+Audioboxer Subscriber² Posted November 20, 2007 Subscriber² Share Posted November 20, 2007 On the eve of the PlayStation 3's first birthday, the entire team was huddled inside PS Fanboy Headquarters, located deep inside a cavernous mountain off the coast of Bangladesh. There, we were visited by a celestial being who spoke only one immensely insightful sentence: "There is perhaps no greater litmus test for measuring success than to look back at one's past accomplishments."At first, we weren't quite sure what our ethereal host wanted us to do with this incredibly important message. After hours upon hours of internal discussion, we made no headway into uncovering what we believe is certainly the key to finding the meaning of life. With nothing else to do, we began talking about our undying love for the PlayStation 3, but the PS2 and PS1 kept creeping into the conversation until we started to compare the three systems. And now that the PlayStation 3 has just turned a year old, what better time to look back at how it stacks up against the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation than the present? So sit down, grab a hot cup of cocoa and be prepared to be wowed, because some of our findings may surprise you. Units shippedOf course, the most common way gamers look at a console's success is how many units it's shipped or sold. While most people know the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 are the largest-selling home consoles ever with more than 100 million units sold each, did you know that, in its first year, the PS3 nearly doubled the sales of the original PlayStation? While it's way too early to tell if the PS3 will reach the success of the PS1 or PS2, it is eye-opening to realize how well it's off to when directly compared to its eldest sibling. LaunchAlthough many gamers were pretty skeptical regarding the "success" of the PlayStation 3's launch, Sony continued to toot its horn saying it was more successful than its predecessors. "[The] PlayStation 3 launch has been, objectively by any measure, more successful than PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2 or other competing system out previously," boasted Phil Harrison in a February interview. To back up that claim, Sony reported the PS3 was the fastest PlayStation console to reach 1 million sales, only taking the new machine six weeks to hit the landmark. Although reliable sales figures for the PS2 and PS1 are hard to come by today, the PlayStation 2 was breaking records in its own right when it launched. In the first 24 hours, the PlayStation 2 sold 500,000 units and generated more than $250 million in total revenue. Moreover, it was, at the time, the most successful launch ever and shattered that of the Sega Dreamcast's $97 million and with it, the hopes and dreams of millions of Sega fanboys. Bringing up the rear is the original PlayStation having shipped 800,000 units from its launch in September to the end of the year. Although sales figures are important to the companies involved, gamers care more about the games, right? Well, in this three-way fight, the PlayStation 2 is the clear winner in terms of sheer numbers when it launched with 29 titles, headlined by Tekken Tag Tournament. Due to several unanticipated delays to high-profile games such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the PlayStation 3 only had a dozen titles available at launch. While the North American PS3 launch was a bit light on the software side with only 12 titles, Europe received double that amount when it shipped there in March. Funny enough, the original PlayStation, which many regard as having one of the best libraries of all time, only had 12 titles when it launched, too. Price cutsUndoubtedly, the PS3's biggest criticism has been its hefty price tag, which, depending on how you look at it, has forced Sony to cut the price and offer new, cheaper hardware models. While the PS1 and PS2 were both launched at the $300 price mark, Sony chose to overstuff the PS3 with features like Blu-ray, HDMI port, WiFi and more, which caused the 60GB and 20GB model to a skyscraping $600 and 500 price tag, respectively. Having launched in North America on Sept. 9, 1995, the PlayStation 1 didn't see its first price cut until more than a year later when Sony cut it from $300 to $200. Taking a page from its older brother's playbook, the PS2 didn't get a price reduction until May 2002, which was roughly 19 months after its initial release. Whether you look at it as Sony realizing its newest console was in trouble or if it was just being nice, the PS3 got its first mark down only eight months later when Sony slashed the price of the 60GB from $600 to $500 and launched the 80GB model with Motorstorm at the original $600 mark in August. However, that price didn't even last very long before Sony once again slashed the 80GB PS3's price by $100 and introduced the more wallet-friendly 40GB unit. If judging by price cuts alone, it appears that Sony realized it couldn't stay in the game with such a higher-priced unit than its competitors and quickly reacted to meet industry norms. Although it's still higher priced than the Xbox 360 and Wii, there's no debating the technology-for-dollar deal consumers are getting. With two price cuts in its first year, we don't expect to see Sony slicing and dicing the PlayStation 3 for awhile. Software salesAlthough the PS3 and PS1 shared the same amount of games on launch day, the story is far different when looking at it at the end of both system's first year on the market. The PlayStation threw down 116 titles, while the PlayStation 3 has only managed to release 65 titles so far in North America and even less in Europe. However, the PS2 is the winner here boasting more than 200 games all within its first year of existence. Looking at the PS3 lagging so far behind in sheer number of games is a bit concerning, but with Kaz Hirai's recent announcement that Sony will release more than 380 games on the PS3 and PlayStation Network, it makes it a lot easier to stomach the drought. On the other hand, since that number includes 180 PlayStation Network games, many will undoubtedly be games originally released on past PlayStation consoles, so that takes away a bit of our enthusiasm. Online servicesWith the technology still in its infancy, Sony eschewed online support for the PlayStation 1 and didn't give any online love for the PS2 until 2002, several years after its release. Having finally understood the massive popularity of online play, Sony made sure the PlayStation 3 was online capable right out of the box. The PlayStation Network, while still free, now offers most of the same features that Xbox Live users are enjoying. Boasting more than 5.5. million users, the PlayStation Network has definitely been a step in the right direction, and with Home, the PlayStation Store, downloadable movies and music, and further online integration of the PSP and PS3, the PSN will most assuredly close the gap between it and Xbox Live. Hardware problemsLongtime PlayStation owners can attest to the frustrating nights spent flipping over-heated PlayStations on their backsides or being filled with rage when met with the dreaded "Disc Read Error" on the PS2. With so many hardware problems, Sony quickly became the brunt of many jokes throughout the industry and journalists and gamers alike fully expected the PlayStation 3 to follow in its predecessors' footsteps. However, that hasn't happened. Somewhere down the line, Sony has seemed to rectify this issue as the mass majority of PlayStation 3 owners have had the surprising luxury of still owning their original system without experiencing any problems whatsoever. Even though recent reports claimed the PS3 had hardware failure rate of 40 percent, those claims were quickly denied by Sony of Europe and eventually the site pulled the article altogether. We imagine if the numbers were anywhere near that high, we'd see internet riots the likes of which only Xbox 360 fanboys can relate. ConclusionAs the dust settles, it's clear the PlayStation 3 isn't quite keeping up to the pace its elder siblings set in the generations before it. Even PlayStation fanboys must admit that the PlayStation 3 had a rocky start ... and that's putting it lightly. But despite its setbacks, it appears the PS3 has finally found its identity. With a competitive price tag, a massive surge in software and the biggest marketing push Sony has ever put behind its consoles, all indicators point to the PlayStation 3 having a stellar year and putting all those bad memories to rest for good. See ya next year! Source: http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/11/19/one-ye...tions-stack-up/ Ahh the PSone looks soo "cute" up there :happy: :p I have the ugly launch PS1 :x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sin-ergy Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I like graphs :laugh: :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Dick Montage Subscriber² Posted November 20, 2007 Subscriber² Share Posted November 20, 2007 As the dust settles, it's clear the PlayStation 3 isn't quite keeping up to the pace its elder siblings set in the generations before it. I still say it's early days, because the PS2 has been around since forever ;) But - I certainly think that the PS3 is not living up the the PS2's success. THAT SAID: The PS3 faces stronger competition and is in a more mature marketplace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmz Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I have the ugly launch PS1 :x Hey man, it's got character! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vortex566 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I want some RPGS ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Dick Montage Subscriber² Posted November 20, 2007 Subscriber² Share Posted November 20, 2007 I want my, I want my, I want my RPGs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sin-ergy Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 rocket propelled grenades? :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emn1ty Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I like how the Playstation is the only console today that got bigger with each iteration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanVP Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 hmmm.....time to buy a PS3 for Xmas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corris Veteran Posted November 20, 2007 Veteran Share Posted November 20, 2007 rocket propelled grenades? :p Rofl. I remember an old pc mag reading a letter writing in about what were MMORPG's, and they replied with something on the lines of "MMORPG, you know, Massively Multilayer Rocket Propelled Grenades" Anyway. Its been a year, for America and Japan at least, and I don't think its been that bad of a run for the PS3. While the Playstation brand is quite big, especially considering the PS2 user base, the price has really held it back along with lack of games, but it has still managed to sell over 5Million even with it being the highest price and having a lack of games, and during a time with two of the strongest competitors a Playstation console has faced so far. Sony started this generation with a whole lot of lies and marketing crap, but I think things are finally starting to improve for them, and that it can only get better. And looking at gaming as a whole, it really is a great time to be a gamer (a poor one) no matter what system you follow, or all three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vortex566 Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 I should say I want role playing games and not that other more violent type of object :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMEGA_RAZER Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 I like how the Playstation is the only console today that got bigger with each iteration.This is why I've never had to go to the gym before :) no problem with that :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emn1ty Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 This is why I've never had to go to the gym before :) no problem with that :p Its not a bad thing, its just wierd considering one of the bigger factors of why the XB didn't sell in Japan was that it was a giant, ugly black box, yet the PS3 is the same if not larger than it. I honestly don't care, its just something I noticed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vortex566 Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I love the look of the PS3 a lot better then the 360 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cormier6083 Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I like graphs :laugh: :$ Graphs make me wet. :blush: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emn1ty Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I love the look of the PS3 a lot better then the 360 ! Its the exact opposite of the 360. It got bigger instead of smaller, and it bulges outward instead of being concave, as well as it not being completely new. If anyone has turned the PS3 over, its practically the exact same thing as the PS2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMEGA_RAZER Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 Its not a bad thing, its just wierd considering one of the bigger factors of why the XB didn't sell in Japan was that it was a giant, ugly black box, yet the PS3 is the same if not larger than it. I honestly don't care, its just something I noticed.Yes, but the PS3 is a giant, beautiful black box ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrunknMunky Veteran Posted November 23, 2007 Veteran Share Posted November 23, 2007 Yes, but the PS3 is a giant, beautiful black box ;) Imo, it really isn't. It's a huge black misshapen dust magnet of a box, which you can't place anything on top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Audioboxer Subscriber² Posted November 23, 2007 Author Subscriber² Share Posted November 23, 2007 Imo, it really isn't. It's a huge black misshapen dust magnet of a box, which you can't place anything on top. That's why all the 360's were overheating! :p I much prefer the look of my PS3 to my 360. I have the Halo model which is pretty ughh though. PS3 > White/Green 360. PS3 = Black 360. I do think it looks more expensive (yes it is actually as well :p) than any 360, in any colour though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrunknMunky Veteran Posted November 23, 2007 Veteran Share Posted November 23, 2007 Oh believe me I know you do Audio. Most Sony fans did a 180 when the PS3 was first shown. All of a sudden size and colour didn't matter, even after the years they spent slagging Xbox for it's size/colour :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Audioboxer Subscriber² Posted November 23, 2007 Author Subscriber² Share Posted November 23, 2007 Oh believe me I know you do Audio. Most Sony fans did a 180 when the PS3 was first shown. All of a sudden size and colour didn't matter, even after the years they spent slagging Xbox for it's size/colour :laugh: The original Xbox was actually FUGLY though. The PS3 is a little better ;) I like it more than the fat PS2 I have. The new Slim PS2 wipes the floor with it though. Did the xbox 1 controller not take the blunt of the abuse? I thought it had more attacks than the actual console? :iiam: I'm looking to buy this casing anyway once its out, http://www.xcm.cc/xcm_new_chameleon_case_with_hdmi.port.htm The new HDMI case. In Black! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingroach Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I think you will loose your warrenty if you change the case though.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huleboeren Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 Oh believe me I know you do Audio. Most Sony fans did a 180 when the PS3 was first shown. All of a sudden size and colour didn't matter, even after the years they spent slagging Xbox for it's size/colour :laugh: The whole color theme on the original xbox was just awful. Black with a dark, strong green? Makes no sense :x *shoots whoever thought of that green* I think MS took care of that as the X360 looks delicious in both form and colors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrunknMunky Veteran Posted November 23, 2007 Veteran Share Posted November 23, 2007 The original Xbox was actually FUGLY though.The PS3 is a little better ;) I like it more than the fat PS2 I have. The new Slim PS2 wipes the floor with it though. Did the xbox 1 controller not take the blunt of the abuse? I thought it had more attacks than the actual console? :iiam: I'm looking to buy this casing anyway once its out, http://www.xcm.cc/xcm_new_chameleon_case_with_hdmi.port.htm The new HDMI case. In Black! :wub: My babies :p Yeah the Duke got a lot of stick and hence why MSFT introduced the Controller S when it launched in Japan. Duke is the best though, fits my large hands perfectly. I like the design of both Xboxs (green ftw :p) but I can see why others don't like the original. Just find it amusing Sony fanboys all of a sudden love large black consoles when they b*tched for 4 years about it :p PS2 original is ugly as hell, but the Slim is very nice. PS3 original = ass, hopefully the Slim version is nicer :p That 360 case mod is awesome too :woot: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matrix XII Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 How can't you like the duke people?? BEST CONTROLLER EVER! lol (I'm actually serious tho) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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