Sorry thx1139, I was typing while you posted, so I didnt mean to duplicate what you were already stating.  But I agree with your standalone players theory and think that Sony cant bank on consumers picking up PS3's as the cheapest player on the market.....that plays games too.

I have to agree that as a total packag the 80GB PS3 @ $400 totally pwns the 60GB 360 @ $350 as far as bang for your buck goes. However, it all depends on what your gaming tastes are, and currently, the 360's lineup appeals to Americans far more than the PS3s.

It seems to be doing alright atm :P

if you wernt going to play games on a video game counsel why would you buy one

Why buy a PS3 when there is a cheaper Blu-ray player two aisles over? Your average consumer would rather pay less to get a dedicated blu-ray player than pay more and get a game console.

but 20g 360 was competing ok with PS3 before.

At 350$, in terms of hardware features, of course the 60 GB is no match for the new core 80GB PS3. For 50$ more, you've got 20GB more, wifi, and bluray player. The only advantages the pro has in terms of hardware are component cables, headset and one extra USB port. As every Sony supporters always said: Wifi is 100$ and blu-ray player is 400$. Instead of paying 500$ more for the same features, one can pay 50$ more for a PS3. Also, if we can trust the Internet, every 360 is guaranteed to RROD whether you play an RPG, watch dvd, download movie, streaming movie, etc. GUARANTEED TO RROD.

The only thing that's going on for the 360 is the much more diverse gaming library. But as stated before, people don't buy consoles to play games anymore. They are buying it to watch bluray movies and download movies. That's the main purpose of a gaming console, so therefore, the PS3 is guaranteed to win since it has both: download movies and blu-ray. No question. It even plays games as a bonus!!! Even Netflix and the hundreds of downloadable movies and tv series available on Xbox Live can't save the 360, because it only makes up 1/3 of total paid service on the 360.

meh console prices are pretty irrelevant after you buy games.
there might be currently more games on the 360 but after you've bought two games or so you might as well have bought a PS3 for the same price
I'm sorry if my points not very clear i'm not feeling all that well today lol

If PS3 doesn't get some good games soon i will end up buying a 360 after the holidays. Gran Turismo is not enough to get a PS3 for me and all the other titles i like are on the 360 now so EVEN if 360 is the same or more than a PS3 without many great games it is not a better value.

PS3 will smash the X360 in console sales.