PS3 news and tidbits thread

[AlexJ]

Yeah, I'm definately holding out for the higher spec model to drop in price.

[Teho]

I see the only real loss for me in this new model is the backwards compatibility and the USB ports. Having a huge catalouge of PS1 and PS2 games, backwards compatibility is definitely required. And I'm allready using three of the four USB ports on mine, all four when I decide to charge the controller there (so the PS3 doesn't have to stay on when not in use, I normally just charge the controller on the PC which is on all the time anyway). So only two USB ports doesn't cut it.

As for the rest, having a 40GB harddrive instead of 60GB is a non-issue, I yanked out that 60GB one and replaced it with a 200GB one almost immediately anyway. And the card-readers I've only tested but never actually used. For data-transfers I use an external HD (as I don't have any card-reader for the PC anyway), and for other uses my TV also has the same card-readers and can do mostly the same things with the content. Yes, even play MP3s. So I've no real need for those ports, but I guess they could come in handy for smaller data-transfers if I ever get a reader for the PC.

But less USB-ports and no backwards compatibility is a serious blow for me. If I hadn't allready bought one, think I'd still prefer the current model too.

[Harrison]

Does anyone know if this new cut down PS3 will eventually replace the existing higher spec model? Or will it just be a cheaper option?

I definitely don't want one without USB and card reader slots. Might have to buy one soon if they are discontinuing the better model so I can make sure I get one!

[Sharingan]

The 'neutered' model is likely to become the standard unit for the time being. The 60GB model will be on sale for as long as stock lasts, so if the extra ports and backwards compatibility are must haves, it might be a good idea to consider picking one up. Whether Sony will re-introduce the 'full' models sometime into the future? No one knows. There's been talks of a 80GB unit, but whether that one will have all the extra bits and pieces remains to be seen.

Like mike already stated, Sony needed to introduce a system at a cost that would entice people who had a PS3 on their wishlist, but simply couldn't afford or justify paying such a high price for one. I think there were a LOT of PlayStation-loyal people still waiting for an acceptable price tag, and now that the price has been dropped, I think the PS3 will do good business over the holiday season.

The price difference between the 40GB model and the RoD360 is only minimal now (€ 50 difference, and for that you get more functionality), and with games like Ratchet, UT3, Uncharted and PES2008 right around the corner, the biggest software draught is also over.

[Harrison]

Sony did do similar things with the previous two Playstations. The original PSX model had composite and left and right audio outputs on the back, then they revised it and removed them, leaving just the single multi video port. With owners then needing to buy the different cables for each connection type. And with the PS2, the slim PS2 lost the unused firewire port, and the internal HD expansion connector, but did gain an ethernet port.

I looked up the new model and according to some sites selling it, it has a matt instead of shiny finish, and 2 USB slots (so it hasn't lost them all). I assume we could use a USB card reader plugged into one of the USB slots to gain back the same card reading ability?

[AlexJ]

I don't however quite understand the PS3 logic or removing the USB and card slots. Don't you need memory cards to back up save game data? And if you don't have USB ports how would you charge the controllers up or connect a camera/external HD?

Isn't it just less USB sockets?

EDIT: Yep, just the two USB sockets. Is it possible to use a hub to increase this number like on a PC?

As for the memory cards - is it possible an external card reader could be used instead if required?

[Teho]

Yes, they're reducing them from four to two. But as I said earlier, two is not enough for my use. Or at least I'd have to frequently switch things around on them if there were only two on mine.

[Sharingan]

EDIT: Yep, just the two USB sockets. Is it possible to use a hub to increase this number like on a PC?

As for the memory cards - is it possible an external card reader could be used instead if required?

As far as I know, and according to some people from other forums, any USB hub or USB hardware (such as mice, keyboards) will also be usable on the PS3.

On another note, Folklore has been spotted in a few shops already. Will probably be picking up a copy next week; going to write down some impressions then

[Demon Cleaner]

The Eye of Judgement has been released. I already saw a video in the very beginning, but now it also got a final release. It's a card based game, where you can buy packs and play like a normal card game on a mat. The mat and eye toy camera are included with the game, have a look for yourselves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWOmVEEEyMM

[Harrison]

I read an in depth article about this in the latest Edge magazine and it sounds quite cool, with the cards coming alive from the cards. Quite a cool idea. But... it would have been even better had Sony developed holographic projection! Then finally we could have a real version of the Star Wars Battle Chess style game seen on the Falcon.

Actually, the new PS EyeToy looks a lot better then the original PS2 one and could give Sony some games to compete with the Wii market, plus the added bonus of players being able to appear in the on screen action and capture their faces for the games. There are also quite a few games in development for it.