Low-End PS3 Comes with HDMI, Cheaper in Japan

jayintune writes "2old2play has a nice round-up on the main talking points from the Sony Keynote speech at the 2006 TGS (Tokyo Game Show). Most notably, Sony announced HDMI ports will be included on ALL models of the PS3. Initially, Sony was worried that if they put the HDMI in the lower version, some would complain about having to pay for something they don't want. Apparently they realized people would be more upset without it." Additionally, it's been confirmed that the cheaper PS3 will be even less expensive ... in Japan. For now, it seems this price drop only affects the Japanese Market. For many additional viewpoints on the announcement and keynote, click through to see this post's associated links.

Comments

Re:"Price Cut", that sounds nice doesn't it...

[powerlord]

But you can bet Microsoft will stick an internal HD-DVD in their next revision of the 360. I expect they'll also want to include HDMI and some other bits and pieces to close the gap with the PS3. But you can bet Microsoft will stick an internal HD-DVD in their next revision of the 360. I expect they'll also want to include HDMI and some other bits and pieces to close the gap with the PS3.

If they do this, what will it do for the idea that all consoles are the same? (Effectively it would be creating an XBox720, or some other absurd name)

Also, how would current customers with "last rev" equipment react to the idea that they need to purchase a new console to get the new do-dads that the system currently ships with ... standard. (unless of course there is an upgrade path, like with the HD-DVD player, but probably not an HDMI port) It could tick off quite a few people and it make make Sony's move seem better:

Sony: "Pay for it all up front. Yeah, it might cost more now, but the hardware isn't going to appreciably change"
MS: "Pay us cheaper now. Yeah, the hardware will change and you'll have to buy it again for a higher total, but you keep re-buying our OS ... right?"