Is the New PS3 Worth the Money?

Launching on November 19th, Sony Playstation 3 is the most advance video system ever created; it also one of the most expensive. Is the system worth every penny or should you wait for a price drop? Find out in this review of Sony Playstation 3.

This is a review of the premium bundle ($599.99) which is by far the better value. If you bought the basic version ($499.99), than you got rip-off.

The premium package includes the following:
Playstation 3 system with AC cable and RCA A/V cable
1 Sixaxis controller with USB cable charger
1 Ethernet cable
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Blu-Ray Movie

Sony Playstation 3's Features:
- The ability to play CD, DVD and Blu-Ray discs
- Wi-Fi connection (Ethernet port is also included)
- HDMI Port for high definition support
- Backward compatible with PSone and PS2 games
- Download and play classic games
- Multimedia online features

Graphics
Sony Playstation 3 has the most potential graphically of the three new consoles (PS3, Xbox360, and Wii). The keyword is "potential." Even though Playstation 3 have way better graphics than the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 games look just as good (in cases like Gears of War, look even better) as Playstation 3 games. However future games in the system look head and shoulders above the competition especially in 1080i high definition.

Controller
Sony Playstation 3's controller, the Sixaxis, is basically a modified Dual Shock 2. There are a few noticeable differences: no rumble, wireless, and the shoulder button have been made more to feel like trigger buttons. The Playstation 3's Sixaxis also have motion- sensing although it is not as advance as Nintendo Wii's controller. It's kind of disappointing that they took the rumble feature out of the controller. Another disappointment is that they didn't reposition the left analog stick into a more comfortable and natural position.

Features
The Playstation 3 promises to have a lot of features (check Sony Playstation 3's Features above for details). Although the price tag of $599.99 may be too expensive for a gaming console, at the same price it's the cheapest Blu-Ray player availble. However, some of the features, like downloading and playing games, have been sketchy and was not availble at launch. Not to mention that Sony Playstation 3 isn't fully backward compatible; thus, certain PSone and PS2 games may not work. Additionally, you have to buy an adaptor in order to save PSone and PS2 games on the Playstation 3.

Games
With the notable exception of Resistance: Fall of Man, Sony Playstation 3 launch library is mediocre at best. Fortunately, the future games are far better. Games like Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Devil May Cry 4 and Final Fantasy XIII are worth owning the expensive Playstation 3 just to play. Expect developers to really take advantage of Playstation 3's technology and make some incredible looking games.

Overall
As of right now, Sony Playstation 3 is not worth owning. It just doesn't have enough games and features. You'll be buying based on potential not quality. Wait until a price drop when the Playstation 3 has better games and features.