Sony announced at E3 [ http://www.e3insider.com/portal/ ] this week that the PlayStation 3 gaming console is on track for a US launch on November 17th, which will feature a redesigned controller that we’re also expecting to see this week at some point (and is rumored to be similar to the controversial controller for the Nintendo Wii), and will launch with either a 20GB hard drive at $499, or 60GB hard drive for $100 more. Apparently the 60GB version will also include other features that will make the extra hundred dollars worthwhile, according to Sony, but what those features are haven’t been announced yet. This price point makes it a hundred buck more expensive than the XBox 360, but whether or not Sony will make the extra hundred dollars worthwhile with a substantial launch library and some attractive bundling with games and peripherals at launch remains to be seen.
People have complained about the high price, and the price might make the console a problem for mainstream purchasers unless Sony can come to the table with some home theatre functionality and downloadable game library capacity like Microsoft has with the XBox 360, but hopefully we’ll learn more at E3 when Sony makes additional announcements.
This should really heat up the war between Microsoft and Sony. I wonder what consumers will decide – price or power?
PlayStation 3 is going to be great. Blu-ray isn’t Betamax as many say, it will truly be a format that people use. It has so many advantages over Microsoft and Nintendo. Over the Xbox 360, PS3 will have motion detection in the controllers, a 60 GB HD, blu-ray playing (those will cost 700+ when they come out), exclusivity in games, better processor, and the fan base. I can’t wait.