The PlayStation 3 May Be Doing Better Than People Think

[Starlight]

"It's in third place." "Sony messed up." "Sony is doomed!" Unless you're new to the Internet (in that case, welcome!), you've probably heard all of the anti-Sony PlayStation 3 comments before.

Ever since its launch in 2006, the PS3 has been often called a failure by some Web sites and people (and of course, fanboys).

Even in 2009, with Sony's outstanding game lineup, people are still criticizing the console and its games. The point is, people still love to hate the PS3. But is any of it true?

To quote: After doing some research, I've come to the conclusion that no, it's not even close. In fact, despite currently being outsold by the Wii and Xbox 360, Sony's latest console has been doing a very good job.

First off, there's the sales. As of March 31st, 2009, the PS3 had sold 22.91 million units worldwide, while the Xbox 360 sold 30.2 million units. That's a lead of approximately 7 million.

But when the PS3 first launched, the 360 had sold 10 million units (since it had a one year headstart). That means that since the PS3 launch, the 360's lead has shrunk by 3 million units.

Now let's look at the last-gen consoles. In their lifetimes, the Gamecube sold 21.74 million units, and the original Xbox 24 million. With the PS3 at 23 million, that means that it has sold the same amount as the Gamecube and Xbox in about half the time.

Lastly, there's the issue of cost. Sony lose money on every PS3 sold. In 2006 when the PS3 launched, Sony were losing approximately $250 on every PS3 sold. But now with Blu-Ray development costs dropping (as well as Sony taking a few features out of the console), the development costs are (as of January last year) about $450.

80 GB PS3s currently cost about $400, which means that Sony is now only losing $50 per PS3. The development costs of Blu-Ray will continue to drop, which means eventually Sony will start making money off of the PS3. Until then, though, they still have sales from the PS2, PSP, and other electronics (such as TVs and standalone Blu-Ray players) to help recover their losses.

So, with the PS3 selling the way it is, and Sony not having any real money problems, I think that the PS3 is doing pretty well, and it's only going to improve over the next few years. To everybody out there who says that the PS3 is a failure and will be discontinued, stop kidding yourselves, please.


More PlayStation 3 News...

[PS3 News]

Interesting indeed... this ought to shut some of the fanboys up, eh? Probably not though.

Also, offtopic but it's nice to see that article images are now clickable here in the Forum to make them larger... good work CJPC!

[slammy]

I think that the sales are going to swing over in favour of the PS3 pretty soon, most of my friends that had bought the xbox360 at first has now switched over to a PS3, just because it's better. I've had mine since launch, and yes it was quite expensive at first, but now with the stripped down models its affordable for more people. Another thing is that I've never had any problems whatsoever with my console while some of my friends xbox306's has been shipped to get fixed 2-3 times for the ring of death.

[victorinox]

theres a lot of minor things in PS3's favor, like wii dying out, but regardless this isnt anything really shocking...

[saioke]

Interesting indeed... this ought to shut some of the fanboys up, eh? Probably not though.

Also, offtopic but it's nice to see that article images are now clickable here in the Forum to make them larger... good work CJPC!

Exactly, fanboys always find something to complain about... always.

but this article is very interesting to read indeed. it's about time someone came to the facts and show proof that it's not as bad as everyone thinks.

[Ryude]

PS3 it's the best game console in this time and can do more things than just a video game console and it's has most of features.

BUT.... DAMN... Everything is restricted. Not only user... Hacker too get difficulties when trying to maximize its features... or passing its program police.

[Anthogno]

this thread is pathetic, you people make it look like ps3 has to prove something. Always competing with xbox 360...
Playstation 3 is an amazing gaming console, but you cant argue that sony has made a terrible move by making ps3 so deamn expensive.

I know that you guys are so proud about your bluRay player, but i only used mine 3 times (MGS and 2 movies, all other games dont even come close to be over 8GB DL dvd and DVD quality is more than enough on my 32inch sony bravia). Its not worth it...
Please stop whining about xbox and fanboys. If you wouldnt be one, you would never bring this up.

[mihaiolimpiu]

DVD quality - maybe you should expand this to DVD QUALITY DIGITAL MEDIA on your 32 TV.

True I never played a BD movie on my PS3 but 480p DVD or digital media is just not enough for me... Switch to at least 720p DIGITAL MEDIA... you'll have a blast.. believe me... MP4 or MKV(streaming) are so common this days that it's a shame not to use them...

P.S.: And I know XBOX can play HD digital content!

[KainZ7]

well well, speaking of fanboys...^

[aries2k6]

Considering the price and the economic recession, I always considered the ps3 to be doing pretty good. I use it for gaming and to watch BluRays and digital media. I´ve never regretted my decision to buy a ps3.

Of course, a price cut would improve ps3 sales.
X-box and fanboys came into the conversation because it´s usally them that are always saying how bad the ps3 is doing or how it´s just not worth it.