5 reasons why the PlayStation 3 looks good in 2009

December 22, 11:12 AMGames ExaminerDaniel Nations

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2008 wasn't kind to Sony's PlayStation 3. While Blu-Ray won the high-definition DvD format war, it didn't bring in a flood of PlayStation 3 sales, and Sony's high end console lagged behind the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360.

But there's reason for optimism in 2009. Here are five reasons why next year should be better for the PlayStation 3:

1. Blu-Ray Discs will see a price drop. Between expensive players and expensive discs, Blu-Ray simply hasn't caught on. But 2009 should see the beginning of price drops for Blu-Ray discs. And while it may be 2010 before we see massive price drops on movies for the high-definition format, it will all start next year, which is good news for the PS3.
2. PlayStation Home. While Sony's virtual world won't drive a huge number of sales, it might be enough to push those sitting on the fence over the edge, and should be a fun time-waster for PlayStation 3 owners. Microsoft might think PlayStation Home is outdated, buy Sony will have the last laugh on that score.
3. Twisted Metal 5. Okay, perhaps Twisted Metal 5 won't make it out in 2009, but at least it has been confirmed, and there is a great lineup for the PlayStation 3 in 2009 with games like God of War 3, Killzone 2, Gran Turismo 5 and Uncharted 2 among many others. This great title lineup will help drive some sales for the PS3.
4. A PS3 Price Cut. While nothing is official, expect the PlayStation to see a price cut sometime in 2009. Microsoft's lowered pricing of the Xbox 360 is doubtful to be repeated in 2009, so Sony slashing the PS3 price -- even if just by a little -- could fuel some extra sales. And there are already rumors of a PS3 price cut.
5. Untapped Potential. The PS3 may be the most powerful game console out there, but games really haven't reflected this yet. But programming is an evolution, and the more time developers spend writing games for it, the more they'll be able to tap into that potential. Look for games like Killzone 2, Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2 and Gran Turismo 5 to start showing this potential.

Almost making the list: PlayTV. This handy device turns the PS3 into a digital video recorder. It was released in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2008 and will release in Australia in early 2009. Unfortunately, with a crowded cable and satellite market, the US is left out on this one. No word yet on if PlayTV will make it to the US, but if it does make it to America, don't expect it in 2009.

What we wish was on the list: Downloadable PS2 games. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't have any concrete plans for bringing downloadable PS2 games to the PlayStation 3. However, there is some glimmer of hope after Sony admitted at least some interest in exploring the possibility of downloadable PS2 games.

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