
IGN writes: "The PlayStation conference was the last one shown out of the "Big Three," and now that it's come and gone, some of the IGN editors have a thing or two to say about it. Did they like it? Did they hate it? And were they just plain smitten with Kevin Butler?
You can find out all of that (and much more than you probably wanted) by reading on. Three of the four Podcast members of Podcast Beyond sound off (where are you, Sam Bishop!?), as well as our humor editors and our gear guru."

For Southeast Asia, new price changes.
Prices effective starting May 1st, 2026.
Looks like PlayStation took a hit with Marathon and is now quietly adjusting prices worldwide to recover the losses
The price increases are due to the RAM demand associated with AI and the US-Iran war. You can look to any business news website and local news to see that. Heck, even the 2026 Asus Zenbook Duo I've been eyeing has faced delays and has had a price increase of $400; that laptop has two specs. Asus is doing a staggered release with per-orders for the lower spec now and shipping in May and pre-orders for the higher spec that I'm eyeing starting in June. Basically, all computer manufactures are affected. It'll most likely start affecting smart phones too if it hasn't already. I can't remember the last time any major console maker (Nintendo, Sony, Sega, etc) increased the price of their console mid cycle outside of Microsoft just to make more profit.
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries comments on the early days of Xbox, the opinion of Japanese game companies, and more.
I dont think that'll ever happen. But i must say back in the day, they were definitely trying because they were more cash rich than their competitors.
There was Nintendo as well, Sony wouldn't have had a monopoly. In fact, the world would be better today if Xbox never existed in the first place. They pretty much brought all bad practices we have today. We might have gotten all of it either way, but not this early. In term of franchises, I don't think there is anything Microsoft released that would actually be missed if it didn't exist. Even Halo the world wouldn't notice if Halo didn't exist.
I think almost everyone will agree that a monopoly is not good for the industry. But that being said, the competition needs to be smart and strategic with their business. Simply buying up publishers and traditional third-party studios just to keep them out of the other companies reach is not a sustainable practice. That goes for all parties so don't think I'm just referring to Xbox.
I'm no business guru by any stretch of the imagination but I firmly believe that the best way to drive consumers to your software and hardware is to invest smart in your first-party studios. Give them full support and guidance in making unique, fun games that are only available to play in your ecosystem and the gamers will come.
Sony uploaded gameplay footage of Crimson Desert on a base PS5 running in what appears to be Quality Mode at a stable 30fps at 4K.
Personally, the best of the big 3 conferences.
Move works and with traditional games.
MS may have time exclusive DLC content for COD till 2012, whereas Sony actually has exclusive content for various titles.
Showed off tons of games (even if only through montage) even including the new Echochrome 2 and Patapon 3.
Portal 2 for PS3? Better believe it and with Steam (wow!)
PS + actually seems like it could be a decent programme for consumers and online gaming remains free.
Just to name a few of the highlights.
I'll agree that I am disappointed that certain things were not present, like he Last Guardian. But that is the beauty of this conference: most disappointment comes because they didn't show off certain things (even though it was close to 2 hours) whereas the other 2 actually had noticeable disappointing moments - Nintendo did a great job this year so kudos to them.
...sure, the first half was boring, but a lot was exciting. PSN+, Sorcery, Twisted Metal, Portal 2, HUGE 3rd party support... and the Move is kinda cool. Still, I think Nintendo wins, even if it’s just from shock factor (you know, them actually HAVING announcements for a change.) If SONY didn’t announce InFamous 2, KZ3, LBP2 and Motorstorm: Apocalypse before the show... they may have won.
One thing is for sure: Microsoft Lost. F*^K Kinect.
...I really wish I could have had 3D glasses along with a 3DTV. :(
The gameplay for KZ2 was killer enough, but with all the early talk about it being built from the ground up in 3D, I wanted to get a first hand experience!!!
Like every conference, it could have been better. It was a great conference nonetheless. Plenty of games, exclusive content, 3D, Move turned out GREAT, Kevin Butler was hilarious, PSP campaign, PSN+, and TWISTED METAL (best E3 announcement). To anybody who whines about that, I`d really enjoy hearing your thoughts on Microsoft`s conference.
They should have cut out Marcus. Could have fit another game or two in that time slot.