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E3 06: PS3 specs tweaked, 20GB version stripped down

Features on Sony's console vastly different from last year; system now has one Ethernet port, fewer HDMI ports, four USB ports, no controller vibration.

LOS ANGELES--When Sony announced the PlayStation 3 at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, one of the most impressive parts of the machine was its specs. The console was a gearhead's dream with three Ethernet parts, two HDMI ports, six USB ports, and a host of other features. Many wondered how Sony could pack so much into a sleek box and still price the system competitively.

How things have changed in a year.

According to the latest specifications released by Sony, the PS3 now comes with only one Ethernet port and four USB ports. Also, the lack of a second HDMI port means that the "dual-screen setup running 1080p" function that was shown off last year is no longer a possibility.

The PlayStation 3 will come in two configurations; one will have a 20GB hard drive and the other will have a 60GB hard drive. However, losing 40GB isn't the only downgrade with the 20GB version. The 20GB version, priced at $499, will not have Memory Stick, SD, or Compact Flash inputs, Wi-Fi capabilities, or any HDMI output.

The new motion-sensitive controller, included standard in both the 20GB and 60GB models, will lack a feature that was present in the PlayStation 2's DualShock 2 controller: vibration. Citing the new "six-degrees of freedom," a statement from Sony says that "vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor."

The removal of vibration could also have something to do with the lawsuit won by Immersion Technologies, which sued Sony for copyright infringement based on the rumble feature in PlayStation controllers. Microsoft faced a similar suit, but settled out of court.

354 Comments

  • theKSMM

    Posted May 27, 2011 6:47 pm GMT

    Yeah, I often tell my friends that the PlayStation 3 is the only electronics device I've ever owned that has *lost* functionality over time. The device literally does less now than it did when it was initially released.

  • plaintomato

    Posted May 27, 2011 9:40 am GMT

    @mgsseries4life

    I wanted to "@" someone about a five year old comment. Reading the old posts was really entertaining.

    I particularly love the celebration of PS3 backwards compatibility being so much better than 360. Until they axed it. And now you can download original XBOX games on the 360 but can't even use a PS2 disc in a PS3. I'm wasting my breath harping on that but it still bugs me so I have to.

  • plaintomato

    Posted May 27, 2011 9:29 am GMT

    +1 telefanatic all day long. Hilarious.

  • telefanatic

    Posted May 26, 2011 10:20 pm GMT

    I cant wait for it, im getting the $599.99 version, also i preordered Gateway 3 already! Did you guys see the trailer for Killzone 2 ? it looks so amazing like real life and playable in 1080p ! Wow , computers will be left in the dust. Do computers even have HDMI ??

  • thingta42

    Posted May 26, 2011 5:30 pm GMT

    I never got a launch PS3 and so i paid 300$ for it new from gamestop. But daaamn 500$? thats expsensive.

  • Flop_DMC posted Feb 4, 2007 10:51 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Flop_DMC

    Posted Feb 4, 2007 10:51 pm GMT (hide)

    too bad the 360s better...

  • xElite_GameRx

    Posted Nov 7, 2006 5:49 pm GMT

    despite anti-ps3 gamers, I'm still getting it because it's more advanced then the other systems, sony had huge success with consoles and its games, and my favorite game titles are only for the PS3 and not any other console. To me PS3 for 600$ is well worth it and instead of a Wii, I rather pay the 250 not going to nintendo into getting more games and accessories for my PS3. I don't need a 250$ console that I'll just stare at cause I'm not interested in most of the games it offers.

  • xElite_GameRx

    Posted Nov 7, 2006 5:30 pm GMT

    despite anti-ps3 gamers, I'm still getting it because it's more advanced then the other systems, sony had huge success with consoles and its games, and my favorite game titles are only for the PS3 and not any other console. To me PS3 for 600$ is well worth it and instead of a Wii, I rather pay the 250 not going to nintendo into getting more games and accessories for my PS3. I don't need a 250$ console that I'll just stare at cause I'm not interested in most of the games it offers.

  • william09

    Posted Sep 3, 2006 6:48 pm GMT

    haha by the time ps3 would be released, i would already finish my college degree, i can afford $600 with ease.........

  • goose_uk

    Posted Aug 27, 2006 2:40 pm GMT

    PC>ps3

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 11:53 pm GMT

    interesting

  • raidenx2006

    Posted Jul 15, 2006 2:10 pm GMT

    It dosn't matter how much it cost because its playstation(#1 console) 3, backwards compatible, blu ray, PSP compatible

    and most importantly Metal Gear Solid 4 guns of the patriots

  • playstation014

    Posted May 30, 2006 2:15 pm GMT

    whats sd and Memory Stick, SD, and Compact Flash inputs???

  • _Cab0ose87_

    Posted May 29, 2006 1:31 pm GMT

    Seriously, i hope Playstation dies, all they do is rip off nintendo... bloody arrogant knicker bockers. And plus NO console, not even THE ALMIGHTY PLAYSTATION 3 (sarcasm) is worth 600! EFFIN DOLLARS!

  • allsportsgp

    Posted May 27, 2006 11:55 pm GMT

    I was going to get the PS3 until I saw the price tag, even for the stripped down version.

    I'm stick with my PC.

  • mike_escajeda66

    Posted May 24, 2006 5:22 pm GMT

    ha that is hilarious! real HD is 1080p? unless ur tv is larger than 50 inches u will have a real fun time trying to see the difference from 1080i or even 720p!! stop just talking and get ur facts straight. have u even watched tv at 1080p? ha ha u havent!!!! no media is available for it!!!!!! stop talking like u know something!!

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 24, 2006 6:40 am GMT

    ps series will rise even more in the next gen. PS3 surpasses all the others easily. and yup real HD is 1080p.

  • Lionden16

    Posted May 23, 2006 4:57 pm GMT

    I luv play station systems but it looks like everybody has there time at the top but it looks like the PS series is on a decline.

  • maverick562

    Posted May 23, 2006 11:33 am GMT

    yeah well its kinda pricy but hmm, ill just save up the money, get it, play it and then complain about it, im hoping MGS3 and FFXIII and DMC4 and GT4 will make it worth while hehehe =D

  • geckosprouch

    Posted May 23, 2006 9:23 am GMT

    It's still cheap...if you're looking for a Blu-Ray player.

  • TheTrooperUK

    Posted May 23, 2006 6:41 am GMT

    mgsseries4life....my God you are rather dedicated to the cause......albeit a bit on the wacky side.

    I will once again repeat myself as you have done....only this is what i have to say......YES ME MR CASUAL GAMER these are my opinions not the biased opinion of some analyst or person that is TRYING to justify the COST of a popular franchise that is Sony Playstation.

    And again i will go on the record as saying that the PS3 looks like a nice bit of kit.....BUT please try and look at our point of view (the many gamers not convinced).The asking price does not justify the cost of this console....YES READ THAT LINE AGAIN...CONSOLE IS THE KEY WORD HERE.

    This is no super computer - in fact it is no computer at all.....a modern computer is the pinnacle of what i would call a multi media hub/device -
    I seriously do not need to explain myself in that regard.Lets also take into account that you can purchase a modern PC at almost the same price these days (while atleast in the UK).

    The fact that the justifications you wrote or quoted are so biased hardly lays the foundations for a good argument because they where....well....biased.

    True HD starts at 720p and that is fact....nothing more needs to said about that....also the fact that no mention of anyone who backs HD DVD is even mentioned in your post is laughable as if you actualy took the time to look up the true facts of the matter....you would be most suprised as to who is backing HD DVD.....among that list is Microsoft....and wheather you hate or love em.....Microsoft backing HD DVD is of great importants as,you may have forgotten their influence stretches way beyond CONSOLE gaming.

    While many may regard the BLUE RAY as a means of price justification....I seriously have to disagree........BLUE RAY is an unproven quantity no matter what is said now.....and like the XB360 vs PS3 - HD DVD and BLUE RAY are going to have a long battle....however HD DVD in my opinion seems more logical as its based on existing technology and will be far cheaper to produce and develop (increase storage capacity)...but again thats just my opinion.

    PS3 is ultimatley a Games console no matter what anyone says.....and yes the Playstation name is now an icon anongst gamers of all types....however the fact is that the price is staggering and the cheaper alternative (watered down PS3) is as ironic as the price justifications.....NEED I MENTION THE EXCLUSION OF HDMI.......er is it me or is that defeating the objective......what is the the point of driving for true HD statistics (which according to some is 1080p) when its not an option at all...?

    Sony will have a big fan base...however their biggest FLAW with PS3 is the price and LACK of cunsumer CHOICE (options).Microsoft have opted to do the exact opposite and although many will argue that XB360 price is relative to PS3 - Please remember that its only once the consumer has decided to purchase the OPTIONAL EXTRAS.

    That is my opinion as a casual everyday gamer that has bills to pay and a real grasp on fact and reality.

  • Sudden

    Posted May 23, 2006 5:17 am GMT

    The one and ONLY reason for me to buy a PS3 was the fact that you were in theory supposed to be able to play on two screens with seven controllers powered by one single PS3 unit at the same time. Now it's no use busting your wallet to get a PS3 since X360 has almost the same performance but costs half as much. Also, why should I get the PS3 when I can get a Wii and X360 for the same price??

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 23, 2006 3:26 am GMT

    who cares just buy the 60GB version. PS3 just rocks hard!!

  • mezonesxbox

    Posted May 22, 2006 10:09 pm GMT



    NO RUMBLE!!! THIS SUCKS!!

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 22, 2006 4:52 pm GMT

    excuse me Whitsel? see that’s why i post PS3s advantages all over the forums: cause the same question is asked and the people don't know what they're talking about. look at my last post to understand that 500$ is okay.

  • blitzkrieg13

    Posted May 22, 2006 4:31 pm GMT

    Does it cook dinner? It could a a george forman grill built in or something. Think of all the cooking game possibilities.

  • Mindphaser

    Posted May 22, 2006 4:00 pm GMT

    Smart man Whitsel, its been $ony all along.

  • Whitsel

    Posted May 22, 2006 2:52 pm GMT

    Not to siked about the motion-sensitive controller and definently not about the lack of dual-shock! Plus I think Sony is being a little greedy here, stripping a PS3 to the bone of all it's juicyness and still charging twice as much as a 360 will cost by then(not to mention the core 360 has all the same capabilities and upgrades as a premium). Seems to me Sony is shooting for the hardcore-gamers and sort of leavin' the casual guys(im sort of in-between those) out to dry with a rock & stick. Turns out it's realy "$ony" not "Micro$oft".

  • rem234

    Posted May 22, 2006 12:40 pm GMT

    mgsseries4life

    Dude, why are you on this forum posting the same thing as in the other forums, if your just going to post the same thing over and over again about THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PS3... try to confine it to one forum...

    Anyways it bugs me a little about the price of this... and the apparent lack of many things the PS3 was to sport, when they talked to us at the previous E3... whats the point of a dual shock controller with no rumble.... and it seems that even though they said that there was only mainly the 60gig harddrive extra in the 600$, now you would have to buy the 600$ if you want to take effect of most of the advantages at all...

    My bet, their price drops quite a bit after a few months...

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 22, 2006 11:54 am GMT

    The Playstation 3 Value Proposition
    The console may be expensive - but it's not overpriced.
    By Carl Bender - May 21, 2006

    Out of all the announcements Sony made during their pre-E3 conference two weeks ago, probably none has resonated more loudly than the announcement of the price for the upcoming console. Starting at $500 the system is not cheap, and even longtime Sony loyalists are waking up to the fact that when November rolls around this year, there will be decidedly less expensive alternatives to consider should half a grand seem a little too rich for their blood.

    But now that the dust has begun to settle and people are starting to get over the initial shock of the announcement, it's time to look a little more closely at what exactly Sony is offering the consumer for the price being asked.

    We'll start with the base console.

    Called 'crippled' by many, the truth is the base model can be considered crippled only when compared to its more expensive sibling. When compared to its nearest rival on the other hand - the premium XBox 360 - the basic Playstation 3 matches it feature for feature... and then goes farther.

    The most obvious addition over the XBox 360 is of course the Blu-ray drive. The favored next-generation optical format among the majority of movie studios, it's inclusion in the Playstation for a $100 premium grants the consumer a feature that would otherwise cost roughly a thousand dollars to obtain via a standalone player. In addition, the PS3 supports DTS audio for the audiophiles out there (not to mention SACD), whereas the XBox 360 is limited to Dolby.

    Lack of HDMI and the possible use of ICT-flagging on next-gen media does, however, remain a cloud over the BD playback capabilities of the base PS3. On any Blu-ray films that were to utilize ICT, output would be limited to a 960x540 image (DVD is 720x480) instead of Blu-ray's potential maximum of 1920x1080. At the moment though, no film studio has announced an intent to use ICT-flagging in their shipped products. In fact, Sony has already come out as saying they will not use ICT on their own Blu-ray video releases (Sony owns Columbia, MGM, and Sony Pictures). If other studios follow Sony's example, then for the next several years there would be very little shortfall in owning a component-equipped PS3 vs an HDMI-capable unit.

    Over on the gaming side of things, the promise of an online network emulating many of Live Golds key features - while at the same time remaining free from a service charge - will present consumers with the opportunity to save the $50 per year charged by Microsoft for subscription-based Gold service. For those who game online, this savings alone would pay for the price difference between the two consoles after just two years; calculated five years out, this would actually provide a savings relative to the premium 360 of $150. And with a hard drive present on all SKUs, the Playstation 3 allows developers the freedom to build games around the hard drive and with the hard drive in mind. Though still useful on the 360, the requirement that all games shipped for the system work on non-HDD equipped systems puts a limit on the maximum potential of the 360 hard drive in a gaming environment.

    When moving up to the Playstation 3 'luxury' edition, for the additional price of an XBox 360 WiFi adaptor or an extra 20GB hard drive, owners of the upgraded Playstation gain not only high-speed wireless, but a tripling of the hard drive size, a multi-format card reader, and the next-generation of HDMI interface. Superior to the HDMI solutions available today, HDMI 1.3 will raise the color information carried per channel to 16 bits from the present 12 bits, and allow audio to be carried via the HDMI cable as well. A compatible HDTV set will be required to make full use of this added functionality though, and for a lot of people this will essentially render HDMI 1.3 no more or less attractive than HDMI 1.2 for the next several years. Still, on a high-end A/V device, forward-compatability is always appreciated.

    In the end, the launch price of the Playstation 3 puts the system out of the reach of many consumers that might otherwise desire one. Luckily for Sony, this does not look like it will greatly effect the demand for the console during the launch window itself. After that period, it will be up to Sony to take advantage of falling processor and Blu-ray component costs to drop the price of the console as rapidly as possible for the benefit of the mainstream consumer.

    For those that can afford a Playstation 3 at launch, however, the system represents a compelling value across a number of fronts. On top of that, when factoring in certain accessory prices and possible online gaming fees, in several scenarios the PS3 may actually come out ahead in total cost of ownership relative to the XBox 360.

    For the capabilities offered in the PS3, the word "overpriced" is certainly misused when applied to it.

  • secretsaiyan007

    Posted May 22, 2006 6:03 am GMT

    u know how microsoft settled it out of court-BY BILL GATE'S POCKET

    PS-good work mgsseries4life

  • dukerav

    Posted May 21, 2006 7:27 pm GMT

    Bad move by Sony with all of this if you ask me. But things like this will probably become the norm from now till infinity, at least not with Nintendo it seems, but who knows what the future will be like.

  • WittyGBanter

    Posted May 21, 2006 6:50 pm GMT

    Most dissappointing news of the show. I said "okay...I guess" to 500 bucks for a console (in spite of the fact that its ridiculous) because it looks like it has a lot, but not WI FI or HDMI output is wrong. I dont want to pay 500 for a console but not be able use the features. Its asking a lot.

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 21, 2006 6:01 pm GMT

    In an attempt to reconcile the "huge" price tag of the PS3 in comparison to the other systems I have composed the following:

    I have seen alot of complaints as to the cost of the PS3. I think that the following should help you understand why this is not as unreasonable as it seems.

    Let me first discuss the graphics. By this time everyone know the outputs. PS3 will be outputting true HD (at this time) of 1080p. The Xbox360 isnt far behind outputting 1080i. Although the screen resolution is the same, essentialy the PS3 refeshes it's screen twice as many times a minute (For thoes that don't know: 1080i is an interlaced screen, "spraying" every other line 60 times a second essentially giving you 30 frames per second, while 1080p is a progressive screen "spraying" every line 60 times a second essentially gicing you 60 frames per second). Now while this difference doesnt seem all that noticeable the interlaced screen may appear slightly chopy. Now not to rag on the Wii, but it will be outputting 480p, which doesnt come close to comepeting with the PS3.

    Now besides the output the systems have different graphics processors, the major specs I have are that the PS3 has 1.8 to 2.1 TFLOPS floating point performance running at 550MHZ, and the Xbox360 only has 1 TFLOPS and runs at 500MHZ. The PS3 also surpases the 360 graphics in other ways, and from what I know, they suggest that the PS3 is twice as powerful as the 360. (The Wii has not output specifics as to my knowledge.)

    Moving on quickly to the power of the systems. I know you all are tired of hearing it but its all in the cell. It truly is an amazing piece of technology. It does in everyway surpass what the Xbox360 and the Wii have to offer.

    Now, onto the subject of blu-ray. The blu-ray disk format does so much for the PS3. It not only provides more space to the developers for added game content, it alows for less data compression, and faster streaming rates, thus lowering loading times. Also the addition of the blu-ray player provides consumers with a low priced fully functioning blu-ray player which will share, if not control the home movie media market (HD-DVD may also catch on). Of course the PS3 will include an HD-DVD player, so there really is no worry if blu-ray catches on. Of course if blu-ray does catch on the technology will become easier and easier to produce and prouction prices will go down, and we could see a reduction in game prices due to less material costs of the disks.

    Further arguments in favor of the PS3 include: Built-in WiFi, free online features (which include video chat, and downloadable content), HDMI output, full backwards-compatiablity, firmware updates, linux based OS (Operating System), and more.

    Finally in response to a previous "review" the reason of the "low" quality game content at E3 was that most games weren't more than 50% complete, and were not outputting true high-def. Also at this time games only are using about 20% of the cell processor (so I read), and it will take awhile for developers to get used to the system and its capabilities. I expect that in the future games will become much better.

    As a quick side note I would like to mention that the PS3 is reportedly to be extremely silent, compared to the 360 which is extremely noisy.

    Still it is a matter of opinion, and this is only mine. The PS3 is not only a game machine, it is a mulitmedia device. Compared to the price of normal blu-ray players, which will most likely be priced in the thousands, a fully functional one will be within the PS3 for only $600.

    Hope I helped to clear a few things up, or to pursade some that were on the fence. Persoanlly I cannot wait to get my hands on a PS3

  • seraph_jim

    Posted May 21, 2006 5:50 pm GMT

    Both PS3 and nintendo are using gimmicks in their control schemes. people are praising nintendo because it's controls are unfamiliar and they think that it's the "Best" way to go. you know what would feel more realistic than swinging a controller to play virtual tennis? Finding a few real people and playing REAL tennis. PS3 and Wii will control very different, but that doesn't automatically make one "Better" than the other. and it doesn't matter if Nintendo came up with the idea first, they're not even on the market yet, so it's pointless to argue. and besides, Motion sensors on a controller are nothing new. they've had those for PC for years. whining is always a waste of time in retrospect, cause it won't change a thing.

    PS3 will be great
    XBOX360 will be great
    Wii will be great

    this is gonna be one of the best generations of gaming - period. every console brings a different experience and flavor.

    oh, and concerning the lack of rumble feature - not that big a setback. seriously, another input mechanism seems better for games than virtual coffee-hand jitters.

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 21, 2006 5:31 pm GMT

    From PS3 Portal:
    Sony told EB and GameStop that they would be supplying 3 million consoles at launch worldwide, 1 million more than they claimed at E3. They also broke it down by region: an even cool million for each Japan, NTSC and PAL. Please note that Sony informed retailers that these were launch day figures.

    Sony Computer Entertainment America reportedly stated that gaming would be free, stating: "Please note that online gaming will be free right out of the box."

    Sony has touted free online as an advantage over Microsoft's free XBox LIVE account, called a "Silver" account, which does not include online gaming as one of its services. The pricing structure for premium and downloadable content has still not been outlined
    ....
    See that’s another thing that justifies the 500$ or 600$ for the PS3.

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 21, 2006 3:42 pm GMT

    PS3 OWNS all... but it's better to buy the 60 GB...

  • grig911

    Posted May 21, 2006 3:06 pm GMT

    20gb sucks, they made it a piece of junk. 60gb is the real thing

  • kai88

    Posted May 21, 2006 2:07 pm GMT

    gives me an even greater reason why i wasn't gonna buy it. ps3 sucks

  • Bahamut50

    Posted May 21, 2006 2:03 pm GMT

    i believe that while sony may have won last times console race, it will be nintendos ideas that come out on top this time over.i mean come on, although people will buy the ps3, fanboys or not, it wont be the seller the ps2 was with that price. microsoft didnt change much in terms of innovation so it will probably be steady, but not sellout material. nintendo may not have the powerhouse, but it has the affordability and the innovative controller to finally blow out a sucess. with all the things you could do with a nintendo controller, versus the xbox 360 and ps3s graphics, id take cooler gameplay anyday.so really, this pricing doesnt bother me, because unless sony totally bankrupts, they will probably do something atleast to fix it, but they wont beat nintendo, and neither will microsoft for that matter

  • Fauij

    Posted May 21, 2006 10:08 am GMT

    then shouldn't the 20 gb system be cheaper than $499 if it does not include Memory Stick, SD, or Compact Flash inputs, Wi-Fi capabilities, or any HDMI output. I mean at least make is like $450 and try to compete with microsoft since they're dropping there price ot $300.

  • sexy_pizzaboy

    Posted May 21, 2006 8:32 am GMT

    i think 20 gb is going to suck

  • ibz4ever

    Posted May 21, 2006 7:31 am GMT

    Sony might aswell realease the 60GB version only since the 20Gb doesnt have much of the better qualites that the 60GB does .... but hey its an impressive console non-the-less and im looking forward to it (btw it beats Xbox 360 by far!! lol) .. and omg!!! i cnt belive theres not going to be a rumble pack OMG thats what made the games so exiciting and almost had a sense of realisim .. this cnt be happening .. im sure they'll work on a rumble pack controller b4 its release in November!!! plz!!!!

  • rikjuh

    Posted May 21, 2006 3:13 am GMT

    its kinda weird that they, next to the hard disk also take away other options for the cheaper version.
    on the other hand you could say its understandable, they just want people to buy the 600$ thing

  • Reeper47

    Posted May 21, 2006 12:43 am GMT

    how typical, this is exactly what was predicted. That sony wouldn't live up to expectations. No vibration is big mistake, and copying nintendo is harlarious it just shows how desperate they are. No surprize that the dual display thing is out, I wont be surprized if the performance is not what they said it was goen to be.
    poor sony.

  • JustinFriedman

    Posted May 20, 2006 10:05 pm GMT

    I HATE U SONY!!!

  • Neo1O1

    Posted May 20, 2006 6:51 pm GMT

    Selling two versions of the same system is an awful idea. Obviously, the ones that suffer are the same people that keep Sony in business.

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 20, 2006 5:01 pm GMT

    [This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

  • mgsseries4life

    Posted May 20, 2006 5:01 pm GMT

    Again u disappoint humanity when u say what Sony includes in the PS3 is crap. So for u the more the technology is higher and newer the more it's crapier? From what planet do u come from? is it the dumba$s/jacka$s planet? Soon or later people r gonna buy what the PS3 already has, like the WIFI, Blu-ray player, Bluetooth, HMDI... so on and so far... cause technology is fast moving these years specially in 1 or 2 years when the HD will be something 100% required! So think, Choice 1: is it better to buy it with the PS3 with price as low as 600$? or choice 2:is it better to buy a 400$ console then add those features, each costing more than 150$? Any person with some kind of intelligence or who doesn’t type liiike dyise will choose the first choice. Of course, if u aren’t wise person and if u aren’t patient then u r going to choose the 2nd choice. Before saying stuff thing and compare and do a long term analysis of the situation.

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