NEWS: PlayStation 3 Launches On November 17, 2006

The Sony PlayStation 3 "Clear Black" design


Another official photo of the PS3 "Clear Black" design standing upright

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) recently announced that it would launch PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) in “Clear Black” throughout mainland Europe and Australasia on November 17, 2006, as part of a worldwide simultaneous launch.

PS3 is the most advanced computer system that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment contents in the home, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX processors, in addition to the playability of a vast catalogue of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software titles.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of contents as well as access on-line games and services over the network.

Equipped with basic input/output ports, PS3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays, offering the joy of the most advanced computer entertainment contents to homes around the world. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2.

With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PS3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray (BD) disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in BD standards.

The new controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world’s most popular PlayStation controller which has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide. The controller for PS3 employs a high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that is capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, thereby eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PS3 system over the network.

While further enhancing the joy of entertainment on PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable (PSP), SCEE will vigorously promote PS3 as the next generation computer entertainment platform.

PLAYSTATION 3 Specifications
Product name:
PLAYSTATION 3

CPU:
Cell Processor

GPU:
RSX

Sound:
Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc (Cell-based processing)

Memory:
256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

HDD:
2.5” Serial ATA -- 20GB / 60GB variety

I/O:
4x USB 2.0

Removable storage:
MemoryStick (MS) / SecureDigital (SD) /CompactFlash (CF)

Communication:
1x Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)

Wireless connectivity:
-- IEEE 802.11 b/g
-- Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)

Joypad:
Wireless Bluetooth controller

AV Output:
-- Screen size = 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p

-- 1x HDMI OUT (HDMI NextGen)

-- 1x AV MULTI OUT

-- 1x DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)

Optical drive (read only):
-- BD/DVD/CD Drive

-- Maximum Read Speed: BD 2x (BD-ROM); DVD 8x (DVD-ROM); CD 24x (CD-ROM); SACD 2x

Dimensions:
Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)

Weight:
Approximately 5kg

NEWS: SCE Announces New Controller For PlayStation 3

The official and finalised Sony PlayStation 3 gamepad


A close-up on the PS3 gamepad's mini-USB port

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) recently announced the new controller for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3), which will become available as standard with the system. The new controller can be experienced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held from May 10 through 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California.

The controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world’s most popular PlayStation controller that has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design. The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.

In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.

Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK and DUALSHOCK 2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation 2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.

The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.

All input information will be immediately transferred to the PS3 system through the Bluetooth wireless technology. By using a USB cable, the PS3 controller can be swapped seamlessly from wireless to wired, and can be charged automatically. The cable can be attached and detached at anytime.

By integrating all these features into one standard PlayStation controller, SCEI, together with content creators, expects to further expand and accelerate the world of next generation computer entertainment.

NEWS: Metal Gear Solid - Portable Ops infiltrates PSP

Metal Gear Solid evolves as Konami Digital Entertainment announces an all-new action-packed single player campaign and innovative online play

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has used the E3 gaming event in Los Angeles to unveil Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – an all-new action title in Hideo Kojima's legendary Metal Gear Solid series for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops redefines the stealth action genre for handheld gaming systems with an original storyline that follows from the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and boasts ground-breaking online play that lets gamers recruit comrades to form a unique fighting force.

The single-player campaign of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops follows the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, as Naked Snake establishes FOXHOUND in an attempt to hunt down the treacherous FOX unit, which has started a bloody revolt in South America. Set in 1970, the game will be the missing link in the ongoing Metal Gear saga, as players will learn more about returning characters such as Para-Medic, Major Zero and Sigint and also witness Naked Snake's greatest tragedy – a loss that sets into motion the events of later games in the Metal Gear Solid timeline.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops delivers the series' trademark stealth-based action to PSP while introducing several new elements that add even more depth and variety to Naked Snake's new adventure. Using an intuitive new third-person camera that is optimised for handheld play, gamers will be able to see more of Snake's surroundings, identifying threats while also targeting the best areas for sneaking and hiding. The story of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops will be told through fully voiced cinematics featuring 3D models and original artwork by acclaimed illustrator Ashley Wood.

As players progress through the single player campaign of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, they can recruit comrades to create their own fighting unit. In addition to regular enemies and soldiers, players can also recruit unique NPCs depending on their actions in key situations, building an armed force to fit their style of play. Through the wireless capabilities of the PSP system, players can also search for volunteer soldiers via wireless access points.

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Refining the gameplay of the online multiplayer mode from Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops lets players engage in online skirmishes through the PSP system's wireless infrastructure functionality. Players will be able to use their squadron from the single-player portion of the game as well as recruiting new members and trading with other players, unleashing their distinctive abilities and wreaking havoc across the game's numerous multiplayer levels.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops also introduces a new "White Flag" system to the game's multiplayer modes, letting players choose to surrender and live to fight again in each round or fight to the death until the next game begins. Placing emphasis on stealth gameplay, the White Flag System further evolves online play for the Metal Gear series and creates a bond between the player and their team as they work together to achieve their objectives.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops screenshots (thanks to Voltage PR):