There were a few leaked images and rumors flying around that there was going to be a new PlayStation 3 model. Now, we can put all of those rumors to rest because Sony, at their Tokyo Game Show conference, did in fact reveal a newly redesigned PS3. The first of the two new bundles is set to hit retail next week with Uncharted 3 ($269.99), while another will release in October with Assassin’s Creed III ($299), but you have to wonder if the new design is really necessary. With the next generation of consoles on an imminent crash course with reality, you’d think that most people who wanted a PlayStation 3 would either have one by now or have resolved to hold out until next year. Even more so if they have an Xbox 360 or a decent Gaming PC.
Suffice to say, it seems like Sony is trying to get one last ‘hurrah’ out of the PS3 before next year. To be fair, the new design does look cool, and it is 20% smaller and 25% lighter, but I’m looking at a PS3 Bundle right now that has a 320GB hard drive and also comes with Uncharted 3 for $299. Granted, it’s not the Game of the Year Edition, nor do you get the Dust 514 voucher, but the difference between the two bundles is so small that you, again, have to wonder if the new redesign and bundles serve any real purpose. No one was asking for a new model or a slight price drop of $30, right?
There’s also the fact that the Wii U comes out in November for its own price of $299/$349. It’s brand new, offers a new way to play and can also play Assassin’s Creed III. And while there’s a two month gap between the two systems (three weeks if we’re talking about the 500GB PS3 that comes out on October 30th), you can’t deny that the Wii U can now compete with a PS3. You could take the money it would take to buy the newly designed PS3 and put that towards a Wii U; at least, in theory, because Wii Us are selling out left and right.
This redesign may have had a bigger impact at an earlier point in the PlayStation 3’s life; a point before we even got the first slim redesign. As it stands now, the redesign and new bundles aren’t different enough to warrant their existence. You either: A) already have a PS3 / are happy with what you have now, B) are waiting for the Wii U, or C) you’re waiting for next year altogether.
And those are three valid stances to take.
