TGS 2009 - Sony Press conference

[patsu]

There are (at least) 2 issues: ease of handling and perception.

The size and weight of DS3 is cumblesome for smaller people to hold with one hand.

The DS3 controller looks intimidating to non-gamers.

In terms of complexity in operation, it's the same on-paper. My guess is we will see third party nunchuck first. Then Sony may release its own or rev the DS3 when it's feasible.


The wand itself looks smaller than I imagined. So that's good. I am also thinking whether it's possible to use the other hand to block the light off (like covering a candle fire from blowing wind). Might increase the immersion if the tracking is robust enough.

 

[Nesh]

There are (at least) 2 issues: ease of handling and perception.

The size and weight of DS3 is cumblesome for smaller people to hold with one hand.

The DS3 controller looks intimidating to non-gamers.

In terms of ease of use, it's the same on-paper.

Hm...yeah the weight didnt pass through my mind since I dont have a DS3. The sixaxis is very light.

The DS3 can be intimidating to non gamers, but I am not sure if the DS3+wand will be the standard for "casual" games anyways.

The first thing non-gamers will notice is a motion controller offered similar to that of the Wii.

Then again, I am sure it would have been better if the wand had an analog stick by itself.

I find their solution kind of peculiar. Is the analog on wand that costly?

Secondly I think the Wii controller uses both the wand's analog and nun-chuck's analog for Resi 5 to move but I am not sure. I mean, how would you separate strafe and forward/backward, from turning and upward downward movement?

 

[Phil]

To be really honest, I could care less for the motion-control thingy. If I was interested, I'd have a wii.

 

[patsu]

The DS3 can be intimidating to non gamers, but I am not sure if the DS3+wand will be the standard for "casual" games anyways.

This is what I can't decide. Is the nunchuck used commonly on Wii titles ? (e.g., for 3D navigation ? What else, 'specially for casual games ?)

Then again, I am sure it would have been better if the wand had an analog stick by itself.

I think it'd be rather difficult to use if everything is on one hand.

To be really honest, I could care less for the motion-control thingy. If I was interested, I'd have a wii.

The consumers probably see it slightly differently. They see the Wii Sports game, the fun-ness (laughter) and the control scheme together. If Sony (or MS for that matter) can find an application that fits naturally with their control schemes, it will "click". If it's the device and control scheme alone, then only us geeks will talk about it.

Personally I am keen to game with my family.

 

[patsu]

Kaz Hirai's Reuters interview:
http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/09/25/kaz_hirai_sony_profits/

In the Reuters interview, Hirai said "We'd like to reach profitability in the next term."

Sony's games division has been in the red for three consecutive years. In its latest earnings briefing, the company said that it expects another loss for the division this year.

"Turning profitable as soon as possible is my mission," Hirai told Reuters. "We'll actively cut costs where they can be cut and increase sales where they they can be increased. However, we have to also make investments for the future. We'll turn profitable as quickly as possible while balancing these areas."

In addition to expected financial success, Hirai expressed confidence in Sony's ability to meet its 13 million unit sales target for the PlayStation 3 this year. As reason for his optimism, he cited the strong start for the new PS3 and the system's upcoming software lineup.