Just in time to ignite some holiday spending, Sony Computer Entertainment America today released its much anticipated PlayStation 3 video game console in North America. The next-generation system launches in two configurations. Gamers can either pick up the 20-GB version for around $499 or splurge for the 60-GB drive and built in Wi-Fi adapter for $599. Purchasers will also find 20 first- and third-party games available for the machine.
At the heart of PS3 is the Cell Broadband Engine, an advanced computer processor that enables massive floating point calculation. The system also feature and Blu-ray Disc drive that allows users to experience true High Definition (1080p) gaming and movie viewing in the home. Game developers can store up to 50 GB of data on the discs, which hold approximately five times more information than DVDs. The PS3 also boasts the new SIXAXIS wireless controller, which gamers can physically turn, twis, and bank to command the on-screen action. In addition, the built-in network lets owners enjoy online gameplay and services, such as web browsing through the PlayStation Network and downloading content through the PlayStation Store.
Kaz Hirai, president and CEO of SCEA, comments, “The innovative PS3 system features powerful technologies and capabilities that have never been brought together in one system, including the Cell Broadband Engine, BD drive, HDD and online connectivity as standard features of every system. The results are breathtaking new interactive worlds to explore, eye-popping multimedia functionality, and a fully integrated online experience’all in high- definition clarity. The value we are providing consumers with PS3 is beyond compare.”
Eager gamers lined up as early as yesterday to get their hands on the system. Thousands of people lined the streets outside of the Sony Style retail outlet in New York City and the PlayStation store in San Francisco, Calif., to be among the first make a midnight purchase. Theirs will be among the first half million PS3 systems packaged with a Blu-ray copy of the Will Ferrell racing comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
The PlayStation 3 shipped in Japan last week and came packaged with a software patch to fix a system defect that Sony couldn’t resolve in time for the launch. The company says the problem has been fixed for the North American launch, which has been a bit overshadowed by this Sunday’s debut of the Nintendo Wii, the next-gen replacement for the GameCube.
Titles immediately available exclusively for PS3 include Insomniac Games’ Resistance: Fall of Man, and SCEA’s Genji: Days of the Blade and NBA ’07, all of which retail for less than $60. More information on the PS3 can be found at www.playstation.com
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