PlayStation 3 to launch worldwide in November

By Tom Bramwell Published 15 March, 2006

Legacy support, HDD, online...

Sony boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed plans for a worldwide release of PlayStation 3 in "early November" at a press conference in Tokyo, which has now concluded. And by worldwide he means Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

PlayStation 3 will also be fully backwards compatible with PS2 and PSone games, Kutaragi said, and all of them will be playable in "high-definition" resolutions.

All PlayStation 3 releases will be on Blu-ray, he added, while the system will support the latest HDMI inputs.

Contrary to earlier reports, the Sony boss also said that PS3 would require a hard disk. The basic model will be a 2.5" 60GB, upgradeable hard disk, featuring a Linux OS (unexplained), and - more interestingly - will apparently act as a home server, allowing users to store media on it and access them from elsewhere. This is effectively the opposite of what Xbox 360 does.

Kutaragi also spoke about the PS3's online service. Although he doesn't appear to have been jumping up and down shouting "Live killer", it sounds comparable from the outline reported by journalists at the conference, with a "basic" service available free of charge, community tools including lobby matchmaking and voice chat, and premium downloadable services that include game software you can run from the hard drive.

Sony's aiming to ship six million units this financial year (earlier direct reports used the phrase "by the end of 2006", but we now understand Kutaragi referenced Sony's financial year, which ends in March 2007), at the rate of one million units per month from release onward (which still doesn't quite make sense unless they kick off with two million, but then pinches of salt ought to be handed out at the door when it comes to "Sony" and "dates").

Final development kits will apparently ship to developers in June, which could imply that manufacturing will begin at around that time too - Sony will certainly be wanting to ramp up early after witnessing the response to Microsoft's Xbox 360 stock problems last Christmas.

There was no discussion of PS3 game software, or hardware pricing, at Wednesday's press conference, so it now looks certain that we'll learn about what we can expect to pay and play this November when Sony gathers us all together again at its pre-E3 press conference in just under a couple of months.

Sources - IGN, Reuters

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (265) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • drumbaby #1 6 years ago

    First!

    Great news btw.

    :)

  • O.Z #2 6 years ago

    YEAH!

  • mattigan #3 6 years ago

    I'm off to HMV, Toys r us, etc. . . today to place a few preorders, and would advise everyone else to do so too.

    Don't start moaning at Christmas when you can't get one, as I think I've reminded you early enough!

  • Razz #4 6 years ago

    Good idea! I'll get in some preorders today to :)

  • drumbaby #5 6 years ago

    Leave some for me m8.

  • OnlyMe #6 6 years ago

    So, a delay that wasn't really a delay for most of us. This is actually fantastic news.

  • jackhjharding #7 6 years ago

    I'm pre-ordering 1 from Gameplay as soon as they allow me to :-)

  • matrim83 #8 6 years ago

    Any word on the pricing yet? Anyone?

  • mattigan #9 6 years ago

    The way I see it, order 4, sell 3 and the 4th is for free with some change left over for a couple of games!!

  • jackhjharding #10 6 years ago

    Are you seriously gunna be buying more than one?

  • Psychopompus #11 6 years ago

    Six million units this year which will be divided as follows:
    5 million for Japan
    999.990 for USA
    10 for Europe

    I predict a press release around september which will state that the worldwide release will be recalled for various reasons, the people who have preordered have to wait and problaby will not buy a 360 in the hope that the European release will follow soon. Sony spindoctor's are earning their wage.

  • mattigan #12 6 years ago

    If the 360 launch is anything to go by, I'll probably be able to sell my place in the preorder queue for nearly the price of the console, if I get a low enough place in the queue that is.

  • henno #13 6 years ago

    "Sony just announced that the PS3 will require a 60gb HDD. In addition, they will be offering larger Hard Drives that users can upgrade to.

    The Hard Drives will come pre-loaded with a version of the LinuxOS. It is unclear if it is a custom version or existing distrobution."

    60GB harddrive sounds ok, not sure what they want us to do whith that Linux-distro. PVR?

  • Zero_ #14 6 years ago

    Sony, in particular, Ken Kutaragi, has always been a Linux fan. If I remember right, there was a Linux development kit for the PS2, and it's OS is based on Linux, or something atleast.

    November for PS3? Sounds... alright.

  • reality_cheque #15 6 years ago

    Spring FTW! :D

  • Dizzy #16 6 years ago

    Worlwide? Better news for Sony.

    But if they are gonna have 6M and can produce 1M a month doesn't that mean that they should start building them this month?

    What about games and price?
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 07:42

  • Kingsadist #17 6 years ago

    "Sony's aiming to ship six million units this year, with one million units per month to follow after release."

    Even more ludicrous than Microsofts pre-release aims for the X360...
    Oh well, sod this graphic-showcase, give me the Revo!

    ...j/k

  • #18 6 years ago

    Aaaaaand if you believe that, you'll believe anything...

  • Razz #19 6 years ago

    I wonder how much it'll be.. :/

  • Les #20 6 years ago

    "Oh well, sod this graphic-showcase, give me the Revo!"

    Must admit that this is the console I'm looking forward to most. I want innovation, not more shiny graphics.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 07:57

  • useyourloaf #21 6 years ago

    That's 6 million this Sony 'Financial' Year. 1 mill for launch, plus 1 mill in nov/dec/jan/feb/mar.

  • Les #22 6 years ago

    Now that PS3 is launching a full year after 360, it better be more powerful.

  • #23 6 years ago

    So - 60 GB? Wouldn't it be weird if the PS3 comes with a HDD as standard whilst the 360 does not?

    :-o

  • varsas #24 6 years ago

    Good news but can Sony really pull off a worldwide launch? It makes sense that they are trying otherwise it would be another Christmas for the 360...have any good games been released on that white lump yet?

  • lambtron #25 6 years ago

    I forsee only being able to buy it in horrifically overpriced bundles a la 360 and an even bigger furore next xmas. Still remember when the PS2 released some peeps were sposed to have paid 2 grand for one (not from shops obvioulsy that would be taking the whole bundle thing a bit TOO far :p). And then probably cried when they realised how shit the release titles were. At least that is what my mate felt like doing after he imported one from Japan (and he spent a lot less than 2 grand).

  • too_cool_craig #26 6 years ago

    omg, what thieving retards, first off copy xbox 360 with a worldwide launch and with a free basic online service, fuck me sony cant you think of your own ideas,

  • valli #27 6 years ago

    PS3 would require a hard disk. The basic model will be 60GB, upgradeable, support Linux
    Now THAT's good news, even though the price will go up a lot. The Linux support is a bit of an unexpected bonus tbh. I'm sure it will be appreciated by the people installing it. All 12 of them.

  • Camme #28 6 years ago

    Or maybe the community will use Linux to make all kind of xvid players etc....
    Edited by 3 at 15/03/06 @ 08:15

  • brombeer #29 6 years ago

    It's about time I can put away my highly overrated NoiseBox 360. I haven't played a single game without serious bugs and frustrations on that damned thing, GRAW being the champion of bugs this season. It's godawful. Microsoft Quality Control on games seems to be about as bad as on their Windows versions. Non-existent, really. November then, heh? Can't wait. Count me in!

  • mojo_x #30 6 years ago

    sweet... i'll happily have a PS3 sit next to my 360 if it's released with a 60gig HD as standard + decent media support. The whole Media Centre -> x360 streaming functionality is clunky as hell. It'd be nice to have a decent media player so that I can finally retire my trusty XBox1 Media Centre

  • HenryMancini #31 6 years ago

    What a laugh!! Sim-ship in three continents my ars*- I have precisely zero belief in Sony's ability to ship more than a miniscule amount of consoles into Europe before Christmas.

    Do any of you singing the praises of this actually believe it's going to happen? Just like the 360 launch, there are going to be a lot of sobbing people without pre-orders. If there are any at all.

    Three words - 360 spoiler tactic. Sony just couldn't sit back and watch MS run away with the race, so this is what they cook up - PR bull... mark my words :)

    Oh, and Linux on a console? Do me a frikkin' favour - it's why I have a PC, dummies! And that runs Windows, because Linux is for boring nerds who don't actually play any decent games.

  • Toonster #32 6 years ago

    /patiently awaits new about Revolution launch.

    If the Revo is also set to be released this November, the battle between Nintendo and Sony in the stores will be most interesting.

  • erp #33 6 years ago

    unless i'm mistaken, the main purpose of the PS2 Linux Kit was for Yaroze-style homebrew? if it's the same for PS3, and if - as i mentioned in another comments thread - they can combine it with the online functionality to allow people to distribute their own creations, this could be goshdarn awesome.
    Edited by 2 at 15/03/06 @ 08:26

  • SteveB #34 6 years ago

    Clever timing by Sony. November is just near enough to tempt people to wait for the PS3 and not buy the 360.

  • Kazzahdrane #35 6 years ago

    Just to clarify - yes the PS2 Development kit used a Linux OS. Sony are hardly going to use anything developed by Microsoft in their console, after all ;)

    The PS2 dev kit distro is an incredibly old and not very stable version of Red Hat, hopefully the PS3 gets a newer distro.

  • OnlyMe #36 6 years ago

    I found a PS2 when there supposedly was a lack of them. I found a X360 Premium when there supposedly was a lack of them. I'll find a PS3 when there'll supposedly be a lack of them.

  • BartonFink #37 6 years ago

    Excellent news worldwide launch, harddrive, Linux distro (which one I wonder). Now lest see if they can come up with the goods on the games and the price and we may very well be rocking.

  • Blerk #38 6 years ago

    Much, much better news than I was expecting!

    Namely - HDD as standard! \o/

    Good news that it'll be out everywhere this year, but I never expected any less. Despite rumours and scaremongering it was fucking obvious that it'd be out this year - how could they possibly let Microsoft get another free Christmas? I wouldn't expect that many units, though.

    Nice to hear about the backward compatibility too, although I really couldn't care less about the online service and/or the home server stuff.

    Now if only they'd deemed it necessary to stick a price on it it would have been an unusually informative announcement.

    So... how long before we see the phasing out of the 'Core' 360, then?

  • pinhead #39 6 years ago

    I will wait for the pricing because this thing is not going to be cheap, and if you think it will be bug free you have no chance.

    It will be good to see what the software is actually like hands on. But I am happy to wait for the early adopters to clear the 10 units out of the European distribution chain upon release.

  • BartonFink #40 6 years ago

    Not long I would say Blerk it was a stupid idea to begin with.

    Anyhew let the hype begin. Good stuff so far.

    /dusts off Sony cap.

    Now all they have to do is sort out the console design and stupid looking controller.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 08:32

  • Les #41 6 years ago

    "omg, what thieving retards, first off copy xbox 360 with a worldwide launch and with a free basic online service, fuck me sony cant you think of your own ideas,"

    The Xbox was of course very original, it's not like there have been any consoles before that...

  • Blerk #42 6 years ago

    Now all they have to do is sort out the console design and stupid looking controller.

    Indeed - I don't suppose they mentioned any of that? Info's a bit scarce at the minute.

  • Fubdub #43 6 years ago

    I don't see why a world wide launch is so unlikely, from what I hear, most of the components can be produced now, the only one still out swimming is the BD-rom, as far as I can tell they have much longer to produce a fair amount of units than MS had, even if they don't start assembling until June/July.

    As for the linux stuff, I think it's great news, Sony don't want to bother making an Xbox media center kinda thing for the PS3 (lazy bastards) but at least they are allowing others to have a go at it. This in my opinion beats MS's policy with only supporting MCE and even then, only a few filetypes.

    Of course none of this speaks for the games, and that is still where it really matters. I'll want to see some games running before I'll even consider whether to buy it or now. In any case I have no problem waiting 6-8 months after launch for a good portfolio of games to appear.

  • BartonFink #44 6 years ago

    Actually come to think of it this may well be one very very expensive beastie.

  • Les #45 6 years ago

    "because Linux is for boring nerds who don't actually play any decent games"

    now that's great logic...

  • Dizzy #46 6 years ago

    >So... how long before we see the phasing out of the 'Core' 360, then?

    There have been rumors in the US of 360 bundles coming with a new 100GB HD end-of-the-year. I guess MS will produce the Core pack in very small numbers in the future.

  • Blerk #47 6 years ago

    Actually come to think of it this may well be one very very expensive beastie.

    Could be! But I don't really care - there's sod all chance of me buying one before Christmas 2007 anyway. If then.

    Bit of a cheapskate, you see. :-)

  • ssuellid #48 6 years ago

    The Linux/programming language support is usually an attempt to get the console classified as a home computer for various import duty and tax benefits.

  • MyPointIs #49 6 years ago

    I dont undestand the negative views. We never expected a release before then in Europe anyway, 360 launched with 180k units or so for Europe. They are aiming for 6, even if they fail to get there, it'll be plenty even for all you ebay bloodsuckers.

    It has a HD by default, so games will be able to use it, unlike in 360. And 60Gb, not a miserable 20.

    PS2 games in HD? Yes please, thanks. And we know it'll work with ALL games. With no bugs.

    A media server that doesn't need to be connected to a PC with MediaCenter, I'll take it too thanks.

    And even if their online services aren't as good as Microsoft ones, hell, at least they are commited to it. Arcade style dowloads to HD sounds good to me.

    And how many Gb fitted in a Blue-ray? More than 5 surely.

    So ... they 'copied' this thing or that one from Microsoft. I'm glad they copy the good things.

    You know, I have a 360 I intend to keep for long, and I'll buy a PS3 and a Revolution aswell, as many here. The only thing I don't want is a monopoly, from Sony, Microsoft, or any religion.

  • UncleLou #50 6 years ago

    I don't really see it as a delay, either. Speculations always said it won't be out in Europe before 2007, and probably late 2006 in the US. If anything, it will be launched here sooner now than I expected.

  • reality_cheque #51 6 years ago

    "PS2 games in HD? Yes please, thanks. And we know it'll work with ALL games. With no bugs."

    We know this how?

  • OnlyMe #52 6 years ago

    Because, unlike the Xbox 360, the PS3 doesn't emulate to get the games working, they are made compatible through hardware, just like the PS2 did with the PS1 compatibility.

  • BartonFink #53 6 years ago

    Yup that will be the clincher over £300 and forget eeet

  • BartonFink #54 6 years ago

    Because, unlike the Xbox 360, the PS3 doesn't emulate to get the games working, they are made compatible through hardware, just like the PS2 did with the PS1 compatibility.

    Very simple reason for that the 360 architecture and Xbox architecture are completely different hence the need for emulation.

  • Blerk #55 6 years ago

    I can't see it launching at more than $400. The US will not buy a console that's priced over that.

  • BartonFink #56 6 years ago

    So we will get screwed instead?

  • lennon #57 6 years ago

    Ermm Not all PS1 games worked perfeclty with the ps2!

    Anyway I am tentatively happy. The announcement is good news and a world wide release in theory means we dont get shafted by Sony again.

    If the price is in the region of £300 I will preorder. Mind you that said I havent seen any games yet so that needs addressing as well.

    /Faith in Sony showing signs of revival.

  • TripSkyway #58 6 years ago

    On paper great news, I'm still sceptical that it'll show up as/when they have specified. But I hope it does, the inclusion of a hard-drive, and the media server stuff sounds good, and has got me interested. 360 Core system's looking a bit dumb now, not that it ever looked clever.

  • OnlyMe #59 6 years ago

    BartonFink: I know that ;). I'm not judging anyone.

  • #60 6 years ago

    Knowing Nintendo there'll be a single solitary sponsorship of a Channel 4 TV show for the Rev, then they'll sit back mutter something deluded in Japanese along the lines of "Our console sells itself on its innovation" or something, and it will shuffle out of our hemisphere of awareness... In 5 years I see Nintendo's only hardware output being handhelds...

    In terms of brand awareness and retail space, Nintendo certainly is the most vulnerable.

    Still, IF Rev does bomb, there's always Nintendo's classic retro stuff - which, as I understand it, is one of the chief reasons why many are interested in Rev in the first place.

  • Markusdragon #61 6 years ago

    ...O_O

    A business decision by Sony that doesn't involve screwing over Europe?

    When did I step into the Bizzaro world?

  • groovychainsaw #62 6 years ago

    Price could be interesting - exclusive titles need to be damn good too. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the price with the hard drive as well, sony must lose a packet to hit £300. Can see microsoft reducing the price of the core system to something like £150 in time for the launch as well, they wont sit back....

  • MaxiSleep #63 6 years ago

    Want to hate PS3
    Want to hate PS3
    Want to hate PS3
    Want to hate PS3
    Want to hate PS3

    Ohhhhh. 60 Gb. And simultaneous launch. damm. Now i am interested again.

    (And in case your interested got a 360 on launch day, and it is a very nice piece of kit which I think outperforms my X2/7800 GTX PC, so I am happy to be in all camps)


    :)
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 09:07

  • yorkiebar #64 6 years ago

    I think this "worldwide release" tack is a lovely cover up for "shit, we f*cked up the blu-ray and don't know when we'll be able to release!" - and it may go some way to clawing back that plummeting shares value.

    Expect another announcement come autumn....

    I'm actually quite pleased. I'm looking forward to getting a PS3 at somepoint (as soon as its under £250), but it's good thats Sony's dominance is fading because monopolies are only good for two groups of people: 1) sick fanboys, 2) company accountants.

    They had better sort out that stupid looking controller before I go anywhere near it though. Looks like a relic from a forgotton Star Trek convention.

  • Scientist #65 6 years ago

    I can't wait to play PSOne games in "hi-definition resolution". Those low quality models will look amazing on a Plasma!

  • kaosridder #66 6 years ago

    right now, it seems that the PS3 is the "true" mediacenter.
    I believe MS dropped the ball when they required a pc running alongside the 360 to fully harvest its features. Limiting thinking becasue of existing divisions in a firm is not good. Take Sonys MP3 failure due to its musicdivisions as example.
    MS better up the ante significantly with a slew of new features or I am pretty sure the PS3 will be the way to go in the future. It sounds like the device to rule the livingroom, doing what Bill Gates envisioned 5 years ago.
    I like my 360 very much, greatest console I ever owned (and I owned quite a few), but if Sony delivers it already seems dated from a featureperspective.
    Though gamerscore and achivements will be hard to miss.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 09:28

  • alimokrane #67 6 years ago

    The 60 GB hard drive included with console is excellent news but I think we are all missing the point here. With this 60 GB and the blue ray and all the hardware the PS3 will contain, the price is going to be incredibly high and of course Sony did not find it necessary to announce it now as not to spoil the hype that is going to be generated by the worldwide release news. I bet it's gonna cost at least £400 Pounds, if not £500 and this is gonna matter more than a worldwide release announcement especially when they are up against the Revolution and perhaps an unlikely price drop of the 360 and yet a game line up that hasnt been announced still. I guess May will have the answers!
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 09:26

  • Tonka #68 6 years ago

    Price could be interesting

    I read on a swedish site that it would NOT be less than 50,000 yen, roughly 425USD. Couldn't find a source for it.

  • megastar #69 6 years ago

    "In 5 years I see Nintendo's only hardware output being handhelds"


    hmmmm, not so fast. I think theres a solid chance that even if the rev and PS3 are released at the same time - the rev will STILL outsell the 360 (maybee not in USA). Its just what I see when I look into my crystal ball.

    I see the 360 being the no 3 console.

    just my opinion - and if i have to eat humble pie i will.

  • reality_cheque #70 6 years ago

    I believe MS dropped the ball when they required a pc running alongside the 360 to fully harvest its features.

    AFAIK (haven't tested it yet, cos I don't have any money) but the 360 works with any Media Centre that runs on Windows software (which judging by Stuff magazine is quite a lot of them). Not that it bothers me, I plan to have a media server by the end of the year anyway! Well, assuming I move to somewhere with enough space... stupid one bedroom flats :(

  • smelly #71 6 years ago

    Gawd, what this has to do with nintendo is beyond me.

    Back on topic. I was expecting something MUCH worse on the announcement. In fact, most of this is good news! Woot!

  • yorkiebar #72 6 years ago

    It should cost a fortune - maybe we should remortgage our houses right now to stand any chance of ownin.

    However, Sony Corporately are in trouble, and they really do need to sell as many PS3's as they can - so they'll price to sell. They want to be the biggest selling, and they know what price will make that happen, and what price will make the average consumer go off and get a a 360 instead.

    Lets face it, its the weirdos buying "fifa street" that made the PS2 so successful, not game loving yokels like us. Sony knows that, and these are the people they need to sell to again....

    .... so on that logic alone, £299.

    Except, of course, in GAME where it will cost you £10,000 including 12 controllers, 300 games (yet to be released) a memory card and a second hand PSP, and in TOYS R US, where it will cost you £10,000 and include some shit film on DVD nobody wants.

  • Eighthours #73 6 years ago

    Just to correct inaccuracies in your reporting (you really shouldn't trust IGN), there will be one million units available worldwide at launch, with six million available by the end of Sony's FINANCIAL Year in March 2007.

  • kaosridder #74 6 years ago

    megastar - dont think so. Cube was also by far the cheapest but the lack of games just killed it. I owned one myself and the slow trickle of good games just made me sell it. Unless Nin significantly ups the trickle of games it will be no 3 again for sure.
    Games is were its at, and MS has a vast supiriority in that department it seems.
    The 360 allready has a very healthy inflow of new games, better than any other console at this point in its lifecycle I believe.
    Games is were its at. That why we buy these damn consoles isnt it.
    Just look at the many disgruntled PSP owners. Its first picking up speed now almost a year after launch, while the DS inferior hardware clarly rules sales due to its libray of games.

  • kaosridder #75 6 years ago

    reality - true, but I would rather pick up one device to do it all rather than several doing those same things. If it even got linux with a brwoser I might even toss out this noisy pc I am using right now.

  • El_MUERkO #76 6 years ago

    /eats cheese hat

    /is happy

  • Xerx3s #77 6 years ago

    What was it again?

    "...EWWWW! HDD! PAID ONLINE SERVICES! NOT FOR CONSOLES."

    Oh well. I hope they finally recognise europe for what it is.

    But if the dev kits only ship this summer, what about the games? 0_o

    Its funny though. Some ppl haven't seen or even played the machine. Haven't seen or even played the games and they already KNOW that it will be everything KK promises. Hows that for marketing. :\
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 09:47

  • Tyronne #78 6 years ago

    Think I will put my name down for a few of these and then sell them at ludicrous prices to parents who really must have the latest thing for their little Timmy,nothing quite like living the dream is there.

  • Steve007 #79 6 years ago

    "Sony boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed plans for a worldwide release of PlayStation 3 in early November"

    I'll believe it when I see it. I just hope Sony learn from the X360 launch fiasco and launch in the same way the PS2 did whereby people had to register and it was 1 console per person/household.

    The X360 launch has set a dangerous precedent I think, if they can get away with it, people will order multiple consoles to simply sell them on for extortionate prices on eBay. Bastards.

  • Blerk #80 6 years ago

    But if the dev kits only ship this summer, what about the games? 0_o

    Final dev kits. They've already got dev kits, just not final spec ones. iirc, Microsoft only delivered the final 360 kits a couple of months before release.

  • Mashum #81 6 years ago

    So is the linux is only a tax dodge?

  • t1nt`1n #82 6 years ago

    Keyboard and mouse please!

  • SeesThroughAll #83 6 years ago

    Worldwide release? Good thing they decided to follow Microsoft's good release scheduling example!
    Not as bad as the Anti-$ony crew tried to paint it...

  • Cappy #84 6 years ago

    "but it's good thats Sony's dominance is fading because monopolies are only good for two groups of people: 1) sick fanboys, 2) company accountants. "

    Ah, that tired old chessnut again. Do you know what that actually means?

    A more even split of market share is the worst thing that could possibly happen for European gamers. Cast your mind back to the generation that preceded the current one. No games published by Atlus in US got released in Europe. AAA titles from Enix and Squaresoft never made it here. Namco couldn't be bothered et. etc. Even on the N64, a system desperate for games, they couldn't even be bothered to release AAA titles like Ogre Battle and Harvest Moon in Europe.

    The reason for this is simple whilst America and Japan are 'territories', Europe is not quite that, its a hodge podge of small territories with differing laws and languages which makes releasing less mainstream titles more trouble than its worth.

    The large market share of the PS2 has been a godsend for European gamers. Shin Megami Tensei games getting released here, unthinkable last generation. The Nippon Ichi games? They would probably have never been released here if the market share was split more evenly. All made possible because of the large user base which can support non-mainstream niche titles.

    The hardcore Xbox fanboys wet dream of a evenly split market is a nightmare for the rest of us. But seeing as they probably only own an Xbox it means a few more games for them at least.

    So, I'll wait it out. If it looks like a more even market share split its an imported US console for me as I'm not going to suffer the last generation PAL release schedule again.

  • McGeeza #85 6 years ago

    Is it just me or is:

    "Sony boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed plans for a worldwide release of PlayStation 3 in early November"

    not quite the same as:

    "Sony boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed a worldwide release of PlayStation 3 in early November"

    Let's hope my cynicism is unfounded...

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #86 6 years ago

    Update - not keeping up with the thread, but I assume someone's pointed out it's six million by March 2007, not end of 2006 - Kutaragi was referring to Sony's financial year. Sorry for the mix-up - s'the problem with being reliant on those on the ground sadly. Cheers to those who emailed.

  • TheChojin #87 6 years ago

    Seeing is beleiving .

  • MyPointIs #88 6 years ago

    > We know this how?

    I just know it.

    ok?

    my cousin ... he knows someone, who works in a place, with games.

    Shut up!

  • Furbs #89 6 years ago

    Very impressed with what they've announced, given its only a few months away lets hope they can deliver (I'm an optimist, and see no reason why they cant).

    It is funny about the linux/hdd thing. I distinctly recall quite a few Sony fans ripping the piss out of the Xbox1/360 because "its just a PC". Still, it it'll let me watch divx/xvid across my LAN out of the box, I'll be a happy bunny, although expect MS to announce the 360 will be able to do likewise on a non-MCE system soon.

    Oh and Cappy? Surely if they are Xbox fanboys, they too want complete domination of the market rather than a split?
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 10:01

  • Sabre #90 6 years ago

    Can't wait to play Soulblade in 1080p!

  • JetSetWilly #91 6 years ago

    Yay, more of the same this November. Sign me up - not.

  • Mashum #92 6 years ago

    @yorkiebar

    > in GAME where it will cost you £10,000 including 12 controllers, 300 games (yet to be released) a memory
    > card and a second hand PSP"

    Spot on, GAME's 360 bundles were a joke...

    Me - I would like to give you money for a 360 I don't like King Kong though, can you help me.
    GAME - No, head office say we cannot.
    Me - Bye then.

    I'll be buying my PS3 from Gamestation too, because they have something called customer service!

  • onyxbox #93 6 years ago

    I think that by November the 360 will have an awful lot more games on the shelf than the PS3. I think there will be huge shortages of PS3 and some people will end up picking a 360 off the shelf.

    However, having a HDD as standard together with true HD movie playback through Blue Ray is a killer move, as long as it's affordable. I'm not so convinced that Sony's Online offering will be as good as 360's... it's easy to say it will be better but doing it will be another matter.

    And most of all... let's not forget how Sony always over promise and under deliver, historically.

    It will be interesting to see if MS counter this announcement with something.


  • Ghetto-lapin #94 6 years ago

    Please correct, the HDD will be mandatory, but it's not sure yet whether it'll be included in every bundle (source: Gamespot).
    They are still considering selling it as a peripheral even though it will be required to play games...
    In the end, what does it change ? The price, in the same way you should always add the price of a memory card to any console without HDD.

  • tonynibbles #95 6 years ago

    50Gb on Blue ray btw

  • Cappy #96 6 years ago

    "Oh and Cappy? Surely if they are Xbox fanboys, they too want complete domination of the market rather than a split?"

    I said hardcore Xbox fanboys, not totally deluded Xbox fanboys. :p

    Though I guess anything is possible, I figure it will still need one user base with at least 2/3 of the market to keep up the flow of European releases we are now used to.

  • kaosridder #97 6 years ago

    tony - is that a fact? Last time I ckecked they were only capable of making onelayer blu-ray discs due to unforseen dev-trouble meaning that only 25 gb would be available at launch compared to HD-DVD's 30 gb.

  • HenryMancini #98 6 years ago

    @Tyrone - most sensible post in the whole thread, hopefully time for me to make a few extra pennies with a little PS3 arbitrage. I love what happens when demand outstrips supply like that \o/

    edit - if there IS any supply in Europe of course - we all know KK for the fat lying git he really is.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 10:15

  • J_C_X #99 6 years ago

    Hey did anyone read the BBC article seems to be somewhat of a scathing attack on Sony. Lack of origionality and completely missing promised targets. Stuff like that though I'm looking foward to the PS3 even fanboys have to admit they have pretty much copied Microsoft almost word for word.

  • Blerk #100 6 years ago

    Please correct, the HDD will be mandatory, but it's not sure yet whether it'll be included in every bundle (source: Gamespot).

    If it's mandatory then it has to be included. Memory cards are not included with PS2s, but you can still use the PS2 without one (as pointless as that would seem).

    I'm surmising it'll come with a standard unit and other 'larger' units will be available to buy separately or as part of more expensive bundles.

    But you can't flog something without a bit of kit that is required. That's like buying a car with no wheels.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 10:18

  • yorkiebar #101 6 years ago

    Mashum - just don't get it from Dixons online. I got my 360 from them and they were a total joke.

    ME: I'm moving house. Please can you deliver this to me at work as my home address is changing.
    DIXONS: No. And if you are not in when we try to deliver it we will bring it back and sell it to somebody else.
    ME: But I've paid for it.
    DIXONS: That will not stop us.
    ME: But, its mine and I want it and I simply want you to deliver it to me AT WORK.
    DIXONS: Does not compute. Cannot change rules. Must be unhelpful...

  • MrGrumpy.au #102 6 years ago

    And by worldwide he means Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

    OMG! Well I know which console I'll be buying first this time.

    Australia included in a worldwide launch.... /faints

  • jimmyboo #103 6 years ago

    They really should begin handing out bags of salt at SCE press conferences. Or perhaps the attendees should take their own.

    Given Sony's absolute failure with the PSP launch and that the PS3 is a significantly more complex beast, I would bet good money both Europe AND the US won't see the PS3 'til 2007.

    This could actually be very good news for Nintendo. Imagine all the people who will go into a store hoping to perhaps see someone else walking out with a PS3, and then notice the Revolution on the shelves, with a price significantly less than the PS3. And good games. And that controller. Nintendo really need to ensure that they launch first or, at the worst, the same time.

  • captainrentboy #104 6 years ago

    November my ass!I can't 100% remember but wasn't the psp given an European launch date only for it to be delayed by a few months.If we see the ps3 this year in Europe i'll eat the contents of my ass with a wooden spoon.

  • reality_cheque #105 6 years ago

    "I'll believe it when I see it. I just hope Sony learn from the X360 launch fiasco and launch in the same way the PS2 did whereby people had to register and it was 1 console per person/household"

    Not a problem really - I could just give all my friends without the cash to buy one themselves ten quid out of the profits to pre-order one if I decide to make myself some cash.

    *starts saving for 10 PS3s*

  • reality_cheque #106 6 years ago

    "If we see the ps3 this year in Europe i'll eat the contents of my ass with a wooden spoon"

    Please let it launch this year - I could make some cash flogging the video of that :D

  • captain-future #107 6 years ago

    I'm excited.

    + compatiblitity to ps2 and psx games
    + europe in 2006 *a wonder*
    +/- I'm a little confused by the HDD and Linux statement - need definitely more info on that. In offical press releases I haven't read anything about that stuff.

    - no price info. PRICE?
    - no game info. also sounds like not many games will be ready for launch.

  • BillGaitas #108 6 years ago

    HAHAHAHHA

    The japanese must be really angry. I mean, they said they would only have to wait about 5 months and after that time theyre telling them to wait more 5 months. HAHAHAHAHA

    As for the Europe release november 2006 ... as someone said seing is believing.

    Either way i wont buy one before the price drops so im going to wait a while, i just might buy a 360 along the way.

  • Halo.Jones #109 6 years ago

    Regarding the controller, surely everyone must remember that when it was announced last year that the controller design was just a concept and not a final design.

    The Controller is just concept design

  • Stormflood_UK #110 6 years ago

    I just hope the BC is actually BC, not some selective emulation BS.

  • penhalion #111 6 years ago

    The linux distro is so that sony can ship the PS3 as a computer rather than a console (I'm sure someone has mentioned this already haven't they?). The laws and taxes for shipping a computer are far lower then those for shipping a games console so sony save on the import/export costs and skirt some rules in the process.

    The good news is that this means you should be able to create your own PS3 games on the beast as libs and dev software is released to the public! Probably a move to get Indie developers to ply their wares on sonys version of Live arcade.

    As for a world wide release. Yea right!

  • Darren #112 6 years ago

    This is great news!

    A 60GB hard drive as standard (meaning all developers will support it) and fully backward compatible with PSone and PS2 games (unlike Microsoft's half-baked emulation effort on the Xbox 360)... it sounds great already... :D

  • yorkiebar #113 6 years ago

    @Halo Jones

    It was a really bad design, though - wasn't it? Kind of like a futuristic boomerang.

    They'd have been better spray painting a PS2 controller white and hoping nobody noticed.

  • SonicBoom #114 6 years ago

    I'm pleased with pretty much all of the news regarding the PS3 and PSP, but I take it there's still no word on the region free debate from a few months ago?

  • Netfreak #115 6 years ago

    And once again Sony will over promised & under deliver. Spring 2006? 4D? Yeah right.


    Sony hype machine really did its job!

  • Dizzy #116 6 years ago

    "The good news is that this means you should be able to create your own PS3 games on the beast as libs and dev software is released to the public! "

    What the **** are you smoking? When hell freezes over yeah. No console has done that before and never will in the near future dude.

  • Furbs #117 6 years ago

    Dizzy, I think some company released something called the Net Yaroze. Cant remember who made it though.

  • Halo.Jones #118 6 years ago

    @ Yorkie,

    Of course it was a bad design, even now, looking at the image of the controller, I cannot understand how anyone could use it, our fingers are not long enough to even reach the buttons or the analog sticks.

    Fingers crossed that Sony use something similiar to the DualShock2 controller. I am hoping there is no annoying button in the middle of the controller (like the 360) which you can hit by accident!

  • azurelas_2 #119 6 years ago

    How do you fill up a 50GB disk? Putting in INSANELY high-res objects? Killer AI? or just putting on several versions of the same game (English, Italian, French...) because, in my modest opinion and knowledge, it's friggin impossible to fill up a 50GB disk with nothing but game code.

    /can't wait for Killzone PS3 though (Am a fan of the first one)

  • septimus #120 6 years ago

    Net Yaroze was a Sony PS1 with dev libraries and the ability to hook into a PC for programming.

    Did quite well for the short time it was available.

    So yes Dizzy, hell might freeze over. Know what you're on about before posting eh?
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 11:12

  • Gurgeh #121 6 years ago

    "...support Linux, and - more interestingly - will apparently act as a home server, allowing users to store media on it and access them from elsewhere"

    Bear in mind the PS3 is packed with DRM so the media you will be storing on it will have to be from legit sources. What's also likely, given this is Sony, is that those sources will have to be Sony devices.

  • SeesThroughAll #122 6 years ago

    It will be interesting to see if MS counter this announcement with something.

    Halo 3.

  • duffers #123 6 years ago

    "Net Yaroze was a Sony PS1 with dev libraries and the ability to hook into a PC for programming.

    Did quite well for the short time it was available.

    So yes Dizzy, hell might freeze over. Know what you're on about before posting eh?"

    Though to be fair, the NY wasn't widely available as the regular PSX 9002 was. And from reviews, it wasn't easy either. Also, was a bit more expensive then the PSX. So he's half right, though they could release a Net Yaroze PS3, but I doubt it.

    I love the controller, but as it 's a concept and the flak they're getting for it, doubt it will be the final control unfortunatly.

    Lastly, don't think many people will have any qualms getting them from launch and selling on eBay, since it's going to be people claiming Rockstar and EA are the best dev's buying it. A blanket comment perhaps, but you didn't see many casual gamers interested in the 360 until the hype started, nor will there be casual interest in the awesome Rev. So if someone wants to pay 1000 on eBay for one, fuel their idiocy! It'll only go to waste on FIFA Street 3.

  • Stormflood_UK #124 6 years ago

    @dizzy Ahem

  • Lovemoose #125 6 years ago

    I'm wondering how they're going to do backwards compatibility from a physical point of view. A blueray laser mechanism can't actually read dvds or cds, can it? So how are sony going to achieve this?
    any ideas?

  • SeesThroughAll #126 6 years ago

    @ Lovemoose:

    Just have two lasers instead of one. That's how HD-DVD players are supposed to read regular DVDs too, you know.

  • Blerk #127 6 years ago

    Blu-ray players CAN read normal DVDs and CDs. Don't worry.

  • SeesThroughAll #128 6 years ago

    Blu-ray players CAN read normal DVDs and CDs. Don't worry.

    Blerk, I thought the gap in wavelength was too large so as to make reading old media with the blue laser unreliable?

  • jimmyboo #129 6 years ago

    SeesThroughAll:

    It is, but the players will have a red laser too.

  • Gurgeh #130 6 years ago

    Slightly different reporting on the hard drive from http://www. gamespot.com/news/6145972.html

    "Kutaragi also made it clear that the hard drive will be necessary to play games--Sony is telling developers to make games assuming every PS3 has a hard drive installed. "We view the Hard Drive to be mandatory for the PS3," he said....

    "However, Kutaragi revealed that Sony had not decided whether or not the PlayStation 3 would come with the hard-drive pre-installed. "We might end up installing it in all PS3s, though that depends on the market," he said. This raises the possibility that the PS3 could be sold without a piece of hardware needed to play PS3 games--in effect forcing consumers to buy a peripheral for basic functionality."

    Sounds a bit mad - you need the HD to play games but it's sold separately?

  • Wobble #131 6 years ago

    fuck sony.
    They installed a root kit on my pc, they're not getting another single pound of my money.

  • Bumbuliuz #132 6 years ago

    Im still trying to wrap my head around that Europe wont be last as always :) But im waiting to hear at E3 about the games and the price of the ps3. If it is too much I will wait and just cuddle my 360 a bit more.

  • El_MUERkO #133 6 years ago

    If you bought the PS2 Linux kit you got a HD, Network Adapter, Keyboard and Mouse

    The linux run software included 3d model making and skinning software, coding tools and other development tools

    Sony hoped to spawn a home brew scene on the PS2 but it never really took off

    With the PS3 the neworking and HD are integral, all people will need is a USB keyboard and mouse and to download the Linux OS which would probably act like a dual boot

    Great news for budding home brew makers but Sony will probably worry about copy right infringing emulators which are so popular on the PSP

  • lennon #134 6 years ago

    @Gurgeh - Sounds like he was making it up as he went along :)

  • Halo.Jones #135 6 years ago

    @ Seesthroughall.


    A single 3-wavelength recording/playback optical head, capable of recording and playing-back 3 formats, Blu-ray Disc (BD), in addition to DVD, CD has been developed.
    The BD market is expected to expand in the coming era as high-quality content becomes mainstream.
    However, it is desirable for the BD recorder to record and playback DVD-R and CD-R. In order to cope with this, a 3-wavelength recording/playback optical head is required.
    To achieve a 3-wavelength recording and playback optical head with most simple structure, a single unit 3-wavelength laser and also an objective lens corresponding to the 3 wavelengths have been developed.
    Utilizing the laser and the objective lens, a prototype optical head was made to realize a common optical path for the 3 wavelengths. A picture of the prototype is shown in Figure 4.9.1. The prototype is 82 mm in height, 50 mm in width and 32 mm in depth.

    If you wish to read more. go to
    http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/ downloadablefile/4_keytechnologies-12835.pdf

  • drumbaby #136 6 years ago

    they're not getting another single pound of my money.

    Guess we'll just have to take you're word for it. Still, it'll be frustrating pretending you haven't got a PS3 when everyone else is crowing about having one.

    :)

  • Dizzy #137 6 years ago

    "Net Yaroze was a Sony PS1 with dev libraries and the ability to hook into a PC for programming"

    Was a special console and the games could only run on a Yaroze.

    You are kinda in the illusion that all PS3s will be like this. It would be cool... I could finally do some console development (outside Live Arcade) but it is not gonna happen.

  • coderkind #138 6 years ago

    YES!!! Flash support too. I'm a happy man.

  • SeesThroughAll #139 6 years ago

    @ Halo Jones

    Thanks a bunch for the info, mate.

  • smelly #140 6 years ago

    Only way to get a PS3 this year is by preordering TODAY.

    Once stung.... I'll wait for a few months for the inevetable crapola launch titles to be replaced by something worth playing.

    (hell, by november the 360 might have something worth playing!).

    Im not pre-ordering again just to end up with a f***ing fireworks game.

  • Domstercool #141 6 years ago

    Make Makai Wars a launch title, PLLLEEEAAAASSSEEE!!

  • mcmonkeyplc #142 6 years ago

    Im getting ready to pre-order from game...to then sell it an a premium.

  • karstux #143 6 years ago

    It's probably also a good idea to wait for the hardware to mature a bit before buying. I'll bet that the first generation of PS3's will either overheat easily, develop drive calibration issues or fail in some other way rather early.

  • YUSHi #144 6 years ago

    A worldwide release huh? i somehow doubt that - Sony actually managing to manufacture six million units before 2007 would be quite an achivement and does anyone still believe anything that Sony says these days anyway?

  • Lukus #145 6 years ago

    Sony really are the masters of hype. They've barely anounced anything but a launch date,shown some pre-rendered "games" at last year's E3 and everyone's jizzing themselves. Unbelievable.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 14:44

  • yorkiebar #146 6 years ago

    They say they're making it available in all regions, just like Microsoft.

    My hunch is they're trying to appease their shareholders and save a bit of face.

  • masterson #147 6 years ago

    I cannot believe the amount of folk here determined to preorder without having seen a single game or, most saliently, even knowing the price.
    Every business dreams of customers like you...


    (edited due to spelling prowess of a 4 year old)
    Edited by 2 at 15/03/06 @ 13:15

  • Aretak #148 6 years ago

    "Was a special console and the games could only run on a Yaroze."

    Apart from the time that a load of Net Yaroze games were put on the OPM cover disc. I really do wish I still had that one, as some of the games were ace.

  • septimus #149 6 years ago

    "Was a special console and the games could only run on a Yaroze. "

    Not quite true, they would run on a chipped PS1, but Sony also allowed users games to be submitted and then distributed through PSM. About 700 were published I believe, well burnt onto official disks being closer.

    PS2 Linux also allowed limited development of games. I'm sure Sony will charge to add the ability (through software download) to the Linux distro in PS3. I don't think it will happen for a long time of course.

    ^ Slightly beaten :) ^
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 13:20

  • Xephon70 #150 6 years ago

    "The reason for this is simple whilst America and Japan are 'territories', Europe is not quite that, its a hodge podge of small territories with differing laws and languages which makes releasing less mainstream titles more trouble than its worth.

    The large market share of the PS2 has been a godsend for European gamers. Shin Megami Tensei games getting released here, unthinkable last generation. The Nippon Ichi games? They would probably have never been released here if the market share was split more evenly. All made possible because of the large user base which can support non-mainstream niche titles."

    Have to agree with that. I've been importing for ages and the clout of the PS2 numbers gives us games we wouldn't normally see. Dragon Quest anyone?

    As with any announcement, we shall have to wait and see. I for one probably won't be able to afford one til 2007 anyway. But there is some good news in there...

  • The12thMonkey #151 6 years ago

    Nintendo, if I recall correctly, called the launch of the DS in every territory within 14 weeks "a worldwide launch". Just for perspective.

  • Lukus #152 6 years ago

    I remember playing a footy game from an OPM disc that someone had made on yaroze. It was really good. A bit like Kick Off on the ST but faster!

  • Daikon #153 6 years ago

    First!

  • Halo.Jones #154 6 years ago

    @ Daikon, First at what?, First to be post 164? :)

  • InfiniteFury #155 6 years ago

    Anyone know yet if GTA is being released exlusive to PS3?

  • Daikon #156 6 years ago

    @Halo Jones

    First at what?, First to be post 164? :)

    No, first to slag off poster nr 1 ^_^

  • Lukus #157 6 years ago

    I'm pretty sure I read the GTA exclusivity deal was now over. Though I may have just imagined that... Hmmm

  • InfiniteFury #158 6 years ago

    I hope there's a dual release (at least) on PS3 and 360 of GTA.

    My PS2 just gathered dust for the last year or so so there's nothing sequel wise coming out for the PS3 that I'm at all excited about - I haven't seen any new IPs for it that entice me at all. And if have to say the Live aspect of Xbox 1 & 360 has spoiled me completely so they really need to pull out something better to keep this PS customer.

    Reading that back, I should stress absolutely no sarcasm is intended!
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 14:08

  • TheDogsDinner #159 6 years ago

    It'll all come down to price. For the average man on the street and not you geeky losers £300+ is just too much to swallow in one months pay packet. Thats why the 360 core system is there, MS will be able to drop the price of that system so its affordable to more people.

    Nobody really cares about Linux, home media server stuff outside of techy circles, its all about the games and the price

    Thats why the revolution could clean up, because if its priced right and more importantly fun to play it could do well

  • InfiniteFury #160 6 years ago

    I think they're unquestionably going to suffer in this round but to what degree is the question. I do think if MS want to make a competition of it though, they really need to get out there and shout about some of the simple and attractive aspects of the 360 (ie Live Arcade) to the market at large. I mean, how many people except hardcore gamers *really* now about Arcade?

  • tengu #161 6 years ago

    Awesome news. Just awesome. Only real concern left now is the price.

  • tiddles #162 6 years ago

    It'll all come down to price. For the average man on the street and not you geeky losers £300+ is just too much to swallow in one months pay packet. Thats why the 360 core system is there, MS will be able to drop the price of that system so its affordable to more people.

    But at launch you don't have to worry about the man in the street - limited stock means that all available units will happily be snaffled up by the "geeky losers" willing to pay more. It's only later when you can get serious numbers on the shelves that you need to be able to offer a lower price point to capture the mass market.

  • Fubdub #163 6 years ago

    Wonga,

    I'm not so sure, as far as I can see it will compete with the likes of TIVO, which is pretty mainstream.

    This Linux has great potential btw, just imagine what can be emulated for a start. They will not be able to lock it down with DRM as far as I can see. (Though they might try)

  • Calgon #164 6 years ago

    If this isnt more Sony hype and they do offer all this then Id be surprised if its under £400. The Blue ray drive will probably be 2x which would mean longer load times than 360 games. The hard drive standard is a good move, MS led the way for this and should have stuck to it, but 60gb? This all sounds so expensive and I dont think Sony are in a position to take such heavy losses to sell at a competative price point, this would go beyond the losses MS inccured with the Xbox.

    Sounds suspicious overall maybe Sony have realised they are going to have to alter those original specs... perhaps less spes, shaders, even a lower clock speed for the GPU/CELL(kind of preparing fans for bad news with this information maybe).

    Im not convinced sounds like more of a "Target"(much like those "target graphics";) than anything else(even though they are copying MS in alot of ways, but a good target to set it has to be said), it wouldnt be a Sony console without a shedload of hype though would it now?
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 14:28

  • SentientNr6 #165 6 years ago

    November?
    World Wide?
    Linux?

    I'll believe it when I see it in a shop near me.

  • Blerk #166 6 years ago

    The Blue ray drive will probably be 2x which would mean longer load times than 360 games. The hard drive standard is a good move

    Uh... didn't you just answer the 'longer loading times' thing yourself?

  • Feanor #167 6 years ago

    "And by worldwide he means Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

    OMG! Well I know which console I'll be buying first this time.

    Australia included in a worldwide launch.... /faints"

    They only included Aussie so their "Spring 2006" launch promise could be fufilled. :)

  • drumbaby #168 6 years ago

    so they really need to pull out something better to keep this PS customer.

    Keep? Sounds like they lost you about a year ago. :)

  • Stormflood_UK #169 6 years ago

    @dogsdinner

    How can you be a 'loser' if you are paid enough to snap up a launch console? And since when does the 'man on the street' base his buying decisions on anything other than brand awareness and following the herd? The man on the street buys football and racing games - you don't need the existence of Revolution for those.

    Oh, and how can you accuse people of being 'geeky' when you post on an internet forum such as this. A tad hypocritical if you ask me.

  • Gurgeh #170 6 years ago

    Because people missed it, the hard drive is required to play games on the PS3, but *may* not be provided as standard - meaning you could buy a PS3 as a cheap Blu-Ray player if you didn't care about games. Lord know how much it will cost if you do want to play games now they've added a hard disk.

    Assuming, like Lennon says, he wasn't making this stuff up as he went along.

  • gerald #171 6 years ago

    > Sounds a bit mad - you need the HD to play games but it's sold separately?

    Yeah, as mad as selling a ps2 without memory card ...
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 15:05

  • Feanor #172 6 years ago

    People who post on videogame comments pages are nerds, yeah.

  • Halo.Jones #173 6 years ago

    If this isnt more Sony hype and they do offer all this then Id be surprised if its under £400. The Blue ray drive will probably be 2x which would mean longer load times than 360 games. The hard drive standard is a good move, MS led the way for this and should have stuck to it, but 60gb? This all sounds so expensive and I dont think Sony are in a position to take such heavy losses to sell at a competative price point, this would go beyond the losses MS inccured with the Xbox.

    The data transfer for Blu-Ray is much quicker than a DVD.
    Blu-Ray at 1x speed is comparable to approximately the speed of a dvd at 3.25x.

    1x CLV User Data rate is 11.08Mbps compared to Blu-Rays 36Mbps
    In bytes that is 1.32MB/s for DVD and 4.29MB/s for Blu-Ray

  • tengu #174 6 years ago

    "Because people missed it, the hard drive is required to play games on the PS3, but *may* not be provided as standard"

    If it's required to run all games then it will be included as standard, there's no way it won't be.

    "Yeah, as mad as selling a ps2 without memory card ..."

    Or a Gamecube... or a Dreamcast...

  • InfiniteFury #175 6 years ago

    @ Drumbaby

    Fair point. But what you need to know is that I'm an unbiased graphics whore who will take their fix from any dealer in any orifice. But even with that said, there's nothing grabbing me about the PS3. Except GTA and I doubt I'm alone in that sense.

    I would normally buy each console in every generation but at the moment I think my 360 and a Revolution will keep me nice and happy. Certainly for the sake of spending god knows how much on a PS3.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 15:10

  • Dizzy #176 6 years ago

    "The data transfer for Blu-Ray is much quicker than a DVD.
    Blu-Ray at 1x speed is comparable to approximately the speed of a dvd at 3.25x. "

    That was his point. The 360 DVD is 12x

  • Blerk #177 6 years ago

    Uh... HDD? Is anyone listening? Load times not an issue.

  • JonFE #178 6 years ago

    Sony insisted (up until now that is) that PS3 was on target for a Spring 2006 release. Why? Because it would be easier for any potential customer to wait for a few weeks/months before committing to a next-gen console, than wait almost a year, effectively spoiling x360's launch (especially in Japan).

    Now, that spring time is upon us (along with the end of Sony financial year, let's not forget) they announce a November "worldwide" release. But what defines "worldwide"? Microsoft's definition (as executed for the x360) meant a couple of weeks between each target territory, a 4-weeks total. Nintendo, on the other hand, describes its DS launch as worldwide, even with a 14-weeks launch window, IIRC.

    Assuming that Sony's definition is similar to Nintendo's, we could very well see it in Europe in Spring 2007 (remember 14 weeks is more than 3-months time).

    One thing's for sure: Sony are pure marketing geniouses (?sp?).
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 15:31

  • Gurgeh #179 6 years ago

    "If it's required to run all games then it will be included as standard, there's no way it won't be. "

    O rly?

    "However, Kutaragi revealed that Sony had not decided whether or not the PlayStation 3 would come with the hard-drive pre-installed. "We might end up installing it in all PS3s, though that depends on the market," "

    i.e. they currently are working on not including the hard drive as standard, but might change that view "depending on the market" - which could mean different territories (no HDD in Japan?) or the general situation (small take-up of Blu-Ray players).

  • Dizzy #180 6 years ago

    >Uh... HDD? Is anyone listening? Load times not an issue.

    Errr... are you suggesting that games will be installed from Bluray to HDD?

  • ruckus #181 6 years ago

    yay for November - that probably makes it summer 2007 for me.
    Now where's that 360 price cut - before E3, @E3... surely before November?
    I think they could make two, a slight one now and the same again come November but that's only if Sony aren't launching at some stupidly high price point.

  • Blerk #182 6 years ago

    Errr... are you suggesting that games will be installed from Bluray to HDD?

    Cacheing. Just like the original Xbox does, no? Bit of a hit first time you play, afterwards the files are already there and load from the HDD instead. Done.

  • tengu #183 6 years ago

    "i.e. they currently are working on not including the hard drive as standard, but might change that view "depending on the market" - which could mean different territories (no HDD in Japan?) or the general situation (small take-up of Blu-Ray players)."

    Yes, but if it's required for all games, there's no way they can ship it without one. This story:

    http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=15356

    Says it's a default component of the console, so I'll be surprised if it isn't included if it's that important.

  • Calgon #184 6 years ago

    Blerk indeed the HDD will speed up load times(through use of caching) but then Xbox360 owners can buy a HDD if they dont already have one(and cheaper) so although I did overlook it, in that scenario Xbox360 games will still load faster.

    I realise that with the core around there will be differences which isnt a good thing but for something as simple as loading, it would be fairly straight forward to check if the HDD is present at boot up of a game, if so caching would commence.

    I got the impression even the casual Joe knows the Xbox360 premium is the best option. Im not sure how many core packs have been sold but Im guessing if there were enough premiums around at launch then sales for the core would have been next to none.

  • J_C_X #185 6 years ago

    Hey has anyone read the SPONG article on this it is quite funny. All Ninty and Xbox fanboys should check it out. It seems to be another scathing attack on Sony seen quite a few of these today.

  • Blerk #186 6 years ago

    Does the 360 cache game files to the HDD if present? Serious question, not a dig - I have no idea.

  • Mr_Brown #187 6 years ago

    So expect worldwide shortages everywhere by November then. I guess if you haven't pre ordered it by the end of today your not likely to get one by christmas then...LoLz

  • Blerk #188 6 years ago

    *sigh*

    I never said it was! :-)

  • Dizzy #189 6 years ago

    "Does the 360 cache game files to the HDD if present? Serious question, not a dig - I have no idea. "

    Yes it does.

  • Blerk #190 6 years ago

    So everyone's happy with their loading times, then? Yes? Good.

  • Collie #191 6 years ago

    Hmm, November. That's long enough time for people to ditch their 360's for Sony's new toaster. A few decent 360 titles around the same time might make a bit of an impact on the take-up of the console, but it will undoubtedly sell by the truckload.

  • Rambaldi #192 6 years ago

    Totally off topic: just reached 10000 gamerscore and couldn't contain my childish excitement (and no I didn't lower myself to squeezing an easy 1000 from one single EA sports title;)

    20k here we come:)

  • Calgon #193 6 years ago

    Blerk Im not sure how many use it, given the short amount of time with final dev kits most developers had then it can be forgiven if it hasnt been used in many launch games.

  • The12thMonkey #194 6 years ago

    I've been let down by shoddy workmanship from Sony too many times to consider buying a PS3. Thus far, only one game tempts me (MGS4), and I do not buy consoles on the strength of one game, however much I want to play it. It is just not worth the investment.

    I'm happy with my 360, and the games on the horizon are looking good. Sony (not that they'd care - or indeed, would most of you lot) lost my support in a big way with the PS2. They have to do something truly spectacular to regain my interest; and none of this news even ranks on the mildly engaging level, let alone approach spectacular.

  • Flying_Pig #195 6 years ago

    Assuming I can get my console in November, I'd consider this to be good news. I don't think anyone here was expecting a European release much before November anyway, and now (hopefully) they'll have time to manufacture enough consoles to meet the world-wide demand...?

    I seem to recall that the Ps2 was released on 21st November 2001 (21/11/2001) who's betting it'll be either 06/11/06 or 26/11/2006?? Sony seem to like choosing dates like that...?

  • Flying_Pig #196 6 years ago

    "I've been let down by shoddy workmanship from Sony too many times to consider buying a PS3"

    The12thMonkey - not everyone has a bad experience with the quality of Sony-ware. My launch day PS2 has (touch wood) been entirely trouble free!

  • optimusprym8 #197 6 years ago

    I ain't buying one until they release images of the non-prototype controller and do something about the George Foreman Grill console styling. PS2 was great, sleek design classic. The PS3 looks fookin shite at present. The 360 isn't that much better but I still prefer it's styling over the PS3s.

  • thefilthandthefury #198 6 years ago

    Same here Flying_Pig, my PS2 is still up and running. I might be more of an Xbox man, but this is still good news. I'll end up getting one at some point anyway, so the sooner it comes out the sooner the price can drop and I can get one :D

  • thefilthandthefury #199 6 years ago

    My PS2 collects dust at the moment, but it had a good couple of years of daily use. It's mostly a doorstop at the moment, but I might break it out for a game or two now and then.

  • SeesThroughAll #200 6 years ago

    I've read several "My desire fore 360 has just vanished" posts on European forums today, It seems to be working.

    It only works because most people would only buy one due to lack of options ;) (Which pretty much sums up Microsoft's secret of success)
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 19:12

  • Qbert2k #201 6 years ago

    So we now have a release date for Halo 3 as well, going by what Bill Gates said.

  • Ihya #202 6 years ago

    Wow that is awesome! :D

    Us Europeans are not pissed on for once!

  • gamerbunny #203 6 years ago

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    KEN KEPT HIS PROMISE OF A SPRING LAUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    MY FAITH IN SONY IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    /pre orders

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    WORLDWIDE LAUNCH INCULDING NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    /pre orders 3 more

  • Scimarad #204 6 years ago

    "PlayStation 3 will also be fully backwards compatible with PS2 and PSone games, Kutaragi said, and all of them will be playable in "high-definition" resolutions."

    SOLD!

  • tengu #205 6 years ago

    PSone games in HiDef = lol

    Seriously, imagine something like Tomb Raider 1 in crispy clear HD. It'll be like Tomb Raider Lego.

  • SentientNr6 #206 6 years ago

    to Scimarad

    Ok!

    BitBlt(destination_high, source_low)

    400$ please

  • saysomething #207 6 years ago

    I love my 360
    I love my 360
    I love my 360


    But...it only took one press release to get me all psyched about the PS3.

    /is sad and naive


  • darkmistx #208 6 years ago

    Kutaragi has said it'll be below $500. Don't know if that's with or without a HDD.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 21:17

  • Virvel #209 6 years ago

    As expected, Sony will deliver THE console to own.

    Now some information that is very much out in the open but alot of people have problems understanding (including Microsoft).

    As a gift to all the naive people here posting bullshit about the Xbox-360's 'bright future'.

    Some crucial information that Microsoft and XBox-disiples have problems understanding:

    1. Few people care (or even know about) the XBox-360! When I say 'people' I mean the dominant gamer in the world : The average Joe in the street. He represents the consumer that really decides what is successfull or not. Of course, any 'true gamer' (or gaming-nerd if you like) knows about the 360, and some even buy it. But my point is, Microsoft doesnt stand a chance against the very well established PS-brand.

    2. The Playstation brand is so well established in the whole world that it has become a standard media comparable to an audio-cd, a VHS-movie or a DVD-movie. And again, it is average Joe who runs this entire show! Without him, Sony would not survive. Average Joe expects all Playstation games to run on his PS3, and that is what Sony will give him. Average Joe wants a standard format for his games.

    3. The PS2 is selling very well at the moment. Go to any store in my own country Norway, and you will see average Joe's buying PS2's.. The Xbox-1 came out after PS2 and is already dead. The 360 is just sitting in the stores collection dust.

    3. The Japaneese dont like foreign consoles. They buy their own stuff. An American console cannot succeed in that country.

    4. In much of the world, Americans are being more and more disliked because of their stupidity and bullying in business, politics, religion, media... For example, the illegal invasion of Iraq is an example of something that is really annoying Europeans for instance. Alot of people are just boycoting American goods because of these issues.

    5. Microsoft is hated.

    6. 'Blue-laser' is a term that is already established in the minds of many people. It is considered the upgrade from DVD.

    7. A lot of average Joe's doesnt see the difference in graphics between PS2, XBox-1 and XBox-360. Average Joe is not stupid, he is just a console and computer illiterate! 'Why do I need to buy BetaMax when I have VHS????' he says.. Of course, we who are literate in the console world knows that a 360 is superior to the PS2 and somewhat comparable to the PS3.. But average Joe doesnt care because he cannot play his PS2-games on XBox-360.

    8. The Playstation brand totally dominates all other consoles when it comes to quality titles.

    9. The Playstation brand totally dominates all other consoles when it comes to the number of games available.

    10. When a console dominates the world like PS1 has done and the PS2 is currently doing, games for the system is being offered everywhere, for example in supermarkets. This nice cycle feeds back selling even more systems.. It cannot be stopped very easily.

    11. Microsoft (and Americans in general) has few clues of what it takes to own average Joe.. Take Halo for instance. Average Joe doesnt care about Halo, it is too complicated.. I have seen people indicating that Microsoft currently has a major trumph-card in its hands : Halo-3. Release Halo-3 when PS3 arrives, and Sony is stopped. That is ridicilous!! The reason is simple: Average Joe doesnt like first person shooters. Well, some of them do, but then they play illegal copies on their high-end pc's..

    12. I have to go to bed. But as a final comment : The mechanisms controlling Sony's dominance are very simple, but few hardcore consolers really see what is going on here . I am VERY surprised Microsoft has done so bad with the 360.. The picture I have presented to you here might not be entirely true, I have deliberately overdone some of the statements. But I believe that the overall picture I am presenting has a major impact on who is going to dominate the console industry in the years to come.

  • thegamesthething #210 6 years ago

    You really shouldnt have wasted your time - 11 points then a 12th admitting much of what went before was bollocks.

    Anyway, great announcement today, it does look damn good. My only concerns are any mention of Gamespy whatsoever, and the fact that even if a world-wide release does take place, when push comes to shove and the Japanese market is screaming for every PS3 it can get its hands on, how many will they allocate here? Oh well, pre-order now to avoid disappointment, as ever.

    Regards the winners and losers of the next gen battle, I think Sony will do very well to maintain their current market share as we get towards the end of the next generation. Almost certainly they will have the lead, and probably a big one (mainly for the reasons spelt out in the sensible bits above). But given the head start the 360 has, and the fact that the Rev may come in waaaay cheaper than both, I think Sony has a fight on its hands to maintain the current gap.



  • thefilthandthefury #211 6 years ago

    Now, you say all that... but look what happened to SEGA. They were one of the major companies in gaming and they were destroyed by the up-and-coming gamers of Sony. Same with Atari, they were massive... now look at them.

    Point is, the very same can happen to the games division of Sony. I'm not saying it will, or deserves to, but it's always a possibility. One failed console or two and it can be all over.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 23:05

  • thefilthandthefury #212 6 years ago

    Oh and this:

    "The Playstation brand totally dominates all other consoles when it comes to quality titles."

    Is opinion. I find more games on Xbox that I want to own.

  • eleven63 #213 6 years ago

    @Virvel - so what games do an Average Joe play?

  • BartonFink #214 6 years ago

    @Virvel some obvious points made there.

    However you missed one very important one: Price

    If the people that Sony are targeting see the price as being wrong then they simply won't buy.

    One by one though:
    1. Crap, your average Joe who is into games knows what a 360 is.
    2. Yup it's a very well established brand and Sony have done a brilliant job making it just that. MS have done very well there too.
    3. Very true no western console will ever do well in Japan. Didn't hurt MS last time, I really don't think they care nor should they really. As long as they have the developer support from Japan they really don't need that market.
    4. Oh sweet mother of ..
    5. Not by your average Joe mentioned in 1 they could really care less.
    6. What the hell is blue laser? I am sure those in 1 may have heard of Blu-ray but not blue-laser.
    7. Yes and average Joe will not pay over the odds either considering how close the two are going to be technically.
    8.9. Same point as 2
    10. Yes and average Joe will not pay over the odds
    11. Rambling twaddle
    12. ?

    Actually come to think of it some of your points were very obvious the rest were just not very good.

    Back in yer box Sony fanboi!!!
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 23:22

  • thegamesthething #215 6 years ago

    @ thefilthandthefury

    Yup absolutely, but as previously stated, there are many many millions out there who would buy the PS3, even if the stinking-of-poo-and-then-melting problems aren't addressed come release day (I'll probably be one of them). With such a dominant current position, backwards compatability alone may shift enough PS3s to catch MS up.

    I dont see what happened to Sega happening to Sony (at least this generation), if only because we have Segas fairly recent example to go by. Sony knows exactly how vulnerable it is, and todays announcement doesnt seem to me to be in any way complacement.

    I think infact one failed console and it would all be over, which wouldnt be in anyones interest. Whilst Sony have the upper hand BG will continue to merrily chuck several billion at each MS console, which he can well afford. Which is great, because we get at least one heavily subsidised excellent console, and competition in the marketplace driving on further innovation and lower prices.

    I think we need the PS3 to succeed, simply because Sony cant afford it not to.

  • BartonFink #216 6 years ago

    Yup Sony's exit out of the gaming world would be a complete disaster.

    This is why they have to be so careful this time around they have a console that technically (on paper) is absolutely amazing, it will have Blu-ray too as an added bonus. However, this makes the cost of manufacuring the console fairly high. Their problem is going to be how to balance what they are prepared to lose on each piece of hardware with what the consumer is willing to pay. Too high either way and they are screwed.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 23:34

  • MrGrumpy.au #217 6 years ago

    "They only included Aussie so their "Spring 2006" launch promise could be fufilled. :)"

    Feanor, lol. They're pushing it though assuming it does make a Nov release (last month of spring).

    Maybe our market isn't as bad a people think, I seem to remember at last count it was rumoured to be around 1.5(XB) vs 1.9(PS2) million consoles sold here in Aus (but the PS2 always dominates the game charts even with those numbers).

  • SeesThroughAll #218 6 years ago

    I think infact one failed console and it would all be over, which wouldnt be in anyones interest. Whilst Sony have the upper hand BG will continue to merrily chuck several billion at each MS console, which he can well afford. Which is great, because we get at least one heavily subsidised excellent console, and competition in the marketplace driving on further innovation and lower prices.

    Would not be in anybody's interest for MS to succeed (= 98%+ market share) either, now would it?

    ...they have to be so careful this time around they have a console that technically (on paper) is absolutely amazing, it will have Blu-ray too as an added bonus...

    If you think about it, the Cell processor is amazing work from IBM, real bleeding edge tech. Believing the promised specs, I think the PS3 is nowadays underestimated. Absolutely amazing it will be, and not just on paper. Blu-ray should set the record straight concerning what happened before: media tech getting delayed for about 5 years because everyone went for the apparently cheaper solution. Hopefully so.
    Edited by 1 at 15/03/06 @ 23:48

  • BartonFink #219 6 years ago

    It's in nobody's interest if one company dominates.
    The closer they are the better.

  • SeesThroughAll #220 6 years ago

    Here's to hoping the PS3 won't be the next Dreamcast.

  • BartonFink #221 6 years ago

    Not going to happen hopefully.

  • thegamesthething #222 6 years ago

    @BartonFink

    Yeah, but with MS a bit behind, because they can afford to be.

    @ SeesThroughAll

    Not a chance.

  • BartonFink #223 6 years ago

    Blu-ray should set the record straight concerning what happened before: media tech getting delayed for about 5 years because everyone went for the apparently cheaper solution. Hopefully so.

    With any luck ... however I am not convinced it was the right move by Sony to include it in the PS3. It may help with getting bums on seats for Blu-ray media (film) but it's going to be a long time before we see developers even filling up a DVD with HD content, never mind Blu-ray. Time will tell though.

  • BartonFink #224 6 years ago

    @thegamesthething

    Probably but it probably won't be as far this time around = good thing.

    Unless of course you are a rabid Playstation of Xbox fanboy
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 00:00

  • SeesThroughAll #225 6 years ago

    ...it's going to be a long time before we see developers even filling up a DVD with HD content, never mind Blu-ray. Time will tell though.

    There's enough motivation in the film industry already for using the additional space available on either format (better internationalization, using one disc instead of four, etc.). Indeed, the problem with HD is that HD televisions are not well spread enough yet. What's keeping them, I wonder?

  • bigbadbeasty #226 6 years ago

    "PlayStation 3 will also be fully backwards compatible with PS2 and PSone games, Kutaragi said, and all of them will be playable in "high-definition" resolutions."

    I hate to say it.... but... how?

  • 3william56 #227 6 years ago

    250th \o/

    Any PS1 game can be played in "Hi Def" just by plugging in a PS1 to a HDTV - you just get a nice crispy picture of the same low res display. I suspect what it actually means is some sort of smoothing or anti-aliasing like the PS2 can do. Which really made eff all difference. But it's nice that they're still making it 2 generation compatible anyway.

    Is the "HDD mandatory" but maybe not standard some sort of translation failure? Would be rather funny to release a playstation that can't play games.

    Well done folks - 250 posts and it's yet to descend into stupid name calling. Where have all the tards gone? Not that we want them back.

  • Drakron #228 6 years ago

    Dont know ... my guess is Sony problems are the actually manufacturing lines and as if they sold 2 system that means they had to create 2 package lines with a uniform system they have a faster system.

    I think that is the reason for the delay, we already know the PS3 is not region locked so they can stock up without thinking of region issues beyond the package.

    MS just removed the HDD and a lot of stuff in order to get their 299$ price tag on the "core" system but created the issue of forcing developers to work with the Xbox 360 as without it having a HDD (since they cannot assume everyone have it, remenber they have to work for the basic system) as the PS3 with a HDD in basic allows developers to be work with the HDD in mind.

  • MyPointIs #229 6 years ago

    In a way Microsoft is helping Sony a bit, as many 360 owners are to become early HD TV adopters, and those won't see anything wrong in getting a cheap Blue-ray player for their shinny TV come November, now would they?

    And it's also true that Xbox appealed mostly to hardcore gamers. How many Xbox owners hadn't had a PS2 previously? Not many. Now, how many of this early 360 adopters (hardcore too) do you think will get a PS3? ... Not many of these gamers like NOT having the mainstream platform (as well as the quirkier ones), as it's often also home of some of the quirkier games (statistically).
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 08:29

  • EGBartonFink #230 6 years ago

    Absolutely not as long as it's cheap.

  • Cappy #231 6 years ago

    "I think that is the reason for the delay, we already know the PS3 is not region locked so they can stock up without thinking of region issues beyond the package."

    Is there any solid official confirmation on this? If true thats great news and enough to sell the system to me, with owning around 1000 games for the PS1/PS2 split between the 3 regions I would definitely buy a legal machine that could play everything.

    There is no way I'm interested in a console that can only play launch titles and the small number of PAL PS1/PS2 titles I own.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 08:33

  • thegamesthething #232 6 years ago

    "Well done folks - 250 posts and it's yet to descend into stupid name calling. Where have all the tards gone? Not that we want them back."

    There are reasons for that, but to list them would probably drag the comments into stupid name calling :)

  • BartonFink #233 6 years ago

    @Cappy

    I am not sure it will work quite like that .. Xbox and 360 are not region locked either however the publishers do impose there own region locking on video and games. Considering the amount of trouble Sony have been getting from the film industry and publishers regarding Blu-ray I seriously doubt that the machine will be region free. It may not be region locked though i.e. it will depend on the region locking on the media.
    So I would not get too excited just yet.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 08:38

  • Blerk #234 6 years ago

    As far as I'm aware, nobody's mentioned region locking at all yet. Aside from the stuff for Blu-Ray movies, that is. Everyone seems to be presuming that games will share the same regions as the movies, but time will tell I guess.

    /prays for an end to region locking
    /sacrifices goat
    /and chicken
    /makes sandwich

  • Dizzy #235 6 years ago

    ""PlayStation 3 will also be fully backwards compatible with PS2 and PSone games, Kutaragi said, and all of them will be playable in "high-definition" resolutions."

    I hate to say it.... but... how? "

    :)

    Don't worry.. the Sony fanboys are lapping it up. PS3 will be 100% backwards compatible because it has... errr.. magic rays?

    Just like 360 it will have to be emulation (unless Sony includes a PS2 inside the PS3 like they did with PS1). Luckily Sony software people are gods and can do this MUCH better that MS. So no worries mate... HiDef PS1 games should look better than 360 games!
    Amazing really... Sony fumbles and delays PS3 and everybody is excited! ;) They really can do nothing wrong... Let me guess... you guys blindly trust politicians?
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 09:19

  • SeesThroughAll #236 6 years ago

    PS3 region encoding should be like what the PSP uses: games are region free, movies are locked.

    @ Dizzy:

    (unless Sony includes a PS2 inside the PS3 like they did with PS1).

    That certainly seems very likely to me. They don't have to be gods to make hardware concessions that make backwards compatiblity.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 09:25

  • Tonka #237 6 years ago

    (unless Sony includes a PS2 inside the PS3 like they did with PS1).

    There's a PS2 in the PS1?
    O_o

  • Talha #238 6 years ago

    @Dizzy: Good. Our knight in shining armour jumps in to rescue this thread from the realms of meaningfulness and relevance and knock it straight into namecalling heaven.

    Question1: Wasn't PS2 largely backwards compatible? If so, what is your reason to believe that PS3 will be anything but, since that is one of their main marketing calls? They sure as hell did a better job of backwards comp with PS2 than MS did with X360.

    Although I do accept that the Hi-Def claim seems to be typical Sony shit-mongering.

    Question 2: Precisely HOW have Sony 'fumbled' the PS3 even before the launch? By launching it earlier than expected in Europe? By officially pushing forward worldwide launch to 2006 rather than 2007? By ensuring better supply of units (hopefully) than X360? If so, I would like to see people fumble all the time!

    Question 3: Who thinks Sony are gods? And who thinks that hi-def PSOne titles will look better than 360 titles? Only some imaginary morons in your ultra-biased mind.

    Question 4: What is wrong in being excited about the possibility of a better overall launch, with higher number of units available, POSSIBLY better polished launch games compared to the 360? Not to mention, increased pressure to deliver in the face of near-simultaneous launch of Revolution? If these things don't happen, I will be the first to slag Sony - but meanwhile, normal people DO get excited when something sounds like good news to them. Live with that.

  • Dizzy #239 6 years ago

    1) PS2 was compatible because they included a PS1 inside the PS2. Will they do the same now? Maybe... but if not it is gonna be emulation just like 360 and some of us who actually write computer code know how tricky that is.

    2) Err... Spring 2006? Nuff said...

    3) Sarcasm???? Hello???? McFly????

    4) Higher numbers? 6M PS3 by April 2007. Same number as 360s. Better games? I dunno.. haven't seen any... you? More games? Dunno... haven't seen the launch list. You?

  • Talha #240 6 years ago

    @Dizzy: Granted, they didn't make the purported Spring launch - nobody expected them to. I already acknowledged that Sony's capacity for hyperbole is almost unparalleled.

    I merely said a POSSIBILITY of better launch games exists - that is why I took care to CAPITALIZE certain words in my post and add a ton of modifiers. I am no technophile or programmer unlike you, but I do know that when more time is granted to develop games, it usually improves the result.

    The news item also indicates a capacity of 1m units per month if I read it correctly. That SHOULD result in a better launch numbers-wise, if Sony are to save their financial ass and willing to learn any lessons from X360 launch. Again I said it was all a POSSIBILITY, not a given fact.

    Also, I DID get your sarcasm - but just re-read your post and it all adds up to something designed to inflame.

  • t1nt`1n #241 6 years ago

    If the PS3 games support a keyboard and mouse then I will buy one. Not having a keyboard can hamper a lot of game types and I'm not very good at FPS without a keyboard and mouse!

  • Talha #242 6 years ago

    @t1nt`1n: I used to share your cynicism of cosole shooters - but try your hand at Halo and Black, and give them some time. I did and the results were fairly impressive. Granted, nothing matches the precision of a mouse, but a good joypad control scheme gets mighty close. Plus, the sensation of knowing the direction of the bullet, just by the vibration you get, is quite astounding.

  • SentientNr6 #243 6 years ago

    While Sony can add a PS2 chip in a PS3 it would drive the costs up.
    again.

  • Dizzy #244 6 years ago

    "but I do know that when more time is granted to develop games, it usually improves the result. "

    I know you do your best to see postive things in this.

    I just find it amazing that a company can delay a product... throw some breadcrumbs and nobody gives them a hard time (quite the opposite actually).

    Yes more time for dev is great.. but by that logic a PS3 in 2010 should yield even better games!

    What about the negatives??? Will PS3 hardware still be good enough in one year to be worth the price? What about the price... we don't know that? Sony has been very quiet about that. Is this delay really due to Bluray (almost certainly not since final dev kids are still 4 months off)? Are there other problems with PS3??? What about a cheap 360 and Rev to compete with? If a company delays a flagship product, you guys are supposed to be critical... not happy like children!
    I don't know.. maybe most people here don't work profesionally yet... but when my company delays an important product people get fired, custumors are unhappy and there are things actually *wrong*. Products delays can be a good thing in some cases... just be a bit more critical and see through the hype.

    Oh well.. at least we have a date... now I hope Sony will demonstrate some of that amazing hardware at E3. That is the very least we can expect.
    Edited by 3 at 16/03/06 @ 10:16

  • Talha #245 6 years ago

    @Dizzy: You are completely ignoring the speculated launch date for PS3 in rest of the world before this announcement - for your information, it was Holidays 2006 for US and Q1 2007 for Europe. 'Spring 2006' only meant release for Japan, and were I living in Japan, perhaps I would be fair criticizing it. Since that is not the case, I am getting it earlier than expected (....fingers crossed).

    Yes there are uncertainties - many of the hardware questions WOULD have been answered if they did launch in Spring. But before this announcement, it was being openly speculated that even if they do launch in Spring, they would have no games to show for it.

    So how this six-month non-delay (at least for non-Japanese gamers) is bad news is beyond me.

  • chronom4n #246 6 years ago

    1 - one of the reason and it is a major factor in the success of the PS2 was that it had the ability to play DVD's from the word get-go. I remember one occasion when SEGA decided o bundle a DVD player in an attempt to win over gamers/joe public.
    2 - How in gods earth can the statement PS1 games will look better than 360 games?! Has anyone recently played any PS1 games recently. Gosh! they look atrocious if your eyes have been only accustomed to PS2/Xbox1 games
    3 - At times it feels as though the companies are in a catch 22 situation. If they take their time they get criticised for not releasing thigs on time and if they don't and do relase the console early people still complain. I would rather have the machine in good working order without having toworry about rushed affairs.
    4 - There was no possibility of Sony going into this 360/PS3 generation without having looked at the demographics meticulously and whatever anyone says about MS, no one can deny that for a 1st attempt at the on-line market in the console territory. So in that respect MS have battered Sony. But then again PS2 only really offered better graphics and sound. NOT an on-line experience. That was MS's intention from day one.
    5 - Sony is a brand name. One of the top marketing guru's at the time of the PS2 launch, said 'it is all to do with branding" so hence SONY won that battle without even going into the fight completely.
    6 - MS's reason for releasing the 360 early was to create a large user-base so that when sony do release their machine they will have garnered some loyalty to their machine/company.
    7 - and my last point is... MS have the brains to create a more intuitive way of connecting to the internet to get on-line gaming to the masses. I know people who do not have a PC and are not tech savvy can still get on-line. And Sony have been closely and I mean closely watching Microsoft and thier gaming structure. and finally...SONY .... no hard drive, no internet gaming structure, no backwards compatibility, no freebies = NO SALES and people will look elsewhere.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 10:35

  • Dizzy #247 6 years ago

    "So how this six-month non-delay (at least for non-Japanese gamers) is bad news is beyond me."

    The *product* was supposed to be ready right now.

  • thefilthandthefury #248 6 years ago

    Definitely good news for everyone but the Japanese. Japan gets the console later, the US get it on schedule, and Europe get it considerably earlier than we were previously being told.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 10:28

  • Fubdub #249 6 years ago

    I see no problem with the PS3 to have a built in EE, since it's probably dirt cheap to manufacture. (I would guess the manufacturing price of a PS2 console is actually very small at this point, probably in the region of $25-30 (no taxes, etc included) It was never really an option for MS since they relied on third party chips which is never a cheap option (This is why MS never made money on hardware.)

    And like the PS2 they can use the old chips for other tasks when they are not being used to play games. (PS2 uses the PSx chip to handle the i/o ports or something like that)

  • Talha #250 6 years ago

    @DIzzy; You know what, you will just find an excuse to slag off Sony no matter what. Yes, most of us don't work professionally yet - we are 10 years old learning typing on our keyboards.

    Sometimes when there is a 'bet-the-farm' product, it does get delayed to better gauge the market and see how things are turning out - sometimes that is the best approach: arrive late to the party and fix all the possible flaws in the process. That is how MS were able to come out with a gem called XBox Live. Don't tell me you haven't EVER seen a product delayed, flagship or not, or that every product delay inevitably results in the company subsequently winding up.

    Windows Vista - heard of it? It is now being launched almost a year later than expected, with half the features originally expected and publicised. I don't see anyone criticizing MS for that - maybe because they are not Sony. Still I am excited about Vista because I have NOT made up my mind to criticize each and every decision MS takes.

    @chronom4n has taken the pains to put the point far more clearly than I ever could, along with some other recent posts. I just hope SOME SIMPLE POINTS get accross.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 10:38

  • Dizzy #251 6 years ago

    "Windows Vista - heard of it? It is now being launched almost a year later than expected, with half the features originally expected and publicised. I don't see anyone criticizing MS for that - maybe because they are not Sony"

    Dude.. plenty of people are attacking MS over this (just not here since this is a gaming site). BTW Vista is being launched two years later FYI from original date. Well I guess that is a good thing! Devs will have more time to polish their software!!!!!

    You are just seeing things in posts that are not there. Chill out a bit. Oh no.. there is Dizzy in a Sony post. He MUST be stopped!

    "Don't tell me you haven't EVER seen a product delayed, flagship or not, or that every product delay inevitably results in the company subsequently winding up"

    Like I said in my comment.. product delays can be good and by design, but often point to problems instead of a careful business decision. Since final dev kits are not done... I suspect (hardware) product problems with PS3 are causing the delay.

    "And like the PS2 they can use the old chips for other tasks when they are not being used to play games. (PS2 uses the PSx chip to handle the i/o ports or something like that) "

    Absolutely. I just haven't seen the EE chip included on any spec documents of PS3. So at the moment.. I am taking this backwards compatibility thing with a bit of scepticism. Dev kit people have also said nothing about this...
    Edited by 4 at 16/03/06 @ 10:45

  • Fubdub #252 6 years ago

    There is no reason why the devkits should be backwards compatible. Devs doesn't need to know that there is an Emotion Engine in there somewhere, since they most likely won't be doing anything with it. My guess is alot outside the Cell and GPU will be different untill the final dev kits come, nothing that will change the way it works, but stuff that can be optimized and made more stable.
    I'm guessing the whole 'final dev kit' comment really tells us when assembling the actual units will begin. I.E. when the hardware is absolutely final.

  • mazzl #253 6 years ago

    let me speculatie please..

    ps3 is done.. its finished, anly the yields on de cell and bleu ray copy right stuff is cluttering up the lines. so.. sony is starting to mass produce ps3 starting next month. and will be building up a bunch of wharehouses full of them. then when laucnh is getting closer the cell proc will be plugged in and the blue ray thingy will get a firmware update. and DONE sony has a whole bunch of ps3's ready to bombard the stores with.. just in time for christmass.

    on the other hand. who is eactually making release games? who does actually own a true hdtv?, who is willing to pay $500 on a console?, who cares about backwords compatibility (you alreaddy own a ps2 or ps1 if you have the games, so just use those!)

    i honestly think that with such few people owning a true hdtv, and by launching ps3 together with revolution.the rev will will blow the ps3 away.. rev will cost about $150 ... and early adopters will already have a 360 to play on.. buy buy sony!





  • Talha #254 6 years ago

    @Dizzy: Not at all mate, I am chilled ;-). I knew Vista was two years beyond date, but I just took a conservative approach since to my knowledge an absolute final launch date for Vista was never announced. And I know people are 'attacking' MS for that - I just don't believe in all this 'attacking' - it is not a co-incidence that most of these attacks come from Apple and Linux communities who just busily reinforce their own perceived superiority.

    Yes, two years is a long. long time for software. But, it is their product, and their FLAGSHIP product - they ought to take all the time they want on it. Meanwhile, for me at least, Xp is incredibly 5 years old and doesn't suck at all - that's good enough.

    Seeing things in posts - I am afraid I am just seeing what IS there (posters not having proper jobs, for one).

  • Fubdub #255 6 years ago

    " buy buy sony!"

    Some sort of obscure viral marketing?
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 10:54

  • Dizzy #256 6 years ago

    "There is no reason why the devkits should be backwards compatible. Devs doesn't need to know that there is an Emotion Engine in there somewhere, since they most likely won't be doing anything with it"

    Err... and your previous post

    "And like the PS2 they can use the old chips for other tasks when they are not being used to play games. (PS2 uses the PSx chip to handle the i/o ports or something like that) "

    My reply was to that piece of information ;)

    Anyway.. nuff said about the PS3 delay for me. E3 next! (sadly I won't be going this year since I am expecting to become a daddy in May ;)

  • Talha #257 6 years ago

    @Dizzy : first, many congrats. Second, er - surely you won't be delivering the baby will you? If so, go to E3 if you have the chance stupid!!! Think of it! X360 second-wave games! PS3 games! Revo games!!!! You could become a Daddy even in absentia, but E3 2006 won't come again!!!! ;-)

    Just kidding - please don't take it seriously.

  • HyZepher #258 6 years ago

    The one thing from Sony's statement that I feel is key is there announcement of a global launch. Now we all know that MS aimed for a global launch from the beginning, put a lot of time and effort into trying to make it right - for me they should be commended regardless of the poor outcome in certain regions.

    Now Sony have DECIDED to go global because of production issues - namely Blu-ray delays. For me this looks like a Plan B and like most Plan B's it won't have the same detail or thought as their original Plan A. They basically have 8 months before launch, in my opinion thats cutting it very fine

    Hyzepher

  • kangarootoo #259 6 years ago

    Didn't Stephen Hawking reckon there were 32 dimensions, 3 physical and the rest all time related?

    I'm not sure that "time" is classed as a constant. You could say that the passage of time is regular I guess, but then I'm not sure Mr Hawking would even agree with that.

  • SeesThroughAll #260 6 years ago

    There are as many dimensions as you try to imagine, and this is no cliche. There are several flavours of string theory, each with a different assumption on the number of dimensions. First iterations on string theory stated there are 8 dimensions, the first four being macroscopically measurable (corresponding to classical relativistic gravitation), and the remaining only "making sense" in a microscopic scale). Then there's your 11 dimensions theory, and a few more on the works. The thing about string theory is, it's so far-reaching, there is no possible way to test it experimentally.
    It becomes fascinating that it really seems to define a border of sorts between science and religion.

  • Dizzy #261 6 years ago

    "The thing about string theory is, it's so far-reaching, there is no possible way to test it experimentally"

    Hehe.. haha.. String Theory.. one of my pet peeves! Well you can test every theory by testing the visible effects and visible problems by the results your theory expects. The "11" dimension String theory is currently the "best" in explaining some big holes in classic quantum mechanics and relativity...

    Anyway.. time as a "dimension" in the strict sense of the word is a very 1980s idea :) Nowadays when scientist say dimension they really mean dimensions in a very real mathematical sense. The human brain of course can not really wrap itself around it :)

  • SeesThroughAll #262 6 years ago

    Hehe.. haha.. String Theory.. one of my pet peeves! Well you can test every theory by testing the visible effects and visible problems by the results your theory expects. The "11" dimension String theory is currently the "best" in explaining some big holes in classic quantum mechanics and relativity...

    That's the catch, string theory struggles for consistency with nearly every currently existing model, and this resulted in an extreme situation that there are no phenomena that can only be explained from a string theory point of view. Experiments cannot dismisse it, nor approve it. It's biggest weakness, methinks.

    As for the biggest holes in quantum mechanics, these resulted from a conceptual crisis, which has been overcome in the 90s. Conservation of energy and determinism have been abandoned already, even if the human brain has a problem with coping with questions without the aid of "conservation of something".

    Anyway.. time as a "dimension" in the strict sense of the word is a very 1980s idea :) Nowadays when scientist say dimension they really mean dimensions in a very real mathematical sense. The human brain of course can not really wrap itself around it :)

    The strict sense of the word dimension is mathematical.

  • tiddles #263 6 years ago

    you f***king fanbois... all you ever talk about is string theory

  • BillGaitas #264 6 years ago

    OMG .. Science has invaded the comments section ... The Horror ... The Horror ...

    I cant believe that are epeople that actually believe in science!!!!

    yeahh right, like this shity thing could explain why our great god ... the sun ... travels in a white chariot in the sky everyday pursuing the goddess of cheese ... the moon ... since the big cabung ... , now i really have seen it all! ;)

  • chronom4n #265 6 years ago

    talha, thanks for the compliment. I just wanted to get across how i felt the image of how and why the public responds to console launches. And to give another example of how the average gamer or rather the ill-informed electronics consumer sees sony as..... the BMW1 series of car. If anyone recalls Top Gear and they way they explained the drivers opinion of BMW. They showed a dollop of human waste with the BMW logo amblazoned on it! Sometimes people are just too stupid for their own good as the 1 series can not match up to the competition and is way, way overpriced for the class that it is competing in. yet people still buy. Sorry if i got sidetracked there but i hope my point is understood.

  • miiiguel #266 6 years ago

    This really made my day!!! PS1 games looking better than X360!!! Are you not old enough to remember PS1 games (not that they were bad at the time, but I can't be that 'retro' anymore, sorry...), or are you in "intellectually-honest-mode-NOT" ?
    C'mon, if some suits want to make you guys that dumb, please do not let them, as much as you have a gripe towards MS or Nintendo, or whatever.
    "Gamers of the world unite", oh please...!