C0V3RT

Good post, however I don't think the PlayStation brand will be done after this iteration, rather may follow the Nintendo model.

I won't get into the faults of the PS3 (and I own one so I'm not slamming it), however arguably the biggest turnoff was the price point.  There are millions of people who don't own an HDTV so owning a system that can run 1080p does them no good - which gives 0 value to the blu-ray player.  As time goes on, the cost to produce blu-ray will go down making it more affordable for consumers.  Also, we're not on a 5 year console cycle anymore so I'd venture to say by during this gen's life cycle, the economy will be a-ok. 

Next gen, I think you'll see Sony take a more conservative approach.  Rather then hoping that their name alone sells their product, they'll try to appeal to as many consumers as possible.  The GameCube was an epic failure and Nintendo responded with the Wii which has everyone and their grandma playing games.  Sony would be wise to try to put out titles to attempt to steal some of that crowdy.  Sony will continue to put out titles to their big franchiss (ala Nintendo) however may see more shovelware. 

//start rant//
Like I said, I own a PS3 that I bought primarily to be a blu-ray player and to play 2 games (I only own 3 total).  I own about 300 DVD's and 12 Blu-Rays and for the most part, struggle to notice much of a difference between blu-ray and up converted DVD.  With a few exceptions, there aren't a huge number of special features crammed onto the disc either.  I have no desire to go back and convert any of my DVD's to Blu-Ray at the current price of blu-ray.  Sony needs to further develop blu-ray and give consumers more bang for their buck.  The PS3's game library is really underwhelming as well.  I opted for a PS3 over stand alone blu-ray player so I could play MGS4 and Little Big Planet.  I also own Killzone 2 and while it looks fantastic, isn't anything I haven't played before.  The rest of the library is either unappeal or I can play on my console of choice, the 360 - PLUS get achievements for it.  My PS3 isn't backwards compatable and this is my first Sony console.  I think it's retarded not to make all consoles backwards compat but I understand the business reason why you don't.  However I'd love to go back and play some of the old PS2 classics like Shadow of the Colossus, Red Dead Revolver, hell even Persona 4 - but can't because they don't even offer a download service to download the games to my console.  During the holiday season last year, I recall from numerous outlets how the PS3 was picking up steam - 5 months later I'd venture to say they've all but lost it.
//end rant//

Sony is a big enough company with hands enough pots to survive 1 bad console.  If they learn from their mistakes and make adjustments next gen, they'll be fine.  If they stumble next gen, I think the brass as Sony may give consideration to //spoilers// bringing the Playstation brand out back and getting rid of it Old Yeller style.  //end spoiler//

Really?  Did someone from the staff come out and say that or just speculation?  If true, thats a bummer. 
I don't think it would take up "valuable space" - they could just throw the word "Store" on the nav bar.

I was jumping around the site and I recall at one time a link to the GiantBomb Store.  Maybe I'm overlooking something but can't seem to find the link anywhere.  I googled it and store.giantbomb.com still comes up and has clothing available on it.  Was it removed from the site for a reason?

In addition, any chance new items will show up anytime soon?  I recall lots of people just wanting a black-t with the giantbomb logo on it.  Plus, I know that some of the review score cartoons have been pretty popular too (the one of Ryan puking comes to mind).  I'd love to buy me some more GiantBomb swag and give the site some more support!

The first one was pretty good, second one not so much.

"A comeback is like a yo yo, you go down, but then you come back up....and then you might end up walking the dog." bwhahaha.

I bought my PS3 as a Blu-Ray player that played a few games that were console exclusive.  I was pretty bummed that it didnt have backwards compat but whatever, I understand the business decision as to why it doesnt.  What does frustrate me is there is nothing resembling an "Xbox Originals" program that would allow me to download PS2 gems I missed out on like Shadow of the Colossus or God of War.  I'll probably pick up a PS2 when I can find one at a cheap price (100 bucks for a 9 year old console is hardly a deal).

I had never had a problem with broken console until this generation. I was able to pull out my old front loader NES and use it without problems.

 That being said, my 360 is still my favorite console easily in this gen (and I own all 3 so I'm qualified to say that).

From a nostalgic prespective, my favorite consoles are:
1 - Super Nintendo
2 - N64
3 - Xbox 360
4 - Sega Genesis (Sega Channel FTW)
5 - NES

Not once have I ever been on the go and thought to myself "Man, I wish I could play Myst right about now...".  Played it when I was a kid, enough for me.  Plus, its 727 MB...crazy big.

I've thought about creating a new thread for this - but the one thing that bugs me in the inconsistent spoiler policy.  I hear spoilers for newer games more oft then older games.  I know they discussed a time table of when too soon is but havent necessarily stuck to it. 

I think the special edition game specific ones are great (example: Giant Snakecast) and are great way to give out spoilers for newer games.  But it was either last weeks podcast or the week before - but they were dancing around the ending to Bioshock which has been out for years.

I really enjoy everything else though.  I work two 12 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday and the Giant Bombcast is the only one i listen to twice.  I really enjoy the taste test.  Humor is great.  I don't get bothered by the break music.  My favorite parts are probably the "What games are you playing" section and "email" section.  The WGAYP section because its usually just honest impressions about newer stuff thats out and the email section because its such a mixed bag.