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"PS3" redirects here. For other uses, see PS3 (disambiguation).
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3 logo
PlayStation 3 logo
ManufacturerFoxconn, ASUSTeK for SCEI [1]
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
Lifespan11 November 2006 (details)
Units sold3.25 million+ (details)
Units shipped5.5 million+ (details)
MediaBD-ROM
DVD-ROM
CD-ROM
Super Audio CD
CPU3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine with 1 PPE & 7 SPEs
Storage2.5" SATA hard drive
(20 GB or 60 GB included)
GraphicsNVIDIA-SCEI "RSX"
Controller inputMax. 7 SIXAXIS (wireless, wired, or combination of each)
Connectivity(details)
Online servicesPlayStation Network
Best-selling gameResistance: Fall of Man[2]
Backward
compatibility		PlayStation games
PlayStation 2 games
PredecessorPlayStation 2

The PlayStation 3 (プレイステーション3, Pureisutēshon Surī, trademarked PLAYSTATION®3,[3] commonly abbreviated PS3) is the third video game console of the PlayStation brand from Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the successor to the highly successful 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.

Overview

History

Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, during the 2005 E3 conference. A functional version of the console was not present at E3 2005 nor the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although at both events demonstrations were held on devkits (e.g. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) and comparable PC hardware, and video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (e.g. Mobile Suit Gundam).[4] It was not until E3 2006 that games were shown on actual PlayStation 3 systems.[citation needed] At E3 2005, Sony said the PlayStation 3 would have two HDMI and three Ethernet ports. This was later reduced to one of each, presumably to cut costs.[5] The PS3 is capable of HD video output at resolutions of up to 1080p (1920 × 1080 progressive scan). Both models of the PlayStation 3 ship with a built-in 2× Blu-ray Disc drive.[6] In preparation for launch, Sony demonstrated 27 playable PS3 titles during the Tokyo Game Show in September 2006 on final hardware.[7]

White and Silver models have been on display at Sony's conferences in E3 and the Tokyo Game Show, but as of yet no details on their release dates have been announced.

The console was released on November 11, 2006, in Japan; November 17, 2006, in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and Taiwan; March 7, 2007 in Singapore; March 22, 2007 in the Middle East; and on March 23, 2007 in Europe, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand; and April 27, 2007 in India. It is available in two initial configurations, the 20 GB Basic model and the 60 GB Premium model. However, Sony discontinued the 20 GB model in the US and Canada on April 11, 2007, citing a lack of consumer demand.[8] The 20 GB model is still on sale in Japan, but has yet to be released at all in PAL territories.[9]

System configuration

Feature Basic Premium
Upgradeable hard drive Yes, 20 GB Yes, 60 GB
Blu-ray drive Yes Yes
HDMI port (v1.3) Yes[10] Yes
Bluetooth controller Yes Yes
Ethernet Cable Yes Yes
Chrome trim No Yes
Built-in Wi-Fi No Yes
Flash card readers No Yes

The basic configuration of the console has a 20 GB internal hard drive. The "premium" version of the PlayStation 3 comes with an internal 60 GB 2.5" Serial ATA hard drive, IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple flash memory card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash, Memory Stick) and features a chrome-colored trim.[11] Both consoles feature a silver-colored text logo on the top face of the system. The hard drive is upgradeable, using the standard Serial ATA interface. No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card adapters have yet been released by Sony, although plans for such add-ons are in place.[12] 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. No high-definition video cables are included; instead, a composite video/stereo audio cable ships with the system. While Sony has released an official PS3 component cable, the official PS2 component cables are compatible with the PS3, as both consoles use the same AV Multi Out jack. The converse is true as well; official PS3 component cables work with the PS2. In March 2007, documents filed by Sony with the FCC hinted at the launch of a new edition of the PS3 with an 80 GB hard drive.[13] In April 2007, a Bloomberg story quoted Sony spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka as saying that the company is indeed considering introducing a model with a larger hard drive.[14]

Release data and pricing

Main article: PlayStation 3 launch
Suggested retail price by region*
Note: Pre-sale VAT was removed from US$ conversions
Region Current pricing
20 GB 60 GB
Local US$ Local US$
Japan Japan JP¥49,980[10] Unknown country code for year 2021: JPY JP¥59,980 Unknown country code for year 2021: JPY
United States United States Discontinued[15] US$599[5]
Canada Canada Discontinued[15] C$699[16] Unknown country code for year 2021: CAD
Hong Kong Hong Kong[17] HK$3,180 Unknown country code for year 2021: HKD HK$3,780 Unknown country code for year 2021: HKD
Taiwan Taiwan[18] NT$14,980 Unknown country code for year 2021: TWD NT$17,980 Unknown country code for year 2021: TWD
United Kingdom United Kingdom[19] Unavailable GB£425 Unknown country code for year 2021: GBP
Europe Eurozone[20]
(excluding Greece,
Ireland, and Finland) 		€499 590.17 €599 708.44
Denmark Denmark[21] 4295 kr† Unknown country code for year 2021: DKK 5495 kr† Unknown country code for year 2021: DKK
India India[22] TBC‡ Rs. 39,990 (Street
Price: Rs. 30,000) 		Unknown country code for year 2021: INR
Republic of Ireland Ireland[22] €529.99 518.03 €629.99 615.77
Finland Finland[23] €550 507.38 €650 599.63
Greece Greece[24] €559 535.51 €659 631.31
Norway Norway[25] TBC 5995 kr† Unknown country code for year 2021: NOK
Sweden Sweden[26] Unavailable 5995 kr† Unknown country code for year 2021: SEK
Switzerland Switzerland[27]
 CHF 749 Unknown country code for year 2021: CHF CHF 899 Unknown country code for year 2021: CHF
Australia Australia[28] TBC AU$999.95 Unknown country code for year 2021: AUD
New Zealand New Zealand[29][30] NZ$999† Unknown country code for year 2021: NZD NZ$1199.95 Unknown country code for year 2021: NZD
South Africa South Africa[31] TBC R6299.95 Unknown country code for year 2021: ZAR
Singapore Singapore[32]
 S$499 Unknown country code for year 2021: SGD S$799 Unknown country code for year 2021: SGD
Mexico Mexico[33] Mex$8000 Unknown country code for year 2021: MXN Mex$10000 Unknown country code for year 2021: MXN
Latvia Latvia[34] Ls 490† Unknown country code for year 2021: LVL Ls 495† Unknown country code for year 2021: LVL
Serbia Serbia TBC 56599 din. Unknown country code for year 2021: RSD
Brazil Brazil[35][36] R$2999† Unknown country code for year 2021: BRL R$3599† Unknown country code for year 2021: BRL
Indonesia Indonesia TBC Rp 6999000 Unknown country code for year 2021: IDR
Estonia Estonia[37] TBC 10999 EEK Unknown country code for year 2021: EEK
* Prices and release dates subject to change.

† Price not confirmed as official suggested retail price

‡ “TBC” denotes information that has yet to be confirmed

The PlayStation 3 was released in Japan on November 11, 2006, at 07:00. There were reports that many of the initial consoles were obtained by businessmen who paid mainly Chinese nationals to buy the console without any software[38] to resell on eBay. According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.[39] Sony has opted to go with an open pricing scheme for the 60 GB model, allowing retailers to set a price point themselves.[40]

The PlayStation 3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006. Reports of violence surrounding the release of the PS3 include a customer shot,[41] campers robbed at gunpoint,[42] customers shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns,[43] and 60 campers fighting over 10 systems.[44] In California, two GameStop employees are believed to have fabricated a robbery to cover up their own theft of several PlayStation 3 and four Xbox 360 consoles.[45]

On January 25, 2007, Sony announced that the launch date for the Australian and European release of the PS3 would be March 23, 2007; however, like the European launch, the Australian launch only featured the 60 GB model for AU$999 (including GST). On March 5, 2007, Sony Gulf announced that the PS3 would launch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries on March 22, 2007, at SR2499/AED2499, or approximately $665[46] for the 60 GB model, the only one available (as with the other PAL releases).

The official Singaporean release was on March 7, 2007,[32] with the price for the 60 GB version set at S$799, without any games. Sony Singapore opened pre-orders for a PS3 bundled with 2 games for S$963.[47]

The launch for Indonesia took place only two months after the November 2006 Japanese release. The console is sold by the official Sony Store in the region, Sony Center, for IDR 6999000, which is approximately $770; it is bundled with three games and two SIXAXIS controllers. However, GameSpot Indonesia has lower price compared to the official price. Indonesia, like most parts of Asia, uses the NTSC-J system for gaming, though it uses PAL for broadcasting.

The initial production cost is estimated to be US$805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model.[48]

On January 7, 2007, Sony confirmed they met the goal of shipping over 1 million units to North America.[49] Just over a week later, on January 16 2007, Sony confirmed they had shipped 1 million units in Japan, bringing the worldwide total to 2 million shipped.[50]

The PS3 was launched in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on March 23 2007, breaking sales records in the U.K. and meeting general success in the whole of Europe. [citation needed] As a special gift, the first 100 customers waiting in line at Virgin Megastores on Oxford Street in London in the U.K. recieved a free 40' Bravia HD ready LCD television and a taxi ride home (presumably to prevent muggings, in the light of the North American launch). In total, it was estimated that Sony gave away £250,000 worth of TVs. [citation needed]

Games

File:Resistance US box.png
Blu-ray case of the best-selling launch title Resistance: Fall of Man.
Main articles: List of PlayStation 3 games, Chronology of PlayStation 3 games, and List of PlayStation Network games

The PlayStation 3 launched on November 11, 2006, in Japan, and November 17, 2006, in North America. By the North American launch, 14 titles were available in both regions.[51] The list of available launch titles included games such as Genji: Days of the Blade, Resistance: Fall of Man, Ridge Racer 7 and Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom. Resistance: Fall of Man had sold the most units within five days of the U.S. launch and was heavily praised by many reputable gaming websites, including GameSpot and IGN, who both gave it their PlayStation 3 Game of the Year award for 2006.[52][53] However, the console was criticized for offering such a limited number of top-tier titles, both at launch and in the following months. Also, despite the high-definition operability touted by Sony, NBA 07 was the only launch title that could be played in full 1080p. Several planned launch titles were delayed until 2007, such as The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, F.E.A.R., and Sonic the Hedgehog. The European release of the PlayStation 3 in March saw seven extra titles added to the lineup, including Formula One Championship Edition, MotorStorm and Virtua Fighter 5.

There are a number of notable upcoming first-party titles. These include Heavenly Sword, a martial arts action-adventure game set in ancient China; Killzone 2, the sequel to the popular first-person futuristic shooter featuring an extremist army that seeks to take control of the planet; Lair, a fantasy adventure title that sees players take control of a dragon rider; LittleBigPlanet, a platformer that allows players to create and customize their own levels; Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, an action-adventure title set in a tropical jungle; and Warhawk, a completely online multiplayer title with air and ground combat. Many of the titles mentioned above are new franchises, but sequels are also planned for some of Sony’s most renowned franchises, such as God of War and Gran Turismo. A number of first-party titles will also utilize the new camera peripheral PlayStation Eye, most notably The Eye of Judgment and Eyedentify.

There are also a number of upcoming third party titles that are scheduled for release exclusively on the PS3.[54] These include Final Fantasy XIII, a new installment to the long-running role-playing series; Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the final chapter of the highly popular tactical espionage franchise; Monster Hunter 3, the next installment to the quest-based adventure title where players must team up and hunt down enemies; Ninja Gaiden Sigma, an enhanced remake of the commercially successful Xbox title; Tekken 6, a continuation of the hand-to-hand combat fighting series; and WarDevil: Enigma, a fantasy first-person shooter that is driven on CGI effects. However, a number of third-party games that were originally announced as exclusive to the PS3 have later gone multiplatform, most notably Devil May Cry 4 and Virtua Fighter 5.

Game 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. In addition, in 2005 Sony purchased SN Systems, a former provider of Microsoft Windows-based development tools for a variety of console platforms; including PlayStation 2, GameCube, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS to create additional GNU development tools.[citation needed]

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.[55] 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.[56] 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,[57] and Havok's physics and animation engines.[58] 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.".[59]

Sony has considered using IPv6, the next generation of the Internet Protocol.[60]

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. This has been proven.[61]

Recently, Sony announced a new toolset 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 help 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.[62]

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. It has been confirmed (image) that initial PS3 units include the CPU/rasterizer combination chip used in the slim PS2 (EE+GS) to achieve backward compatibility.[63] European launch units shipped without the EE component, instead relying on software emulation for the Emotion Engine.[64] The backward compatibility function is region-locked.[65] Japanese and American PlayStation 3 released in near future will also lack the Emotion Engine.[66]

The PlayStation 3 does not include interfaces for legacy PlayStation peripherals, though IGN.com tested a legacy controller using a PS2-to-USB adapter, finding that it is compatible, though most other devices (such as the Guitar Hero controller) may not be compatible.[67] Nyko started production on the "Play Adaptor", a PS3-to-USB adapter allowing for guitars and other PlayStation 2 peripherals to be used on the PlayStation 3 and was scheduled for release in Q2/2007, but Nyko stated at the end of March that the production of this device had been postponed due to compatibility problems with the PS3.[68] The PS3 supports both the USB EyeToy camera/webcam and SOCOM Headset for video and voice chat. A memory card adapter is available so users can copy their old PS/PS2 game saves to a virtual memory card on the PS3’s hard drive.[69] The PlayStation 3 can also use Memory Sticks to store save data for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software.[70]

Initially, at launch, approximately 3% of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles had minor compatibility issues, including poor audio, system freezes or controller malfunctions.[71] Popular games reported to have these glitches included Tekken 5 and Gran Turismo. 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 firmware release, which updated the system to version 1.50, has fully resolved this issue.[72]

European & Australian version

The European and Australian versions of the PS3 have significantly reduced support for legacy PS1 and PS2 titles compared to the Japanese and North American editions. Dedicated hardware support was removed in order to reduce production costs, and has been replaced by software emulation.[73] Sony released a list of compatible games on March 20, 2007, with ratings saying whether a game had noticeable issues, minor issues or no known issues. Games not on the list are not compatible with the PlayStation 3 at that time. The list shows that 1,782 PlayStation 2 and over 1,000 original Playstation games will be playable on the PAL PS3 at launch (though some have minor to major issues),[74] accounting for about 72% of all PS2 games released in Europe.[75] From IGN's top 25 PS2 games list,[76] nine games are reported to have no known compatibility issues with the PS3, four games have minor compatibility issues, four more have major issues, and eight games are not supported at all.

In line with Sony's original gameplan,[77] and in a press release from SCE Europe (SCEE),[78] Sony stated that starting with the PAL version, the PS3 will utilize software emulation for aspects of PS2 backwards compatibility that were originally taken care of by dedicated chips. In the same press release it is stated that in time, additional PS2 titles will become compatible through regular downloadable firmware updates. The backwards compatibility information page advises players to "avoid the use of 60 Hz and network modes" and "skip optional FMV sequences" in order to minimise the effects of errors in the emulation.[79] Unfortunately, firmware updates can adversely affect the backward compatibility of some titles. For example, firmware version 1.70 adds support for many titles absent from version 1.60, at the cost of completely removing compatibility with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and dropping the compatibility rating of Ico and several Burnout titles from "No known issues to date" to "Should play on PLAYSTATION®3 with noticeable issues".[79] There are however PS1 games not included in the list, like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles, that work fine with firmware version 1.70.

David Reeves, President of SCEE, stated that “...rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3.” The press release also states that a list of compatible games “will be available on 23rd March to meet launch day.”[78] Sony has since stated that the chip will be later removed in the North American and Japanese models as well.[80]

There are reports from developers working on the emulation software that the PlayStation 3 software emulation will include upscaling of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles to HDTV resolutions 720p and perform FSAA image processing.[81]

Software

Operating System Versions
Version Date Released Description
1.10 17 November 2006 PlayStation Network services was added.
1.11 28 November 2006 Account Management was added.
1.30 06 December 2006 Added compatibility of USB devices for PS2 games.
1.31 13 December 2006 Allowed use of the HDD for certain PS2 games, expanded compatibility of PSOne and PS2 games.
1.32 21 December 2006 Online gaming functionality was updated.
1.50 24 January 2007 Fixed graphical glitches on PSOne and PS2 games.
1.51 02 February 2007 Support for PS3 format software titles has been expanded.
1.54 28 February 2007 Allowed you to add your own user icon from the photo menu, added USB webcam support.
1.60 23 March 2007 The Folding@home software was added. Background downloading and an on-screen keyboard is now available for the web browser. Remote Play and support for Bluetooth keyboards and mice was also added.
1.70 18 April 2007 Added the ability to play PSOne games downloaded from the PlayStation Store, as well as adding rumble functionality for PS2 controllers when playing PS2 games.[citation needed] Saved data from PlayStation format software can now be used on both PSP and PS3 systems.

Operating System

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. This can be performed by the user via the ‘System Update’ function under ‘Settings’ in the XMB. Sony has also provided the ability to download system software updates from their official PlayStation website to users’ 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 PlayStation 3 has the ability to store system software of sizes up to 128 MB.[citation needed]

The latest version of the software is version 1.70, released on April 18, 2007. Firmware 1.70 includes vibration support for emulated PS/PS2 titles when using some legacy PlayStation 2 accessories. It also enables the user to play downloaded PSOne games within the PS3 itself. Firmware 1.60, featured background downloading, among many additional features: PSP Remote Play compatibility with the 20 GB PS3; a full-size on-screen keyboard as an alternative to the previous phone-style keyboard; improvements to the web browser’s display capabilities; an option to automatically play discs upon powering on the console or inserting a disc; and support for rewritable Blu-ray discs, Windows Media Audio, Bluetooth keyboards and mice, and the PS3 client for the Stanford University medical research project Folding@home.[82][83][84]

In a March 2007 PC World feature, it was stated that an upcoming update will allow the PlayStation 3 to upscale standard definition DVDs to 1080p resolution.[85] As of now, the PlayStation 3 plays DVDs in their native resolution (480p).[86]

Graphical user interface

Main article: Cross Media Bar
PS3's XMB (Cross Media Bar) Interface

The PlayStation 3 version of the Cross Media Bar (unofficially called Xross Media Bar, or officially 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 Internet 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.[87] The PlayStation 3 XMB supports a variety of file formats (audio, image, video). Because 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 MiB 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.

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.[88] Once downloaded, the program can be configured to run when the system is idle or executed manually from the XMB.

Linux

Main article: PlayStation 3 Linux
Ubuntu Linux installed on a PS3.

Sony has included an option in the XMB menu to install other operating systems.[89] Among other Linux distributions, Ubuntu, Fedora Core 5, Gentoo, Debian, and Yellow Dog have been run on the PS3.[90][91][92][93]

Sony currently implements a hypervisor restricting RSX access,[94] 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 [1].

Because we have plans for having Linux on board the PS3, we also recognize Linux programming activities… Other than game studios tied to official developer licenses, we had like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3.

— on the presence of the Linux in the PS3.[95]
Wikibooks
Wikibooks
Wikibooks Linux Guide has a page concerning the
PlayStation 3

PlayStation Network

Main article: PlayStation Network

In response to Microsoft's Xbox Live network, Sony announced a unified online service for the PlayStation 3 console at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. Sony has confirmed that the service will be always connected,[96] 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 $5 to $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 consoles, similar to Nintendo's Virtual Console, including confirmed Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 functionality; however, Sega has replied that Sony has been too hasty with calling it a fact. Sega is currently reviewing the possibilities, but has not yet made a decision on it.[97]

The registration interface can only be accessed through the PS3 system interface.[98] 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 keyboard is also available.[99] 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.[99]

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 Tickets, a form of electronic money that can be used with the Store. PlayStation Network Tickets, 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 ticket contains a 12 digit code which can be inputted to the PlayStation Network to place credits in the virtual wallet.

The tickets will be available through electronic kiosks at 26,000 convenience stores, including Lawsons, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki, Mini Stop and Sunkus. There will also be 26,000 post office ATM machines for use to pay for the tickets, although registeration is required first via a special mobile website.

This system is a bit different from the card systems that Microsoft and Nintendo use for their virtual shops. Wii and Xbox Live point cards are available for purchase at standard retailers throughout Japan. Sony has yet to announce a similar program for markets outside of Japan.

PlayStation Home

Main article: 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 console. 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.[100] The final release is expected in September. 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.[101] Although this feature did not make it in the final release, Sony confirmed that such connectivity between the two consoles remains an option for the future.[102] 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.[103][104]

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.[105]

PlayStation 3 cluster

Given the computing capabilities of the machine, there is some interest in using PS3 to build supercomputers for high-performance computing[106] (the NCSA has already built a cluster based on the PlayStation 2).[107] Terra Soft Solutions has a version of Yellow Dog Linux for the PlayStation 3[108] and even sells PS3s with Linux pre-installed.[109] In addition, RapidMind is pushing their stream programming package for the PS3.[110]

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, gcc (C compiler) and CellSDK 1.1.[111][112][113]

On March 15 2007, SCE and Stanford University announced that the Folding@home project would be expanded to the PS3.[114] 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.[115][116] 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. [117]

Hardware

Silver PlayStation 3 at E3 2006

Unless otherwise noted, the following specifications are based on a press release by Sony at the 2005 E3 Conference,[118] and slides from a Sony presentation at the 2006 Game Developer's Conference.[119]

Central processing unit

Main article: Cell microprocessor

The PS3's 3.2 GHz Cell processor, developed jointly by Sony, Toshiba and IBM ("STI"), is an implementation to dynamically assign physical processor cores to do different types of work independently. It has a PowerPC-based "Power Processing Element" (PPE) and six accessible 3.2 GHz Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). A seventh runs in a special mode and is dedicated to aspects of the OS and security, and an eighth is disabled to improve production yields. The PPE, SPEs and other elements ("units") are connected via an Element Interconnect Bus which serves to connect all of the units in a ring-style bus. The PPE has a 512-KiB level 2 cache and one VMX vector unit. Each SPE is a RISC processor with 128-bit SIMD GPRs and superscalar functions. Each SPE contains 256 KiB of non-cached memory (local storage, "LS") that is shared by program code and work data. SPEs may access more data in the main memory using DMA. The floating point performance of the whole system (CPU + GPU) is reported to be 2 TFLOPS.[118] PlayStation 3's Cell CPU achieves 204 GFLOPS single precision float and 15 GFLOPS double precision. The PS3 has 256 MiB of Rambus XDR DRAM, clocked at CPU die speed.

The Cell microprocessor allows programmers to assign SPEs different work by running individual programs on them. Programmers may also arrange data flow in different ways. As an example for parallel processing performance gains, one core could work on decoding and multiplexing audio, another core may perform computations on realistic projectiles ballistics, while another might govern the activities of the main character. The programmer still has three more cores not yet assigned but the only remaining tasks are to collect the work performed and display the results on the screen. Since the program code on each SPE core is executed from its local store memory, much more Element Interconnect Bus bandwidth is available to transfers of work data. An obvious downside to this is that there is a 256-KiB size restriction on SPE programs, which may present a challenge for certain programming tasks.

Graphics processing unit

Main article: RSX 'Reality Synthesizer'

The Graphics Processing Unit is based on the NVIDIA G70 (previously known as NV47) architecture, which focuses on maximizing per-pixel computation in favor of raw pixel output. The GPU makes use of 256 MiB GDDR3 VRAM clocked at 550 MHz with an effective transmission rate of 1.3 GHz and the XDR main memory via the CPU.

Connectivity

The article Blu-ray Disc contains related information.

The PS3 supports numerous SDTV and HDTV resolutions (from 480i up to 1080p) and connectivity options (such as HDMI 1.3[120] and component video).[121] In terms of audio, the PS3 supports a number of formats, including 7.1 digital audio, Dolby TrueHD, and others; audio output is possible over stereo RCA cables (analog), optical digital cables, or HDMI. For the optical disc drive, a wide variety of DVD and CD formats are supported, as well as Blu-ray Discs. A 20 GB / 60 GB 2.5" SATA 150 hard disk is pre-installed. In the 60 GB configuration, flash memory can also be used — either Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards, or SD/MMC cards. For communication, the PS3 has one Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth 2.0 support, and built-in Wi-Fi on the 60 GB version.

Form factor and power consumption

The console has many ventilation holes, a single large fan, and uses heat pipes. Physically, the PlayStation 3 is approximately 5 kg (11 lb), 32.5 cm (W) × 9.8 cm (H) × 27.4 cm (D) (12.8 in. × 3.9 in. × 10.8 in.).[11] The power supply is built into the console and a standard 3-pin IEC connector is present at the base of the console. All current PS3 power supplies are Universal 100V-240V/50–60 Hz and will work worldwide, external power markings only relate to the intended market area [citation needed]. The power consumption ranges from 150–200 watts during normal use, despite having a massive 380 watt power supply.[122] The power supply has power factor correction.

Official accessories

Main article: PlayStation 3 accessories
File:Sixaxis2.jpg
The PS3 SIXAXIS controller

The PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS[123] is a controller that is very similar in appearance to that of its predecessors, the DualShock and DualShock 2. The SIXAXIS features finer analog sensitivity;[124] more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons; a PS (“home”) button; and a USB mini-B port for charging the internal battery and for wired play. The PlayStation 3 supports up to 7 simultaneous controllers over Bluetooth.[11] The SIXAXIS is named for its ability to detect motion in the full six degrees; however, unlike the PlayStation 2's DualShock, the new controller has no vibration feature. The controller retails for US$49.99. However, the support for legacy vibration peripherals introduced in the latest software update, v1.70, opens up speculation that a new controller with full vibration features may be released in the future.

The PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adaptor is a device that allows data to be transferred from PlayStation and PlayStation 2 memory cards to the PlayStation 3's hard disk. The device has a cable that connects to the PS3's USB port on one end, and features a legacy PS2 memory card port on the other end. The adaptor is available at a price of US$14.99 in the United States and JP¥1500 (including tax) in Japan.

Using Bluetooth, the PlayStation 3 BD Remote allows users to control videos and music on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. In Japan, the device was available starting December 7, 2006, and costs JP¥3,800. The device is also currently available in North America for US$24.99;[125] however, the PS3 will accept signals only via its Bluetooth Remote, as the console does not have an infrared receiver. This prevents the use of universal remotes with the system. The Blu-ray Disc movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was included with the initial 400,000 release copies of the PS3 in North America,[126] while the first 500,000 European PlayStation Network activations after launch will receive a free copy of the Blu-Ray release of Casino Royale.[127]

Official PlayStation 3 HDMI cables retail for US$59.99. An official component AV cable is available for US$19.99.

On April 25, 2007, Sony announced the PlayStation Eye. This is an updated version of the PlayStation 2 peripheral, the EyeToy. The camera is capable of capturing 60 frames per second video at 640×480 resolution and 120 fps video at 320×240 resolution. The four-channel microphone on the Eye can block out background noise. The camera will support live video chat and voice chat without a headset, and will be launched in Japan in the fall of 2007. Upon its initial release there, it will be bundled with the card game The Eye of Judgment: Conquerors of 9 Fields; pricing information is not currently available. Sony also announced that the release date for North America and Europe should be during the 'summer' to coincide with the launch of SingStar for PlayStation 3. Exact dates have not yet been announced.

Publicity and reception

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."[128] CNET awarded it a high score of 8.8 out of a possible 10 and voted it as their number one must-have gadget,[129] praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games.[130]The Register reviewed the PAL version of the PS3, giving it a 95% rating and commenting, "It's no snip at £425, but it's gonna blow your socks off."[131] On his SuperSite for Windows, Paul Thurrott said in a review of the PS3 that Sony "absolutely has a winner on its hands" and that the console "has the technical prowess to not only compete, but win this round."[132] 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."[133] Digital Spy said, "PlayStation 3 is the winner in the latest console wars — at least from a technical viewpoint."[134] 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."[135]

T3 Magazine called the PS3 "the most important home entertainment device since the TV",[136] but 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.”[137] 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 consoles of all time and — within the space of a year — turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet," and added that despite its problems the console had "untapped potential".[138]

Both Home Theater Magazine and Ultimate AV have given the console'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.[139][140]

Todd Howard, the executive producer of Bethesda Softworks, in an interview with Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine, criticized the Blu-Ray drive’s read speed for being too slow: “Drive speed matters more to me than capacity, and Blu-ray is slower.”[141] Bethesda Softworks' Pete Hines, however, stated that "reports of data duplication on the PS3 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion disc have been exaggerated."[142]

Sales

File:PS3 60GIG BOX.jpg
The PlayStation 3 system box
Region Units sold Units shipped First available
North America 1,200,000+ as of April 1, 2007[143][144] 2 million+ as of January 7, 2007[49][50] 17 November, 2006
Japan 794,492+ as of March 25, 2007[145] 11 November, 2006
Europe 800,000+ as of April 17, 2007[146] 2 million+ as of March 23, 2007
(Including New Zealand) 		23 March 2007
Australia 36,000+ as of May 2, 2007[147] 23 March 2007
Total 3.0 million+as of May 4, 2007[148] Approx. 5.5 million+ [citation needed]


In the worldwide marketplace, PlayStation 3 is currently behind its competitor systems, the Xbox 360 and the Wii, in both overall and monthly sales. As a result, the head of gaming at Sony, Ken Kutaragi, stepped down in April 2007. [149] Some journalists have judged the relative ease with which it is possible to buy a PlayStation 3 in stores in America and Japan, compared with the scarcity of the Wii, as evidence of lukewarm consumer demand for the console.[150] There have also been reports that some Japanese retailers are already discounting the console to stimulate demand.[151]

In the United Kingdom, the PlayStation 3, in conjunction with heavy pre-orders, broke national sales records on March 27, 2007 by selling over 165,000 units in its first two days on the shelves. [152] It became the second-fastest selling console in Britain with a software attachment rate of 1.65, the fastest being the PSP. [153] Some British retailers claim that the PS3 was subjected to as many as 20,000 pre-order cancellations, [154] while others cited a "huge demand" for the console.[155] Console sales for the following week were down 82%, selling 30,000 units, with a 60% drop in sales of the two most popular titles, Motorstorm and Resistance.[156]

In Europe, Sony sold over 600,000 consoles in two days estimating that about €400 million revenue was generated by the hardware and software combined on opening weekend.[155] According to Sony, France PS3's sales were "around half of the UK, with Spain and Portugal slightly behind that. Germany, too, saw strong sales of around the 50-60,000 mark."[157] In Spain, 100,000 of the 110,000 units delivered were sold in the first week.[158]

In Australia, over 27,000 units were sold over the course of the first ten days of sales and nine of the top ten best-selling games, including consoles and handheld, of the week were for the PS3; overall, software and hardware sales resulted in A$33 million netted for Sony.[159] One analyst called it "a spike in retail spending not previously witnessed at the launch of any other console in Australia".[160] In New Zealand, over 4,800 units were sold in the first week generating "over NZ$6.8 million dollars in hardware and software retail sales" [161]

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