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As anyone reading this has no doubt heard by now, Sony has begun early design work on the PlayStation 3, the PS2's eventual successor. Though the company is only releasing very sparse preliminary information at this point (as they should because I have only just got a PS2 for Gawd's sake), they clearly seem to be laying the foundation for a hype machine the world hasn't seen since…well, since the PS2. But we gamers have learned much since then. Whereas a few years ago we would have trusted every spec and every promise Sony announced without question, today we regard them with a far more skeptical eye. The PS2's inherent design flaws, high defect rates, and lackluster launch have seen to that.
The point is we cannot just assume that Sony knows what they're doing, because it is obvious they do not. Therefore, unless we want the PS3 to suffer the same fate as the PS2, we must spell out for them in no uncertain terms exactly what should and should not go into their new super console. If anyone from Sony is listening, pay attention and take notes. This nine-step program is aimed squarely at you.
1. Make it powerful, but make that power easy to access. Yeah, I realize this issue was beaten to death even before the PS2 launched in Japan. But it's a problem that never should have existed in the first place, and thus bears repeating one more time. Game consoles cannot survive without games, and yet the PS2 seems to have been designed to make software production as difficult as possible. Why? As it is game makers have to jump through hoops just to implement anti-aliasing, and even in a best case scenario they won't get as much performance out of the PS2 as they would from the GameCube or Xbox. In order to ensure continued support, the PS3 must be easily accessible to everyone in the development community, not just the top 5%. Anything less will only serve to increase production times and costs, driving third parties toward more economical consoles. Start with a single CPU and a single graphics chip. Then just keep it simple, stupid.
2. Give it room to grow. An addendum to rule #1. Simple is good, but you don't want the console to use up its entire bag of tricks in the first year. As the PS3 ages, consumers will expect to see noticeable improvements made over the first generation of software. To facilitate this, the PS3 will have to be designed with a steady learning curve in mind. I realize it's a tough balancing act to make, but it's a goal that must be achieved.
3. Reliable, durable hardware. You wouldn't believe how many complaints I've heard from PS2 owners about their consoles breaking down. I've heard of everything from Disc Read Errors and noisy CD drives to more serious problems like scratched discs. This does nothing for customer satisfaction, which ultimately is much more important. The solution is simple. Design the PS3 to be a durable, reliable machine. And don't release it until it is.
4. Four controller ports. Here's another one for the "Duh" file. I really don't know how you guys managed to make a next-generation console without four built-in controller ports, but trust me, it's not a mistake you want to make twice. But knowing the people at Sony, they probably won't wanna lose the Multi tap revenue.
5. Keep the price low. Despite the price of Xbox game consoles have to be as inexpensive as possible, or consumers won't make it a casual purchase as I'm suer many epople did with PSone. I myself wouldn't touch a system above £350. Strike whatever manufacturing deals you have to, but do not release the PS3 for more than £200.
6. Full backward compatibility, if you can handle it. The PS2's ability to play all (well, almost all) PSX games is a major plus in my book; a plus I would like to see repeated. True, by the time the PS3 is released the PSX will be two generations old. But the platform still encompasses thousands of titles, and the technology needed to run them would be dirt-cheap. As for PS2 compatibility, do it only if it's reliable and inexpensive. The PS2 is an overly complex machine to begin with, so I don't believe an emulator would work. Packing PS2 chips into the PS3 would be best, but doing so may drive the price to unacceptable levels. Bottom line: Do it right and do it cheap, or don't do it at all.
7. Extras are nice, but of secondary importance. Everybody loves getting extras, and video gamers are no different. I don't care what Nintendo says; having a CD/DVD player built-in to my game console is a very good thing. Having a built-in hard drive and Internet connection on top of that would be even better (assuming they'll actually be used to enhance the gaming experience.) By the time you add 5.1 Surround Sound, and a couple of USB/Firewire ports, you have a highly attractive electronic entertainment center. But before you get too carried away, remember always that game consoles are game players first and everything else second. DVDs are great, but that's not the main reason why people bought the PS2. As long as you don't break rule #5, put in all the extra features you want. But make video games your No.1 priority.
8. Include a simple, functional controller. Nintendo and Microsoft have gotten a lot of press over their innovative controller designs, but newer isn't always better. The button positioning on the GameCube controller has made fighting fans cringe, and the sheer size of the Xbox pad frightens carpals and small children alike. Despite its lack of originality, the Dual Shock 2 remains a quality controller because it fuses a comfortable, easy to use design with necessities like digital and analog sticks, analog buttons, and a vibration function. Please keep this in mind when you go about designing your next controller. I'm not saying you shouldn't come up with new ideas (such as making cordless controllers standard issue), just don't forget the fundamentals along the way.
You only have one chance to do it right, Sony. With Microsoft hot on your heels, and with the financial clout to boot (what a shoe analogy) this could be it. Just don't waste it.
The point is we cannot just assume that Sony knows what they're doing, because it is obvious they do not. Therefore, unless we want the PS3 to suffer the same fate as the PS2, we must spell out for them in no uncertain terms exactly what should and should not go into their new super console. If anyone from Sony is listening, pay attention and take notes. This nine-step program is aimed squarely at you.
1. Make it powerful, but make that power easy to access. Yeah, I realize this issue was beaten to death even before the PS2 launched in Japan. But it's a problem that never should have existed in the first place, and thus bears repeating one more time. Game consoles cannot survive without games, and yet the PS2 seems to have been designed to make software production as difficult as possible. Why? As it is game makers have to jump through hoops just to implement anti-aliasing, and even in a best case scenario they won't get as much performance out of the PS2 as they would from the GameCube or Xbox. In order to ensure continued support, the PS3 must be easily accessible to everyone in the development community, not just the top 5%. Anything less will only serve to increase production times and costs, driving third parties toward more economical consoles. Start with a single CPU and a single graphics chip. Then just keep it simple, stupid.
2. Give it room to grow. An addendum to rule #1. Simple is good, but you don't want the console to use up its entire bag of tricks in the first year. As the PS3 ages, consumers will expect to see noticeable improvements made over the first generation of software. To facilitate this, the PS3 will have to be designed with a steady learning curve in mind. I realize it's a tough balancing act to make, but it's a goal that must be achieved.
3. Reliable, durable hardware. You wouldn't believe how many complaints I've heard from PS2 owners about their consoles breaking down. I've heard of everything from Disc Read Errors and noisy CD drives to more serious problems like scratched discs. This does nothing for customer satisfaction, which ultimately is much more important. The solution is simple. Design the PS3 to be a durable, reliable machine. And don't release it until it is.
4. Four controller ports. Here's another one for the "Duh" file. I really don't know how you guys managed to make a next-generation console without four built-in controller ports, but trust me, it's not a mistake you want to make twice. But knowing the people at Sony, they probably won't wanna lose the Multi tap revenue.
5. Keep the price low. Despite the price of Xbox game consoles have to be as inexpensive as possible, or consumers won't make it a casual purchase as I'm suer many epople did with PSone. I myself wouldn't touch a system above £350. Strike whatever manufacturing deals you have to, but do not release the PS3 for more than £200.
6. Full backward compatibility, if you can handle it. The PS2's ability to play all (well, almost all) PSX games is a major plus in my book; a plus I would like to see repeated. True, by the time the PS3 is released the PSX will be two generations old. But the platform still encompasses thousands of titles, and the technology needed to run them would be dirt-cheap. As for PS2 compatibility, do it only if it's reliable and inexpensive. The PS2 is an overly complex machine to begin with, so I don't believe an emulator would work. Packing PS2 chips into the PS3 would be best, but doing so may drive the price to unacceptable levels. Bottom line: Do it right and do it cheap, or don't do it at all.
7. Extras are nice, but of secondary importance. Everybody loves getting extras, and video gamers are no different. I don't care what Nintendo says; having a CD/DVD player built-in to my game console is a very good thing. Having a built-in hard drive and Internet connection on top of that would be even better (assuming they'll actually be used to enhance the gaming experience.) By the time you add 5.1 Surround Sound, and a couple of USB/Firewire ports, you have a highly attractive electronic entertainment center. But before you get too carried away, remember always that game consoles are game players first and everything else second. DVDs are great, but that's not the main reason why people bought the PS2. As long as you don't break rule #5, put in all the extra features you want. But make video games your No.1 priority.
8. Include a simple, functional controller. Nintendo and Microsoft have gotten a lot of press over their innovative controller designs, but newer isn't always better. The button positioning on the GameCube controller has made fighting fans cringe, and the sheer size of the Xbox pad frightens carpals and small children alike. Despite its lack of originality, the Dual Shock 2 remains a quality controller because it fuses a comfortable, easy to use design with necessities like digital and analog sticks, analog buttons, and a vibration function. Please keep this in mind when you go about designing your next controller. I'm not saying you shouldn't come up with new ideas (such as making cordless controllers standard issue), just don't forget the fundamentals along the way.
You only have one chance to do it right, Sony. With Microsoft hot on your heels, and with the financial clout to boot (what a shoe analogy) this could be it. Just don't waste it.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Sony fan myself. I was just outlining the problems they need to rectify for PS3 (such as having four controller ports, which is a must)
i am a ps2 owner and very proud of it. i think ps2 will still dominate the console market when x-box and gamecube are relesed in europe.as for the ps3 sony are actually designing the console as i speak its going to be the best console ever the most powerful console with a massive 256bit but as everyone knows all new consoles have teathing problems nothing is perfect and the x-box is definitly not 100% cause microsoft has made software this is the first time they have done hardware so to me i think infact i know sony will win like they done with ps1 they are going to win with ps2
I just realised I wrote nine steps at the top...ignore that, I deleted the ninth. It is just 8, ok?
You certainly know your beans! Hope PS3 doesn't come out too soon. I, like you, have only just purchased the PS2!!!
re: your first point - I was recommended the PS2 by a software developer friend. He said PS2 has many more titles then X-Box and GameCube and said it would be a long time before the latter two catch up.
I'l have to ask him more about all this..... cheers for the ideas
re: your first point - I was recommended the PS2 by a software developer friend. He said PS2 has many more titles then X-Box and GameCube and said it would be a long time before the latter two catch up.
I'l have to ask him more about all this..... cheers for the ideas
With some due respect i believe Sony will know mostly what they are doing. Although they are only young in the industry they have had success with both there console for many reasons. But they will know what they are doing with PS3, there putting so much money into it they would be mad not to know!
But as you say, it will probably have all the usual, CD, DVD ect. I cant see it having all that much difference to the PS2 really other than shape, possibly an internal modem and obviously improved specs.
But i cant see them releasing too much information on the specs for some time, as they wont know them as yet, they will leave that while later as thats when they make all the nitty gritty stuff so to keep up with the times.
But as you say, it will probably have all the usual, CD, DVD ect. I cant see it having all that much difference to the PS2 really other than shape, possibly an internal modem and obviously improved specs.
But i cant see them releasing too much information on the specs for some time, as they wont know them as yet, they will leave that while later as thats when they make all the nitty gritty stuff so to keep up with the times.
As anyone reading this has no doubt heard by now, Sony has begun early design work on the PlayStation 3, the PS2's eventual successor. Though the company is only releasing very sparse preliminary information at this point (as they should because I have only just got a PS2 for Gawd's sake), they clearly seem to be laying the foundation for a hype machine the world hasn't seen since…well, since the PS2. But we gamers have learned much since then. Whereas a few years ago we would have trusted every spec and every promise Sony announced without question, today we regard them with a far more skeptical eye. The PS2's inherent design flaws, high defect rates, and lackluster launch have seen to that.
The point is we cannot just assume that Sony knows what they're doing, because it is obvious they do not. Therefore, unless we want the PS3 to suffer the same fate as the PS2, we must spell out for them in no uncertain terms exactly what should and should not go into their new super console. If anyone from Sony is listening, pay attention and take notes. This nine-step program is aimed squarely at you.
1. Make it powerful, but make that power easy to access. Yeah, I realize this issue was beaten to death even before the PS2 launched in Japan. But it's a problem that never should have existed in the first place, and thus bears repeating one more time. Game consoles cannot survive without games, and yet the PS2 seems to have been designed to make software production as difficult as possible. Why? As it is game makers have to jump through hoops just to implement anti-aliasing, and even in a best case scenario they won't get as much performance out of the PS2 as they would from the GameCube or Xbox. In order to ensure continued support, the PS3 must be easily accessible to everyone in the development community, not just the top 5%. Anything less will only serve to increase production times and costs, driving third parties toward more economical consoles. Start with a single CPU and a single graphics chip. Then just keep it simple, stupid.
2. Give it room to grow. An addendum to rule #1. Simple is good, but you don't want the console to use up its entire bag of tricks in the first year. As the PS3 ages, consumers will expect to see noticeable improvements made over the first generation of software. To facilitate this, the PS3 will have to be designed with a steady learning curve in mind. I realize it's a tough balancing act to make, but it's a goal that must be achieved.
3. Reliable, durable hardware. You wouldn't believe how many complaints I've heard from PS2 owners about their consoles breaking down. I've heard of everything from Disc Read Errors and noisy CD drives to more serious problems like scratched discs. This does nothing for customer satisfaction, which ultimately is much more important. The solution is simple. Design the PS3 to be a durable, reliable machine. And don't release it until it is.
4. Four controller ports. Here's another one for the "Duh" file. I really don't know how you guys managed to make a next-generation console without four built-in controller ports, but trust me, it's not a mistake you want to make twice. But knowing the people at Sony, they probably won't wanna lose the Multi tap revenue.
5. Keep the price low. Despite the price of Xbox game consoles have to be as inexpensive as possible, or consumers won't make it a casual purchase as I'm suer many epople did with PSone. I myself wouldn't touch a system above £350. Strike whatever manufacturing deals you have to, but do not release the PS3 for more than £200.
6. Full backward compatibility, if you can handle it. The PS2's ability to play all (well, almost all) PSX games is a major plus in my book; a plus I would like to see repeated. True, by the time the PS3 is released the PSX will be two generations old. But the platform still encompasses thousands of titles, and the technology needed to run them would be dirt-cheap. As for PS2 compatibility, do it only if it's reliable and inexpensive. The PS2 is an overly complex machine to begin with, so I don't believe an emulator would work. Packing PS2 chips into the PS3 would be best, but doing so may drive the price to unacceptable levels. Bottom line: Do it right and do it cheap, or don't do it at all.
7. Extras are nice, but of secondary importance. Everybody loves getting extras, and video gamers are no different. I don't care what Nintendo says; having a CD/DVD player built-in to my game console is a very good thing. Having a built-in hard drive and Internet connection on top of that would be even better (assuming they'll actually be used to enhance the gaming experience.) By the time you add 5.1 Surround Sound, and a couple of USB/Firewire ports, you have a highly attractive electronic entertainment center. But before you get too carried away, remember always that game consoles are game players first and everything else second. DVDs are great, but that's not the main reason why people bought the PS2. As long as you don't break rule #5, put in all the extra features you want. But make video games your No.1 priority.
8. Include a simple, functional controller. Nintendo and Microsoft have gotten a lot of press over their innovative controller designs, but newer isn't always better. The button positioning on the GameCube controller has made fighting fans cringe, and the sheer size of the Xbox pad frightens carpals and small children alike. Despite its lack of originality, the Dual Shock 2 remains a quality controller because it fuses a comfortable, easy to use design with necessities like digital and analog sticks, analog buttons, and a vibration function. Please keep this in mind when you go about designing your next controller. I'm not saying you shouldn't come up with new ideas (such as making cordless controllers standard issue), just don't forget the fundamentals along the way.
You only have one chance to do it right, Sony. With Microsoft hot on your heels, and with the financial clout to boot (what a shoe analogy) this could be it. Just don't waste it.
The point is we cannot just assume that Sony knows what they're doing, because it is obvious they do not. Therefore, unless we want the PS3 to suffer the same fate as the PS2, we must spell out for them in no uncertain terms exactly what should and should not go into their new super console. If anyone from Sony is listening, pay attention and take notes. This nine-step program is aimed squarely at you.
1. Make it powerful, but make that power easy to access. Yeah, I realize this issue was beaten to death even before the PS2 launched in Japan. But it's a problem that never should have existed in the first place, and thus bears repeating one more time. Game consoles cannot survive without games, and yet the PS2 seems to have been designed to make software production as difficult as possible. Why? As it is game makers have to jump through hoops just to implement anti-aliasing, and even in a best case scenario they won't get as much performance out of the PS2 as they would from the GameCube or Xbox. In order to ensure continued support, the PS3 must be easily accessible to everyone in the development community, not just the top 5%. Anything less will only serve to increase production times and costs, driving third parties toward more economical consoles. Start with a single CPU and a single graphics chip. Then just keep it simple, stupid.
2. Give it room to grow. An addendum to rule #1. Simple is good, but you don't want the console to use up its entire bag of tricks in the first year. As the PS3 ages, consumers will expect to see noticeable improvements made over the first generation of software. To facilitate this, the PS3 will have to be designed with a steady learning curve in mind. I realize it's a tough balancing act to make, but it's a goal that must be achieved.
3. Reliable, durable hardware. You wouldn't believe how many complaints I've heard from PS2 owners about their consoles breaking down. I've heard of everything from Disc Read Errors and noisy CD drives to more serious problems like scratched discs. This does nothing for customer satisfaction, which ultimately is much more important. The solution is simple. Design the PS3 to be a durable, reliable machine. And don't release it until it is.
4. Four controller ports. Here's another one for the "Duh" file. I really don't know how you guys managed to make a next-generation console without four built-in controller ports, but trust me, it's not a mistake you want to make twice. But knowing the people at Sony, they probably won't wanna lose the Multi tap revenue.
5. Keep the price low. Despite the price of Xbox game consoles have to be as inexpensive as possible, or consumers won't make it a casual purchase as I'm suer many epople did with PSone. I myself wouldn't touch a system above £350. Strike whatever manufacturing deals you have to, but do not release the PS3 for more than £200.
6. Full backward compatibility, if you can handle it. The PS2's ability to play all (well, almost all) PSX games is a major plus in my book; a plus I would like to see repeated. True, by the time the PS3 is released the PSX will be two generations old. But the platform still encompasses thousands of titles, and the technology needed to run them would be dirt-cheap. As for PS2 compatibility, do it only if it's reliable and inexpensive. The PS2 is an overly complex machine to begin with, so I don't believe an emulator would work. Packing PS2 chips into the PS3 would be best, but doing so may drive the price to unacceptable levels. Bottom line: Do it right and do it cheap, or don't do it at all.
7. Extras are nice, but of secondary importance. Everybody loves getting extras, and video gamers are no different. I don't care what Nintendo says; having a CD/DVD player built-in to my game console is a very good thing. Having a built-in hard drive and Internet connection on top of that would be even better (assuming they'll actually be used to enhance the gaming experience.) By the time you add 5.1 Surround Sound, and a couple of USB/Firewire ports, you have a highly attractive electronic entertainment center. But before you get too carried away, remember always that game consoles are game players first and everything else second. DVDs are great, but that's not the main reason why people bought the PS2. As long as you don't break rule #5, put in all the extra features you want. But make video games your No.1 priority.
8. Include a simple, functional controller. Nintendo and Microsoft have gotten a lot of press over their innovative controller designs, but newer isn't always better. The button positioning on the GameCube controller has made fighting fans cringe, and the sheer size of the Xbox pad frightens carpals and small children alike. Despite its lack of originality, the Dual Shock 2 remains a quality controller because it fuses a comfortable, easy to use design with necessities like digital and analog sticks, analog buttons, and a vibration function. Please keep this in mind when you go about designing your next controller. I'm not saying you shouldn't come up with new ideas (such as making cordless controllers standard issue), just don't forget the fundamentals along the way.
You only have one chance to do it right, Sony. With Microsoft hot on your heels, and with the financial clout to boot (what a shoe analogy) this could be it. Just don't waste it.