The PlayStation 3 (trademarked PLAYSTATION®3, commonly abbreviated PS3 ) is Sony's seventh generation era video game console, third in the PlayStation series. It is the successor to PlayStation and PlayStation 2 and competes primarily against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii.

The PS3 was released on November 11, 2006 in Japan, and on November 17, 2006 in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It will be released in March 2007 in Europe and Australia. It is available in two initial configurations.

History

Sony officially unveiled the PS3 to the public on May 16, 2005 during an E3 conference. Ken Kutaragi made claims regarding numerous input/output connections, which were later dropped. A functional version of the console was not present at E3 2005 nor the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although at both events demonstrations were held on devkits (e.g. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) and comparable PC hardware, and video footage based on the predicted PS3 specifications was also shown (e.g. Mobile Suit Gundam). It was not until E3 2006 that games were shown on actual PlayStation 3 systems. In preparation for launch, Sony demonstrated 27 playable PS3 titles during the Tokyo Game Show in September 2006 on final hardware.

System configuration

The basic configuration of the console has a 20 GB internal hard drive. The "premium" version of the PlayStation 3 comes with an internal 60 GB Serial ATA 2.5" hard drive, IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity, and multiple flash memory card readers, and features a brighter silver-colored trim. Both consoles now feature a silver-colored logo. The hard drive is upgradeable, using the standard Serial ATA interface. Memory card support can be added to the basic configuration through adapters, but there is no official Wi-Fi adapter. However, as both models feature wired gigabit Ethernet capabilities, wireless networking could be added through the use of an external third-party wireless LAN adapter.

Release data and pricing

David Wilson, Head of Public Relations at Sony Computer Entertainment UK, stated that both models will likely be sold in the UK market, but both may not be available at launch. Previously, Sony Computer Entertainment UK Marketing Director Ray Maguire had stated that only the 60 GB version would be available at launch. Sony announced on September 6, 2006 that the PAL (European and Australasia) launch has been delayed until March, 2007 due to a shortage of diodes used in the Blu-ray drive. Sony has said that they will take legal action against anyone selling imported consoles to EU consumers.

In Japan, Sony has opted to go with an open pricing scheme for the 60 GB model, allowing retailers to set a price point themselves. Rakuten, one of the biggest Japanese online retailers, has set their price point at ¥71,800, or ¥75,390 with taxes added (about US$675). Sony announced that the HDMI cable will not be included, instead Composite video cables will be included.

The high launch price of the PS3 has been subjected to much criticism from analysts and developers, especially in Denmark, where the converted price is US$720, the highest price for the unit. Sony executive Phil Harrison has defended the price by citing its Blu-ray support and overall value. The production cost is estimated to be US$805.85 for the 20GB model and US$840.35 for the 60GB model. A drop in Sony's stock price following its fourth-quarter earnings report has been speculated to be in part due to uncertainties about the company's game business; analysts have voiced concerns about the viability of the PlayStation 3.

Home Decor And Gifts Depot: All At Great Prices