The Real Story Behind the PS3
I haven't had any time for gaming lately, so I've been kind of watching the next-gen console fray from the sidelines. I have wondered, though, why Sony let Microsoft get such a big jump -- the PS3 will be released a full year after the Xbox 360. I just read one analysis, though, that makes total sense. From the article "Top Industry Figures Muse PS3", Michael Pachter, Senior Analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities, had this to say:
Blu-ray is key to Sony's strategy. This isn't a battle between Sony and Microsoft; it's a battle between Sony and Toshiba. The PS3 and high definition DVD are coming out at roughly the same time, as compared to a 3 1/2 year lag between DVD and PS2. This time, hardcore MOVIE buffs are allowed to choose between standalone high def DVD players and the PS3. There are a lot of them, and I think that people with video game blinders on have completely overlooked the significance of Blu-ray. The high def features of Blu-ray will sell PS3s, and Microsoft can't compete with that. Add to that the fact that it doesn't make sense to buy a next gen box without an HD monitor, and all HD monitor owners want more content (meaning movies), and you can see why this strategy is so brilliant. So the "delay" in launch of PS3 is more related to the high def DVD strategy than to anything else.Ahh, that makes total sense. HD-DVD is just starting to warm up, and all those people that bought the HD sets over the past couple of years are going to jump at the chance to be able to really take advantage of their "investment". So, for Christmas 2006, they are going to be faced with a choice: stand-alone HD-DVD player for $350, or a PS3 for $500?
I'm thinking Sony's going to win, even with their late start and their recent fumbling. If they have a good online strategy (and they've been able to see what's good and bad about Xbox live for a while now), it'll be a PS3 2007.