DuncanR2N

Sony's in last place this time around, and it's going to take a miracle for them to get back on top. E3's coming and it's the time for big announcements from the Big 3. Time for them to make the Megatonz announcements that will hopefully have them each reigning king for the year. And I'm sure they'll all have what they think is the best show. Analysts, developers, and consumers are calling for a PS3 price drop but given Sony's financial situation, that may not be so likely. So, in light of that, here's some thoughts I've had on ways they can improve their platform offering. None of them are Megatonz, but all would add some value to their platform.

1. Add cross game voice chat to the XMB - It was really great that Sony added in game messaging to the XMB but it's still kind of a pain to type messages, pausing a game to do so, just to organize something. I think I get why that was added, seeing how hardly anyone has a headset on PSN. This takes me to my second point...


2. Ship every PS3 with a headset - It doesn't have to be a Bluetooth headset to work. I use a USB headset and it works just fine. If people want to throw down and get the fancy aftermarket BT headsets fine. But at least get everyone on a headset. It's amazing how many people online aren't using headsets.


3. Fix the R2 buttons - I like the PS controller, I always have. The D-pad and buttons are better than the 360's, but it still needs some work. Many of us were exited to hear that the new controller would have more 'trigger-like' R2 buttons. They are, compared to the DS2, but they are still lacking. It's sad that gamers have to rely on after-market add-ons to fix the controller issues.


4. Open up BT for 3rd parties - Logitech made what many feel was the best PS2 controller on the market. Wireless, comfortable (looks like the 360 stole that design). It was the best 3rd party controller on the market. Logitech makes a similar controller for the PS3, but it comes with at a cost, no rumble and no SIXAXIS control. Why? Sony won't let anyone make aftermarket BT devices for the PS3. Again, it's sad that people can't have a universal remote (unless you want to eat up a USB port) for their home theaters.


5. Better online presence - It's nice that I can see my online friends and see my trophies on the PS website. But what would be really nice, is to allow for that functionality to be worth something. Like when I see that a friend is online, being able to send then a message. Or how about the ability to compare trophies with my friends? How about a trophycard for use in websites? Why do I have to go to Playfire to get a card? Doesn't Sony know how to do this?


6. More trophy support for older games - Yeah I know that this won't happen, but here's why I say it should. Right now I can go buy a new PS3 with Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm. Both great games, and both Sony published games, but no trophies. Wouldn't you want your new users to have the best experience possible? Put out a trophy patch for these already!

Implement all that, and Sony will be adding some good lasting value to their platform.

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