I can't decide if I should buy a PS3 now or wait?

[NaughtyDawg]

So here's my dilema...

I want to eventually get a PS3. I'm sure there will be good titles (exclusives) that I'll want to play down the road such as Ratchet and Clank and others. Right now, the 60gb version is down $100 to $500 while it's on it's little "sale" price. This version includes full backwards compatability as it also includes the EE (Emotion Engine) chip in the console. I have a rather large library of PS2 games (probably 30+) and some I am still playing today (Final Fantasy XII, God of War I and II, Ratchet and Clank 2 and 3, etc).

Recently Sony announced they would be releasing an 80gb version of the PS3 (+20gb) without the EE chip in it. The backwards compatability for this new system will be software-emulated (like the Xbox 360 does with original Xbox titles). The problem is this reduced the backwards compatibility list from 100% to approx 75%. Not currently supported are newer titles such as Final Fantasy XII and God of War II. In addition to this, the 80gb system which has just been released on American shores carries a price tag $100 more than the 60gb version - $600.

Of course both versions include the Blu-Ray player so I could watch HD movies on my TV. I'm not prepared to get behind one format just yet in the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray war so I probably won't be buying any HD titles any time soon (though admittedly, I did just purchase the DVD/HD-DVD version of 300 for a mere $7 more than the DVD version).

The 60gb version will be sold until they are out of stock and then it will be replaced by the 80gb version so now there's a time limit on my purchase (they anticipate stock to be cleared in a couple months from what I hear). I don't really want the 80gb version unless they can do a really good job with the software emulation. Sony claims when the 60gb version sells out, the price on the 80gb will remain $600 although analysts think the price will come down to $500.

So anyway, I would like the backwards compatibility but I'm not sure I want to put down $500 for a new console right now. I have a Best Buy gift card that has $270 on it thanks to a contest I won at work and I'll probably be able to get another $30 for another contest going on right now so I have some financial help there, but really, there's nothing out now for the PS3 that I'd want (with the exception of Resistance: Fall of Man) and there's not much in the near future that I'd really want either (with the exception of Ratchet and Clank). For multi-platform titles, I'll most likely be getting the 360 version anyway as that's what most of my friends own. I could also put the money towards the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive that just came down in price (currently $150 at Best Buy).

So I guess I just wanted to get my thoughts out there, bounce them off some people and see what they thought. Thanks for listening and all comments are welcome.

[asakura]

Hmmm, yes, quite the dilemma.

I'd be tempted to pick up a 60GB version now, especially since you have the gift card, but you're right about the lack of games. Hardly seems worth it even if you buy it at a great price.

Might be worthwhile to hold onto the gift card until PS3 prices stabilize next year. With several huge new releases on the way (MGS4, FFXIII - I think!) early next year, Sony might be willing to truly lower the price of the console.

On backwards compatibility, presumably your PS2 still works, so there's always that fallback if you don't buy the PS3 now.

Somehow I think you'll be fairly busy game-wise this fall and winter so I don't think you'll be bored if you don't buy the PS3 in the next couple of months.

[deejrandom]

Wow you got 270 for that contest? That's awesome!

Anyway I'd wait. There aren't many titles that I'd want on the ps3 and all of them seem to be coming out for the 360. I don't see the point you know? I'd just wait a year or two and buy it when the price is down even farther...shoot you already have enough gaming as it is between the various consoles/pc/handhelds that you have. It's like game overload imho.

Just my 5 cents.

[NaughtyDawg]

Here's an update to this issue.

Sony has launched a search engine where you can check the backwards compatibility of any particular PS2 title. Make sure to select the appropriate PS3 version (60gb or 80gb) when searching the database.

While I'd like to see a browsable list since I have so many titles, at least this is a step in the right direction. Most importantly (for me), it appears there are no problems with Final Fantasy XII and God of War 2 on the 80gb model.

Also, at the bottom of the page, SCEA says they're working with publishers to come up with solutions for peripheral-based games to be fully compatible -- hello, Guitar Hero. "Ultimately, however, it will be up to those companies to decide if they want to produce these peripherals to support this gameplay option."

Oh yeah, and I still haven't purchased a PS3, and from the looks of it, I won't be for some time still.

[Wolfkin]

I have an Idea buy me an Xbox360.



No?

OK whatever buy yourself a PS3 with your money and all that. See if I care...

I'd hold on to it or get a Wii.

:cough:buy me a 360:cough:


Who said that?

[ch3mi0n]

PS3... meh.

Save your money.

[deejrandom]

I know if I get a ps3 it'll be next year sometime.. I have other stuff I want to purchase before. LIke a kick butt computer