PS3 will have 10-year lifespan - Sony boss

PS3 News | Just look at PS1, says Kaz.

Speaking to technology site CNET, SCEA president Kaz Hirai has claimed that the PlayStation 3 will enjoy a lifespan of ten years. Using the first PlayStation as an example, Hirai was adamant that Sony's third home console could match the success of its first by still being on shop shelves in a decade. He also hinted that it would be more than five years before we'd be seeing the successor to the PS3, and once again defended the pricing of the new console.

"We look at our products having a 10-year life cycle, which we've proven with the PlayStation," said Kaz. "Therefore, the PlayStation 3 is going to be a console that's going to be with you again for ten years. We're not going to ask the consumers to suddenly buy another PlayStation console in five years time, and basically have their investment go by the wayside. So for all those reasons, I think at $599 we're offering a very good value to the consumers."

Understandably, Hirai refused to be drawn on when PS4 would be making an appearance. "I can't speculate on when we might come out with a new console after PlayStation 3," he said. "But my message is that once you become a family in the PlayStation family of products, you become a family member. We make sure that we take care of you."

During the interview, he also implied that Nintendo's Wii console could face some unexpected competition - from the PS2, of all things. Discussing the Wii, Hirai admitted that, "Some consumers will compare features or software offerings and decide that they may want to go with a different console," before adding that, "You also have to realize that we have a very strong, market-leading console called the PlayStation 2, which is at a very affordable price right now."

You can read the rest of the interview here, though keen Kaz-watchers will be saddened to hear there's a lack of mentions for Ridge Racer.

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20 Comments

Jellyfish

3 years ago

I don't think so. For the PS3 success relies totally on Blu-Ray and the ignorance of the mainstream. Especially since there are cheaper alturnatives with more games out. Also not to say that the Xbox 360 and PS3 aren't going last that long anyway since they primarily rely on graphics to wow people. Soon I expect dual core graphics cards to be coming out, and physics cards to become standard (they're already an option on Dell computers).

wobbler

3 years ago

It all depends on what the definition of life span is, and from his statement about PS1 (Which only ceased production this year) the PS3 could still be made in ten years time. Not many people from developed countries would want one but perhaps there may be emerging markets that could make the continued production viable. I don't think it was implied that the next console (PS4) wouldn't be available for ten years.

realitybites

3 years ago

This is assuming they can make a console that can last that long physically without breaking down, the competition rolls over and the games still look and play fantastic.

PCs will evolve at least 3 times in that process and given Sony's history of over stating the capabilities of their consoles I think the market will move past them in that time period.

Its clearly a "stunt" to convince you that for AUD$1,000 it will last 10 years so its only $100 a year. If your that gullible I have a bridge for sale

döppelgangbang

3 years ago

realitybites wrote

This is assuming they can make a console that can last that long physically without breaking down, the competition rolls over and the games still look and play fantastic.

SONY's all powerful bohemoth is certainly situated to stand the test of time as a viable platform. From a graphical point of view, the hardware has what it takes to output very pretty HD graphics and I think during this generation something of a glass ceiling will be reached as far as simulated reality is concerned. But realitybites has a valid point... if the PS3 is put together as well as Sony's other hardware I'd be suspicious of a 10 year investment... Put a 10 year hardware guarantee where your mouth is Mr Hirai, and perhaps in the PS3 box too.

All that stuff about buying into the SONY family and been taken care of is marketing ****. The only reason SONY has sustained console success has nothing to do with hearts and flowers, and everything to do with market share.

arbok

3 years ago

he's kidding right?

I don't know why he takes us for retards

Many people upgrade their PC every two years. a 10 year life span in technology is a joke.

Sin Ogaris

3 years ago

I'm sure they'll continue making them for ten years, however I doubt all that many stores will stock new ones after the successor arrives (save for the developing nations).

Zarnoss

3 years ago

Hehehe

Oh SONY..

I'm looking at the ps1.....and its burnt out lens.

Sin Ogaris

3 years ago

Just letting people know, this has nothing to do with the consoles lasting 10 years, it's about the fact that the PS3 will still be SELLING 10 years from now.

Zarnoss

3 years ago

I remember something about the cell processor tech that they will be in appliances as well like microwave ovens,televisions etc and would be able to 'talk' to the other cells and utilize there power as well.
Wonder what's happening in that department.
That sort of thing would future proof the system also.

Sin Ogaris

3 years ago

Can anyone else see all of our kitchen appliances coming alive and killing us while we sleep if that happens? Maybe I've been watching too many movies.

ObsoletE

3 years ago

only if they're voiced by Remington Steele.

Zarnoss

3 years ago

*simpsons zinger*

..nice

Sin Ogaris wrote

Can anyone else see all of our kitchen appliances coming alive and killing us while we sleep if that happens? Maybe I've been watching too many movies.

Sounds like the mood slime from Ghostbusters 2

*shiftily looks at toaster*

ugh the boot

3 years ago

Sin Ogaris wrote

Can anyone else see all of our kitchen appliances coming alive and killing us while we sleep if that happens? Maybe I've been watching too many movies.

Kitchen Story?

Zarnoss

3 years ago

ugh the boot wrote

Sin Ogaris wrote

Can anyone else see all of our kitchen appliances coming alive and killing us while we sleep if that happens? Maybe I've been watching too many movies.

Kitchen Story?

Uwe boll is directing it?

admeister

3 years ago

I think Sony are starting to dream a bit, all this PS3 promotion has gone to their heads. I highly doubt they will be selling in 2016, but good luck to them..

We'll have the PS5 by then, probably.

macca

3 years ago

This is total bollocks. There is no CPU technology in the video games / PC market that has any hope of surviving 10 years. Yes, they may continue to sell them in ten years (in the sense of having them sit on store shelves in Afghanistan), but they won't be moving stock and it won't be making them money.

Of course they could always license their technology, so that the 2016 model Nintendo DS could use Cell....

Frankly, I'm so sick of Sony's garbage marketing machine and the verbal trash they continue to spew forth. I've lost all my faith in the entertainment division of this company.

Consumers should be very cautious of any marketing department that uses half-truths to try and sell their product - it's a clear warning that they don't have much to offer (compared to their competition).

3 years ago

I absolutely, positively, whole heatedly agree with döppelganger

Bottom line for me is Sony PS3 and HDMI thing is very expensive so I need guarantee's. They expect us to jump with a leap of faith based on "Sony Promises" that it will be reliable? Actually they have not said anything about reliability - they seem to avoid the question altogether!

THREE YEAR FACTORY WARRANTY WITH NEXT WORKING DAY REPLACEMENT - ELSE: BUGGER OFF SONY.

admeister

3 years ago

Their delay here will throw off their 10 year idea a fair bit. They're dreaming.

Sin Ogaris

3 years ago

Not if they delay the system for 10 years.