The Blu-Ray player function is the main reason I would consider the PS3. Just got lucky enough to grab an elusive Xbox 360 at a store, so another next-gen game machine is not high on my list for awhile. But with the first Blu-Ray players seemingly destined to list for north of $999, then the PS3 just as a Blu-Ray disc player is attractive at $500 or below.
I think Sony's announcement from the get-go that they would include Blu-Ray in the PS3 is clearly intended to drive adoption of Blu-Ray as THE HD disc format. The PS2 had a similar effect on DVD adoption in Japan almost 6 years ago.
I don't expect Sony to offer two SKUs like MS did with the 360 though, unless... the Blu-Ray movie playing feature really would drive up the cost of the PS3 to more than $500. Then they are going to want to have a SKU at under $400 to attract gamers who could care less about Blu-Ray movies and to offer something on the same price level as the 360. This would split their ultimate installed base somewhat, but as the difference only applies to movie playing, then it won't have the same impact that the two versions of the 360 could.
At this point, with all the rumors flying around fast and furious, and with Sony remaining so very tight-lipped on everything - still no pricing and no set launch date - I think anything could happen.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SteveH @ Feb 17th 2006 6:56PM
The Blu-Ray player function is the main reason I would consider the PS3. Just got lucky enough to grab an elusive Xbox 360 at a store, so another next-gen game machine is not high on my list for awhile. But with the first Blu-Ray players seemingly destined to list for north of $999, then the PS3 just as a Blu-Ray disc player is attractive at $500 or below.
I think Sony's announcement from the get-go that they would include Blu-Ray in the PS3 is clearly intended to drive adoption of Blu-Ray as THE HD disc format. The PS2 had a similar effect on DVD adoption in Japan almost 6 years ago.
I don't expect Sony to offer two SKUs like MS did with the 360 though, unless... the Blu-Ray movie playing feature really would drive up the cost of the PS3 to more than $500. Then they are going to want to have a SKU at under $400 to attract gamers who could care less about Blu-Ray movies and to offer something on the same price level as the 360. This would split their ultimate installed base somewhat, but as the difference only applies to movie playing, then it won't have the same impact that the two versions of the 360 could.
At this point, with all the rumors flying around fast and furious, and with Sony remaining so very tight-lipped on everything - still no pricing and no set launch date - I think anything could happen.