We’ve done 2/3 next generation video game systems so far and finally we complete our video game system review with the winner of the past video game generation: The Playstation 3. It’s easy to see why the Playstation system did so well before. It came out at a time when consumers were looking to purchase affordable DVD players and had easy programming for video game programmers which helped to create a large amount of high quality video game characters and franchises. Since then, the XBOX 360 has stepped in early trying to beat Sony to the punch when it comes to high end technical gaming with new technology and strong graphics based video games. Let’s start with the highs and lows as usual.
Highs:
-Blue Ray Drive.
-Backwards Compatible with old playstation games.
-High end hardware makes it future-proof.
-High end graphics with 1080p capabilities.
-HDMI Input.
Lows:
-System is massive
-Price.
-No force feedback controller.
-System smudges a lot.
-Different price structures are missing certain key elements.
We should begin by stressing that this system is not a video game system but more of an entertainment center. The system will not only allow you to play your favorite video games but will also be able to display digital photos and watch high definition television. This system is perfect for anybody that has recently purchased a high definition television and wants to get the most graphic wise out of their television. The system includes the successor to the DVD player with the high-end Blu Ray player. The Blu Ray player is also partly the reason why the price of the machine is so high, costing over 700$. They offer two versions of the machine, with one including a 60gb hard drive and the other costing less, with only a 20gb hard drive. The problem with this system is that the cheaper version is missing a bunch of key elements including HDMI support and wi-fi capabilities.
The system itself is very large and weighs a lot. We wouldn’t recommend dropping this thing as it would not only probably break the system but your floor as well. The system doesn’t seem like it’s something to be moved and is more or less something that will be placed once and have a manner of other gadgets attached to it with the system being the center of attention. The system’s components open up well with a touch sensitive power button option as well as a loading disk tray that will suck up your cd once inserted. We’re still unsure of how well that feature will hold up over time once extensive opening and closing of the system is performed. The system’s controller is the siaxis motion sensing controller which doesn’t include rumble features due to a lawsuit between Sony and the makers of that technology. The motion sensing technology does work well though although not enough games are out yet that take advantage of the technology. The siaxis controller basically looks the same as the ps2 controller so owners of the previous system shouldn’t have much of a problem learning the ropes of the new one.
The controller will also be able to be played from a distance of 65 feet which is great although 30 feet would have been good enough for us anyways. The system hardware itself is very strong thanks to the help of graphics powerhouse Nvidia. This system is designed to last for a good long while with estimates of up to 10 years before another successor comes along to replace it. The games themselves have been lackluster at launch. The games are a bit steep at 60$ and haven’t reached their true potential just yet. The games that will be coming out soon look to be impressive though so we’re still waiting until some decent games come out that will change our impression but so far there has been nothing earth shattering to report about their games. Based on what we’ve seen so far, Sony looks to have a great system that will do well in about 2 years time. Currently the system is simply too expensive and the majority of gamers will only buy the system once they purchase a HDTV or wait till the price comes down or better games make it to the market place.
***UPDATE: Since our initial review, at E3 2007 Sony announced that a new 80GB PS3 would be introduced to North America with the 60GB going down in price and soon ceasing production of the 60GB model***
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