When the PS3 initially launched in 2006 with its $599 price tag, the major justification for the price was Blu-Ray. At the time, $599 was extremely cheap for a Blu-ray player, let alone one you could play games on. There were plenty of PS3's that were bought with the main intent of watching movies (It was the main reason for me as well, Resistance was the only launch game that piqued my interest).
Now it's 2010 and the PS3 has come down in price to $299. But the average Blu-ray player is now priced under $180. I saw a Magnavox one at Walmart today for $79 (My inspiration for this thread). So for the consumer that does not have one of the current gen consoles, does the fact that the PS3 can play Blu-Ray movies still have a major impact on it's sales.
My thoughts are that as a movie player, the value of that option have diminished greatly. With Blu-Ray players at the sub $100 level, the cheaper players have now become closer to impulse buys. Where at $299, most people will still put some thought into there purchase. Plus there is still the fact the PS3 doesn't come with a remote (Who really wants to use there system as a movie player using the controller?) and it is not compatible with most universal remotes without a third party accessory.
The Wi-Fi connection for the PS3 is the major advantage that it holds over it's competitors. But I don't believe that is a big enough reason for some one to purchase the PS3 over a stand alone player.
So what are your thoughts. Does the ability to watch Blu-Ray movies on the PS3 continue to be a major selling point for the PS3 or has that day come and gone?
*Please note I'm not questioning the use of Blu-Ray in the PS3. The advantages of Blu-Ray for game purposes have shown themselves in the past year.
