Japanese PlayStation.com will not offer PS3 – lack of supply

Hello guest,: To benefit from all extra features you need to log in or sign up.

28 Oct 06 16:05 by Crabbyappleton in category Uncategorized To news archive

Print this page

With the launch of the much anticipated PS3 console just weeks away, it looks bad when Sony’s own e-commerce site (at least in Japan) will not be able to accept orders or even pre-orders for the gaming system, due to an apparent lack of supply for the launch. It’s pretty easy to determine, from reading various reports about blue laser diodes, that they are scarce to come by. The addition of the Blu-ray drive has become a double edged sword for the embattled Sony company.

src="http://www.cdfreaks.com/contentimages/newsimages/1098401378" align=right border=0
>Far across the Pacific, the floor has fallen out on the desperate pre-order seekers’ last hope. Sony Japan issued a statement today announcing that it won’t be selling launch PS3 units through its PlayStation.com site. The company cited shortages of both the system and its accessories as reason for the move.

Previously, the site had stated that, due to limited stock, it would begin pre-orders in a quiet fashion. Apparently those plans never came to fruition.

It will be quite interesting to keep tabs on the launch of the PS3 over there. When you couple a lot of hype, with a lack of product - you can create a consumer frenzy. I would not want to be in line at a retailer, waiting to get my hands on one of these, once the doors are unlocked on launch day…it could get ugly. Unfortunately, if you live in Japan, this might be your only choice for snagging one of these consoles! Time will tell I guess.

The PS3 should be a very desirable unit for anyone that knows anything about the costing of a Blu-ray device. No matter how you look at it, if you are betting on Blu-ray, the PS3 is definite consideration. Regardless of your “need” for such a device, the $500 20GB and $600 60GB silver model with wireless capability, is impossible to beat right now, if you are anxious to buy into the new high definition format. The PS3 dual function versatility adds to the value as well. Regardless as to whether you like to predominantly play games and enjoy the occasional film, or if you like movies and want to play a game every now and again. This console fills both requirements.

Source: IGN

10 Comments

ominus: Posts: 49; Posted on: 28 Oct 06 18:57

re the pants we say :S
[edited by ominus on 28.10.2006 19:11]

johnzap: Posts: 498; Posted on: 28 Oct 06 20:45

Why mention $600? The $500 version is perfectly capable to play Blu-Ray movies. Unlike the Xbox 360, where most people were "forced" to purchase the more expensive model, due to the fact that the lower one was severily lacking (not even a harddisk!), the PS3's lower model is the correct choice, unless you want wireless connectivity. Furthermore, the PS3 lower model will sell in Japan at a significantly lower price than in the US. Something around $440, I believe.

johnhamler: Posts: 195; Posted on: 28 Oct 06 20:58

i offer 1000$, e bay!!!

Crabbyappleton: Posts: 5756; Posted on: 28 Oct 06 22:58

You are right johnzap. I went in and clarified this a bit and then added an Amazon link as well.

Interestingly though, Amazon is not accepting pre-orders either! So just for giggles, I went ahead and gave them an email to "alert" me when you can place an order. They list Nov 17 as the launch date. Time will tell!
[edited by Crabbyappleton on 28.10.2006 23:04]

crustyteacup: Posts: 370; Posted on: 29 Oct 06 00:29

whats with people expecting a hard drive in a console. there not needed, microsoft were clever and made one without a hard drive, so those who didn't want it weren't forced to buy it. so people were not "forced" to buy the expensive 360 at all cause a) it would have been that price anyways if all 360's had a hard drive as standard and b) its hardly "severly lacking" as you put it just because its missing a hard drive. the ps3 is lacking in everything, most notably a decent processor to run the games on. yes it may sell for $440 in japan.....do you live in japan and are able to take advantage of this price? answer is probably no so you'll have to pay the $600 like everyone else.

shimman: Posts: 596; Posted on: 29 Oct 06 01:08

be patient...as far as i know, there isn't any great exclusive games at the launch. sony is playing games with small quality to boost the hypes imho when the supply gets better, you will be able to buy it no more than list price + there will be better games only thing that interests me is the linux part of ps3; i still don't know whether linux will be preinstalled & how open it will be because cell is a stream processor, it will be great to convert my dvds to ratdvd or mpeg4 formats over the network (gigabit network supported, right?)

CPUSlayer: Posts: 102; Posted on: 29 Oct 06 01:29

HAHA...People are stupid if they buy the first batch of consoles. First, the stores gouge you with the package deals. Second, there are more of the expensive packages because they cost more..Duhhhh!. Third, the first generation consoles have the most problems. Fourth, the demand is high so they put a hefty price on the product. Pretty sad if people cant figure it out.

r_saotome: Posts: 460; Posted on: 29 Oct 06 02:45

For those that shop around & are very patient, you can find killer deals on the XBOX360. I got the Deluxe Model with Remote for $325 & free shipping @ Amazon, in January.

ivid: Posts: 386; Posted on: 29 Oct 06 08:27

Actually hard drives are desperately needed in consoles, unfortunately they are not used they way they should, to cache data and enhance performance & load times. Shame on MS for making the core system without a drive because now the developers can't assume its always there. And I really don't understand why the 360 drive is only a pitiful 20 GB on the premium systyem in a time when 160 GB drives cost $75 !!

MetalSlayerX: Posts: 240; Posted on: 30 Oct 06 02:01

Err...consoles aren't consoles anymore. They're overpriced premium mini pc's. I'm suprised Sony didn't decide to delay PS3 launch until Nov 2007. I guess the prediction was right. Redmond wins this generation of console launching. Now all the PS3 fanboys are going to cry. :c

Most popular headlines

Repeat UK file sharers to be banned (2)

Wednesday 28 October 22:56 by Randomus
Piracy

Internet users in the United Kingdom accused of illegally sharing copyrighted music and movie files will face stiff penalties, starting with warning letters that will lead to bandwidth restrictions, according to media reports from the UK.

Nintendo to launch larger screen DSi

Wednesday 28 October 01:35 by Randomus
Game Consoles

Nintendo is expected to launch a new DSi hand-held gaming device in Japan that has a larger screen, as the company tries to increase sales in the hand-held gaming market it once dominated.

T-Mobile offers no contract phone plan

Tuesday 27 October 22:46 by Randomus
Mobile Phones

In an effort to better compete with Verizon Wireless and AT&T, T-Mobile has introduced new no-contract wireless plans that include unlimited voice services.

2 new Roku boxes launched for Netflix & more

Tuesday 27 October 21:50 by JaredNewman
Online Video

Roku's streaming set-top set-top boxes now come in three flavors, adding new features as well.

See all headlines