Console Redesigns: The Good and the Bad

TLDRConsole redesigns can be hit or miss. Some, like the PS3 Slim, have saved consoles from their original flaws. Others, like the Wii Mini and Xbox One S All Digital Edition, have stripped features and offered little value. Let's explore both the successful and disappointing console redesigns throughout history.

Key insights

👍The PS3 Slim redesign saved the console from its confusing and expensive original version.

👎The Wii Mini cut key features, like internet connectivity and GameCube compatibility, without offering significant cost savings.

😞The PSP Street lacked Wi-Fi connectivity, had mono speakers, and had a cheaper overall feel compared to other PSP models.

📀The Xbox One S All Digital Edition removed the disc drive, but the price reduction wasn't significant enough to justify the lack of physical game options.

💡Console redesigns should offer improvements or cost savings that make them worth considering over the original models.

Q&A

Which console redesign saved the PS3 from its original flaws?

—The PS3 Slim redesign saved the console by stripping it down to the essentials, improving reliability and reducing the price.

What features did the Wii Mini remove compared to the original Wii?

—The Wii Mini removed internet connectivity, GameCube compatibility, and features like physical brightness control, providing minimal cost savings.

How did the PSP Street differ from other PSP models?

—The PSP Street lacked Wi-Fi connectivity, had mono speakers, and had a cheaper overall feel compared to other PSP models.

What did the Xbox One S All Digital Edition remove?

—The Xbox One S All Digital Edition removed the disc drive, limiting game options to digital downloads only.

What should console redesigns aim to offer?

—Console redesigns should provide improvements or cost savings that make them worth considering over the original models.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introducing console redesigns and their impact on the gaming market.

08:04Highlighting the successful PS3 Slim redesign that improved the console's reliability and price.

15:18Discussing the disappointing features of the Wii Mini, including the removal of internet connectivity and GameCube compatibility.

25:40Exploring the drawbacks of the PSP Street, such as the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and mono speakers.

32:55Examining the Xbox One S All Digital Edition and its decision to remove the disc drive, limiting game options.

40:20Emphasizing the importance of console redesigns offering significant improvements or cost savings over the original models.

45:10Concluding the discussion on console redesigns and their impact on the gaming industry.

Browse more