PS3: buy now or wait for a holiday bundle?

[Jeff7181]

Eventually I'd like to get a PS3. I've been waiting for prices to come down and $400 for the 80 GB version is relatively affordable as far as the high end consoles go. I already have an Xbox 360. The PS3 will likely spend more time as a Blu-Ray player than a gaming platform. Would it be smart to wait till the holidays for a bundle and hope there's a bundle with a game or extra controller thrown in? I'm really not in any hurry to get one, but if nothing's going to change in the next few months as far as pricing and no bundles are expected, may as well get one now and start enjoying HD movies.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

Buy Now. Get MGS4 bundle off Newegg while its still there, I Think.

Even if you are only watching HD movies. Play MGS4 and enjoy one of the best games ever created.

Some of the cutscenes are long enough to be considered a movie too..

 

[DaveSimmons]

Either:

$500 now, 80 GB MGS bundle with MGS 4 game and 80-90% PS2 backwards compatibility

Or:

$350 (?) at xmas, the new 80 GB model with 0% PS2 BC (but plays PS1 games), runs a little cooler, will probably be bundled with a game.


If you have a PS2 or don't care about the many good PS2 games, then you might as well wait.

Don't forget to sign up for Netflix, they rent pretty much every blu-ray released in the US.

 

[Jeff7181]

Ahh, I thought the 45nm Cells were in the new 80 GB PS3. I'll definitely wait then.

 

[Fingolfin269]

If you wait until Christmas maybe stand alone players will be cheap. I can't remember how long it took DVD players to drop but waiting on Blu-Ray prices to fall feels like it's taking forever.

 

[JE78]

I'd pick one up now, you never know what the holiday season will be like, there could be plenty of consoles or you might not beable to find one. I 2nd Netflix, great for renting blu-ray's.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

This is the only upcoming bundle I am aware of. I would probably wait for it.

link

 

[DaveSimmons]

> $500 160 GB with Uncharted

I wouldn't pay over $400 for a PS3 without software BC, and Sony may need to drop the 80 GB down to $350 soon to compete with the $300 60 GB 360.

But if you want Uncharted and don't want to bother with installing your own 250 - 320 GB laptop HD (for ~$100) then that is an option.

 

[JoPh]

im in the same boat as you. i would like a price drop. maybe ill just wait till like CC or BB bundle it with something.

 

[Jeff7181]

Well now I'm reading the 45nm Cell won't be seen in consoles until next year. I'm going to wait for that... not that there's anything wrong with the 65nm version, but if I can wait a few months and get a lower power chip, why not?

 

[DaveSimmons]

No real reason to wait, the launch units have a 90nm Cell and are extremely reliable, while the 40 GB and new 80 GB has a 65nm Cell that is just as reliable but runs cooler and uses a bit less power.

The 45nm might not arrive until Summer and won't make much difference for a console that's already reliable, it will be done to cut costs not to fix problems.

9+ months of denying yourself blu-ray seems a waste. Life's uncertain, eat dessert first.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
No real reason to wait, the launch units have a 90nm Cell and are extremely reliable, while the 40 GB and new 80 GB has a 65nm Cell that is just as reliable but runs cooler and uses a bit less power.

The 45nm might not arrive until Summer and won't make much difference for a console that's already reliable, it will be done to cut costs not to fix problems.

9+ months of denying yourself blu-ray seems a waste. Life's uncertain, eat dessert first.

QFT

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
No real reason to wait, the launch units have a 90nm Cell and are extremely reliable, while the 40 GB and new 80 GB has a 65nm Cell that is just as reliable but runs cooler and uses a bit less power.

The 45nm might not arrive until Summer and won't make much difference for a console that's already reliable, it will be done to cut costs not to fix problems.

9+ months of denying yourself blu-ray seems a waste. Life's uncertain, eat dessert first.

I agree. Waiting for a price drop may be worthwhile, but we have no idea when that'll happen. Waiting for a die shrink is not worth it.

 

[bullbert]

It is called 'opportunity cost'. Buy now and start enjoying it immediately. Or perpetually wait for the 'right' time to purchase, and forego the opportunity to use it.