Sony has openly admitted to facing challenges during the launch of the PS3, citing issues with pricing and complex architecture. In a recent video interview with CNBC, key figures from PlayStation, including outgoing PlayStation chief Jim Ryan, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst, and former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden, briefly discussed the setbacks.

Sony recognizes that the PS3’s price tag was too high

Ryan acknowledged that during the PlayStation 3 generation, Sony became overly confident due to the success of the PlayStation 2. He admitted that they stumbled during the early stages of the PS3 era, describing it as a challenging period. Reflecting on the release of the PS3, Hulst, who was relatively new to the PlayStation team at the time, highlighted the console’s powerful capabilities but noted the difficulties in game development. Despite the challenges, Sony worked hard with top franchises to deliver games for the PS3.

Layden believes that Sony’s missteps during the PS3 era actually paved the way for the creation of exceptional first-party games that ultimately defined PlayStation. Recognizing the issues with hardware and pricing, the company shifted its focus towards software, emerging victorious in that aspect.