http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12584 I might comment more on this later when I look into it some more. For reference, here are the latest numbers from Microsoft and Nintendo: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=123740
Apparently, mass production of Cell @ 65nm has already begun, which should cut the costs of making the chip by ~40%. Didn't quite expect that to be ready so soon (Xenon CPU in the 360 won't be produced at 65nm until Q3 or so IIRC). Almost makes the launch 2-3 months ago seem stupid, although I guess Sony was pretty much forced to launch at that time. I wonder if RSX and some of the other components will be ready for 65nm any time soon. Also, SCE management has several plans to boost PSP sales, and that we should "please wait for a new application to be announced for the PSP from SCE." Probably nothing, but interesting to note I guess. Maybe some more comments later. OT, but I think Amazon sales of PS3s went up 8300% recently for some reason. Not quite sure why there was a sudden boost all of a sudden, especially since it seems like they've been readily available for a while. Maybe a misleading stat.
Not to derail, but am I the only one who doesn't give two sh1ts about handheld gaming? Seriously: I want a big friggin' TV, surround sound, etc. for my favorite time-wasting venture, not some stupid hand-held. I bought a GBA for a flight to Prague. I either watched movies or read a book while I was on the place. I've played the damn thing exactly once. It was neat for about 5-10 minutes. Complete waste of money (I feel the same re: PSP, DS, etc). It seems like I'm the only one. People are surprised when I tell them I love games and hate handhelds. Oh well. [/rant] Carry on.
If everyone who played console games also played handheld games, I imagine handheld sales would be much better. So you're definitely not the only one. I'd liken it to a desktop computer vs a laptop. If you have no purpose for a laptop, then there's little point in getting one (especially if you want a big monitor, a lot of power, no battery life hassles, etc.). Back on topic, in the same article that mentioned Cell being mass produced @ 65nm, it was also stated that one should not expect a price cut on the PS3 for 2-3 years (in Japan). Hopefully that's just because the Japanese already got their price cut.
Seriously, 65nm cell in ps3's so soon? I feel jipped When the new one comes out, I'll just give my ps3 to my brother and buy another ps3 Lynus302: I'm not too fond of handhelds either. I rather listen to mp3's on my mp3 player or watch video's on the tiny 1.5 inch screen.
I love handheld gaming. Less expensive, some really quality titles out there along with an easy way to have a lot of classics and because of the development costs you can have some really unique games that will surprise you.
I doubt that there will be that much benefit to getting a PS3 with 65nm Cell (or a PS3 with RSX or other components at 65nm for that matter). There could even be some negatives associated with it if Sony got too aggressive in their cost-reduction strategy. Not much different than any other hardware revision I suppose (and the PS3 will see plenty of those I imagine). This is a bigger deal for Sony than it is consumers...unless you're a consumer that wants a cheaper PS3, and this development leads to a price cut.
