During today's E3 media breifing, Sony announced that their PlayStation 3 console is now a reality. Launching in November, the Sony PlayStation 3 will utilize the Cell processor, along with Blu-ray discs, to give content developers more resources for their games. With a free online system, it will allow a community of gamers to compete and interact without a base fee.
Making sure that no one ignores the current generation, Sony announced that they will be supporting the PlayStation 2 for many more years. A slew of new PlayStation 2 games will be available at E3, and gamers should continue to look for both 1st and 3rd party titles throughout the end of the year.
Next up was a recap of the Sony PlayStation Portable. Sony claimed that the reason they entered the market 18 months ago was because it was the "right product strategy at the right time." The Sony PSP has shipped 17 million units since its launch and there appears no signs of the platform slowing down. The PSP has also turned in some "impressive" software sales, with 23 titles selling over 100,000 units. There are currently 155 titles in production, with many to be released later this year. Sony has continued to add many new features through firmware updates, including a web browser and "improved" content protection. Future plans for the handheld include RSS video, voice over IP support, a camera and GPS periphirals.
Backwards compatibility, a point that has been somewhat uncertain, will initially support 15,000 titles. They weren't clear on where this number came from, or how the backwards compatability works, they simply stated it was there. For the majority of original content, the PS3 will be utilizing the Blu-ray format. 5 of the 8 major movie studios are already backing Blu-ray, so it's going to be well supported as a movie format as well. And for games, more capacity is already needed. The PlayStation 2 caused most games to go from being released on CD to being released on DVD. In fact, 95% of the games released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 were on DVD. People want more sound, more graphics, more entertainment. Content creators won't be limited anymore.
Sony then claimed that HD is the world. But then they stated that only 25% will own a high def display by the end of the year. Of course they stressed the 25% that would have HD, not the 75% that wouldn't. They also stated the hard drive would be bundled with every unit and will be removable. There will be a simultaneous worldwide launch, with black units being available everywhere. 10,000 development units have already been shipped out to 208 companies.
Sony also debuted a Gran Turismo HD demo, designed especially for E3, that runs in 1080p at 60 frames per second. It should launch not too long after the launch of the PS3, in early November.
Next up was an EyeToy strategy card game. Once a player placed a card on the table a monster appears on the screen. Then by touching the card after the monster appeared, it would attack other monsters on the screen. A final card was placed that caused a rubber duck to appear, a homage to Phil Harrison's "Lots of Ducks" LoD joke from last year's E3 presentation.
Sony then discussed their online strategy saying that it is becoming a standard feature, like air conditioning on a car. But then they take it a step further by saying that online is "as essential as the air we breathe." Sony envisions creating a virtual space for players to interact, free of charge. This virtual space will also envelope the Sony PSP. Sony's online network will allow original PlayStation games to be downloaded and played off of memory sticks directly on the PSP. Sony demonstrated this ability with Ridge Racer from the original PlayStation. Sony mentioned that they want to leverage their existing IP by offering full game downloads, utilizing a stored balance debit card, something Sony calls the PlayStation card, available at all game retailers.
Sony then showcased the PlayStation 3 interface, showing items for purchase, as well as community features. Singstar, a karaoke game, was shown as an example utilizing the power of the network. Music would be available for purchase through the interface, although exact pricing was not revealed. The network environment would also allow your own performances to be available on the network to other people.
They also showed off some of the interaction possibilities between the PSP and the PS3, by using the PSP as a wing mirror on a racing game. It's a very cool idea, showing off the advantages from having all the Sony products. If this ability becomes a standard feature on games, this may drive the demand for both products higher.
They also showed videos of two new games, Eight Days and a game from Naughty Dog, the Crash Bandicoot team. Both look interesting, but with demo videos it's hard to tell how fun and worthwhile they will be when they are finally released. Also shown was a demo video of The Resistance: Fall of Man, which was shown at GDC previously, but should be playable in the Sony booth now.
And in another shocking announcement, the new PlayStation 3 controller was unveiled. Although the appearance was exactly like a normal DualShock 2, the big shocker was that the new controller will have motion sensing capabilities. It's hard to know when this feature was added, since no demo so far has shown off using it any way; however, it was announced nonetheless.
Finally, the actual price and release date for the PlayStation 3 was announced. In Japan, it will be November 11th and in the U.S. on November 17th. There will be two available systems, one with a 20 GB hard drive, the other with a 60 GB hard drive. The smaller will retail for $499 and the larger for $599.
The rumors can finally be put to rest, the PS3 is here.
[Sony Press Conference]