller they ultimately should have went with. Sony made the same mistake with the when it later came out with the DualShock controller which featured dual analog sticks. Luckily the industry adapted and the older controllers became obsolete quick. I have a feeling the rumble feature of the DualShock 3 controllers won't be a requirement, but rather a subtle nuance that will help make the PS3 gaming library more immersive.

The PlayStation Eye is the next generation of the PS2's EyeToy, meaning it's next generation "webcam" that hooks up to your PS3. It can pick up hand movements, map your face and transpose it onto, say a custom created baseball player. However, with the popularity of the Wii, it's unfortunate that this cannot be more than simply an interface to play human video games (ala the final challenge from Nick Arcade). You'd think you could replicate at least part of the Wii Remote's properties, perhaps even more if it can recognize the Sixaxis controller on the screen. As a result I doubt the potential of the Playstation Eye will ever be tapped. Instead, the resounding phrase uttered in reponse to its ability will be "gee, that's neat" instead of "wow, this is great" as is the case when you first pick up a Wii Remote.

One of the accessories I got was a Bluray DVD remote. It isn't needed as the wireless Sixaxis controller does the job just fine. I decided to get it because my wife didn't understand how to control the movie with the controller. I figured for $15 this was the simplest solution. It's a good sturdy remote that really does the job well. Most buttons are logically placed. While not necessary, it certainly is a good accessory to have around.

The PS3 also features a Bluetooth headset which allows you to listen to and talk to friends while online. There's a charge stand which allows you to recharge your remotes without taking up all your USB ports. This is one of the more useless items unless you really like your controllers to recharge in style. Finally, there's a PS1/PS2 memory card adapter. It plugs into your USB ports and allows you to use your saved data from your old PS1 and PS2 memory cards.

Using the USB ports, you can also use many of the PS2 accessories like the old USB headsets. This comes in handy if you don't want to splurge for a fancy Bluetooth headset.


Gaming Library

The PS3 has about a half dozen exclusive games which should interest the majority of gamers out there. These being Resistance: Fall of Man, Uncharted Drake's Fortune, Heavenly Sword, Warhawk, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, and MLB 07: The Show. The problem is that many of these games do not measure up well with its competition. Most of these games do not have the family appeal of Nintendo's first party franchises like Super Mario Brothers, Zelda, or Metroid. In addition most of these titles were not as critically acclaimed as similar Xbox 360 titles. For instance, Resistance: Fall of Man has to compete against Halo 3 and to a lesser extent Bioshock. Also the PS3 doesn't have strong exclusive RPG titles like the Xbox 360 has in Mass Effect.

Because of the PS3's solid hardware, many of the larger 3rd party publishers have ported their games to the PS3. Thus the PS3 benefits greatly from titles such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Call of Duty 4, Rock Band, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Unreal Tournament 3, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, Virtua Fighter 5, The Orange Box, and Guitar Hero III. However, as of this moment the PS3 is simply keeping pace with the Xbox 360 when it comes to these titles. Many gamers if they wish to have a second console to complement their Wii, will likely choose an Xbox 360 over a PS3 because it has all the same titles as the PS3.

As far as ports go, it's a tough call whether you'll be best served with an Xbox 360 or PS3. Case in point, The Orange Box had some terrible problems on the PS3 and All Pro Football 2K8 for the PS3 was clearly inferior to the PS3 version. I remember reading reviews from major publications for only the Xbox 360 version because the 3rd party publisher only sent a copy for that console. However, there's also a flip side. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for PS3 is so much more enjoyable on the PS3 than on the Xbox 360 because of increased draw distances and load times.

Given some of the patterns I've seen, if you're looking for a sports game, you're better off with an Xbox 360 in general. The games on that platform tend to have higher frame rates than their PS3 ports. The one notable exception to this rule is baseball. MLB 07: The Show is probably the best baseball simulation with realistic looking graphics, but it's only available for the PS3.

As for upcoming titles, the one title that seems to be generating all the buzz is Metal Gear Solid 4. Sony is so anxious to spread the word about MGS4 that it's rolling out the DualShock 3 especially for that game. Another title that's generating some buzz is LittleBigPlanet, a creative platformer. At best LittleBigPlanet could compete with Nintendo's platformer titles, but to me it seems like a game that's destined more to be the PS3's . Finally, while nothing has been announced yet, the biggest title yet to be formally announced is Final Fantasy XIII. It's been surprising how few RPGs have been available on the PS3, one full year after its release. However, this is the biggest game to appear on the PS3 and it could sell quite a few systems if it's a PS3 exclusive.

The PS3 can also download games from the Playstation Network. The library of games available on the Playstation Network pales on comparison to the Wii's Virtual Consoles and the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade. Still, there are a few games worth looking at including Calling All Cars, flOw, and many Playstation 1 games. It's not as impressive as the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade, and there are some nostalgic gamers who definitely prefer the Wii's Virtual Console over the Playstation Network as well.

The Playstation 3 can also play older Playstation 1 discs; while most models can play Playstation 2 discs (the 40GB model cannot). While the Playstation 3 doesn't have as many quality current generation titles as the Wii or Xbox 360, it does have the largest gaming library when you factor in backwards compatibility. Given the size and quality of the PS1 and PS2 gaming library, this should keep you busy if you run out of good PS3 titles to play for a little while. Still, with the new PS3 models that have just come out and the rumors of new PS3 SKUs on the horizon, maintaining backwards compatibility does not seem to be much of a priority in the future. That's kind of sad since the PS2 is still going strong due to its impressive library.


Conclusion

Despite all its issues, the PS3 is a pretty nice console. Yeah it doesn't have a ton of great games, and its future doesn't look as bright as the Wii; but the Playstation 2 was way too successful for the PS3 to go down in flames the way it’s projected to. With the problems that the Wii is having adapting to the new controller combined with the Xbox 360 inability to make a splash in Japan, the situation is ripe for a strong rebound for the Playstation 3. The problem is beyond Metal Gear Solid 4, the gaming library just don't have the same set of killer titles the Xbox 360 has. And while the Wii is still struggling to obtain solid 3rd party titles, it's still churning out fantastic first party exclusives like Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy. Sony just doesn't have that kind of solid first party support to get the wheels in motion.

So at this point in time, the answer is clear. If you want a Bluray player, a solid but not transcendent HD-capable gaming system, and free online support then the PS3 is your system. Most of its best titles are not exclusives, but there are plenty to keep you busy for a long time. Besides, if you're into more things than just games, the PS3 does a fair amount more than the Xbox 360 at less of a cost. However, if you're a serious gamer and are wondering if it's worth getting a PS3, I would recommend either purchasing or sticking with your Xbox 360 instead. Of course it matters how much you wish to play the PS3's exclusive titles, but in most cases it's not $400 worth it. Casual gamers should probably avoid the PS3. There simply isn't that much there for the casual gamer. Casual gamers will find that they overpaid for a PS3. Instead try to find a Wii, though the Xbox 360 is also a decent console for casual gamers as Xbox Live Arcade features some great casual games. It helps to have someone in the house with more of a passing interest in games however to justify an Xbox 360.

Let's be frank here. The PS3 is currently running 3rd in the latest console war. It doesn't have the hype or momentum that the Wii has, nor does it have a stronger exclusive library as the Xbox 360. But let's not abandon hope just yet. Sony just won the DVD format war which should help the sales of the PS3. In addition, the Wii hasn't quite gotten much traction in improving its own library of games despite all the hype. The PS3 is a very impressive machine with a lot of advantages. As soon as it becomes more affordable and/or more attractive to video game consumers, we'll likely see a strong resurgence from the Playstation 3.