By now you’ve no doubt heard all about Sony’s new, cheaper, smaller, quieter and more efficient PlayStation 3 Slim. Priced at just $299 this is surely going to be a welcome refresh of the PS3 platform, but besides for all of the good points resulting from the redesign (such as the ability to bitstream HD audio formats), there have naturally been some unfortunate cost cuts – and those are on top of everything that’s already been removed over the past few years.

The premium glossy finish has been reduced to a rough matte texture, the snazzy heat sensitive touch buttons have been replaced with physical clicky buttons, and any remaining semblance of PS2 backwards compatibility has been nixed. Despite this, there was still one minor addition that we were expecting to see – at least if history was anything to go by.

First, let’s refresh some of Sony’s track record with the PS2.

• Sony releases PS2
• People use PS2 to play DVD movies
• PS2 is not controllable by universal remote
• Sony releases add-on remote control
• Other companies release add-on remotes
• Sony releases redesigned PS2 Slim
• PS2 Slim includes infrared support, solving remote control issues.
• Everyone’s happy.

Now let’s see what’s going been on with the PS3.

• Sony releases PS3
• People use PS3 to play Blu-ray movies
• PS3 is not controllable by universal remote (haven’t we already been here?)
• Sony releases add-on proprietary remote that doesn’t solve universal remote issue
• Other companies release add-on solutions
• Sony releases redesigned PS3 Slim
• PS3 Slim still lacks any support for universal remote controls
• At least the accessory makers are happy...

So, once again, ten cents worth of infrared receiver circuitry has been tragically omitted, forcing owners to either settle for Sony’s Bluetooth-based Blu-ray Disc Remote Control or purchase a third-party add-on converter designed to allow standard infrared-based remotes to communicate with the PS3. Despite Sony’s positioning of the console as the perfect all-in-one entertainment device, they seen determined to ensure that it’s less than convenient to use!

Fortunately, if you want make any PS3 work with your home theater remote you’ve come to the right place, since we’ve already reviewed all of the solutions available.

Accessory makers: one
Sony: still zero...