1. Developers are Still Learning the System:
The PS3 is a complicated beast. Like any new system, there is a learning curve for developers as they seek to come to grips with the new architecture and the peculiarities of its technology. None more so than the PS3. From its complicated cell processor to its Blu-ray player and everything in-between, the PS3 is not like visiting a new country; its like exploring a new planet.
2. The Blu-ray Life Cycle:
History has shown that new media-formats have a ten-year window of opportunity before an inevitable technical revolution supersedes it, retiring them into a life as beer coasters. Floppy drives ruled the late 70s to late 80s, CD-ROMs had a good run from then to the late 90s, followed by DVDs until the present day. That latter format is quickly running out of momentum and as far as Sony is concerned, Blu-ray (not HD-DVD) is the next step for the entertainment industry. But wouldnt that media history suggest a new format launch in the late, not mid 10s?
3. The PS3 is Highly Adaptable:
When Sony designed the PlayStation 3, they left it open to wider technological advancements beyond their control. The ability to connect devices to the machine via Bluetooth means that headsets, keyboards and other such gadgets that work alongside the console can evolve on their own tangents, but still be completely functional with the PS3.In addition to this, the PS3 can accept any 2.5 hard-drive, meaning that it will easily kep pace with the growth of digital media in the coming seven years.
4. The PlayStation Network Can be Fixed:
Arguably one of the weakest points of the PS3 is its online system. But in truth, the problem is not so much in the systems functionality, but in the interface, which looks clumsy in the wake of Microsofts Live Marketplace. Playing games online with Sonys PlayStation 3 is actually a smoother experience than many Xbox 360 games, with local servers producing good play speeds and many games, such as Warhawk, featuring easy and painless lobbys.
More importantly, the firmware update system leaves the door open for Sony to evolve the PSN into something much more sophisticated down the track.
5. The PS3 is Prepared for HD Revolution:
One of the biggest criticisms of the PS3 in its current, super-expensive state is that to actually make use of its output potential, you need to spend more than double the consoles cost on HDTVs and 7.1 home theatre systems. Certainly in 2007, such devices are limited to the high-income market, therefore leaving the PS3 somewhat marooned between broader technology leaps. But by the end of this decade, such technology will be far cheaper and much more prevalent in lounge-rooms across the western world.
6. Expect a Slim-line SKU:
The PS3 is pretty frickin huge. You might be able to do your makeup in its pretty, reflective exterior, but you could also use it to rob a bank. Its immense size is counter-balanced by its blissfully quiet Blu-ray drive and the in-built power-box, neither of which have caused the reliability issues seen in the Xbox 360. Time will tell whether PS3s will begin to melt down the track, but the PS2 held up pretty bloody well for its seven years, leading us to assume similar stability in the PS3.
7. Sony is Popular in All Territories:
While the PS3 may not be selling its USBs off at present, its not being blackballed out of massive commercial territories like its competitor. With well over a decade of success across the planet, the PlayStation is a respected brand.
8. Sony Rules the Mainstream:
If one thing is becoming more and more apparent, it is that gaming is rapidly growing its demographic. The Wii has played a role in that, but for all that consoles sales success it still plays second fiddle to the PS2. The lifestyle genre led by SingStar, Buzz, EyeToy, The Sims and Guitar Hero is the single dominant reason for the growth of the games industry into new areas and Sony was first on the bandwagon.
9. The PS3 is Future-proof:
If we think the Xbox 720 could launch as early as 2009, wont Sony be forced to follow suit or run the risk of being outdated itself? Its a valid question, but in light of all the reasons above, you would have to think that PS3 would be immune to such pressure. There is certainly an argument that the Xbox 360 is a half-generation hop, rather than a next-generation leap. Now were sure that comment will run rough with the Xbox faithful, but really, where can the Xbox 360 go other than to add the functionality seen in the PS3? Weve already seen such a mentality with the Elite, which adds HDMI.
10. The Ten-Year Plan:
So if Sony has been vocal from the start about their ten-year plan for the PS3, then why launch in 2014, and not 2016? Surely, given all the reasons above, the console will make that distance with ease? Well, we do think the PS3 will be selling well and receiving plenty of software until 2016.
