NO WIRELESS CONTROLLER SUPPORT WITH $499 PLAYSTATION 3?
Games Radar has an article on the missing features in the lower end Playstation 3 that adds another item to the list of reasons not to purchase the “bare bones” PS3 – if it’s true.
“But perhaps more disappointing is that wireless bluetooth controllers won’t be supported; instead, gamers will have to make do with retro-style wired-up versions of the increasingly controversial PS3 pad.“ – Games Radar
Now I’m not sure where Games Radar got that information, as the article doesn’t specify, but according to the spec sheet Sony released for both models of the Playstation 3, which is the one that revealed the missing items, both units will have Bluetooth compatibility, and both will support wireless controllers. Now the Games Radar article states that they got this information via Sony this morning, so it may well be true. Another item in reference to the lower-end Playstation 3 was also confirmed by Games Radar, in this case through a Sony representative on the floor at E3;
“A Sony representative on the show floor at E3 also emphasized that gamers won’t be able to upgrade the memory of the 20GB version; if that’s the PS3 incarnation you opt for, you’re permanently stuck with a 20GB memory limit.“ – Games Radar
That would make sense, as everything Sony has said about the Playstation 3 so far indicates that the hard drive will be internal, so swapping it out would most certainly void your warranty. Check out the Games Radar article here and the Sony Playstation 3 PDF spec-sheet here. We’ll have more on this story as it evolves. (See update 2 on this story below for more)
My take on this right now? I don’t think Sony is that stupid. I’d be willing to believe they’re going to package the lower end model with a wired controller, but I seriously doubt that they’d shoot themselves in the foot like this.
UPDATE 1: I just surfed on over to Sony’s E3 site and checked out the spec sheet for the Playstation 3 there. Same thing – it shows Bluetooth and wireless controller support for both models. Click here to see the chart I’m talking about.
UPDATE 2: IGN has an article on the PS3 where Izumi Kawanishi, head of Sony Computer Entertainment’s Software Platform Development division, implied that the hard drives in the Playstation 3 CAN be swapped out.
“IT Media asked Kawanishi to give details on how Sony will be explaining to potential PS3 purchasers the difference between the two models. When playing games, explained Kawanishi, there will be no problem if you consider both models to be the same. The level of importance of the lack of HDMI on the 20 gig model depends on if your television has an HDMI port. Also, the difference in hard disk size can be fixed by swapping the 20 gig drive for a larger one.” – IGN article “Sony Japan Talks PS3″
XBOX LIVE DIAMOND CARD ARRIVES
Well, final proof that the Xbox Live Diamond Cards are shipping arrived today in the form of the card itself. The card comes with an introductory letter that explains the program and how it works. One piece of information that was new to me was provided in the explanation, and would explain the stories of people bringing their cards to the listed retailers and not getting the benefits listed. That piece of information was that many retailers will require printed coupons. From the introductory letter;
“Visit www.xboxlivediamond.com to see a complete list of participating retailers, review the discounts, and read any additional program information. All you have to do is present your Diamond Card and the appropriate printable coupon (found on www.xboxlivediamond.com) when you shop in person, or use the checkout code provided on the site when you shop online.” - Welcome to the Xbox Live Diamond Program letter
So it’s not as easy as just wandering in and flashing your card, but does require a little advanced preparation. It would not surprise me if the stores are far more interested in the coupons than the card itself, and won’t even ask for them to be shown. (In fact, the text on the sample Quiznos card included with the letter makes no mention of presenting your Diamond Card. Still, as I’ve said before, something is always better than nothing, and the discounts are decent.
Bottom line? If you go to any of the places the discount is available, be sure to keep a coupon or two in that ratty corner of your wallet just in case. Click here to go to the Xbox Live Diamond Card website and click the picture below for a closeup of the card.
WHICH WAS MORE POPULAR AT E3… THE PS3 OR THE WII?
Well, Kotaku decided to try and find out. They set up a camera over one of the entrances to the exposition floor and filmed what happened when the doors opened that morning. For reference, the Nintendo booth is on the right, the Sony booth is on the left. Hilarity ensues. Watch the video over at Kotaku at this link.
