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(Redirected from Playstation 3)
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and successor to the PlayStation 2. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. In sales and market share, it is currently in third place.[3] The system was first released on November 11, 2006, in Japan and shortly after on November 17 in the United States. Its primary storage media is the Blu-ray Disc, while it also supports SACDs, DVDs, and CDs.[4]29 It can output high-definition video for both video games and movies via an HDMI 1.3 port, supporting up to 1080p HD resolution.
It was initially available in two configurations, the 20 GB Basic model and the 60 GB Premium model. However, the 20 GB model was discontinued in North America on April 11, 2007, due to a lack of consumer demand.[5] While still available in Japan, it was not released at all in PAL territories.[6] On May 21, 2007, Sony announced that it would be releasing the PS3 in South Korea in only one configuration, featuring an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV compatibility.[7] On July 9, 2007, the 80 GB model was released in North America.[8]
Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, during the E3 2005 conference. A functional version of the system was not present there,as a working system was not readily available due to power failures and hardware problems, nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although demonstrations (such as '') were held at both events on devkits and comparable PC hardware. Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (e.g. ''Mobile Suit Gundam'').[9] The system was initially planned to have two HDMI ports and three Ethernet ports, though this was later reduced to one of each, presumably to cut costs.[10]
On September 22, 2006, at the 2006 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that it would be including HDMI on all versions of the system, and reducing the launch price on ''20GB'' models by over 20%;[11] the ''60GB'' version of the system has an open pricing scheme.11 Sony demonstrated 27 playable PS3 titles during the Tokyo Game Show running on final hardware.[12]
Main articles: PlayStation 3 launch
The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006, at 07:00. There were reports that many of the initial systems were obtained by businessmen who paid mainly Chinese nationals to buy the system without any software to resell on eBay.[13] According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.[14]
Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17. Reports of violence surrounding the release of the PS3 include a customer shot,[15] campers robbed at gunpoint,[16] customers shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns,[17] and 60 campers fighting over 10 systems.[18]
The PS3 was launched in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on March 23, 2007. After the first two days of sales, the system had sold approximataly 600,000 units.[19]
As of September 2007, there are three retail configurations of the PlayStation 3: a ''20 GB'' model, a ''60 GB'' model, and an ''80 GB'' model (the ''xx GB'' names referring to the size of the internal hard drive of the system). All retail packages include one SIXAXIS controller, one USB cable, one composite video/stereo audio output cable, one Ethernet cable and one power cable.[21] The 80 GB model includes a copy of the hit title ''MotorStorm''.[22]
At its launch in Japan and North America in November 2006, two versions of the system were released; the 20 GB model and the more expensive 60 GB model with additional features. Sony discontinued the 20 GB model in the US and Canada on April 11, 2007, citing a lack of "consumer demand",[5] though it is still on sale in Japan.
On May 21, 2007 Sony announced that only one model would be released in Korea, featuring an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV compatibility.7 Sony Korea has stated that IPTV feature was added to the Korean version in order to keep up with FTTP, which is widely available in Korea.7
On July 9, 2007 Sony announced a North American 80 GB model, to be available starting August 6, 2007.[24][25][26] On July 12, 2007, SCEE announced a Starter Pack bundle in Europe, including a second Sixaxis controller and two first-party titles from a given selection, to sell at the same price as the stand-alone model. SCEE stated that there were no plans to introduce an 80 GB model or to drop the price for the 60 GB model in Europe.[27]
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves has stated that there are currently no plans for an 80 GB system to be released in PAL territories, and that a 20 GB version is "highly unlikely."[28]
In addition to all of the features of the 20 GB model, the 60 GB model has internal IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, multiple flash card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash, Memory Stick) and a chrome coloured trim.[29] In terms of hardware, the 80 GB model released in Korea is identical to the 60 GB model released in European territories, except for the difference in hard drive size.7 IPTV compatibility is supported through software and could potentially be added to other models of the system. Like the Korean and European models, the North American 80 GB model also excludes the PlayStation 2 EE chip, instead providing PS2 compatibility via software emulation, thereby reducing the level of compatibility (see Removal of hardware support for more details).
No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card readers have yet been released by Sony for the 20 GB system, although plans for such add-ons are in place.[30] Nevertheless, as both models feature four USB 2.0 ports, wireless networking and flash memory card support can already be obtained through the use of widely available external USB adapters.
The PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated to have been US$805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model;[35] however, they were priced at US$499 and US$599, respectively.[36] The high manufacturing costs meant that every unit was sold at a loss of approximately $250,35 contributing to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2007.[37] In April 2007, soon after these results were published, Ken Kutaragi, the head of gaming at Sony, announced plans to retire. Various news agencies, including ''The Times''[38] and ''The Wall Street Journal''[39] reported that this was due to poor sales, whilst SCEI maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.39
Since the system's launch production costs have been reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the EE chip[40] and falling hardware costs.[41][42] The cost of manufacturing Cell microprocessors has fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the 65 nm production process[43]42 and Blu-ray diodes being around $100 cheaper to manufacture.41[44]
The cumulative reduction in production costs is as follows:
★ Blu-ray (cost reduction: US$100)
★ Cell B.E. (cost reduction: US$29 – US$40)
★ EE removal (cost reduction: US$27)
★ Chipset Modifications: Sony have removed a CXD9208GP, 2 RDRAM chips (US$5), and some passives and are planning on moving the RSX graphics chip from 90 nm to 65 nm production process and "the unification of separate smaller ICs — such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi — into single chip solutions and a change to a more specialized Southbridge." (cost reduction: unknown)
This brings the total cost reduction to at least $156 excluding the chipset modifications.
[45]
[46]
[47]
[48]
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[50]
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On July 8, 2007, Sony announced a price drop in which the 60 GB model would sell for US$499; a new 80 GB model would sell for US$599 starting August 6, 2007.242526 According to Amazon.com, the price cut caused the PlayStation 3 to move up in Amazon's rankings by 3200%.[53] A few days after the initial price drop announcement, SCEE president David Reeves and SCEI president Kaz Hirai both confirmed that the "price drop" was in fact a sale price intended to eliminate stock of the 60 GB unit, the production of which had actually been halted at the time of the price drop announcement. After all 60 GB units were sold, only the 80 GB unit was to remain in stores in the U.S., selling for US$599.[54] On August 30, 2007, SCEA senior director of corporate communications Dave Karraker stated that it had sold and shipped all of its remaining North American 60 GB models to retailers, and that the company no longer has any inventory in its warehouses.[55] According to spokeswoman Kimberly Otzman, retailer supplies for the North American 60 GB model will probably last through October 2007.[56]
On January 7, 2007, Sony met its goal of shipping 1 million units to North America.[57] Just over a week later, on January 16, 2007, Sony confirmed they had shipped 1 million units in Japan, bringing the worldwide total to over 2 million shipped.[58] As of April 1, 2007, approximately 5.5 million units had been shipped worldwide.37
In the worldwide marketplace, PlayStation 3 is currently behind its competitor systems, the Xbox 360 and the Wii, both overall and in monthly sales. In Japan the Wii outsold the PS3 by 3 to 1 in August, 4 to 1 in July, 6.5 to 1 in June, 5.6 to 1 in May and 4 to 1 in April;[59][60][61][62] likewise the PS3 sold 2.5 times more units in June than the Xbox 360. In Japan 2,800,576 Wiis have been sold in total, compared to 1,143,798 PS3s; however the Xbox 360, which was released almost a year earlier than its competitors has sold only 380,131 units.[63][64]
In North America, the PS3 was outsold 4.4 to 1 by the Wii and 2.2 to 1 by the Xbox 360 in June 2007, and sold the least units of any seventh generation console in the period January through April.[65] Additionally, the PS3 saw the largest drop in sales of the three systems, selling 37% less in April than the previous month; Sony has attributed the poor sales in April to a lack of new software for the console.65 In many cases, the system has been outsold by its predecessor, the Playstation 2.
Sony has stated that the PS3 has been consistently outselling its competitors in Australia, although it still lags behind both in total units sold.[66]
Main articles: List of PlayStation 3 games, Chronology of PlayStation 3 games, List of PlayStation Network games
The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006 with a total of twelve titles, while another three were released before the end of the year.[67] After five days of sales it was confirmed that Insomniac's first person shooter '' was the top-selling game, and was heavily praised by many reputable video game websites, including GameSpot and IGN, both of whom awarded it with their PlayStation 3 Game of the Year award for 2006.[68][69] Some titles missed the launch window and were delayed until 2007, such as '', ''F.E.A.R.'' and ''Sonic the Hedgehog''. During the Japanese launch, ''Ridge Racer 7'' was the top-selling launch title, while '' also faired well in sales; both of which were offerings from Namco Bandai. The PlayStation 3 launched in Europe with twenty-four titles, including some that were not offered in the North American and Japanese launched, such as ''Formula One Championship Edition'', ''MotorStorm'' and ''Virtua Fighter 5''. '' and ''MotorStorm'' have been the most successful titles so far; each has sold over one million copies worldwide.[70]
At the 2007 E3 Media and Business Summit, Sony were able to show off a number of their upcoming video games for the PlayStation 3, including ''Heavenly Sword'', ''Lair'' and '', all of which are set for release in 2007. They also showed off a number of titles set for a 2008 release; most notably ''Killzone 2'', the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2004 first person shooter. ''LittleBigPlanet'' was also demonstrated during the event and subsequently won the award for 'Most Innovative' game of the show.[71] A completely new title called ''Infamous'' was also presented to the media, expanding on the ever-growing sandbox genre. Several PlayStation Network titles were also on display, including '' and ''Warhawk'', both of which will be released as downloads via the PlayStation Store as well as on Blu-ray Disc.[72][73] It was also revealed that the first-person shooters ''Haze'' and ''Unreal Tournament 3'' would be exclusive to the PlayStation 3 in 2007,[74] adding to the selection of exclusive titles available for the holiday season. Perhaps the biggest announcement, however, was that the highly-anticipated '' will be exclusive the PlayStation 3, amid rumors that the game would appear on other platforms. Two other important exclusive titles to be released by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3, ''Final Fantasy XIII'' and the upcoming installments in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, were not shown; however, Square Enix President and CEO John Yamamoto suggested before E3 2007 that the games will make an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show in September.[75][76]
The PlayStation 3 is based on open and publicly available application programming interfaces. Sony has selected several technologies and arranged several sublicensing agreements to create an advanced software development kit for developers.
Open standards for OpenGL, matrix algorithms, and scene data are specified by the Khronos Group, and are intended to work with nVidia's Cg programming language. Scene data are stored with COLLADA v1.4, an open, XML-based file format.[77] Rendering uses PSGL, a modified version of OpenGL ES 1.0 (OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant except for the use of Cg instead of GLSL), with extensions specifically aimed at the PS3.[78] Other specifications include OpenMAX, a collection of fast, cross-platform tools for general "media acceleration," such as matrix calculations, and OpenVG, for hardware-accelerated 2D vector graphics. These specifications have GPL, free for any use, and/or commercial implementations by third parties.
Sublicensed technology includes complete game engines, physics libraries, and special libraries. Engines include Epic's Unreal engine 3.0. Physics libraries include AGEIA's PhysX SDK, NovodeX,[79] and Havok's physics and animation engines.[80] Other tools include Nvidia's Cg 1.5 (a C-like shading language, which HLSL was based upon), SpeedTree RT by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (high-quality virtual foliage in real time), and Kynogon's Kynapse 4.0 "large scale A.I."[81]
Sony has considered using IPv6, the next generation of the Internet Protocol.[82]
Some titles, such as ''Genji: Days of the Blade'' and ''Ridge Racer 7'', allow users to install 4–5 GB of game data to the hard drive, which dramatically improves load times. In ''Genji'', for example, the cached data reduces load times from 15 seconds to around 4 seconds.[83]
Recently, Sony announced a new tool set that will be free to all developers known as "PlayStation Edge" that will offer highly optimized lightweight libraries for CELL SPUs. These libraries will provide code for animation, compression (expected to greatly improve loading times), and many more features. The package will also provide 'GCM Replay', a powerful RSX profiling tool to allow developers to gain the most out of the PlayStation 3's graphics chip.[84]
Sony stated that every PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game that observes its respective system's TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) would be playable on PS3 at launch. SCE president Ken Kutaragi asked developers to adhere to the TRC to facilitate compatibility with future PlayStations, stating that the company was having some difficulty getting backward compatibility with games that had not followed the TRCs. Initial NTSC PS3 units include (see circuit board image) the CPU/rasterizer combination chip used in the slim PS2 (EE+GS) to achieve backward compatibility.[85] The backward compatibility function is region-locked.[86]
Initially, at launch, approximately 3% of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles had minor compatibility issues, including poor audio, system freezes or controller malfunctions.[87] Popular games reported to have these glitches included ''Tekken 5'' and ''Gran Turismo 4''.[88] Many games had also been reported to have problems with garbled or unreadable text on-screen and generally blurry image quality, but the January 24, 2007 software release, which updated the system to version 1.50, has fully resolved this issue.[89]
In order to reduce manufacturing costs,[90] the Emotion Engine (EE) is not included in European and South Korean systems.7[91] The new 80 GB model released in North America will also lack hardware support for legacy titles.[92] Software emulation is used in place of hardware support and as a result, backward compatibility for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games is reduced.90 Backward compatibility is improved periodically through PlayStation 3 System Software updates, however Sony has stated that its focus will eventually shift to developing content exclusively for the PS3.[93]90[94]
On March 20, 2007 Sony released a compatibility list; 1,782 of the 2,451 PS2 games (72%) released in Europe were playable on the European PS3, subsequent system software updates have improved software backwards compatibility and added support for upscaling of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games up to 1080p resolution.[95] Upscaling can improve picture quality in some situations.[96]
A Japanese PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game compatibility database for system software updates from version 1.00 to version 1.82 is also available on the official Japanese PlayStation website.[97]
Main articles: PlayStation 3 System Software
Sony has added the ability for the operating system, referred to as ''System Software'', to be updated. The update process is similar to the firmware updates for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The updates can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network directly to the PS3 and subsequently installed. Sony has also provided users with the ability to download system software updates from the Official PlayStation website to their PCs and then storage media, from which the update can be installed to the system. Updates can also be installed from game discs that require the updates to be able to play the game.
The latest version of the software is version 1.92, released on September 4, 2007. This latest update reportedly has caused issues with the PS3 functionality with things such as randomly getting kicked off of the PlayStation Network, and not being able to connect to the ''Warhawk'' servers. Sony confirmed that they are well aware of this and are working on a fix.[98]
Version 1.82 expanded codec support to allow for playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) format video.[99] Version 1.80 provided the ability to upscale DVDs, along with PS1 and PS2 games, to 1080p resolution, as well as the ability to downscale Blu-ray video to 720p. It also enabled users on a home network to use the PS3 to view images, listen to music, or play videos that are stored on their DLNA-compatible devices (including PCs and laptops) elsewhere in the house, on the same network as the PS3. Software version 1.80 added support for the xvYCC color space for AVCHD-encoded media and set the stage for improvements in the PSP Remote Play function; thanks to the firmware update, PSP owners are now able to access their PS3 from anywhere in the world — as long as a broadband connection is available and firmware 3.50 for the PSP is installed. A new type of slideshow display pattern was added, along with zoom and trim functions for images. In addition, the Memory Card Adaptor can now be used to transfer PS/PS2 game saves from the PS3 hard drive to a PS/PS2 memory card; the update also allowed for the transferral of copy-protected PS/PS2 game saves. CD information can now be edited, and users can submit information to All Music Guide. Finally, software version 1.80 included the ability to print photos stored on the PS3’s hard drive or inserted storage media with a selection of Epson printers via USB.[100]
Users with version before 1.6 will not be able to restore their backed up data on another PlayStation 3 with 1.6 or later. The user will need to update his/her firmware on his/her PlayStation 3 before backing it up in order to restore onto another PlayStation 3.
Main articles: XrossMediaBar
The PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced Cross Media Bar, or abbreviated XMB) includes 8 categories of options. These include: Users, Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, Network and Friends (similar to the PlayStation Portable media bar). The PS3 includes the ability to store different user profiles, explore photos, play music and movies from the hard drive, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse, a full web browser and a Friends menu. Also, the PlayStation 3 adds the ability to multitask in ways such as listening to music while surfing the web or looking at pictures.[101] The PlayStation 3 XMB supports a variety of file formats (audio, image, video). Because the PlayStation 3 is capable of running Linux, other formats can be played through the operating system, assuming the correct codec is present. In a separate demo Sony presented the "Marketplace" where users can buy and download music. The PS3 reserves 64 MB of RAM at all times for XMB functions.
The XMB's default background color changes depending on the current month of the year, and it changes brightness depending on the time of day. However, a later firmware revision (1.90) lets users change the background of the XMB to display anything saved under "Image" in the XMB. This was released on July 23 2007.[102]
Q-Games Ltd, a small development company based in Kyoto, Japan, developed the graphics technology behind the XMB, its stylized background, and the built-in music visualizers. The PlayStation 3 uses a version of the NetFront browser by Access Co. as its internal web browser. It is the same browser used in the PlayStation Portable (Sony-branded NetFront 2.81) with the same interface, menus and virtual keyboard. Sony has also worked with Stanford University to bring the Folding@home project to the PS3.[103] Once downloaded, the program can be configured to run when the system is idle or executed manually from the XMB.
Main articles: PlayStation 3 Linux
Wikibooks has a page concerning the
''
Sony has included an option in the XMB menu to install other operating systems.[104] Among other Linux distributions, Ubuntu, Fedora Core 7, Gentoo, Debian, and Yellow Dog have been run on the PS3.[105][106][107][108]
Sony currently implements a hypervisor restricting RSX access,[109] though the graphics are fast enough for emulation of some old systems. Linux has access to 6 of the 7 SPEs, and IBM provides an introduction to programming parallel applications on the PlayStation 3.
As of Linux kernel 2.6.21, the PlayStation 3 has official Linux support and does not require any special patching to function. An up to date Linux kernel source with all the latest PlayStation 3 bug fixes and improvements is listed here; and a frequently updated user friendly build (currently based on the Linux kernel 2.6.23-rc3) is also available.
Main articles: PlayStation Network
In response to Microsoft's success on their Xbox Live network, Sony announced a unified online service for the PlayStation 3 system at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is having several difficulties being anywhere near as popular as the Xbox Live system. Sony has confirmed that the service will be always connected,[110] free and include multiplayer support; however, developers are permitted to charge a subscription fee, as is common with MMO games.
At the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2006, it was revealed that users will be able to download some of the thousands of PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 titles from the PlayStation Network for about US$5–15, starting with those with the smallest game data. The reason to allow this kind of functionality is that Sony to allow the users to choose the games of their preference. Ken Kutaragi also announced functionality with other systems, similar to Nintendo's Virtual Console, including confirmed Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 functionality; however, Sega replied that Sony had been too hasty with calling it a fact, and that it was still "under examination".[111]
The registration interface can only be accessed through the PS3 system interface.[112] As of firmware update 1.60, there are three methods for typing on the PS3, which includes an on-screen T9 "dial pad" system (similar to writing a text message on a mobile phone) that predicts words as they are typed. Another is a traditional on-screen keyboard, and finally the use of a physical USB or Bluetooth keyboard is also available.[113] The predictive text does not predict any capitalized words, causing users that want to make use of this feature to input all words in lowercase and then go back and capitalize the first letters (if needed). An alternative is to add words to the system’s built-in predictive text dictionary; also, the unit automatically keeps track of any inputted terms.
Credit cards and electronic money (via the Edy system) are two ways PlayStation 3 owners in Japan can purchase content through the Japanese PlayStation Network Store. On May 8, 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment announced PlayStation Network Cards,[114] a form of electronic money that can be used with the Store. PlayStation Network Cards, set to be available in units of 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, can be purchased at convenience stores throughout Japan. Each card contains a 12 digit code which can be inputted to the PlayStation Network to place credits in the virtual wallet.
The cards will be available through electronic kiosks at 26,000 convenience stores, including Lawsons, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki, Ministop and Sunkus. There will also be 26,000 post office ATM machines for use to pay for the tickets, although registration is required first via a special mobile website.
Main articles: PlayStation Home
During the 2007 Game Developers Conference, Sony announced PlayStation Home, a new community based service for the PlayStation Network, which allows users to create an avatar character for their PlayStation 3 system. This avatar will get their own house, which can be adorned by items players can receive in several achievements. In the future the service will also expand, allowing players to have more sorts of clothing, as well as hold pets. Home will be a Second Life-like experience and will allow gamers everywhere to interact in a virtual world. Home will also act as a meeting place of sorts for players who want to play multiplayer games on the PlayStation 3. During a video demonstration of Home, Sony said that a Home icon and options will be added to the Cross Media Bar (XMB), so it is expected to be available through a firmware update or separate download from within the PlayStation Store. A closed beta is in progress in Europe while a bigger, "open" Beta will be available sometime this summer.[115] The final release is rumored by October 10th, never announced by Sony. Home will be a free service for all PlayStation 3 users.
The PlayStation Portable can connect with the PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, ''Formula One: Championship Edition'', a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time rear-view mirror.[116] Although this feature did not make it in the final release, Sony confirmed that such connectivity between the two systems remains an option for the future.[117] In addition, it is possible to download PlayStation 1 games to the PlayStation 3 from the PlayStation Store. These games were not originally playable on the PS3; however, they could be sent to a PSP, and played using the PSP's PlayStation Emulator. Sony added support for playing downloaded PS titles on PS3 on April 18, 2007, with the update to firmware revision 1.70.[118][119]
Sony has also demonstrated the PSP playing back video content, including 1080p content from the PlayStation 3 hard disk across an ad-hoc wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play. Remote play has since expanded to allow remote access to the PS3 via PSP from any wireless access point in the world.[120]
Given the computing capabilities of the machine, there is some interest in using PS3 to build supercomputers for high-performance computing,[121] as the NCSA has already built a cluster based on the PlayStation 2.[122] Terra Soft Solutions has a version of Yellow Dog Linux for the PlayStation 3,[123] and sells PS3s with Linux pre-installed,[124] in single units, and 6 and 32 node clusters.[125] In addition, RapidMind is pushing their stream programming package for the PS3.[126]
On January 3 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, Associate Professor of Computer Science at NCSU, clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 512 MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application, and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: Fedora Core 5 Linux ppc64,
MPICH2, OpenMP v2.5, GNU Compiler Collection and CellSDK 1.1.[127][128][129]
On March 15 2007, SCE and Stanford University announced that the Folding@home project would be expanded to the PS3.[130] Along with thousands of PCs already joined over the Internet, PS3 owners are able to lend the computing power of their game systems to the study of improper protein folding and associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, cystic fibrosis, and several forms of cancer. The software was included as part of the 1.6 firmware update (March 22, 2007), and can be set to run manually or automatically when the PS3 is idle through the Cross Media Bar. The processed information is then sent back to project's central servers over the Internet. Processing power from PS3 users is greatly contributing to the Folding@home project, and PS3s have overtaken all other participating operating systems in teraflops contributed.[131][132] As of April 23 2007, more than 250,000 PS3 owners have allowed the Folding@home software to be run on their systems, averaging over 400 teraflops and peaking at over 700. By comparison, the world's most powerful supercomputer, Blue Gene has a peak performance of 280.6 teraflops.[133]
The Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Lab in Barcelona has launched a distributed computing project called PS3GRID. This project is expected to run sixteen times faster than an equivalent project on a standard PC. Like most distributed computing projects, it is designed to run only when the computer is idle.
Main articles: PlayStation 3 hardware
The ''PlayStation 3'' is convex on its right side (when vertical, top side when horizontal) and has a flat black finish. It features a slot loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc drive for the loading of games and DVD or Blu-ray movies. It originally was available with hard drives of 20 and 60 GB. The 20 GB and 60 GB models have since been discontinued, and an 80 GB model introduced (see above). Inside, the ''PlayStation 3'' uses the seven core IBM designed Cell microprocessor as its CPU. While graphics processing is handled by the NVIDIA RSX which can output resolutions up to 1080p, the PlayStation 3 has 256 MiB of main memory and 256 MiB of video memory for the RSX.
A range of accessories for the console have been developed for the system, including the wireless SIXAXIS controller, the BD Remote controller, and the upcoming PlayStation Eye camera and PlayTV DVB-T tuner/digital video recorder accessory.[134]
The system has Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and HDMI 1.3a built in on all models. Wi-Fi networking and a flash card reader are also built in on 60 and 80 GB models.
The PlayStation 3 was first advertised in the U.S. in September 2006, in which several TV advertisements demonstrated some of the features of the system. In early 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment began to market the system in Europe, with a marketing slogan "This is Living."
Some journalists have judged the relative ease with which it is possible to buy a PlayStation 3 in stores in the U.S. and Japan, compared with the scarcity of the Wii, as evidence of lukewarm consumer demand for the system.[135] There have also been reports that some Japanese retailers were discounting the system as early as January 2007 to stimulate demand.[136]
Microsoft's MSN reviewed the PlayStation 3 saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype … the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag."[137] CNET awarded it a high score of 8.8 out of a possible 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget,[138] praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games.[139] Hexus Gaming reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, "…as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we’ll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming."[140] At GDC 2007, Shiny Entertainment founder Dave Perry stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. It's the best piece of hardware, without question."[141]
Both ''Home Theater Magazine'' and ''Ultimate AV'' have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray and HD DVD players.[142][143] Audiophile Audition said of the PS3 "The PS3 is an amazing product both in terms of performance as well as flexibility."[144][143]
Conversely, the PS3 was given the number-eight spot on ''PC World'' magazine’s list of “The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006,” where it was criticized for being “Late, Expensive, and Incompatible.”[146] GamesRadar ranked the PS3 as the top item in a feature about game-related PR disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and — within the space of a year — turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet," but added that despite its problems the system had "untapped potential."[147] The perceived disappointment of the system's launch among gamers prompted ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' to feature a main story titled "BattleStation!" in its February 2007 issue, in which the magazine voiced much of the gamer, analyst, and developer criticism against the PS3. ''EGM'' also interviewed Sony's US Chief of Operations, Jack Tretton.[148] In the interview, Tretton attributed the negative reception to people "waiting for [the PS3] to slip up, and we haven't, so people try to create stories that aren't there." Tretton also scoffed at a comment made by ''EGM'' that PS3s were not flying off store shelves, telling the interviewers, "If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1,200 bucks for it."[149]
Many review sites have criticized its pricing of $500/$600 for a mass-consumer gaming device, comparing it to the Wii ($250[150]) and the Xbox 360 (MSRP $399).[151] Others noted the lack of high quality launch titles,[152]151 with ''Business Week'' stating it was "more impressed with what it could do than with what it currently does."[153]
1. Asustek Computer Ships PlayStation 3 Consoles
2. List of best-selling video games
3. HD Update Coming to Sony PlayStation 3 Sci-Tech Today, May 23, 2007
4. Super Audio CD
5. 20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America
6. Sony Continues 20 Gig PS3 in Japan
7. No plans to bring 80 GB PS3 to Europe, says Sony Ellie Gibson
8. Sony Releases 80GB PS3 In North America
9. Developers Use Personal Computers to Show PS3 Advantages
10. IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ
11. TGS 2006: Price Drop For Japanese PS3 Anoop Gantayat
12. Sony announces 27 playable titles for the September Tokyo Game Show.
13. Foreigners And Fights, PS3 JPN Launch's Dark Side
14. 週間ソフト・セルスルーランキング
15. 1 Shot in Conn. Playstation Waiting Line
16. Camping PlayStation gamers robbed at gunpoint
17. Four People Shot While Waiting for PlayStation Console, Including 27 NEWSFIRST Reporter
18. Playstation3 Crowd Gets More Than It Bargained for in Tysons
19. Sony’s PS3 has record launch in Europe
20.
21. Contents of PS3 box packaging revealed? Justin Pinter
22. New 80GB PlayStation 3; New Price on Current 60GB Model
23. 20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America
24. Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces New 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)); Announces New Price on Current 60GB Model SCEA
25. Sony admits to PS3 price drop; 80GB PS3 coming to America in August (update)
26. New PlayStation to Go on Sale in August
27. E3: David Reeves Talks PS3 Ellie Gibson
28. Reeves: No PAL 80GB PS3 Plans
29. About PlayStation®3 - Technical Specifications
30. 20 GB PlayStation 3 will be upgradeable, says Sony
31. Wii Sales Lead Over PS3 Falls to 3:1 In Japan
32. NPD: US game sales up 22 percent in June Brendan Sinclair
33. Sony Courts the Mainstream With PS3 Buzz Alex Wollenschlaeger
34. Worldwide PS3 sales only 4.28 million
35. Sony Losing Almost 0 per Console
36. E3 06: PS3 launches 11/17--9 for 20 GB, 9 for 60 GB Brendan Sinclair
37. PS3 launch hits Sony profits
38. Playstation boss pays the price of weak sales
39. Sony's Ken Kutaragi announces plans to retire Christopher Grant
40. Sony Set To Cut Playstation 3 Costs
41. Sony cuts PS3 production costs
42. PlayStation 3 manufacturing costs to go down, way down
43. IBM Shrinks Cell Broadband Engine to 65nm Process
44. PlayStation 3 Production Costs Drop
45. IBM Produces Cell Processor Using New Fabrication Technology
46. Sony Removes Emotion Engine, Graphics Synthesizer from PAL PlayStation 3
47. PS3 and the 360: The race to 65nm
48. Continental Shift?!
49. PlayStation 3 manufacturing costs to go down, way down
50. Sony Aims for PS3 Break-Even This Year
51. Sony Hopes to Stop Losing Money on PlayStation 3 This Fiscal Year
52. PlayStation 3 To Stop losing Money Next March
53. PS3 takes No. 1 sales rank from Wii at Amazon
54. Hirai Confirms Sony America To Phase Out 60GB PS3 Model David Jenkins
55. Sony out of stock on US 60GB PS3
56. Sony May Cut Console Price After Older Stock Is Sold
57. Sony Ships 1 Million PS3s in N. America
58. PS3 Shipments Hit 2 Million Worldwide
59. Sony's PS3 closes gap with the Wii
60. Wii outshines PlayStation 3 in Japan
61. Nintendo's Wii outsells Sony's PS3 fivefold in Japan in May - research firm
62. Six to One: Nintendo Wii Outsells Playstation 3 in Japan Dana Massey
63. Wii outselling PS3 'six to one'
64. Wii dominating home console sales in Japan David Low
65. NPD Fallout: Sony Blames April on Lack of Software Patrick Klepek
66. Sony PS3 winning console war in Australia
67. IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ
68. Best Games and Worst Games of 2006 at GameSpot - Best PlayStation 3 Game GameSpot Staff
69. IGN.com presents The Best of 2006 - PlayStation 3: Game of the Year IGN Staff
70. Comments for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) on the Video Game Prediction Market, the simExchange
71. Best of E3 2007 Winners
72. SOCOM: Confrontation
73. Warhawk
74. E3 2007: Haze, UT3 PS3 Exclusive
75. E3: Square Enix's John Yamamoto
76. Kingdom Hearts Set For TGS
77. COLLADA approved as an open standard Hirohiko Niizumi
78. PS3 to include parental controls
79.
80. Strategic Licensing Agreement with SCEA
81.
82. Juniper Networks on IPv6 and MPLS networking in Asia – Part I
83. PlayStation 3 Hard Drive Usage Clarified
84. Killzone footage used to hype PlayStation Edge
85. Sony Bundles PS2 With PS3
86. PlayStation 3 Backward Compatibility Testing Yu, James
87. PlayStation 3 Unable to Play Some of Sony’s Earlier Games
88. PS3 Backwards Compatibility Issues
89. PS3 Updated to 1.50
90. Sony rethinks Euro PS3 backwards compatibility Edge Online
91. Along with Cell, First Generation PS3 Features EE, GS Developed for PS2
92. New 80GB PS3 eliminates "emotion engine" chip Mark Androvich
93.
94. 72% of PS2 Games Work on EU PS3s
95. PLAYSTATION 3 System Software updates - Update features (ver 1.80)
96. PlayStation 3 Upscaling Comparison Rob Burman
97. Japanese PlayStation 3 backward compatibility database (update version 1.00~1.82) SCEJ
98. Network issues with 1.92? Sony is aware and trying to fix it Colin Torretta
99. PLAYSTATION®3 - Network - Updates
100. PLAYSTATION®3 - Network - Updates - Version 1.80
101. About XMB (XrossMediaBar)
102. Firmware update 1.90
103. PlayStation's serious side: Fighting disease
104. Install Other OS
105. HOWTO: Install Ubuntu on PS3 from Live CD Ubuntu Forums
106. PS3 Linux Adventures
107. Debian Live for PS3
108. Yellow Dog Linux launches for PS3
109. Linux Kernel Overview
110. PlayStation 3 announced for 2006
111.
112. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How do I set up my PLAYSTATION®Network master account or sub account?
113. PlayStation 3 System Setup and Usage - Using the On-Screen Keyboard
114. Sony introduces prepaid PlayStation Network cards (in Japan)
115. IGN: Europeans Go Home
116. E3 2006: Formula One 06 Resurfaces
117. PlayStation 3 launch interview Martijn Müller
118. Downloadable PS1 Games Hit The PSP (Provided You Have a PS3)
119. Phil Harrison Talks Downloadable PS1 Games on PS3
120. PSP and PS3 Play Together
121. Building Supercomputer Using Playstation 3
122. Scientific Computing on the Sony PlayStation 2
123. Terra Soft to Provide Linux for PLAYSTATION 3
124. Linux pre-installed on PS3
125. Linux clusters
126. RapidMind and Terra Soft partner to unleash PlayStation 3 for Linux
127. Engineer Creates First Academic Playstation 3 Computing Cluster
128. NC State Engineer Creates First Academic Playstation 3 Computing Cluster
129. Sony PS3 Cluster (IBM Cell BE)
130. Folding@home
131. PS3 doubles Folding@Home's processing power
132. Folding@Home - Client statistics by OS
133. PS3 boosts protein research plan BBC News
134.
135. Sony PlayStation 3–Widely Available, Nintendo Wii – Out of Stock
136. PS3 Price Cut by Japanese Retailers
137. PS3 Reviewed
138. Top 10 Must-haves CNET Staff
139. Sony PlayStation 3 (60 GB) Reviews
140. Review :: Sony PlayStation 3
141. GDC: What's Next for PS3?
142. Sony PlayStation 3
143. PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player
144. Sony PS3 PlayStation 3 Advanced Gaming Console, 60GB
145. PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player
146. The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006
147. The Top 7... PR disasters
148. BattleStation!, , Dan, Hsu, Electronic Gaming Monthly, 2007
149. BattleStation! (page 3), , Dan, Hsu, Electronic Gaming Monthly, 2007
150. Nintendo (September 14, 2006) Nintendo's Incomparable Wii Console Launches Nov. 19; MSRP 0.00, ''nintendo.com''
151. Sony PlayStation 3 Riyad Emeran
152. First review: PlayStation 3 Danny Allen
153. PS3: Soon to Be a Great System Cliff Edwards
'Official websites'
★ Australia • Canada • Japan • New Zealand • United Kingdom • United States
: 'Auxiliary sites by Sony'
:
★ Hardware Press Images • Features and promotion site • User's Guide • Support
'Unofficial websites'
★ IGN.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
★ GameSpot.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
★ PSU.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and successor to the PlayStation 2. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. In sales and market share, it is currently in third place.[3] The system was first released on November 11, 2006, in Japan and shortly after on November 17 in the United States. Its primary storage media is the Blu-ray Disc, while it also supports SACDs, DVDs, and CDs.[4]29 It can output high-definition video for both video games and movies via an HDMI 1.3 port, supporting up to 1080p HD resolution.
It was initially available in two configurations, the 20 GB Basic model and the 60 GB Premium model. However, the 20 GB model was discontinued in North America on April 11, 2007, due to a lack of consumer demand.[5] While still available in Japan, it was not released at all in PAL territories.[6] On May 21, 2007, Sony announced that it would be releasing the PS3 in South Korea in only one configuration, featuring an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV compatibility.[7] On July 9, 2007, the 80 GB model was released in North America.[8]
History
Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, during the E3 2005 conference. A functional version of the system was not present there,as a working system was not readily available due to power failures and hardware problems, nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although demonstrations (such as '') were held at both events on devkits and comparable PC hardware. Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (e.g. ''Mobile Suit Gundam'').[9] The system was initially planned to have two HDMI ports and three Ethernet ports, though this was later reduced to one of each, presumably to cut costs.[10]
On September 22, 2006, at the 2006 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that it would be including HDMI on all versions of the system, and reducing the launch price on ''20GB'' models by over 20%;[11] the ''60GB'' version of the system has an open pricing scheme.11 Sony demonstrated 27 playable PS3 titles during the Tokyo Game Show running on final hardware.[12]
Launch
Main articles: PlayStation 3 launch
The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006, at 07:00. There were reports that many of the initial systems were obtained by businessmen who paid mainly Chinese nationals to buy the system without any software to resell on eBay.[13] According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.[14]
Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17. Reports of violence surrounding the release of the PS3 include a customer shot,[15] campers robbed at gunpoint,[16] customers shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns,[17] and 60 campers fighting over 10 systems.[18]
The PS3 was launched in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on March 23, 2007. After the first two days of sales, the system had sold approximataly 600,000 units.[19]
Retail configurations
| 'Feature' | '20 GB'29 | '60 GB'29 | '80 GB'29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgradable hard drive | , 20 GB | , 60 GB | , 80 GB |
| Blu-ray Disc drive | |||
| HDMI (v1.3)[20] | |||
| Bluetooth 2.0 | |||
| 1000BASE-T Ethernet | |||
| Chrome trim | |||
| IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi | |||
| Flash card readers |
As of September 2007, there are three retail configurations of the PlayStation 3: a ''20 GB'' model, a ''60 GB'' model, and an ''80 GB'' model (the ''xx GB'' names referring to the size of the internal hard drive of the system). All retail packages include one SIXAXIS controller, one USB cable, one composite video/stereo audio output cable, one Ethernet cable and one power cable.[21] The 80 GB model includes a copy of the hit title ''MotorStorm''.[22]
At its launch in Japan and North America in November 2006, two versions of the system were released; the 20 GB model and the more expensive 60 GB model with additional features. Sony discontinued the 20 GB model in the US and Canada on April 11, 2007, citing a lack of "consumer demand",[5] though it is still on sale in Japan.
On May 21, 2007 Sony announced that only one model would be released in Korea, featuring an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV compatibility.7 Sony Korea has stated that IPTV feature was added to the Korean version in order to keep up with FTTP, which is widely available in Korea.7
On July 9, 2007 Sony announced a North American 80 GB model, to be available starting August 6, 2007.[24][25][26] On July 12, 2007, SCEE announced a Starter Pack bundle in Europe, including a second Sixaxis controller and two first-party titles from a given selection, to sell at the same price as the stand-alone model. SCEE stated that there were no plans to introduce an 80 GB model or to drop the price for the 60 GB model in Europe.[27]
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves has stated that there are currently no plans for an 80 GB system to be released in PAL territories, and that a 20 GB version is "highly unlikely."[28]
Differences
In addition to all of the features of the 20 GB model, the 60 GB model has internal IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, multiple flash card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash, Memory Stick) and a chrome coloured trim.[29] In terms of hardware, the 80 GB model released in Korea is identical to the 60 GB model released in European territories, except for the difference in hard drive size.7 IPTV compatibility is supported through software and could potentially be added to other models of the system. Like the Korean and European models, the North American 80 GB model also excludes the PlayStation 2 EE chip, instead providing PS2 compatibility via software emulation, thereby reducing the level of compatibility (see Removal of hardware support for more details).
No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card readers have yet been released by Sony for the 20 GB system, although plans for such add-ons are in place.[30] Nevertheless, as both models feature four USB 2.0 ports, wireless networking and flash memory card support can already be obtained through the use of widely available external USB adapters.
Sales and pricing
| Region | Units sold | First available |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1,143,798 as of September 3, 2007[31] | 11 November, 2006 |
| North America | 1,498,800 as of July 23, 2007[32] | 17 November, 2006 |
| PAL territories | 1,300,000 as of August 23, 2007[33] | 23 March 2007 (more...) |
| 'Total' | '4.28 million' as of June 30, 2007[34] |
The PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated to have been US$805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model;[35] however, they were priced at US$499 and US$599, respectively.[36] The high manufacturing costs meant that every unit was sold at a loss of approximately $250,35 contributing to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2007.[37] In April 2007, soon after these results were published, Ken Kutaragi, the head of gaming at Sony, announced plans to retire. Various news agencies, including ''The Times''[38] and ''The Wall Street Journal''[39] reported that this was due to poor sales, whilst SCEI maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.39
Since the system's launch production costs have been reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the EE chip[40] and falling hardware costs.[41][42] The cost of manufacturing Cell microprocessors has fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the 65 nm production process[43]42 and Blu-ray diodes being around $100 cheaper to manufacture.41[44]
The cumulative reduction in production costs is as follows:
★ Blu-ray (cost reduction: US$100)
★ Cell B.E. (cost reduction: US$29 – US$40)
★ EE removal (cost reduction: US$27)
★ Chipset Modifications: Sony have removed a CXD9208GP, 2 RDRAM chips (US$5), and some passives and are planning on moving the RSX graphics chip from 90 nm to 65 nm production process and "the unification of separate smaller ICs — such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi — into single chip solutions and a change to a more specialized Southbridge." (cost reduction: unknown)
This brings the total cost reduction to at least $156 excluding the chipset modifications.
[45]
[46]
[47]
[48]
[49]
[50]
[51]
[52]
On July 8, 2007, Sony announced a price drop in which the 60 GB model would sell for US$499; a new 80 GB model would sell for US$599 starting August 6, 2007.242526 According to Amazon.com, the price cut caused the PlayStation 3 to move up in Amazon's rankings by 3200%.[53] A few days after the initial price drop announcement, SCEE president David Reeves and SCEI president Kaz Hirai both confirmed that the "price drop" was in fact a sale price intended to eliminate stock of the 60 GB unit, the production of which had actually been halted at the time of the price drop announcement. After all 60 GB units were sold, only the 80 GB unit was to remain in stores in the U.S., selling for US$599.[54] On August 30, 2007, SCEA senior director of corporate communications Dave Karraker stated that it had sold and shipped all of its remaining North American 60 GB models to retailers, and that the company no longer has any inventory in its warehouses.[55] According to spokeswoman Kimberly Otzman, retailer supplies for the North American 60 GB model will probably last through October 2007.[56]
On January 7, 2007, Sony met its goal of shipping 1 million units to North America.[57] Just over a week later, on January 16, 2007, Sony confirmed they had shipped 1 million units in Japan, bringing the worldwide total to over 2 million shipped.[58] As of April 1, 2007, approximately 5.5 million units had been shipped worldwide.37
In the worldwide marketplace, PlayStation 3 is currently behind its competitor systems, the Xbox 360 and the Wii, both overall and in monthly sales. In Japan the Wii outsold the PS3 by 3 to 1 in August, 4 to 1 in July, 6.5 to 1 in June, 5.6 to 1 in May and 4 to 1 in April;[59][60][61][62] likewise the PS3 sold 2.5 times more units in June than the Xbox 360. In Japan 2,800,576 Wiis have been sold in total, compared to 1,143,798 PS3s; however the Xbox 360, which was released almost a year earlier than its competitors has sold only 380,131 units.[63][64]
In North America, the PS3 was outsold 4.4 to 1 by the Wii and 2.2 to 1 by the Xbox 360 in June 2007, and sold the least units of any seventh generation console in the period January through April.[65] Additionally, the PS3 saw the largest drop in sales of the three systems, selling 37% less in April than the previous month; Sony has attributed the poor sales in April to a lack of new software for the console.65 In many cases, the system has been outsold by its predecessor, the Playstation 2.
Sony has stated that the PS3 has been consistently outselling its competitors in Australia, although it still lags behind both in total units sold.[66]
Games
Main articles: List of PlayStation 3 games, Chronology of PlayStation 3 games, List of PlayStation Network games
The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006 with a total of twelve titles, while another three were released before the end of the year.[67] After five days of sales it was confirmed that Insomniac's first person shooter '' was the top-selling game, and was heavily praised by many reputable video game websites, including GameSpot and IGN, both of whom awarded it with their PlayStation 3 Game of the Year award for 2006.[68][69] Some titles missed the launch window and were delayed until 2007, such as '', ''F.E.A.R.'' and ''Sonic the Hedgehog''. During the Japanese launch, ''Ridge Racer 7'' was the top-selling launch title, while '' also faired well in sales; both of which were offerings from Namco Bandai. The PlayStation 3 launched in Europe with twenty-four titles, including some that were not offered in the North American and Japanese launched, such as ''Formula One Championship Edition'', ''MotorStorm'' and ''Virtua Fighter 5''. '' and ''MotorStorm'' have been the most successful titles so far; each has sold over one million copies worldwide.[70]
At the 2007 E3 Media and Business Summit, Sony were able to show off a number of their upcoming video games for the PlayStation 3, including ''Heavenly Sword'', ''Lair'' and '', all of which are set for release in 2007. They also showed off a number of titles set for a 2008 release; most notably ''Killzone 2'', the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2004 first person shooter. ''LittleBigPlanet'' was also demonstrated during the event and subsequently won the award for 'Most Innovative' game of the show.[71] A completely new title called ''Infamous'' was also presented to the media, expanding on the ever-growing sandbox genre. Several PlayStation Network titles were also on display, including '' and ''Warhawk'', both of which will be released as downloads via the PlayStation Store as well as on Blu-ray Disc.[72][73] It was also revealed that the first-person shooters ''Haze'' and ''Unreal Tournament 3'' would be exclusive to the PlayStation 3 in 2007,[74] adding to the selection of exclusive titles available for the holiday season. Perhaps the biggest announcement, however, was that the highly-anticipated '' will be exclusive the PlayStation 3, amid rumors that the game would appear on other platforms. Two other important exclusive titles to be released by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3, ''Final Fantasy XIII'' and the upcoming installments in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, were not shown; however, Square Enix President and CEO John Yamamoto suggested before E3 2007 that the games will make an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show in September.[75][76]
Development
The PlayStation 3 is based on open and publicly available application programming interfaces. Sony has selected several technologies and arranged several sublicensing agreements to create an advanced software development kit for developers.
Open standards for OpenGL, matrix algorithms, and scene data are specified by the Khronos Group, and are intended to work with nVidia's Cg programming language. Scene data are stored with COLLADA v1.4, an open, XML-based file format.[77] Rendering uses PSGL, a modified version of OpenGL ES 1.0 (OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant except for the use of Cg instead of GLSL), with extensions specifically aimed at the PS3.[78] Other specifications include OpenMAX, a collection of fast, cross-platform tools for general "media acceleration," such as matrix calculations, and OpenVG, for hardware-accelerated 2D vector graphics. These specifications have GPL, free for any use, and/or commercial implementations by third parties.
Sublicensed technology includes complete game engines, physics libraries, and special libraries. Engines include Epic's Unreal engine 3.0. Physics libraries include AGEIA's PhysX SDK, NovodeX,[79] and Havok's physics and animation engines.[80] Other tools include Nvidia's Cg 1.5 (a C-like shading language, which HLSL was based upon), SpeedTree RT by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (high-quality virtual foliage in real time), and Kynogon's Kynapse 4.0 "large scale A.I."[81]
Sony has considered using IPv6, the next generation of the Internet Protocol.[82]
Some titles, such as ''Genji: Days of the Blade'' and ''Ridge Racer 7'', allow users to install 4–5 GB of game data to the hard drive, which dramatically improves load times. In ''Genji'', for example, the cached data reduces load times from 15 seconds to around 4 seconds.[83]
Recently, Sony announced a new tool set that will be free to all developers known as "PlayStation Edge" that will offer highly optimized lightweight libraries for CELL SPUs. These libraries will provide code for animation, compression (expected to greatly improve loading times), and many more features. The package will also provide 'GCM Replay', a powerful RSX profiling tool to allow developers to gain the most out of the PlayStation 3's graphics chip.[84]
Backward compatibility
Sony stated that every PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game that observes its respective system's TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist) would be playable on PS3 at launch. SCE president Ken Kutaragi asked developers to adhere to the TRC to facilitate compatibility with future PlayStations, stating that the company was having some difficulty getting backward compatibility with games that had not followed the TRCs. Initial NTSC PS3 units include (see circuit board image) the CPU/rasterizer combination chip used in the slim PS2 (EE+GS) to achieve backward compatibility.[85] The backward compatibility function is region-locked.[86]
Initially, at launch, approximately 3% of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles had minor compatibility issues, including poor audio, system freezes or controller malfunctions.[87] Popular games reported to have these glitches included ''Tekken 5'' and ''Gran Turismo 4''.[88] Many games had also been reported to have problems with garbled or unreadable text on-screen and generally blurry image quality, but the January 24, 2007 software release, which updated the system to version 1.50, has fully resolved this issue.[89]
Removal of hardware support
In order to reduce manufacturing costs,[90] the Emotion Engine (EE) is not included in European and South Korean systems.7[91] The new 80 GB model released in North America will also lack hardware support for legacy titles.[92] Software emulation is used in place of hardware support and as a result, backward compatibility for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games is reduced.90 Backward compatibility is improved periodically through PlayStation 3 System Software updates, however Sony has stated that its focus will eventually shift to developing content exclusively for the PS3.[93]90[94]
On March 20, 2007 Sony released a compatibility list; 1,782 of the 2,451 PS2 games (72%) released in Europe were playable on the European PS3, subsequent system software updates have improved software backwards compatibility and added support for upscaling of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games up to 1080p resolution.[95] Upscaling can improve picture quality in some situations.[96]
A Japanese PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game compatibility database for system software updates from version 1.00 to version 1.82 is also available on the official Japanese PlayStation website.[97]
Software
Operating system
Main articles: PlayStation 3 System Software
Sony has added the ability for the operating system, referred to as ''System Software'', to be updated. The update process is similar to the firmware updates for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The updates can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network directly to the PS3 and subsequently installed. Sony has also provided users with the ability to download system software updates from the Official PlayStation website to their PCs and then storage media, from which the update can be installed to the system. Updates can also be installed from game discs that require the updates to be able to play the game.
The latest version of the software is version 1.92, released on September 4, 2007. This latest update reportedly has caused issues with the PS3 functionality with things such as randomly getting kicked off of the PlayStation Network, and not being able to connect to the ''Warhawk'' servers. Sony confirmed that they are well aware of this and are working on a fix.[98]
Version 1.82 expanded codec support to allow for playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) format video.[99] Version 1.80 provided the ability to upscale DVDs, along with PS1 and PS2 games, to 1080p resolution, as well as the ability to downscale Blu-ray video to 720p. It also enabled users on a home network to use the PS3 to view images, listen to music, or play videos that are stored on their DLNA-compatible devices (including PCs and laptops) elsewhere in the house, on the same network as the PS3. Software version 1.80 added support for the xvYCC color space for AVCHD-encoded media and set the stage for improvements in the PSP Remote Play function; thanks to the firmware update, PSP owners are now able to access their PS3 from anywhere in the world — as long as a broadband connection is available and firmware 3.50 for the PSP is installed. A new type of slideshow display pattern was added, along with zoom and trim functions for images. In addition, the Memory Card Adaptor can now be used to transfer PS/PS2 game saves from the PS3 hard drive to a PS/PS2 memory card; the update also allowed for the transferral of copy-protected PS/PS2 game saves. CD information can now be edited, and users can submit information to All Music Guide. Finally, software version 1.80 included the ability to print photos stored on the PS3’s hard drive or inserted storage media with a selection of Epson printers via USB.[100]
Users with version before 1.6 will not be able to restore their backed up data on another PlayStation 3 with 1.6 or later. The user will need to update his/her firmware on his/her PlayStation 3 before backing it up in order to restore onto another PlayStation 3.
Graphical user interface
Main articles: XrossMediaBar
The PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced Cross Media Bar, or abbreviated XMB) includes 8 categories of options. These include: Users, Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, Network and Friends (similar to the PlayStation Portable media bar). The PS3 includes the ability to store different user profiles, explore photos, play music and movies from the hard drive, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse, a full web browser and a Friends menu. Also, the PlayStation 3 adds the ability to multitask in ways such as listening to music while surfing the web or looking at pictures.[101] The PlayStation 3 XMB supports a variety of file formats (audio, image, video). Because the PlayStation 3 is capable of running Linux, other formats can be played through the operating system, assuming the correct codec is present. In a separate demo Sony presented the "Marketplace" where users can buy and download music. The PS3 reserves 64 MB of RAM at all times for XMB functions.
The XMB's default background color changes depending on the current month of the year, and it changes brightness depending on the time of day. However, a later firmware revision (1.90) lets users change the background of the XMB to display anything saved under "Image" in the XMB. This was released on July 23 2007.[102]
Q-Games Ltd, a small development company based in Kyoto, Japan, developed the graphics technology behind the XMB, its stylized background, and the built-in music visualizers. The PlayStation 3 uses a version of the NetFront browser by Access Co. as its internal web browser. It is the same browser used in the PlayStation Portable (Sony-branded NetFront 2.81) with the same interface, menus and virtual keyboard. Sony has also worked with Stanford University to bring the Folding@home project to the PS3.[103] Once downloaded, the program can be configured to run when the system is idle or executed manually from the XMB.
Linux
Main articles: PlayStation 3 Linux
Wikibooks
Wikibooks has a page concerning the
''
Sony has included an option in the XMB menu to install other operating systems.[104] Among other Linux distributions, Ubuntu, Fedora Core 7, Gentoo, Debian, and Yellow Dog have been run on the PS3.[105][106][107][108]
Sony currently implements a hypervisor restricting RSX access,[109] though the graphics are fast enough for emulation of some old systems. Linux has access to 6 of the 7 SPEs, and IBM provides an introduction to programming parallel applications on the PlayStation 3.
As of Linux kernel 2.6.21, the PlayStation 3 has official Linux support and does not require any special patching to function. An up to date Linux kernel source with all the latest PlayStation 3 bug fixes and improvements is listed here; and a frequently updated user friendly build (currently based on the Linux kernel 2.6.23-rc3) is also available.
PlayStation Network
Main articles: PlayStation Network
In response to Microsoft's success on their Xbox Live network, Sony announced a unified online service for the PlayStation 3 system at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is having several difficulties being anywhere near as popular as the Xbox Live system. Sony has confirmed that the service will be always connected,[110] free and include multiplayer support; however, developers are permitted to charge a subscription fee, as is common with MMO games.
At the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2006, it was revealed that users will be able to download some of the thousands of PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 titles from the PlayStation Network for about US$5–15, starting with those with the smallest game data. The reason to allow this kind of functionality is that Sony to allow the users to choose the games of their preference. Ken Kutaragi also announced functionality with other systems, similar to Nintendo's Virtual Console, including confirmed Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 functionality; however, Sega replied that Sony had been too hasty with calling it a fact, and that it was still "under examination".[111]
The registration interface can only be accessed through the PS3 system interface.[112] As of firmware update 1.60, there are three methods for typing on the PS3, which includes an on-screen T9 "dial pad" system (similar to writing a text message on a mobile phone) that predicts words as they are typed. Another is a traditional on-screen keyboard, and finally the use of a physical USB or Bluetooth keyboard is also available.[113] The predictive text does not predict any capitalized words, causing users that want to make use of this feature to input all words in lowercase and then go back and capitalize the first letters (if needed). An alternative is to add words to the system’s built-in predictive text dictionary; also, the unit automatically keeps track of any inputted terms.
Credit cards and electronic money (via the Edy system) are two ways PlayStation 3 owners in Japan can purchase content through the Japanese PlayStation Network Store. On May 8, 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment announced PlayStation Network Cards,[114] a form of electronic money that can be used with the Store. PlayStation Network Cards, set to be available in units of 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, can be purchased at convenience stores throughout Japan. Each card contains a 12 digit code which can be inputted to the PlayStation Network to place credits in the virtual wallet.
The cards will be available through electronic kiosks at 26,000 convenience stores, including Lawsons, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki, Ministop and Sunkus. There will also be 26,000 post office ATM machines for use to pay for the tickets, although registration is required first via a special mobile website.
PlayStation Home
Main articles: PlayStation Home
During the 2007 Game Developers Conference, Sony announced PlayStation Home, a new community based service for the PlayStation Network, which allows users to create an avatar character for their PlayStation 3 system. This avatar will get their own house, which can be adorned by items players can receive in several achievements. In the future the service will also expand, allowing players to have more sorts of clothing, as well as hold pets. Home will be a Second Life-like experience and will allow gamers everywhere to interact in a virtual world. Home will also act as a meeting place of sorts for players who want to play multiplayer games on the PlayStation 3. During a video demonstration of Home, Sony said that a Home icon and options will be added to the Cross Media Bar (XMB), so it is expected to be available through a firmware update or separate download from within the PlayStation Store. A closed beta is in progress in Europe while a bigger, "open" Beta will be available sometime this summer.[115] The final release is rumored by October 10th, never announced by Sony. Home will be a free service for all PlayStation 3 users.
PlayStation Portable connectivity
The PlayStation Portable can connect with the PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, ''Formula One: Championship Edition'', a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time rear-view mirror.[116] Although this feature did not make it in the final release, Sony confirmed that such connectivity between the two systems remains an option for the future.[117] In addition, it is possible to download PlayStation 1 games to the PlayStation 3 from the PlayStation Store. These games were not originally playable on the PS3; however, they could be sent to a PSP, and played using the PSP's PlayStation Emulator. Sony added support for playing downloaded PS titles on PS3 on April 18, 2007, with the update to firmware revision 1.70.[118][119]
Sony has also demonstrated the PSP playing back video content, including 1080p content from the PlayStation 3 hard disk across an ad-hoc wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play. Remote play has since expanded to allow remote access to the PS3 via PSP from any wireless access point in the world.[120]
PlayStation 3 cluster
Given the computing capabilities of the machine, there is some interest in using PS3 to build supercomputers for high-performance computing,[121] as the NCSA has already built a cluster based on the PlayStation 2.[122] Terra Soft Solutions has a version of Yellow Dog Linux for the PlayStation 3,[123] and sells PS3s with Linux pre-installed,[124] in single units, and 6 and 32 node clusters.[125] In addition, RapidMind is pushing their stream programming package for the PS3.[126]
On January 3 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, Associate Professor of Computer Science at NCSU, clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 512 MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application, and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: Fedora Core 5 Linux ppc64,
MPICH2, OpenMP v2.5, GNU Compiler Collection and CellSDK 1.1.[127][128][129]
On March 15 2007, SCE and Stanford University announced that the Folding@home project would be expanded to the PS3.[130] Along with thousands of PCs already joined over the Internet, PS3 owners are able to lend the computing power of their game systems to the study of improper protein folding and associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, cystic fibrosis, and several forms of cancer. The software was included as part of the 1.6 firmware update (March 22, 2007), and can be set to run manually or automatically when the PS3 is idle through the Cross Media Bar. The processed information is then sent back to project's central servers over the Internet. Processing power from PS3 users is greatly contributing to the Folding@home project, and PS3s have overtaken all other participating operating systems in teraflops contributed.[131][132] As of April 23 2007, more than 250,000 PS3 owners have allowed the Folding@home software to be run on their systems, averaging over 400 teraflops and peaking at over 700. By comparison, the world's most powerful supercomputer, Blue Gene has a peak performance of 280.6 teraflops.[133]
The Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Lab in Barcelona has launched a distributed computing project called PS3GRID. This project is expected to run sixteen times faster than an equivalent project on a standard PC. Like most distributed computing projects, it is designed to run only when the computer is idle.
Hardware
Main articles: PlayStation 3 hardware
The ''PlayStation 3'' is convex on its right side (when vertical, top side when horizontal) and has a flat black finish. It features a slot loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc drive for the loading of games and DVD or Blu-ray movies. It originally was available with hard drives of 20 and 60 GB. The 20 GB and 60 GB models have since been discontinued, and an 80 GB model introduced (see above). Inside, the ''PlayStation 3'' uses the seven core IBM designed Cell microprocessor as its CPU. While graphics processing is handled by the NVIDIA RSX which can output resolutions up to 1080p, the PlayStation 3 has 256 MiB of main memory and 256 MiB of video memory for the RSX.
A range of accessories for the console have been developed for the system, including the wireless SIXAXIS controller, the BD Remote controller, and the upcoming PlayStation Eye camera and PlayTV DVB-T tuner/digital video recorder accessory.[134]
The system has Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and HDMI 1.3a built in on all models. Wi-Fi networking and a flash card reader are also built in on 60 and 80 GB models.
Publicity and reception
The PlayStation 3 was first advertised in the U.S. in September 2006, in which several TV advertisements demonstrated some of the features of the system. In early 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment began to market the system in Europe, with a marketing slogan "This is Living."
Some journalists have judged the relative ease with which it is possible to buy a PlayStation 3 in stores in the U.S. and Japan, compared with the scarcity of the Wii, as evidence of lukewarm consumer demand for the system.[135] There have also been reports that some Japanese retailers were discounting the system as early as January 2007 to stimulate demand.[136]
Microsoft's MSN reviewed the PlayStation 3 saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype … the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag."[137] CNET awarded it a high score of 8.8 out of a possible 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget,[138] praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games.[139] Hexus Gaming reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, "…as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we’ll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming."[140] At GDC 2007, Shiny Entertainment founder Dave Perry stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. It's the best piece of hardware, without question."[141]
Both ''Home Theater Magazine'' and ''Ultimate AV'' have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray and HD DVD players.[142][143] Audiophile Audition said of the PS3 "The PS3 is an amazing product both in terms of performance as well as flexibility."[144][143]
Conversely, the PS3 was given the number-eight spot on ''PC World'' magazine’s list of “The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006,” where it was criticized for being “Late, Expensive, and Incompatible.”[146] GamesRadar ranked the PS3 as the top item in a feature about game-related PR disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and — within the space of a year — turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet," but added that despite its problems the system had "untapped potential."[147] The perceived disappointment of the system's launch among gamers prompted ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' to feature a main story titled "BattleStation!" in its February 2007 issue, in which the magazine voiced much of the gamer, analyst, and developer criticism against the PS3. ''EGM'' also interviewed Sony's US Chief of Operations, Jack Tretton.[148] In the interview, Tretton attributed the negative reception to people "waiting for [the PS3] to slip up, and we haven't, so people try to create stories that aren't there." Tretton also scoffed at a comment made by ''EGM'' that PS3s were not flying off store shelves, telling the interviewers, "If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1,200 bucks for it."[149]
Many review sites have criticized its pricing of $500/$600 for a mass-consumer gaming device, comparing it to the Wii ($250[150]) and the Xbox 360 (MSRP $399).[151] Others noted the lack of high quality launch titles,[152]151 with ''Business Week'' stating it was "more impressed with what it could do than with what it currently does."[153]
References
1. Asustek Computer Ships PlayStation 3 Consoles
2. List of best-selling video games
3. HD Update Coming to Sony PlayStation 3 Sci-Tech Today, May 23, 2007
4. Super Audio CD
5. 20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America
6. Sony Continues 20 Gig PS3 in Japan
7. No plans to bring 80 GB PS3 to Europe, says Sony Ellie Gibson
8. Sony Releases 80GB PS3 In North America
9. Developers Use Personal Computers to Show PS3 Advantages
10. IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ
11. TGS 2006: Price Drop For Japanese PS3 Anoop Gantayat
12. Sony announces 27 playable titles for the September Tokyo Game Show.
13. Foreigners And Fights, PS3 JPN Launch's Dark Side
14. 週間ソフト・セルスルーランキング
15. 1 Shot in Conn. Playstation Waiting Line
16. Camping PlayStation gamers robbed at gunpoint
17. Four People Shot While Waiting for PlayStation Console, Including 27 NEWSFIRST Reporter
18. Playstation3 Crowd Gets More Than It Bargained for in Tysons
19. Sony’s PS3 has record launch in Europe
20.
21. Contents of PS3 box packaging revealed? Justin Pinter
22. New 80GB PlayStation 3; New Price on Current 60GB Model
23. 20 GB PS3 officially discontinued in North America
24. Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces New 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)); Announces New Price on Current 60GB Model SCEA
25. Sony admits to PS3 price drop; 80GB PS3 coming to America in August (update)
26. New PlayStation to Go on Sale in August
27. E3: David Reeves Talks PS3 Ellie Gibson
28. Reeves: No PAL 80GB PS3 Plans
29. About PlayStation®3 - Technical Specifications
30. 20 GB PlayStation 3 will be upgradeable, says Sony
31. Wii Sales Lead Over PS3 Falls to 3:1 In Japan
32. NPD: US game sales up 22 percent in June Brendan Sinclair
33. Sony Courts the Mainstream With PS3 Buzz Alex Wollenschlaeger
34. Worldwide PS3 sales only 4.28 million
35. Sony Losing Almost 0 per Console
36. E3 06: PS3 launches 11/17--9 for 20 GB, 9 for 60 GB Brendan Sinclair
37. PS3 launch hits Sony profits
38. Playstation boss pays the price of weak sales
39. Sony's Ken Kutaragi announces plans to retire Christopher Grant
40. Sony Set To Cut Playstation 3 Costs
41. Sony cuts PS3 production costs
42. PlayStation 3 manufacturing costs to go down, way down
43. IBM Shrinks Cell Broadband Engine to 65nm Process
44. PlayStation 3 Production Costs Drop
45. IBM Produces Cell Processor Using New Fabrication Technology
46. Sony Removes Emotion Engine, Graphics Synthesizer from PAL PlayStation 3
47. PS3 and the 360: The race to 65nm
48. Continental Shift?!
49. PlayStation 3 manufacturing costs to go down, way down
50. Sony Aims for PS3 Break-Even This Year
51. Sony Hopes to Stop Losing Money on PlayStation 3 This Fiscal Year
52. PlayStation 3 To Stop losing Money Next March
53. PS3 takes No. 1 sales rank from Wii at Amazon
54. Hirai Confirms Sony America To Phase Out 60GB PS3 Model David Jenkins
55. Sony out of stock on US 60GB PS3
56. Sony May Cut Console Price After Older Stock Is Sold
57. Sony Ships 1 Million PS3s in N. America
58. PS3 Shipments Hit 2 Million Worldwide
59. Sony's PS3 closes gap with the Wii
60. Wii outshines PlayStation 3 in Japan
61. Nintendo's Wii outsells Sony's PS3 fivefold in Japan in May - research firm
62. Six to One: Nintendo Wii Outsells Playstation 3 in Japan Dana Massey
63. Wii outselling PS3 'six to one'
64. Wii dominating home console sales in Japan David Low
65. NPD Fallout: Sony Blames April on Lack of Software Patrick Klepek
66. Sony PS3 winning console war in Australia
67. IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ
68. Best Games and Worst Games of 2006 at GameSpot - Best PlayStation 3 Game GameSpot Staff
69. IGN.com presents The Best of 2006 - PlayStation 3: Game of the Year IGN Staff
70. Comments for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) on the Video Game Prediction Market, the simExchange
71. Best of E3 2007 Winners
72. SOCOM: Confrontation
73. Warhawk
74. E3 2007: Haze, UT3 PS3 Exclusive
75. E3: Square Enix's John Yamamoto
76. Kingdom Hearts Set For TGS
77. COLLADA approved as an open standard Hirohiko Niizumi
78. PS3 to include parental controls
79.
80. Strategic Licensing Agreement with SCEA
81.
82. Juniper Networks on IPv6 and MPLS networking in Asia – Part I
83. PlayStation 3 Hard Drive Usage Clarified
84. Killzone footage used to hype PlayStation Edge
85. Sony Bundles PS2 With PS3
86. PlayStation 3 Backward Compatibility Testing Yu, James
87. PlayStation 3 Unable to Play Some of Sony’s Earlier Games
88. PS3 Backwards Compatibility Issues
89. PS3 Updated to 1.50
90. Sony rethinks Euro PS3 backwards compatibility Edge Online
91. Along with Cell, First Generation PS3 Features EE, GS Developed for PS2
92. New 80GB PS3 eliminates "emotion engine" chip Mark Androvich
93.
94. 72% of PS2 Games Work on EU PS3s
95. PLAYSTATION 3 System Software updates - Update features (ver 1.80)
96. PlayStation 3 Upscaling Comparison Rob Burman
97. Japanese PlayStation 3 backward compatibility database (update version 1.00~1.82) SCEJ
98. Network issues with 1.92? Sony is aware and trying to fix it Colin Torretta
99. PLAYSTATION®3 - Network - Updates
100. PLAYSTATION®3 - Network - Updates - Version 1.80
101. About XMB (XrossMediaBar)
102. Firmware update 1.90
103. PlayStation's serious side: Fighting disease
104. Install Other OS
105. HOWTO: Install Ubuntu on PS3 from Live CD Ubuntu Forums
106. PS3 Linux Adventures
107. Debian Live for PS3
108. Yellow Dog Linux launches for PS3
109. Linux Kernel Overview
110. PlayStation 3 announced for 2006
111.
112. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How do I set up my PLAYSTATION®Network master account or sub account?
113. PlayStation 3 System Setup and Usage - Using the On-Screen Keyboard
114. Sony introduces prepaid PlayStation Network cards (in Japan)
115. IGN: Europeans Go Home
116. E3 2006: Formula One 06 Resurfaces
117. PlayStation 3 launch interview Martijn Müller
118. Downloadable PS1 Games Hit The PSP (Provided You Have a PS3)
119. Phil Harrison Talks Downloadable PS1 Games on PS3
120. PSP and PS3 Play Together
121. Building Supercomputer Using Playstation 3
122. Scientific Computing on the Sony PlayStation 2
123. Terra Soft to Provide Linux for PLAYSTATION 3
124. Linux pre-installed on PS3
125. Linux clusters
126. RapidMind and Terra Soft partner to unleash PlayStation 3 for Linux
127. Engineer Creates First Academic Playstation 3 Computing Cluster
128. NC State Engineer Creates First Academic Playstation 3 Computing Cluster
129. Sony PS3 Cluster (IBM Cell BE)
130. Folding@home
131. PS3 doubles Folding@Home's processing power
132. Folding@Home - Client statistics by OS
133. PS3 boosts protein research plan BBC News
134.
135. Sony PlayStation 3–Widely Available, Nintendo Wii – Out of Stock
136. PS3 Price Cut by Japanese Retailers
137. PS3 Reviewed
138. Top 10 Must-haves CNET Staff
139. Sony PlayStation 3 (60 GB) Reviews
140. Review :: Sony PlayStation 3
141. GDC: What's Next for PS3?
142. Sony PlayStation 3
143. PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player
144. Sony PS3 PlayStation 3 Advanced Gaming Console, 60GB
145. PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player
146. The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006
147. The Top 7... PR disasters
148. BattleStation!, , Dan, Hsu, Electronic Gaming Monthly, 2007
149. BattleStation! (page 3), , Dan, Hsu, Electronic Gaming Monthly, 2007
150. Nintendo (September 14, 2006) Nintendo's Incomparable Wii Console Launches Nov. 19; MSRP 0.00, ''nintendo.com''
151. Sony PlayStation 3 Riyad Emeran
152. First review: PlayStation 3 Danny Allen
153. PS3: Soon to Be a Great System Cliff Edwards
External links
'Official websites'
★ Australia • Canada • Japan • New Zealand • United Kingdom • United States
: 'Auxiliary sites by Sony'
:
★ Hardware Press Images • Features and promotion site • User's Guide • Support
'Unofficial websites'
★ IGN.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
★ GameSpot.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
★ PSU.com – PlayStation 3 Coverage
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