The Digital Journal Lemon Award: Sony PlayStation 3

Great Post....Thanks for the reminder, I just can't get enough of the magazine. It a great read. Am downloading now the latest version.

This article does make a few good points, but the games out for the PS3 right now are nothing special. You can't rate the PS3 on the first games that ever come out for the system, give it a year till you compare systems through their games. So far though, the games that have been released are really the no-name games that you overlook when shopping for games. You have to wait till the games like Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 come out. Those are the type of games that you buy the PS3 for. And that trailer for the PS3 were everyone is saying that the graphics are only good because it is a cutscene? Those are the graphics for the ingame action, they were demonstrating on what they are trying to aachieve. And knowing the first game, the graphics will be better. So don't go off talking about a system unless you own one, or it's had a years run. Take a look at the nintendo DS, it sucked for the first year, and now it's doing better than the Wii.

I thought the Lemon Award will go to Microsoft Windows :) but neat post. True what you guys say about PS3, they should have worked closely with gamers when they were developing this console like Apple does with their products. That way they could have had great games for PS3. Sony used to respond well before, something is lacking with them, hope they respond and get the best product award from DJ next year.

There were many candidates we considered for the Lemon Award, but we thought the PS3 was far too hyped up.

Aaron, thanks for your feedback but we have spent a LONG time with this console reviewing everything (not just games). As for owning one: Between everyone that works at DJ, we probably own one of every console, gadget and tech toy. You can see our original PS3 launch report here.

The console was a big disappointment for many reasons -- not just graphics.

@ Chris Hogg:
There were many candidates we considered for the Lemon Award, but we thought the PS3 was far too hyped up.

Aaron, thanks for your feedback but we have spent a LONG time with this console reviewing everything (not just games). As for owning one: Between everyone that works at DJ, we probably own one of every console, gadget and tech toy. You can see our original PS3 launch report here.

The console was a big disappointment for many reasons -- not just graphics.

yeah, but you have to admit that some of the other consoles were a bit of a dissapointment aswell. Like the games for the Wii were hyped up to be something huge because of the remote controller but when people played them, they were reported as bad games. Almost everything you hear about is hype.

Xbox 360 still rules around here, and the kids haven't asked for a PS3 or even Wii for that matter, thankfully.
Sony has lots of problems and are falling behind in other areas as well, i.e. MP3 players. And Blu-Ray, who knows, another Beta Max?

@ aarontrippedout:
yeah, but you have to admit that some of the other consoles were a bit of a dissapointment aswell. Like the games for the Wii were hyped up to be something huge because of the remote controller but when people played them, they were reported as bad games. Almost everything you hear about is hype.

Wii brought in a lot of innovation with the controller though. You keep referring simply to games but it's about more than that. Sony is forcing an enormous price tag on gamers because of Blu-ray rather than giving it as an option (like Microsoft did with 360); they had massive shortages that totally screwed their global launch; they aren't offering much of a leap from the PS2; and the 360 has delivered kick-ass games and graphics for more than a year....etc.

Wow you must really hate Sony! How easy people forget the fall backs that Xbox 360 had for it's launch. As I look at your web site looking for Microsoft adds..lol..and did the Xbox win lemon of the year less than 3 month from it's launch with little to no "Great games" Hmm. So you pick on PS3 for your inability to use the interface to enter text.. oh yeah forgot to mention that Sony online is free! I am so sick and tired of all "MICROSOFT" propaganda web sites. I understand that some people are so retarded that they do not understand new media storage formats such as Blu Ray and they probably have cassette players in their cars "they don't want CD's forced on them" Wake up people it's 2007 these times they are a changing and new formats with greater storage capacity is here 54gig DL. What is B.S. with having the ability to place more media on a disk? You need to wake up!

and now the PS3 fanboys start :)

And the Xbox fan boys fired the first shot!

@ Cootie:
Wow you must really hate Sony! How easy people forget the fall backs that Xbox 360 had for it's launch. As I look at your web site looking for Microsoft adds..lol..and did the Xbox win lemon of the year less than 3 month from it's launch with little to no "Great games" Hmm. So you pick on PS3 for your inability to use the interface to enter text.. oh yeah forgot to mention that Sony online is free! I am so sick and tired of all "MICROSOFT" propaganda web sites. I understand that some people are so retarded that they do not understand new media storage formats such as Blu Ray and they probably have cassette players in their cars "they don't want CD's forced on them" Wake up people it's 2007 these times they are a changing and new formats with greater storage capacity is here 54gig DL. What is B.S. with having the ability to place more media on a disk? You need to wake up!

Trust me Cootie, if you were familiar with Digital Journal editorial you would know that we have more than blasted Microsoft on many occasions.

And you mention Blu-ray: What are you going to do with your really expensive gaming console if HD-DVD wins the format war?

And storage capacity: You have been brainwashed by the Blu-ray camp. They don't even come close to filling 50+ GB right now. Just because the number is higher, doesn't make it better.

@ Cootie:
And the Xbox fan boys fired the first shot!

We're not taking sides, we're just saying you should by an Xbox 360 or Wii.

haha

Skippy sez: Don't buy any of 'em. We're too old for games.

About the Wii: Kind of innovative, yes. But they really need to add more sensors to triangulate the controller's movements. Otherwise they're just too damn inaccurate from certain angles.

By the waa (that's "way"), I've seen just how people use those controllers. There's very little jumping about or swinging or movement of any kind. Watch these d-bags sit back on their cushy couches and barely flick their wrists in a Jack "Tinkerbelle" Tanner motion -- it's pathetic.

Hey it's your web site promote who you want to. I just hate when "So called" experts are biased. And I have both 360 and PS3. I think the Wii is fun but not for me.

Sorry, that should be Jack Tripper. Three's Company? Anyone?

@ Cootie:
Hey it's your web site promote who you want to. I just hate when "So called" experts are biased. And I have both 360 and PS3. I think the Wii is fun but not for me.

We're not biased by any stretch of the imagination. We're just pointing out flaws in a product you happen to enjoy. It's quite natural that you don't like this article. But your bias shows.

There's no reason for DJ to bash the PS3...other than to warn our readers than they might be investing in a very expensive Blu-ray player. I've played the system, and Resistance was fun, but everything else seemed pretty much meh.

Undoubtedlty, the system's potential has yet to be realized, but until then why should gamers fork out six bills for this lamestation?

It's highly likely that you are a Playstation fanboy if you own a PS3 right now. Sure, the PS3 will be getting some steller title in the future (2008, I doubt we'll see much in 2007) and the price will go down. Maybe, you really did like Resistance, that NBA game or some other game. But most of the games on PS3 are also on 360. In my personal opinion after playing both Resistance and GoW, I enjoyed GoW more, but to be fair I play GoW longer.

But Sony has been troubling me for a couple of months. They keep being 'cocky' about all there products being the best and that they include many 'features'. but then we see that their products are a dud. I'm in no way implying that PS3 will be a failure, but BluRay on the other hand is a very troubling situation.

I'd agree that at this time your better off not buying the PS3 and if your looking for a console consider Xbox 360, Wii or PS2. I simply say this because by the time that those steller titles come, we will most likely see a price drop and even modifications to the PS3 units.

In no way am I a fanboy of anykind. I own a Wii, PS2, DS, N64. Hmm..I do have quite a number of Nintendo products, but I just enjoy those first party games. And I will be getting a Xbox 360 later this year after it gets upgraded with IPTV and stuff.

"The PS3 has more backwards-compatibility issues than Kris Kross’ tuxedo tailor. "

Oh and the 360 doesn't have backwards-compatibility issues!?!??! most of their games don't even work and Microsoft isn't doing sh** about it. Atleast Sony is fixing their incompatibility issue as firmwares are updated and there's many more games working compare to 360.

"You also have to register if you want to play online. Big deal, right? But it can be a pain if you don’t have a USB keyboard handy "

Geeeez wiz and what about the 360???

"And Microsoft’s Xbox 360 gave gamers mind-blowing visuals and online play a year before the PS3 launch."

*LMFAO* no way are you serious??? games like Resistance: Fall of Man and RR7 kills any game at launch for the 360. I own both the 360 and PS3. I love my 360 as my PS3 but hearing a comment like this is total bias.

If I had a choice to pick between the 360 or PS3, I have to give it to the Playstation 3 as the better console.

@ Saber:
"The PS3 has more backwards-compatibility issues than Kris Kross’ tuxedo tailor. "

Oh and the 360 doesn't have backwards-compatibility issues!?!??! most of their games don't even work and Microsoft isn't doing sh** about it. Atleast Sony is fixing their incompatibility issue as firmwares are updated and there's many more games working compare to 360.

Atleast, Microsoft said that their whole library would be backwards compatible. It's ashame it isnt, but then again the popular games for Xbox are backwards compatible. Still, it doesnt make much of a difference for 360 to have BC or not, but for PS3 its a must with that VERY large library.

@ Chris Hogg:

@ aarontrippedout:
yeah, but you have to admit that some of the other consoles were a bit of a dissapointment aswell. Like the games for the Wii were hyped up to be something huge because of the remote controller but when people played them, they were reported as bad games. Almost everything you hear about is hype.

Wii brought in a lot of innovation with the controller though. You keep referring simply to games but it's about more than that. Sony is forcing an enormous price tag on gamers because of Blu-ray rather than giving it as an option (like Microsoft did with 360); they had massive shortages that totally screwed their global launch; they aren't offering much of a leap from the PS2; and the 360 has delivered kick-ass games and graphics for more than a year....etc.

Another good point, but when you made the comment about PS3 not making the big launch from PS2 to PS3, that is a major understatment. But I guess Sony isn't for everyone, it's all a matter of opinion. I guess if you are more of a PC gamer you will more likely favour microsoft's 360, and if you were a fan of the old super nintendo games you would most likley stay loyal to the Wii. I guess it's mostly on what your used to. But also the comment on the Xbox 360 being around for a year and kicking ass, well, they've been around for over a year now and that's exactly why they might have better games. They have had the time to promote themselves and have had the time to build a library of games. Where the Wii and PS3 have only been out for 3,1/2 months and they have under 30 games. Same thing happened with the DS and PSP, when they came out, people didn't get them right away because the systems didn't have an exstensive game library. So it's one of those things on where we have to let things play out. Honestly though, I still think that PS3 is better, I'm even saying that when I have a Xbox 360 of my own. I just think that the graphics are overall better, and the Xbox is pretty close but just isn't quite there. Sony has always been a killer for certain technology and wil be for a while. Besides, I don't see why people think that the PS3 is such a difficult piece of hardware. It happens to be very easy to use and is pretty straight forward. the people who don't ussually read the manual before hook up are the ones complaining about have difficulties. So it's all on how you look at things.

This was very informative. Thankfully I don't use this kind of tech stuff. :)

Now, arr you Sony PRAYSTATION 3 Fan Boi need for Remonade making is to add water and sugar, Sony brand of course or warranty expire for you!

lol...You can always count on Khee for a thoughtful comment. Thanks Khee :)

Whats the best way to get hits on a website? Start a next-gen flaming war.

First on the price

Playstation 1 had an 11 year life span (games still being developed for it by Sony). Playstation 2 has had an even better run so far and at only 8 years old. Playstation 3 is expected to have a similar trend and will be backed by Sony for the next 10 years. I paid for a gaming console that has an HD movie player with HDMI support (lack of cable - WHO CARES! I got my cable with my TV..), HD web-browser, optional (and growing - check IBMs website) Linux support and most important to me of all the features; Free Online gaming for the next 10 years.

Xbox 360 (HD package) with Live for 10 years comes to: $899.90. Makes Sony's price look like chump change.

Being that competition is what drives the industry, I think Sony and Nintendo coming in with the fresh feeling of FREE online play can only sweeten the deal for everyone; Xbox fans included. With all the features, which I use, the price is well justified.

Second, Blu Ray

Were you aware that the computer industry is pushing for Blu Ray because of the storage capacity? Every IT pro knows that there is never enough storage. Were you aware that the Porn industry is releasing the first HiDef video in the Blu Ray format? The lack of this killed Betamax. I suppose you do not feel that these industries are not powerful enough to push the media format, aside from 70% of the Movie Entertainment industries backing Blu Ray.

Finally, graphics

Xbox 360 has been in developers hands for more than a year. They are working with familiar development tools, an updated version of DirectX (DX10) which is commonly used in PC (Windows) 3D rendering/games. This gives even the less experienced developer that slight edge.

Playstation 3 has brand new technology consisting of a multi-core processor with essentially 8 brains all working together. The CELL processor, look it up. This requires more complex coding to truly release the power that is within. Give the developers more time and I guarantee you will begin to notice visuals of the same caliber or slightly better by years end.

Developers are already reporting they have peaked the potential of the 360. Meaning they know their limitations. Knowing this, makes developing much easier. As for the PS3, developers have stated that they are just tapping into what they are capable of doing. High profile devs are claiming it will take another 2-3 years to really find the limits of what the PS3 with the CELL processor can do.

Although a mediocre game, Genji 2 has stunning visuals and fluid animation, probably the best, in my opinion, on any next-gen console thus far.

Xbox 360 is not an inferior machine, nor is it superior to the PS3. It is the games and how they entertain you that is what makes them superior. PS3 has new functionality on the way. Well, new to Sony, but not to gaming. Expect some news from Sony that will cause a tidal wave in the industry. Nintendo will NOT be the only gaming console with such unique controls this generation.

Playstation 3, expensive, yes. Lemon, I think not.

And lets begin the flaming with "COPY-CATS"! Don't even get me started on the things Nintendo & Microsoft copied.

It's kind of a wierd thing. A long discussion begins everytime there is anything related to bashing or applauding PS3, Wii or 360. Just look at this page.

I've been on Digg and a number of forums for along time now. And if you look at every frontpage Digg entry related to PS3, Wii or Xbox 360 and applauds it or bashed it, about 300 comments are attached to it. With a majority of them reiterating the same thing that has already been said by them. In a way, there are many loyalist to these consoles. Enough loyalty to spend time arguing and protecting 'their' consoles while bashing the other ones.

Even I have been caught up in many Digg discussions. I just find it abit odd.

@ ninja.kage:.
And lets begin the flaming with "COPY-CATS"! Don't even get me started on the things Nintendo & Microsoft copied.

I acually want to know what Nintendo copied. I guess you could say online from Microsoft, but Nintendo's online is very different and hasn't really even taken off yet. So.. what is there that Nintendo copied?

@ ninja.kage:
Second, Blu Ray
Were you aware that the computer industry is pushing for Blu Ray because of the storage capacity?

I'm very aware. In fact, I think the whole thing is PR BS. Storage capacity is important but they aren't coming close to filling that yet. So storage as a selling point is not an argument. Toshiba announced a 51 GB HD-DVD, just to show they too could do it.

So Blu-ray using storage as the "thing" that puts them in front is not an argument anymore.

Looking back, I realized I left something out.

"Resistance: Fall of Man (Sony’s version of Gears of War)"

Any gamer knows that RFOM is not GoW simply from gameplay differences. GoW is 1 year into 360s life while RFOM is a launch title. I believe the launch title comparison you were looking for was Call of Duty 2 for 360, both of which were FPS.

You also said;

"We're not biased by any stretch of the imagination. We're just pointing out flaws in a product you happen to enjoy"

I find it amusing how a comment such as "the current crap — er, crop — of games" or "Because it sucks." are not bias but this is?

"Hey it's your web site promote who you want to. I just hate when "So called" experts are biased. And I have both 360 and PS3. I think the Wii is fun but not for me."

You obviously have no knowledge in the gaming industry based on 'favored' journalism. I'm glad I see the sites true colors right away - ignorant. I'll be back to post a "I Told You So!" when you turn around at how much of a flop the 360 was with all of its problems and hidden pricing schemes.

@ Chris Hogg:
Storage capacity is important but they aren't coming close to filling that yet.

You must not play RPGs.

Try searching through the site and you'll see we've grilled our fair share of consoles, for reasons that are respected across the industry.

The current crap - er, crop - of games is literary fun. I'm sure you can see that.

@ ninja.kage:
You must not play RPGs.

Well correct me if I'm wrong, but what do you know has required all 50 GB on a disc so far?

That, and the 360 isn't a flop. I have 10 million reasons why.

Yes... I guess you could call Live a hidden pricing scheme. But it's a good move by Microsoft, it will earn them a continuous flow of money. It just like every product they make, they want a continuous flow of money.

And even if 20% of the money goes into improving Live Services then its still good. I don't think many people mind paying for Live.

@ Sarawanan Ravindran:
I acually want to know what Nintendo copied. I guess you could say online from Microsoft, but Nintendo's online is very different and hasn't really even taken off yet. So.. what is there that Nintendo copied?

- Wii's built-in web browser
- DS' web browser & media support (via add-ons)
- Cartridge gaming (NES, SNES, etc)

Just to name a few.

@ Chris Hogg:
Well correct me if I'm wrong, but what do you know has required all 50 GB on a disc so far?

Again, wrong with the facts. Currently the BRs storage is 25GB. They are only using single sided discs at the moment, so 50 is not in the picture.

Resistance: Fall of Man (a FPS, not over the shoulder like Gears of War) reportedly took about 16GBs or more.

Have you ever played Final Fantasy? If you have, then you know what that game is all about. CG. Square-Enix drives the industry, not Sony or Microsoft. Only recently has there been a trend of gamers shifting from their PC FPS' to consoles, now that they are competing in graphics. So other developers, are starting to give a nice push as well.

Do your research.

@ Chris Hogg:
That, and the 360 isn't a flop. I have 10 million reasons why.

I never said the 360 was a flop. The original Xbox was.

@ ninja.kage:
Again, wrong with the facts. Currently the BRs storage is 25GB. They are only using single sided discs at the moment, so 50 is not in the picture.

You realize you are arguing my point now? Blu-ray is capable of 50 (they really push this in the movie scene). What they are using now is not what I was talking about. I was talking about how much they actually use. There is no need for 50. That was my point.

It is only smart to market the Blu Ray format being that the IT industry wants it as well as the Movies. So if you are going to build a machine that you expect to support the next-gen storage media, you choose the most likely candidate - whether it be your own format or not. Whether you use the full capacity now or not. Supporting this format now when it will be used later because of the IT Industry which wants larger storage medium - economically it makes sense.

A gaming company pushing proprietary formats is not unheard of. Nintendo has experience in this.

BTW ninja: I enjoy the debate, and you bring up many good points. We're just trying to show the other side of the coin.

Welcome to DJ.

@ ninja.kage:
- Wii's built-in web browser
- DS' web browser & media support (via add-ons)
- Cartridge gaming (NES, SNES, etc)

-Who was the browser copied from? Nintendo announced their partnership with Opera awhile back. They were late implementing it, but I dont think that either Sony or Nintendo can be accused of copying on that one.

-DS browser and Media support were only added because of people asking for them. That's why they brought them in under the radar and they still arent in NA.

-I don't think it's fair to say a format was copied. Sony made VHS players long after others. I wouldn't call it copying.

With the said, I guess there is always a bit of copying going around in each camp. I don't really care much though and I wouldnt go accusing a certain company of copying, I just want the technology used to benefit me.

@ Sarawanan Ravindran:
With the said, I guess there is always a bit of copying going around in each camp. I don't really care much though and I wouldnt go accusing a certain company of copying, I just want the technology used to benefit me.

Thank you for seeing it as how I see it, that was the reason behind the remark:

"Don't even get me started on the things Nintendo & Microsoft copied."

@ Chris Hogg:
We're just trying to show the other side of the coin.

Welcome to DJ.

With the way a majority of the press is (favoring Nintendo and Microsoft), I would think the other side of the coin would not consist of giving the Playstation 3 a Lemon Award.

Again, I find holes in your comments. Just as you called another user bias and claiming you in no such way are.

Although, I did enjoy the debate as well. ;)

Well you are entitled to your opinion, but as a well-read gamer who seems to show quite a bit of knowledge on this, are you willing to say there is nothing wrong with the PS3? Is there nothing you agree with in reading the majority of press reports?

Ninja, I'm curious to know which console you own(ed)?

@ Chris Hogg:

@ ninja.kage:
You must not play RPGs.

Well correct me if I'm wrong, but what do you know has required all 50 GB on a disc so far?

a lot of the extra capacity of blu-ray game discs has been used as padding to speed up disc reads by moving content to the edge of the disc...then you have the JRPG fondness of endless pre-rendered cutscenes, but if the PS3 were 1/10th as awesome as Kenny Kutaragi claims, the PS3 would be rendering these scenes in real-time...if Sony literally shot themselves in the foot with every PS3 fumble, they'd have a bloody stump somewhere around where their knee should be.

@ Chris Hogg:
Well you are entitled to your opinion, but as a well-read gamer who seems to show quite a bit of knowledge on this, are you willing to say there is nothing wrong with the PS3? Is there nothing you agree with in reading the majority of press reports?

I do not feel that the PS3 is free from issues, but I do not agree that they are the plague you make them out to be. Any programming issues with the PS3 has been and continues to be addressed via Firmware Updates, just as the PSP has for over a year.

You claim there are no games that are fun, of course this is a matter of opinion, but I am enjoying my time playing Resistance, Blast Factor, Genji, Tony Hawk and many others. When not playing games, I'm watching my Blu Ray movies, downloading new demos and games every couple weeks, web surfing, listening to music, chatting with my online friends and excitedly looking forward to new game releases each month.

Enough people point out the problems, not enough point out the good things.

@ Sarawanan Ravindran:
Ninja, I'm curious to know which console you own(ed)?

I currently own; Atari 2600, Atari 5600, NES, Sega Master System, Super NES, Sega Genesis, Playstation 2 and Playstation 3.

I don't own Microsoft consoles because I am boycotting consoles with subscription fees.

@ Khee Mao:
a lot of the extra capacity of blu-ray game discs has been used as padding to speed up disc reads by moving content to the edge of the disc...then you have the JRPG fondness of endless pre-rendered cutscenes, but if the PS3 were 1/10th as awesome as Kenny Kutaragi claims, the PS3 would be rendering these scenes in real-time...if Sony literally shot themselves in the foot with every PS3 fumble, they'd have a bloody stump somewhere around where their knee should be.

This is what Bethesda did for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, not what Insomniac did with Resistance: Fall of Man

If you read further down I make a point of CG and Final Fantasy. Also, as stated earlier;

"Playstation 3 has brand new technology consisting of a multi-core processor with essentially 8 brains all working together. The CELL processor, look it up. This requires more complex coding to truly release the power that is within. Give the developers more time and I guarantee you will begin to notice visuals of the same caliber or slightly better by years end.

Developers are already reporting they have peaked the potential of the 360. Meaning they know their limitations. Knowing this, makes developing much easier. As for the PS3, developers have stated that they are just tapping into what they are capable of doing. High profile devs are claiming it will take another 2-3 years to really find the limits of what the PS3 with the CELL processor can do. "

even if programmers could figure out how to efficiently use all SPEs tonight, it'd mostly be a waste, as they're stuck with slower disc read times and only 256mb system memory. I'm not saying that it's impossible for Sony to release some awesome games in the future, but they need a grand slam right about now! as it stands, if Sony were to promise some blockbuster game to come out some time in the future, every sane gamer will shrug off the news as yet another Sony deception.

@ Chris Hogg:
Well you are entitled to your opinion, but as a well-read gamer who seems to show quite a bit of knowledge on this, are you willing to say there is nothing wrong with the PS3? Is there nothing you agree with in reading the majority of press reports?

I don't think I really answered your question(s) well;

Sony is getting a lot of heat from lack of rumble and the mess with Immersion. I commend Sony for being bold in their stance. Sony was having talks with Immersion on a settlement. Then Microsoft bought licensing rights to the technology - giving them 20% of the profit on sales. A smart move by Microsoft and Sony refuses to give money to their competitor, so there you have it. No rumble. I cannot lie, I do miss rumble, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. I must say that I do have high hopes (and only hope) for the new SplitFish technology which could be a way for Sony to get around Immersion's patent and avoid handing over free cash to Microsoft.

As for anything in your article, I could only agree that the biggest issue being the difficulty in the learning curve of the CELL processor. Though it does not justify laziness and not wanting to learn new technology and new methods. I work in the IT field and am fully aware that it is constantly evolving and I am constantly learning. Its a shame some of these developers are going for an easy way out rather than taking the more challenging approach with new technology. The thought of what the CELL processor alone (away from gaming) is capable of just blows the mind. People who have read up on the CELL capabilities are fully aware of the potential and are massively working together to explore it.

Sony has an answer to this, Cellius. The new company dedicated to Playstation 3 game development and development tools.

So, I still do not think the Playstation 3 deserves a Lemon. The PS3 launch, that is another story.

The PS3 is doomed; developers aren't going to tap into the PS3s power until there are more shortcuts. Who or what company wants to spend 2-3 years on a single game due to the PS3s complexities?

@ Khee Mao:
even if programmers could figure out how to efficiently use all SPEs tonight, it'd mostly be a waste, as they're stuck with slower disc read times and only 256mb system memory. I'm not saying that it's impossible for Sony to release some awesome games in the future, but they need a grand slam right about now! as it stands, if Sony were to promise some blockbuster game to come out some time in the future, every sane gamer will shrug off the news as yet another Sony deception.

RAM. Yes the PS3 could have benefited from 1GB, being it is suppose to be "Future Proof". Though, it does have 256MB XDR for system memory running at 3.2GHz but also shares that with 256MB GDDR3 VRAM at 700MHz totaling 512MB compared to Microsoft's 512MB of GDDR3 also running at 700MHz.

Shared memory is more complicated to code for, but having the XDR RAM running at 3.2GHz is vital to the CELL processor when hammering all that data.

@ Khee Mao:
even if programmers could figure out how to efficiently use all SPEs tonight, it'd mostly be a waste, as they're stuck with slower disc read times and only 256mb system memory. I'm not saying that it's impossible for Sony to release some awesome games in the future, but they need a grand slam right about now! as it stands, if Sony were to promise some blockbuster game to come out some time in the future, every sane gamer will shrug off the news as yet another Sony deception.

Slower disc read times are less of an issue than not every console owner owning an HDD. Sony gained brownie points from developers for including an HDD in all PS3s. Reading from an HDD is faster than DVD.

@ ninja.kage:

@ Khee Mao:
even if programmers could figure out how to efficiently use all SPEs tonight, it'd mostly be a waste, as they're stuck with slower disc read times and only 256mb system memory. I'm not saying that it's impossible for Sony to release some awesome games in the future, but they need a grand slam right about now! as it stands, if Sony were to promise some blockbuster game to come out some time in the future, every sane gamer will shrug off the news as yet another Sony deception.

Slower disc read times are less of an issue than not every console owner owning an HDD. Sony gained brownie points from developers for including an HDD in all PS3s. Reading from an HDD is faster than DVD.

I have a hard time arguing for Microsoft's core system, but here goes:

the people with the cores probably aren't using hdtvs, so more unified ram can be designated as system ram vs video ram. people with hdtvs probably have the premium system and game developers are then able to cache to the hard-drive as an option while designating as much ram as practical for 1080/720 visuals.

to be honest with you though, I wish MS would discontinue the core, and add an offering with a built in hd-dvd...call it the ultimate system or something. that way hard drives are standard and the 360 can really start to shine...

i do not feel this website is bias they have bashed microsoft just as equally as sony. it is true that sony is trying to cash in on the PS3, there is something off about it's marketing department and it is starting to show with the moves they make. the bottom line is they should have made the blu-ray drive an option than take it or leave it. the gaming thing is not just for kids anymore. we are the first genoration to be gamers and we are showing it to our kids. nintendo has shown that systems should keep gameplay first not try and rule your living room but try and integrate into the entertainment process. microsoft is actually looking quite smart because the opion to have games in (HD or NOT). nintendo wins the gamers over, microsoft is now a valid player in the gaming wars but if you knew more you would realize microsoft has always had great games for PC's. rise of nations, very soon supreme comander and also everquest and more.................. the point is gaming is gaming and sony now has to stop marketing ploys and play games.

@ Khee Mao:
the people with the cores probably aren't using hdtvs, so more unified ram can be designated as system ram vs video ram. people with hdtvs probably have the premium system and game developers are then able to cache to the hard-drive as an option while designating as much ram as practical for 1080/720 visuals.

to be honest with you though, I wish MS would discontinue the core, and add an offering with a built in hd-dvd...call it the ultimate system or something. that way hard drives are standard and the 360 can really start to shine...

Rumors are surfacing that MS has a redesigned black Xbox 360 with 120GB drive and HDMI support. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a built-in HD-DVD drive either. Microsoft does this and they will make lots of friends (sarcasm) in their current community.

@ ninja.kage:
I don't own Microsoft consoles because I am boycotting consoles with subscription fees.

I don't own a particular Sony console because i'm boycotting consoles that don't justify now or in the future using up two hard earned pay cheques and as an excuse harbours a potentially redundant optical drive.

war on consoles has just begun...

"resistance:fall of man" fairly uses the power of the "cell" processor on ps3 and the graphics fairly looks great...while on xbox 360 uses the full potential of its power on "gears of war" which made it even looked nicer and sharper graphically than "resistance"...yet its only the first game that uses the real potential of xbox 360... and there will be more games coming up exclusively for xbox 360 and ps3...

i dont think its the right time to judge it right now....if Sony said previous games like "resistance" have only used less than half on cell's power considering its graphics, that tells me that graphics on both consoles would look fairly equal if both systems would use its full potential....

what bothers me is ps3 should have launched in spring... games like burnout revenge from EA and call of duty 2 from ACTIVISION were already developed on ps3...but they cancelled it and waited for 9 months...during those 9 months game developers should be expert on coding games on ps3...ACTIVISION call of duty 3 looked better on xbox 360, and EA fight night round 3 looked sharper on xbox 360...i mean what the hell happen to game developers giving them extra 9 months to work on ps3's side??

Valid point FunkyNomad007 concerning why most cross platform games fell short of the benchmark on the ps3 even with that extra development time.

I specifically remember games being released on Xbox1 looking and running superior after PS2 already having them for a year.

This has to be a super Microsoft ass kissing site....

I have both the 360 and PS3 and yes, the online play is better on 360 then the PS3.. by far. yes, you have your buddies, you can chat on most games, etc. etc.

Thats about all the xbox360 does. The PS3 is indeed the all in one "future proof" system for your living room. You can upload vidoes easy (at least for me, not super computer man) it has a browser, it plays blue ray.. yeah..say what you will but it is a selling point.. and most of all...it plays video games..

The 360..so far.. not a great experience besides the games, it broke down twice in less then a year had to send it in.. (that's truly a lemon) to stream videos my PC needs to have Windows Media Player (chalk that up on the sales price) a TV tuner (WTF) and a whole bunch of shit just to get this going.. I gave up on it, and i have all the required components..shit never worked. To top it off, I sat around with GRAW and Oblivion for an entire 9 months before any good game came out.. nothing at all for the 360 was moving until the christmas season..nothing! (I hate FPS games by the way).

Dont get me wrong, at the moment PS3 has shit games.. but March is right around the corner.. games are going to start to kick in.. then I'll come back to this bias site.. yes bias site.. and see what u got to say....

You are being far to quick and superficial in your judgements, jumping onto the 'slating Sony' bandwagon.
Wake up people, You get what you pay for - if you are somart enough !
I imagine that in time consumers will become more intelligent to the broader range of functions the PS3 can deliver and more will come round to seeing the benefits of a single box to deliver the living room entertainment. It's more than a gaming machine.In fact even without the games it can store your entire music collection, digital photos, play movies and be a web browser.

Then the Sony console will start to shift off the shelves. I think Sony are doing the old trick of seeing the market as on a constant learning curve when it comes to technology and they are just a little bit ahead of the game - which is always a gamble. Particularly if you are trying to lean the curve in your direction.
The games developers are quickly coming up to speed on programming for the ps3, Just look at Motorstorm and Fight Night 3 for starters.

I agree there's not much in it when it comes to graphics, both are very impressive. But in the Long Run, industry experts are saying the PS3 will lead by 2010. I agree with them
[url=http://psplaytime.blogspot.com/]http://psplaytime.blogspot.com/

Reasons why the PS3 is losing

1. Bad word of mouth travels fast: Say what you will, but PS3's launch was worse than even Xbox 360. I'm not even talking about in terms of sales. I'm talking about the fact that about 50% or higher of the launch systems were simply bought to be put on Ebay. In addition to this, the fact that it only had 1 decent exclusive at launch, Sony believing that they're bigger than Jesus, the hardware issues and the fact that most of it's great lineup coming out currently is already available on hte cheaper Xbox 360 (with the games being cheaper as well). Ever since E32006, Sony's rep kept getting from bad to worse. Price, shipments, Bluray pushing, Their own pride and so on and so on. A bad reputation is hard to get over. It took Nintendo 2 generations to be taken seriously in the console wars again. Their pride with hte N64 (much like Sony's with the PS3) led to their downfall from 1st place.

2. Like it or not, $600 is still expensive: At least in terms of videogames. When your competitors are $200 and $350 cheaper than you, you've REALLY got to bring the heavy hitters hard and fast. And you've gotta keep'em coming too. Sony's yet to do that, and they still aren't. Oblivion and FEAR aren't heavy hitters. Hell, Their HEAVIEST of hitters (GTA and Madden) are either coming out at hte same time on other systems, are receiving more praise for innovation on another system or both. In addition, PS2's main audience for the past 2 generations weren't on it solely for brand-name. They were on it in the beginning, because it was out first (now, the 360 has that advantage) and they were on it later in the generation because it was relatively cheap and kept people interested (the Wii has THAT advantage). With this $600 price tag, Sony's betraying its main audience for all these years; The casuals.

3. The average consumer (meaning, no you all) doesn't give a damn about Blu Ray: Period. Sony needs to quit using this as a reason for people to jump on the system. Whether it succeeds or not in the FUTURE is pretty inconsequential. DVD's are still selling like crazy. Know why?? Because the jump from DVD to Blu Ray is no where NEAR as big as it was from VHS to DVD. It's not a necessity. Now, I can't speak for the future and I'm certainly not going to open up that can of bees regarding HD-DVD vs Blu Ray. But I am gonna say this. Blu Ray becoming dominant several YEARS from now is NOT going to help your system get off the ground right now. The majority of people out their are pretty damn content with DVD's. Sales of HDTV's rising, I really couldn't care less about. Until they're in hte homes of more than 50% of houses out there, it's not going to make as big of an impact as you think. Everyone who buys an HDTV is NOT going to choose Blu Ray. Of those who game on their HDTV's out there (who are still in the minority to people who game on their NORMAL screens), it's looking like it'll be just a battle between 360 and PS3. So people stop acting like it's purely to Sony's advantage.

The way I see sales for this coming generation is:
Wii and 360 will probably be selling in a heated fight for sales. The 360's the PS2 of this generation. It came out first, it's the middle priced competitor and it's getting just as many, if not, more games than the PS3. The Wii, on hte other hand is the DS of the consoles. It's getting people into gaming who weren't into it before. It's got a solid lineup of hard copy and downloadable games, its channels like News, Weather and the Opera Browser are all cool features, It OWNS Japan, it's selling out everywhere in America and it's getting regocnition for focusing on more than just the advancement of graphics from one generation to another. The way I see it is the PS3 is like the PSP of the consoles. It'll be in last place, but it will still sell respectfully. It'll even have its own lineup of great games (Eventually). But that initial word of mouth is HARD to get over. The PSP has a respectable lineup, but it still hasn't really done anything to really wow audiences (at least, nothing LEGAL). I see the same future with the PS3. Like the PSP, I can see myself getting a PS3 sometime down the road. it just won't be anytime soon.

I'd definately say it deserves teh lemon. Maybe it'll be a wake-up call to Sony that they need to humble themselves a bit. But i doubt it.

blah blah blah! lol

I really don't think $600 for a console that you can play online for free, you can browse the web, play great games (they will start kicking in, in march of this year.), and has a lot of exclusives, including MGS4 which will be using more then 25Gig's, as a matter of fact, in a article, the MGS team said it may use upwards to 100gigs for blue-ray. Isn't MGS4 coming out by the end of this year, around OCT.?.

I agree that you might want to wait till you purchase a PS3, most likely untill March comes. I don't agree that this system is a lemon, and you say it is at such an early stage without pointing out the good of the system makes your story or rant 98 to 99% rubbish.

Blue-ray is already starting to come up on top compared to HDDVD. pretty much all of the companies that support "HD-DVD" are supporting "blue-ray", There are also a slew of other developers that are support "blue-ray" and not "HD-DVD". The situation that "blue-ray" is in right now is really no different then when the "DVD" first appeared. Sony puts the blue-ray in there PS3 and games like resistance uses what 16 or 18GB of the disc, MGS4 50-100GB. Hideo Kojima said half of that is SOUND, so does that mean that the game itself is from 40, 50, or mabey even 60GB of game and CG?, expect other games to push that after this year, or to come close for that matter.

Someone already proved my "THOUGHT" on Xbox360, most people with PC's will get a Xbox. Well more then 90+% of Xbox games are ports of PC games, they don't have that many exclusives at all, and while PS3 lost acouple so did Xbox. So basically, if I like Xbox360 games, I might as well just stick to my PC instead of getting an Xbox360, I can play on my PC online for free and don't have to pay a early subsription.

Also the $500-600.00 for a PS3 is to expensive? Do you guys have any idea how many people out there pay upwards of $3,000 to even $5,000 for just a gaming PC? People will buy a PS3. Ratchet &clank, MGS4, Syphon Filter(yea, expect that game.), 4 different style MMO's coming out, one of which is a spy/mercenary/espionage title, MotorStorm, GT5, Final Fantasy games, Ridge Racer, etc etc, read up more on the exlusives. I wouldn't say this system is a lemon at all.

Remember, where in a time right now that every day more people buy a HDTV and many people are going to be getting a blue-ray player to go with it, so far the PS3 is the cheapest blue-ray player to get unless you wanna spend 800 to $1,000 on just a blue-ray player. Sony does notice how many people are buying HDTV's and to make there system cover 1080p and get a blue-ray player. there is no arguement here.

anyways, yea.

this article is 100% bias. don't waste your time debating with a guy like him, especially when he's a xbox fanboy. you can't reason with these type of people.

last post said it all....$3000 for a pc where as the ps3 is coming close to matching pc game quality for only $600.

I dont know if this article is unbiased or not, but i've realized only ppl who dont know anything about gasmes or economics compares the sales of the wii and ps3. the wii is heavily underpriced, so ppl will buy more of it. I dont recall mercedes ever outselling honda civics and being considered failures.

Also, from a marketing standpoint.....blu ray is killing hd dvd right now. Whether ppl agree with blu ray being forced on consumers. There's about 700 000 ps3s out there, let's underestimate and assume only 350 000 have HDTV and only half of those use the blu ray drive... thats atleast 175 000 blu ray drives out there right now. Honestly, rthe argument that some people dont want blu ray.....please......why would u buy a hi def gaming system and not want hi def movies....if thats the attitude then those people should be buying nintendo wiis.....stupidest argument i've heard.. Also, why would xbox 360 immediatelly release an hd dvd player add on if blu ray is so flawed??? Honestly, in terms of value(what u get for what u pay).....i see ps3 and xbox as the cheapest ps3(video games, blu ray drive@$600), xbox 360(xbox + hd dvd drive $600), regular blu ray drive is almost $1000 and HD dvd drive is about $500. nintendo wii is $250, but doesnt support hd, doesnt play dvds even. Honestly, for all the ppl buying wiis.....have fun at 480i when the rest of the world is that 1080p.

Well Digital Journal, you asked a question at the beginning of your attack on Sony & the PS3 "How can we be giving the dreaded Lemon Award to Sony's PS3, well the answer is simple: You are not interested in responsible journalism, I'm sure you think it's funny, along with all the MS Fanboys, well chuckle away, eventually Sony & the PS3 owners will have the last laugh.

The PS3 is NOT a lemon, sure it got off to a rocky start but that doesn't make it a lemon
.
I've had one now for a couple of months & I think it's great. It is hands down the best of the three Next Gen Machines, it hasn't sold quite as many but that doesn't make it a lemon. You seem to love to list its faults. I'll agree, everything has its faults, but it doesn't have many & it has alot more good things going for it, which you conspicuously omit to mention.

It has better quality built into it than the others, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see this, & it is so much more than a great game machine, it is the media center for my living room that I always wanted, I could go on & on and list all its great features but you people know all this, you just don't want to admit it.

I only have two games yet, Resistance & PGA TW 07 and they are both great, I really like The Tiger Woods 07 game, I can't stop playing it. I love the online store there's always something new and interesting to download. You keep harping that there's no games, well there's going to be around 30 titles come March, what more could you want for a new machine.

It's time you people