The $500 Playstation 3 is missing something...like HDMI, WiFi and Memory card reader.
by Richard Lawler 
posted May 8th 2006 at 11:41PM
If the only difference between the models is a 40GB hard drive, thats one thing, but did Sony "tard pack" the cheaper version of the PS3? That's what it appears according to this spec sheet directly from Sony. According to the pdf, all of those are exclusive to the version of the PS3 that will cost $600 when they are released this fall. This is a very odd strategy from Sony, while we still have doubts about Microsoft's ability to support HDCP with their HD DVD add on, it is odd that Sony would split their market of potential Blu-ray customers. Analog outputs would still give you 1080i high definition, but no all-digital twin-1080p HDCP protected loving like we have been dreaming about since the last E3. Stripping WiFi cancels much of the PSP functionality shown, and what is backwards compatibility if you can't transfer saves on a memory stick?
Say it ain't so Sony, say it ain't so.
Check out Joystiq for more E3 coverage, including the first official pics.
Filed under: Sony
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
heatedCHiEF @ May 9th 2006 12:15AM
Sony seems to be really stumbling as a company right now. If they fail with the PS3, Blu-Ray might fail with it.
idioteraser @ May 9th 2006 12:35AM
The controller also doesn't have rumble. Something the Nintendo controller has. Also the Nintendo console has wifi out of the box.
I wonder what the reaction to this news will be once the furor over Sony trying to rip off the controller subsides.
Phate @ May 9th 2006 12:46AM
Compared to a similarly priced Mac Mini ... PS3 is a bargain. It will sell at those price points.
James @ May 9th 2006 2:21AM
I just got in from the press conference. Sony was talking out of both sides of its mouth. It wants to complain about gimmicks but then shows a Karaoke game, a card game with EyeToy, a game that uses the PSP as a rear-view mirror and then rips off Nintendo's controller.
They were also pretty sneaky in making it seem like the hard disc drive was the only difference. Why the heck would you want the $500 unit? At first, we were joking that the rampant phone calls of "Do you have any pro systems" in stock would be replaced with "Do you have any basic PS3s?"
The games... sigh... the games. Heavenly Sword looked amazing, but the other games were Xbox 360 level at their best. Though I will give props to MGS4/FFXIII.
Right now, this thing is the PlayStation 3DO.
Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ May 9th 2006 5:48AM
Phate, you seem to be misunderstanding something. Mac Mini is full fledged computer - there are many options for you of what you can do with it. Apple will never restrict you on what you can do with it.
PS3 isn't even released yet, but you can surely expect thick layer of restrictions normally applied to a gaming console. It's NOT personal computer. It would be able to do most of the tasks - but it will never reach the level of features one expects from normal computer. Even Mac Mini.
Game console is the platform to make you buy some particular products. Namely video games. Sony tries to pitch PS3 as a BD player - they like you to buy a movies on BDs. Movies and games are two quite different markets. Thou I can see many households opting for combo video player + game console, in the end, game console belong to kids room, while video player is something whole family would enjoy. It's freaking different markets.
Only time will show would they succed or not. My bet: with $500-600 price they wouldn't. Kids do not have such money. Most families - in my experience - would rather opt for simple all-in-one solution for BD player (just like many did with DVD player and 5+1 sound).
zombieflanders @ May 9th 2006 7:51AM
"in the end, game console belong to kids room"
No, they don't. Gamers are no longer dominated by kids. Most dedicated gamers are in their 20s, and 40% of adults play games. That's who the 360 and PSP and PS3 have been aiming at, both in terms of price and games. Nintendo will try to capture the children's market, like they tried with the Gamecube and DS, but have innovated enough this time around to make it actually happen.
ANd here's one more big difference: PS3 will be popular around the world (and probably, so will the "Wii"). However, the 360 is still very much a machine for and bought by Americans. Response in Europe hasn't been nearly as ecstatic as here, and the best you could say about performance in the Japanese market is that at least they sold a few.
Big Sam @ May 9th 2006 8:06AM
What happened to the dual HDMI outputs we were promised?
Dan in DC/VA @ May 9th 2006 8:40AM
I was thinking the same thing, Big Sam.
My uninformed opinion is that the hardware costs of driving 2 1080p outputs is just not within reach for a console device. It always seemed like a bit of a fantasy.
I'm betting the guys at Sony asked themselves "what percentage of our market base will have 2 hdmi capable devices in the same room at the same time? And how much will that hardware drive up the cost for the rest of market who do not?"
pete @ May 9th 2006 9:50AM
How can they have a version without HDMI?
That would mean 2 completely different motherboards, no?
I'm hoping they clear this up soon.
I'm guessing that the video connections are done through a breakout-box type thingy, and you get the HDMI cable/connector thing in the spendy version.
Eazy @ May 9th 2006 9:50AM
Well forget about the dual HDMI ports, I can live with the resource limitation, but not at all included on the 'basic' model? It's not like I can go out & buy a HDMI add-on port (Obviously, i won't be buying the basic one).
Anywho, at zombieflanders, maybe 'Philips' is older than us (or didn't grow up on games) so even a 30 year old is a kid to him. ;)
LA Dave @ May 9th 2006 10:28AM
I think the PS3 will sell.
They set the price to sell to early adopters.
Look at what people were paying just to get an Xbox 360 when it first came out.
If you add all the accessories to the Premium you do end up paying around $600 for a system that is "comporable". Premium System ($400) + WiFi adapter ($100) + HD DVD Add On (speculate $100)+ Memory Card Adapter ($20) = $620 for a system with a 20GB HD vs a 60GB.
I'm sure Microsoft is going to drop the prices for the consoles before PS3 comes out, but they are already hemmoraging money on console sales.
I think Sony's position is to lose less money at launch. The true hardcore gamers will get one and let them spread word of mouth. The price isn't set in stone and they can always lower it after the holidays. The PS3 like the 360, will be the must-have for the Holidays.
I think they totally ripped off the Wii on the controllers, but if the Wii is priced at $250, we may also see a price backlash from consumers. Sure it has a nifty controller and library of games, but alleged 480p output doesn't put it on par as a next gen console.
jamiecn @ May 9th 2006 10:38AM
i was pretty dissapointed when i first read this document, hopefully just like the controller did, this will change if the whole interweb bitches about it !.
also some of the games were looking sub-par as opposed to the quality set by previously unveiled PS3 games, that could be the footage quality i seen though(in particular Gran Turismo HD). Still cant wait to get one though :)
nemi @ May 9th 2006 2:32PM
#9 No it would not, It would mean leaving the HDMI connector and HDMI chip and associated logic off the cheaper motherboard.
I am guessing there is licensing dost for HDCP and HDMI that sony get to save on. Never mind the rumoured shortage of HDMI logic ships which could severely cripple the launch qty. if all systems had to have them.
I can now see why Sony have a version with HDMI left out and why MS did not launch with HDMI - the HDMI chip shortage must be really bad.
Bob @ May 9th 2006 6:09PM
Does anyone know if we can get HDMI out of the Multi A/V port? Many previous consoles had a single A/V output with various cables of myriad connectors (component, S-Video, good old standard composite...)
Take a look at pictures of the bottom of the 20GB and the 60GB versions - both show the same supported formats, including Dolby True HD and DTS HD Digital. These formats exceed the bandwidth specifications for SPDIF so you're stuck with either HDMI or multiple RCA connections to get these audio formats.
These facts have led me to the hopeful assumption that HDMI can be accessed with the 20GB SKU via the Multi A/V port. This also makes me think we can see 2x HDMI driven monitors with the 60GB SKU as Sony has been touting.
Either way, by not listing the capabilities of the Multi A/V port Sony has caused quite a negative stir. Hopefully we can get clarification on this point soon.
Your thoughts?
-Bob
Richard Lawler @ May 9th 2006 6:21PM
Bob - Henning at Hdblog.net had indicated the 360 could not output HDMI from it's multi-AV port because it simply does not have enough electricity gonig through it, and after sony showed the initial mockups with a multi port and two hdmi ports I assumed the same was true for the PS3.
I can't really say for sure until we hear but I don't think that is a possibility.