PS3 Launch

PlayStation 3 Launch Dates you Should Not Miss


Video game consoles are on the loose. Since the Magnavox Odyssey era, video gaming systems are evolving to become one of the most powerful machines in the entertainment industry that ever existed. From the simple animation and mono background game music during the Atari years, video game consoles nowadays will make you feel that you are the one fighting monsters, racing with other cars, or shooting the ball to the hoop right in front of your opponent because of advanced three-dimensional animation technology, thanks to game software developers. 

Thus, do not be surprised if video game consoles are now on the transition to the so-called "seventh generation". Despite of the video game crash in 1977 wherein many game manufacturers abandoned the game console manufacturing industry due to unpopularity, gaming firms who have left in the battlefield tried to win the hearts of the gaming public, especially the younger generation, by producing high-quality games compatible to their consoles. And with the success of these gaming firms, video game consoles stand to its popularity among gamers of varying age groups, which eventually paved the way to the birth of the seventh generation of video game consoles. 

The seventh generation began by the introduction of Microsoft's Xbox 360 in November 2005, following the huge success of its predecessor, the Xbox. Since then, rival game console manufacturers began producing new genres of video game consoles, each one having unique characteristic from its rival consoles or predecessors alike. Thus, the generation is branded to be a "console war" in the history of interactive entertainment. 

Following the success of Sony Corporation's PlayStation 1 and 2, they are determined to maintain their dominance in the game console market. Thus, in May 16, 2005 at the E3 Conference, Japan's leading electronic company, under its computer entertainment subsidiary, formally unveiled to the public the latest member of the PlayStation 3 series—the PlayStation 3 (PS3). It is expected to compete with its two rival game consoles, which are the Nintendo's Wii and the Xbox 360. 

PlayStation 3 is scheduled to be released on the following launch dates:

• The first release is scheduled in November 11, 2006 at Japan. 
• Six days after the Japan debut, PS3's launch date in Canada and United States would be on November 17 of the same year. 
• On the other hand, the launch date of PS3 on Australasia and Europe is scheduled to be on March 2007, with the definite date pending on the decision of Sony Corporation. 

On these launch dates, Sony has plans of releasing two different configurations for the PlayStation 3. The first one is known as the "premium version", where the video game console will come with a 60 GB internal hard drive with multiple flash memory card readers and Wi-Fi or wireless internet connectivity. The other is known as the "alternate configuration" in which the video game console will come in lower internal hard drive (20 GB to be exact) and without Wi-Fi connectivity and memory card reader features, though the hard drive of the alternate configuration can be upgraded and memory card support can be added through the use of adapters. 

Despite of the different launch dates of PlayStation 3, it is expected to be a hit for countries where it would be initially released. Watch out for the launch dates mentioned above and experience the interactive entertainment courtesy of PlayStation 3.


Play Station 3 News: Keeping up to Date and Setting the Bar in the Game Console Wars


Playstation 3, the third in the Playstation series, is Sony’s seventh generation era game console.

Users of Playstation in Japan and the United States will not have to wait much as the Playstation 3 will be released on November 2006. However, for those in Europe and Australasia, they have to wait until March 2007 for the release of the PS3. Reports say that this has been so because of the scarcity in the production of diodes which are used in Blu-ray optical drives.

The Playstation 3 will be released in two types of configurations. The first type includes a 60-GB internal hard disk, memory card readers, and Wi-Fi support. The second version does not have the Wi-Fi feature and memory card, and is designed only with a 20-GB hard drive.

Aside from the 20-GB or 60-GB console, a PS3 package contains the following units: 1 controller, 1 Ethernet cable, 1 power cable, and 1 USB cable.

Sony has announced in their news that Playstation 3 will be supporting a mouse and keyboard play — something PC gamers will surely welcome. The mouse and keyboard shall be connected to the PS3 console via the USB. However, it is still not clear whether any USB mouse or keyboard can connect to the unit console, or if only selected peripherals will be allowed. Moreover, Sony posted that Playstation Portables shall connect to PS3 by means of Bluetooth. The PSP may act as remote controls for the console. With that, PS3 gamers can browse folders and files without having to leave their seats. In addition, films and photos can be transferred between the two gadgets. However, the PSP cannot operate as a PS3 controller.

Game enthusiasts and Playstation lovers have always wanted to be up-to-date with the latest stories, particularly with the Playstation 3.

Recently, the Sony Corporation warned the public of potential scams for the just upcoming game console. Sony told the public to be careful with pre-orders using the internet.

The report of Sony stated that various web sites make use of discounts and other promotional offers as their bait to possible customers.

Sony, however, did not specify which web sites participate in such scams. They advised the possible buyers to be careful when pre-ordering online and to buy online from registered and authorized sellers.

On other news, Sony has released a record of its window game titles. The games listed are expected to be launched within the first six months. Some of these titles include:

* Fight Night Round 3
* Full Auto 2: Battlelines
* Call of Duty 3
* NBA 2k7
* Genji: Days of the Blade
* Resistance: Fall of Man
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* F.E.A.R.
* Marvel: Ultimate Allliance
* Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII
* Untold Legends of Dark Kingdom
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07
* Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire
* Tom Hawk’s Project 8

Another recent story reports that Sony disclosed that the SIXAXIS, PS3’s wireless controller, would come with non-removable batteries. This means that when the batteries are depleted, the users would have to buy another. Of course, this has raised controversies since the controllers are expansive. 

In defense, a spokesman of Sony stated that their controllers are equipped with the most advanced Lithium Polymer batteries. As such, the battery life is projected to last many years. They guaranteed that in case of failure of their items, Sony will provide service for the items.