Sony PlayStation 3 Reviews
As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the Sony PlayStation MotorStorm PS3 Pack an even more versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a game console--a powerful one at that.
Under the Hood
The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia
graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion
calculations per second. That's approximately 320 times more
calculations per second than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and
composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted
digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and
projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p
resolution for a full HD experience.
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New gamers intuitively move the controller while playing, even though that movement has traditionally had no relation to what's going on in the game. Sony has picked up on this tendency and is using it to bring a new level of control to the PS3. Inside the controller is a high-precision six-axis sensing system that accurately detects fine movements in pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as three dimensions of movement. This means that future PS3 games will be controlled by the movements of your hands rather than just your thumbs. For example, you might be able to steer a car by holding the controller like a steering wheel. For more information on the PlayStation 3 Specs.
While the PS3 controller looks much like its Dual Shock
predecessors, it will lack the force-feedback vibration since that
would only interfere with the sensing system. It uses Bluetooth 2.0
wireless technology and can support up to seven wireless controllers at
a time. It's a hot-swappable system, so if your controller is running
low on power, just pause your game and connect a USB 2.0 cable. You can
continue playing while your controller recharges automatically.
Blu-Ray Is the New Way
Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media
format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This
increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor
and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have
learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will also
support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.
Backwards Compatible
The PlayStation 3 will be backward compatible with most PlayStation and
PlayStation 2 games, which means you'll be able to play your favorite
games without keeping all the old systems. The console will have slots
for Memory Stick Duo, an SD slot and a Compact Flash memory slot. It
comes with a pre-installed hard disc drive, which allows you to save
games as well as download content from the internet.
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A Slew of New Games
A whole host of game publishers are already backing the PS3 and several
have even confirmed games for the console. At the 2006 Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3), more than 30 titles were displayed for the
system, including Gran Turismo HD, Resistance:
Fall of Man, and Final Fantasy XIII.
Previously announced titles include Metal Gear Solid 4,
Devil May Cry 4 and Tekken 6.
Online
Sony
has stated that the PS3 will have similar online connectivity and
services as the next generation of Xbox Live. Calling it "an always on,
always connected device," SCEI's chief technical officer Masa Chatani
said the PS3 would be constantly in touch with a "PlayStation World"
network "fundamentally based on community, communication commerce, and
content." Technically, the infrastructure is there to make that
connection. The PS3 supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T Ethernet,
as well as IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking protocols.
What's in the Box?
- Game system
- Sixaxis wireless controller
- AC power cord
- Audio/Video cable (HDMI or Component cable sold separately)
- Ethernet cable
- USB cable
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