Sony believes that the PlayStation 3 will "significantly outpace" the PS2 in terms of lifecycle, SCE Europe boss Andrew House has said.
Speaking in an interview with our print cousins at Edge, House said that the extra functionality of its current-gen console would inevitably see it last longer in the shops.
"If you look at the PS2, still in some markets going very strong, especially in North America in its tenth year on the market, we still can't predict where that lifecycle will end," he told Edge.
"I have a theory that with successive generations, and with more value added and built into the console in terms of experience - and let's not forget that the PS2 really didn't offer a tremendously robust network experience - that what you effectively do is potentially lengthen that lifecycle more and more as you get to the next iteration.
Unboxing the PS3 Slim
Original production
2:50GamesRadar gets first hands-on with the new slim PS3
Unboxing the PS3 Slim
Original production
2:50GamesRadar gets first hands-on with the new slim PS3
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Unboxing the PS3 Slim
Original production
2:50GamesRadar gets first hands-on with the new slim PS3
Unboxing the PS3 Slim
Original production
2:50GamesRadar gets first hands-on with the new slim PS3
The PS3 will have a longer life cycle, i'm sure. It might sell the same as or better than the PS2, depending on what Sony do with it (they might have a better chance if they sacked Hirai, honestly, what an idiot). Then again, it might not. Although, as long as I get my money's worth, I don't hugely care.
I don't believe there is going to be a PS4 to compete with the next iteration of XBox. Maybe by the time that comes out, enough people will figure out how to code for the PS3 and properly unleash its potential. So I agree with Sony's predictions on the PS3 finally lumbering beyond their PS2 sales one day in the distant future.
I'm kind of disappointed that Microsoft still have issues with XBox360 reliability and also their lack of motivation in providing a blu-ray option. I really don't want a third console under my TV and even more wires that would come with it.
I'm pretty much sold on getting a new console and it is going to be my first PlayStation3. The price is right for me now - but I am still waiting for the bundle offers war to get more interesting!
"what you effectively do is potentially lengthen that lifecycle more and more as you get to the next iteration"
Does this mean the next generation will last 12-14 years, and after that consoles are expected to have a 16-18 year lifecycle? I find that hard to believe. I might only live to see another 2 or 3 new generation of console. Not sure whether that's exciting or depressing! I would bet though within 2 generations of consoles 95% of games will be sequels.
The interview was actually pretty good. As are most of Edge's articles (their reviews are s**t). Just a shame that CVG takes a sentence out of it and tries to get all the fanboys to start the zilionth ps3/360 war. AGAIN!
In terms of being sold globally i'd say that the PS3 could hang around for as long as the PS2. But Idoubt it'll reach the numbers the PS2 did. Its just not as popular and hasn't had the momentum or exclusives the PS2 did.
Why would MS give a BR option? It's not going to be used for games - even MS aren't stupid enough to split their user base. Don't all games still have to be playable on an arcade (i.e. no HDD)?
If having one console that plays BR is that important, obviously buy a PS3. And yeah, the reliability of the 360 sucks, but I think it's here to stay unfortunately.
I'm not sure the PS3 will reach the levels of the PS2, but it's a different market. More potential customers but Sony don't have 70% of the market this time around. I don't believe the PS3 has so much untapped power that is going to sustain it graphically against a true next gen machine. Unless of course MS go down the wii route in terms of a relatively small graphical update.
I agree, as both Sony & Microsoft will probably not release completely new consoles for a very long time. The cost involved & the constant losses on the current gen, all mean stretching the current hardware to their absolute limits (it makes no business sense otherwise). I don't think the PS2's numbers will ever be reached again though (by any company, even Nintendo) as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are all here to stay, the Xbox, Playstation and Wii all have their merits. Owning all three, I can honestly say, the Live service, exclusives titles and forthcoming Facebook, Twitter, Sky TV and Natal of Xbox. The Exclusive titles (Uncharted, Heavy Rain & God of War etc) and "Super wii" sticks of Sony and finally, the endlessly playable Nintendo exclusives will make the next few years a great time to be a gamer (no matter which console or consoles you own).
I don't buy it. The Ps2 lasted a hell of a long time, way past its sell by date. If there was more focus on Bc this time around(one of the main reasons I got an early 60gb and am glad for it)then it would mean more incentive for new purchasers. I find it unbelievable that they have missed the opportunity given the new hardware just released.
Yeah it's got a good network... but why bloody bother when you can't play co-op with mates.
What the ps3 needs is to show that every game is capable of multiplayer co-op mode. Show a friend who hasn't got a PS3 how good co-op is. I mean 360 has gears of war & halo co-op. PS3 had resistance 1, then can't be assed in KZ2 or Resistance 2. WTF! Thank god Uncharted 2 and Ninja gaiden 2 is co-op.
Multiplayer frag fests are fun but enjoying a story together with friends is much better IMO. Look at WOW's success. Sorry for the moaning guys but Sony should provide this as a choice in every damn game. Why bother with 7 controllers if you can't even link up two! And no bloody borders like Halo 3 or COD 5. Grrr.
I think we'll see both Sony and Microsoft adopting some form of cloud computing/gaming feature, which would render the need for a new generation of consoles totally obsolete, so yeah, Sony will probably end up selling more PS3s than PS2s.
probably for the same reason they gave it the HD DVD option at the start, to make more money.
Well obviously if it would make them money they'd do it. I don't see it making them money though, it'd push the price of the console up, go against their HD rental service and would add nothing to the console games wise. Apart from maybe being able to buy some multidisc titles on one disc. Plus an external drive would be another piece of equipment under your TV - why not buy a (probably slightly larger) standalone player?
Although it'd probably be a better drive than the crappy DVD drives they have in the 360 at the moment.
well to me (and lots of you it seems) this makes sense. This will be the longest generation ever and im all for it. I bought my ps3 2 years ago when they announced the end of the 60Gig BC model so I jumped in before it was to late. I have had the console 2 years and going by past generations I would expect a new console out in 18 months or so but I feel like ive only just got into this generation. I see another 3 years before it needs to go on to a whole new console. Its good for us, the developers and for sony/Microsoft
At the current new price I see the PS3 really taking pace. A mate of mine just bought the slim for blue-ray/Iplayer and the odd game. It just appeals much more to people who want more than a game console. In saying that I now buy any multiplatform games on PC as even with just a bump in Resolution and AA/AF the games look way better but I will keep my PS3 for many years yet. Even the most demanding PC game doesnt show a need for a whole new generation. Lets wait till its a massive leap forward. Rant over
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