Never in my life have I seen the same computing product get more hardware changes than software updates. Yes, I'm talking about Sony's Playstation 3, a product that is now starting on what can only be described as its third major retail beta program... with a fourth supposedly in the works.
According to an Engadget report, Gamestop has done everything but dole out the ISBN numbers on the packaging for the still unconfirmed 120GB Playstation 3. Was 80GB too small for their top tier PS3? No, of course not. It was too small to also be bundled with the new DualShock 3 controller... the controller that should have been bundled with all PS3 models to begin with. Sorry to everyone who bought an 80GB PS3 in the last few weeks. No refunds or exchanges please.
Thinking about picking yourself up a new 20, 40, 60, 80, or 120 Gig PS3 in the coming months and want to know which is the safest buy? Let's break it down:
- The 20GB model is dead. Where have you been?
- Forget the 40GB model; my gut says it will also see a small hard drive upgrade and new controller at some point in the near future... probably up to 60 or 80 gigs. But don't confuse it with the old and current 60 or 80 GB model; it won't be the same thing. Also, even if they don't up the drive size, no doubt there will be a DualShock 3 version before long. My advice, wait for the model after the coming model.
- If you want to play PS2 games on your PS3 and want Wi-Fi, buy the 60GB model if you can still find one. It was the most feature complete PS3 produced. Be careful if the up the current 40BGB model to 60GB, which could make it deceiving. Of course, you're stuck with the defunct Six Axis controller if you go this route.
- No point in buying the 80GB model unless you're interested in PS2 compatibility. Otherwsie, They're adding 40GB to it and dropping in the new Dual Shock 3 controller. I'd stick it out until the 120GB model hits store shelves.
- So the not yet released 120GB model is the safe buy... right? You'd think so, but no. Rumors are there's a new PS3 design rumored to be in the works which will it thinner, lighter, and probably less expensive... just like what they did to the PS2 after a while. Even though the new 120GB isn't even out yet, it's already obsolete. My advice... pass.
Confused? Of course you are! There have been FIVE different version of the same game system, and I wouldn't be surprised if you see more of them soon.
What is it going to take for Sony to finally learn there are no objections to the PS3 hardware other than the price? If they want to sell more units, it's going to take better games, more attention to online, and lower prices. Changing the hardware every 6 months is just pissing off your early adopters.
You pay attention too Microsoft. The "HDMI-less 360 club" isn't too happy with you either.
