Introduction:
On March 23, 2007, Sony's next-generation gaming console, the Sony PlayStation 3, will be released in Australia. Initially, the console will be released with a 60GB hard-drive (aka "The Premium model") with the release of a 20GB Model to follow a bit later on in the year.
Although attached to the console is a pricey RRP of $999, the console is a bit of gamer's heaven; Blu-ray disc-drive, High-Definition Multimedia Interface, Bluetooth controller, Built-in Wi-Fi, Flash card readers, and a chrome trim. Although the 60GB has been confirmed for the Australian launch, a 20GB unit has yet to be confirmed for release, although industry insidered state that there is a high possibility it will be released later on in the year.
The PS3 also features backward compatibility, meaning you can play PS2 and PS1 games on it as well as use older controllers and memory sticks (with USB Adapters purchased separately).
Sony's handheld gaming device, the PSP, can connect with the PlayStation 3 to enhance your gaming experience. You can also download PS1 games onto your PS3, then transfer them to your PSP, and then play the game on your PSP via emulation.
The games available at launch on the PS3 are truly amazing. Graphics and gameplay are truly "next-generation", thanks to the games being placed on Blu-ray disc's, a new multimedia format that can hold 50GB+ of data. The gaming experience is heightened thanks to the SIXAXIS controls that detects motion. Games where you fly planes or drive cars best capture the SIXAXIS controller's ability.
All in all, the PS3 is a great system. There are drawbacks, such as the rather large size and the cost, but there are also major high points. The truly amazing graphics, the amount of storage on the units, free online play, and a built in Blu-ray player; the PlayStation 3 is currently the cheapest Blu-Ray disc player on the market and is highly praised by critics as the best player available for the new format.
If gamers can surpass the long wait passed down by Sony to aussie gamers, the PS3 will surely be something you will treasure forever.
Hardware
Inside the box you will find a plethora of goodies for your $999. As well as a Blu-Ray disc drive, the console contains the new 8 Cell Processor (the world’s 1st 128-bit processor to be used in a console), not one, but two graphics cards, a 60GB HDD, 512 MB Ram, 4 HighSpeed USB Ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port out the back, WiFi capability, Bluetooth capability… and more
Graphics
Graphics are powered by 2 Graphics Cards and are extremely well polished. In games like GT HD, not only can you see the driver but in-car detailing and seats are all realistically done (all in full Dynamic Lighting). In games like Resistance Fall of Man, the environment is completely interactive, allowing you and planes above you to send debris flying everywhere. Cut-scenes are done in game and this only adds to realism.
Sound
Sound will only get as good as your sound system can allow and if you have Optical, then you’re in luck. The console supports all major systems like DTS /5.1 / 7.1. etc. and games do make use of it.
Controller
We've all heard about the SixAxis Controller, the one that lost rumble, but gained technology somewhat akin to the Wii. Yes, it works over Wireless connection (Bluetooth), recharges via the supplied USB-Mini-USB Cable, runs on a replaceable Li-Ion Battery, sports a new “PS” Button in the Centre, 4 flashing LEDs (in red) to show which player it is, full kickback on L2 & R2 buttons (which are shaped like triggers) and much less weight due to the loss of Rumble (DualShock)
Connectivity
The PS3 has Bluetooth and WiFi technology so as you can expect, the connectivity plays an important part in the console’s life cycle. Via Bluetooth at the moment you can connect a Bluetooth headset or headphones to it as well as a Bluetooth mouse (the keyboard doesn’t connect yet). Via WiFi, you can connect your WiFi Router to it, but it is also used for the PSP Remote Play ability (introduced into FW 3.0 and above for PSP), which allows you to watch videos and listen to music stored on the PS3 HDD via the PSP, only one game at the moment supports this feature and that is F1 Championship Edition, which allows you to use your PSP as a Rear View Mirror, but it is only a taste of things to come!
With the PS3, you can download free playable demo's, fully downloadable games, PS1 games that can be transferred onto your PSP, movie trailers in full high definition and finally game traliers. All of these can be accessed using your PS3 via the internet in the PlayStation store.
Going Online with the PS3 you can play mass Multiplayer games with upto and over 40 people, Free! No charge, No subscription fee! You can communicate with friends via text, voice or video chat (eye toy and headset sold separately).
You can even download Games from the PlayStation store and play games that also have a multiplayer feature.
Unfortunately broadband is needed for Online Gaming, it can be either wirelessly via a router or directly plugged into the back via a cable and a modem.
Pricing
The unit is carrying a price tag of $999 in most places with some bundles reaching way over $1000, still that doesn’t seem to deter excited Aussies, finally about to get their hands on one console to own!
PlayStation3 Launch Titles
To see a list of all the Aussie Titles, please refer to our launch title guide.
Newbie Talk
Don't know what a processor / HDMI port is? Check out the new PS3 hardware Newbie guide.
Thanks to
Kirbstar, Calvin260, shadowblade and calabreseboy
19/02/2007
18
Join MyPS3 to vote for your favourite story!
Tags:
FAQ
Guide
Introduction
ps3
More Info:
Playstation 3
Related News:
Related Reviews:
Related Videos:
-
Dead PS3
-
Top 6 Games of PS3
-
Playstation 3 XMB! REAL DEAL
-
Massive fights at PS3 Japan launch!
-
Play - PlayStation Day Trailer
-
Updated PlayStation Store Video Walkthrough