Official PS3 NTSC/PAL Press Releases & Controller Press Release

[Zeus]

Sony have now issued a series of press releases concerning the NTSC launch of the PS3 consoles, the European launch of the console as well as a detailed press release on the PS3 controller.

PlayStation®3 Launches On November 17, 2006 In North America Equipped with Blu-ray and Pre-Installed HDD United States: US $499 (20GB HDD) and US $599 (60GB HDD) Canada: CAN $549 (20GB HDD) and CAN $659 (60GB HDD)

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today that it would launch PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) in "Clear Black" in North America on November 17, 2006, as part of a worldwide simultaneous launch.

PS3 is the most advanced computer system that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment contents in the home, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX™ processors, in addition to the playability of a vast catalog of PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 software titles.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of contents as well as access on-line games and services over the network.

Equipped with basic input/output ports, PS3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays, offering the joy of the most advanced computer entertainment contents to homes around the world. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2.

With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PS3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray (BD) disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in BD standards.

The new controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world's most popular PlayStation controller which has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide. The controller for PS3 employs a high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that is capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, thereby eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PS3 system over the network.

While further enhancing the joy of entertainment on PlayStation 2 and PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, SCEA will vigorously promote PS3 as the next generation computer entertainment platform.

PLAYSTATION®3

Product name PLAYSTATION®3
CPU Cell Processor
GPU RSX™
Sound Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-based processing)
Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
HDD 2.5" Serial ATA ? (20GB) ? (60GB)
I/O USB 2.0 ? (x4)
MemoryStick /SD/CompactFlash - ?
Communication Ethernet ? (x1 / 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g - ?
Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) ?
Wireless controller (Bluetooth) ?
AV Output
Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
HDMI OUT - ? (x1 / HDMI NextGen)
AV MULTI OUT ? (x1)
DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) ? (x1)
BD/DVD/CD Drive
(Read Only) Maximum Read Speed BD 2x (BD-ROM)
DVD 8x (DVD-ROM)
CD 24x (CD-ROM)
SACD 2x
Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
Weight Approximately 5 kg

PlayStation®3 Launches On November 17, 2006 Across Mainland Europe And Australia, Equipped with Blu-ray and Pre-Installed HDD, Available at €499 (20GB HDD) and €599 (60GB HDD)

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today that it would launch PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) in “Clear Black” throughout mainland Europe and Australasia on November 17, 2006, as part of a worldwide simultaneous launch.

SCE Announces New Controller For PlayStation®3

<i>Equipped with High-Precision, Highly Sensitive Six-Axis Sensing System</i></a>

Los Angeles, May 8, 2006 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced the new controller for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3), which will become available as standard with the system. The new controller can be experienced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held from May 10 through 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California.

The controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world’s most popular PlayStation® controller that has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design. The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.

In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.

Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK® and DUALSHOCK®2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation®2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.

The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.

All input information will be immediately transferred to the PS3 system through the Bluetooth® wireless technology. By using a USB cable, the PS3 controller can be swapped seamlessly from wireless to wired, and can be charged automatically. The cable can be attached and detached at anytime.

By integrating all these features into one standard PlayStation controller, SCEI, together with content creators, expects to further expand and accelerate the world of next generation computer entertainment.

[peppers]

I know ive seen a controller like that before I just cant remember were

[jug6ernaut]

that controller.....so...familar.....:eek: whaaaaaa 600$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....that controller.....hmm....intresting....

[FeistyGirl]

2007 in the US.. quote me on it...

[chukz]

lol $600USD i'm glad they finally picked up some brains and decided on a new way to control games, it won't be as intuitive as the Wii controller (harder to hold PS3 controller with 1 hand... imagine swiping a sword or something..) also no rumble feature that's kinda a bummer.... but the fact they have showed some attempt to make things interesting.

if people can get over the price tag and the basically similar controller design (i love what they did with the R2/L2 buttons) then they will find a better way to enjoy games...

i hope they find a way to make it cheaper though... maybe $500USD for advanced pack and $400USD for core pack...besides, i doubt 40 gigs is worth $100USD more...

[WeSiDe]

tonight, before you got to bed, make sure u give thanks to what ever god u belive in and thank him/her/it/them for making sony not use that POS boomarang controller. dual shock controllers are great. love the usb b port.

[Kevin Layne]

Is not anyone noticing that the only difference in the 499 system and the 599 system is not just the size of hard drives!!!!!! 499 means no HDMI , no memstick port /sd/flash and no 802.11 b/g built in. Only 1 Ethernet port on the system now, and only 1 HDMI on the system now, only was they can sell it for that price..have attached the official Sony PDF for proof

[BloodShed]

Anyone else notice that the new PS3 design is missing 67% of the initially presented rear connections? No HDMI, no rear USB. Compare with this:
http://media.playstationpro2.com/images/playstation3-3.jpg

Not that I had any use for multiple network and multiple HDMI connectors, I am disappointed that they appear to ONLY have their standard Multi-out custom connector for video. Granted, I'm sure there will be a "Multi-out to HDMI" Sony cable... but I'm so sick of custom connectors on consoles.

Also it appears the new controller has only FOUR player lights. What happened to the seven controller specification?

None of that is a "deal breaker" though. This thing will still be a BEAST. I'm putting money down as soon as shops start taking pre-orders.

And hey... because the new controller has a mini-USB connector right on it, who wants to bet that Sony will release PC drivers too?

[Kevin Layne]

The HDMI might only be on the 599 system, if this is true, the 499 one might not be able to play Blu ray movies if they are protected, does this mean sony is not going to protect by DCHP or do they have something else in mind.

[chukz]

so will BOTH the PS3 models include the 1 HDMI outputs and 3 or 4 ethernet and all those other addons?

or will the $499 one have 1HDMI and 1ethernet, and $599 have 2HDMI and all the previously described features?

*EDIT*
comparing photos from a long time ago with the white PS3 models and the new black ones, u can see they are missing a crap load of components on the back

i think this is bad news... if they removed all that extra stuff and it still is going to $600USD this is incredibly expensive.... i hope i am misreading something...

[BloodShed]

The HDMI might only be on the 599 system, if this is true, the 499 one might not be able to play Blu ray movies if they are protected, does this mean sony is not going to protect by DCHP or do they have something else in mind.
That's a good point. The copy protection protects high definition signals only through HDMI or DVI connections (not even protected on component). Even dedicated Blu-ray players will play movies over other connections but not in high-def because it's not protected.

Perhaps that's the route they're taking with the cheaper model? It may only play movies in standard resolution. Hmm...

so will BOTH the PS3 models include the 1 HDMI outputs and 3 or 4 ethernet and all those other addons?
Apparently the $599 model will have built-in 802.11 b/g, 1 HDMI, 1 digital toslink (optical) audio, 1 multi-out, and 1 gigabit network port. The $499 model will have everything except the built-in WiFi and HDMI.

It looks like they took out most of the connections for good. At one point they planned to include a "built-in router" (which was stupid IMO). That might explain the original 3 network ports. I guess they took out the second HDMI after everyone laughed at their first presentation when they said something like, "...and if you have two HDTV sets next to each other...". Heh.

I'm still betting they also downsized the controller support to only 4 controllers. Hopefully they deliberately freed up those 3 extra channels for other features (like PSP connectivity).

[chukz]

thanks bloodshed for clarifying that

i think now it's almost identical with what Xbox has done with their console with a Premium Pack and a Core Pack....and the same thing most of the people criticized microsoft for doing as a 'mistake' and 'confusing consumers' ...
and also what was said earlier, that some bluray DVDs can't be played in high-def unless they are outputed in HDMI or DVI, and all these extra implications make it too confusing for someone that just wants to toss in a game and play it...

[SLAYERPSP]

500 bucks no hdmi no mcd slot so no hdmi no 1080p doesnt seem worth buying the 500 dollar one the 360 with the hd dvd player add on is looking better and better. dont get me wrong ill buy a ps3 becuse im sick in the head and need all game systems when they come out 600 dollars thats a lot of money to play games oh well thats just a 100 month to save over the next 6 months

[SLAYERPSP]

thanks bloodshed for clarifying that

i think now it's almost identical with what Xbox has done with their console with a Premium Pack and a Core Pack....and the same thing most of the people criticized microsoft for doing as a 'mistake' and 'confusing consumers' ...
and also what was said earlier, that some bluray DVDs can't be played in high-def unless they are outputed in HDMI or DVI, and all these extra implications make it too confusing for someone that just wants to toss in a game and play it...
its not the same you can upgrade a core 360 to be the same as the Premium Pack. you cant do that with the ps3 no hdmi on the 500 dollar one and no memory card slot and if the hdd is built in your stuck with 20gb its a lot differnt then what ms did you cant ever make the 500 dollar one as good as the 600 dollar one. i thought sony also said you need hdmi for true hd umm do they want to take that back now. all i have to say is graw sure looks real good on the 360 in 720p or 1080i looks like hd to me

[dreary79]

Well... I had enough to purchase a NDS. I'm saving up for a new PC. I don't think my wife is going to be ok with $500. That's before I buy any games. =( The Blueray drive might make it worth it if I wanted higher quality movies. But the thing is... I'm fine with DVD quality. I hope they drop the price before too many good RPG's come out. I don't want to miss them all because Sony charging an arm and a leg to go at war with Microsoft.

Everyone is mad about the Iraq war. I'm mad about the console war. Everyone is mad about the dept from the war. I'm mad about they dept from the war too, just not the Iraq one. This is a very serious matter. We should me marching at the White House.

So now I have a choice between a very expensive 360 with the chance of it getting zero good RPG's. A extremely expensive PS3 that I can afford if I quit upgrading video cards and playing PC games. Or I can buy Nintendo's Wii. And I don't want anyone's wii but my own.

[Mr Doctor]

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h249/kitaeren/c0bf7b969af1100e7ba316581015.jpg
:D :D :D :D

[jpxdude]

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h249/kitaeren/c0bf7b969af1100e7ba316581015.jpg
:D :D :D :D

Hehe, indeed...blatent rip to an extent, but I think that may have been the big N's plans all along, they've said from the beginning that technology similar to theres will be emulated, which is partly why the revmote was revealed when it was...

What amuses me most about the 'Dual Shock 3' is that its been confirmed that it will lose its 'shock' Since the rumble features interfere with the motion sensor :P Although, I think it is pretty cool that they have a USB connection to charge up the controllers...

It makes me wonder exactly how nintendo plan to charge theres...

[Mr Doctor]

I wouldnt say charing is a big issue really. Reachargable AAs are dirt cheap and the Wavebird got aaaaaaaaaages of playtime out of just two.

[Souzar]

No HDMI? what a joke, all that BS about HD or nothing and they don't even include it on their base system, so how is anyone going to play HD on a non HD tv? I suppose we an stick to 480P like the Wii, sony are closet nintendo fans, why not just licensce the Wii and accessories and re-badge it sony? becuase nobody will buy a shoddy remake. That dual(-shock as was pointed out) controller is an absolute JOKE!, give it six degrees of tilt -what the hell for? if you're going to copy sony, copy it PROPERLY. Hell, if they redesigned the NEG-con controller maybe I wouldn't have a problem with it but sony is just getting ridiculously obvious with their copycat tactics. So far I'm gettting the Wii, and maybe even an Xbox360:eek: yes I said it now, because the PS3 just gave me one more reason not to get one till 2008 if ever.


escuse me while I take deep breaths.

[Mr Doctor]

Sonys Wii60. Twice the price, half the features!


And did anyone notice that the live beating system is apparantly "live beating" because you can buy game weapons? Now I dont know about you, but I'm used to all this being included with the fuckign game I buy! :P

Horrible system as far as I can tell, and continuing the trend of Sonys butt ugly consoles. Anyone remember the CDi 450? http://www.silicium.org/images/catalog/consoles/philips/cdi/cdi450.jpg :P

So they ripped off the Wii.
They ripped off Live
They ripped off A 12 year old consoles design.

hehe, this is awsome! :D

What they have thats sonys....

Blueray (not worth the massive price increase over HDDVD for a few meg extra)
PSX pad (awful pad in my opinion, especially next to the 360 pad) - oh yeah, with nintys analogue sticks in it ;)
Uhm... well..... ehm....

Heh. :P

[attachment]

Sony PS3. All the features of both Wii and 360 for only $599. And hey, you get free Playstation online service. Live ain't free. So it's obviously better than both 360 and Wii combine. Nintendo must really be piss off that Sony took Nintendo's controller, the only thing Nintendo have left, and Sony just came in and took it. And not only that, Sony got it's own Live service too. Bill must be so piss off. Oh well, that's what happen when you try to challenge the market leader. Sony just slap them down like the dogs that they are.

[whackawookie]

so lets see they took away the dual hdmi out that everyone was gloating about, they are selling two types of systems instead of a core and premium, they gave the price everyone said they wouldn't, what else is sony to do to make people believe they might just be fabricating a little more. You can't sit here and say your getting the same as the wii and 360 for the price there giving because thats just not the case. The hardware is only a blank easel that the artist brings his work to so if they don't have the complete lineup of each system then its the same as the others. Even if the ps3 offers free network it won't be for a lifetime, once sony see's how much its going to cost to keep up with maintenence and upgrades they'll start throwing in features only available with a fee. I'll be going to reserve my ps3 today but that doesn't mean its my system of choice.

[Retroboy]

Sony PS3. All the features of both Wii and 360 for only $599. And hey, you get free Playstation online service. Live ain't free. So it's obviously better than both 360 and Wii combine. Nintendo must really be piss off that Sony took Nintendo's controller, the only thing Nintendo have left, and Sony just came in and took it. And not only that, Sony got it's own Live service too. Bill must be so piss off. Oh well, that's what happen when you try to challenge the market leader. Sony just slap them down like the dogs that they are.

Maybe but no

the psx controller yes was based on the snes pad with palm grips, but thats what made it such a good controller to use, nintendo's n64 pad was hell with your analouge wearing out.

as for live, its a service that is wanted by gamers and sony have decided to provided a basic pack free which s60 wasnt going to offer.

if your going on like this baout live you might aswell say that microsoft took the idea off the dreamcast as the dreamcast had its lobby area and online gaming.

no matter what people think if anybody offers online gaming theyre not ripping ms off or anybody else, its just giving them credit as their idea is soo good they want to do the same thing.

kinda like a tv, say the first company made a HD tv now everybody makes them, its not copying its because its a excellent idea and its what you "the customer" wants.

[whackawookie]

its sad though that sony is using a wii feature because they won't have rumbling in there controllers anymore.

[Souzar]

Sony PS3. All the features of both Wii and 360 for only $599. And hey, you get free Playstation online service. Live ain't free. So it's obviously better than both 360 and Wii combine. Nintendo must really be piss off that Sony took Nintendo's controller, the only thing Nintendo have left, and Sony just came in and took it. And not only that, Sony got it's own Live service too. Bill must be so piss off. Oh well, that's what happen when you try to challenge the market leader. Sony just slap them down like the dogs that they are.

The ps3 doesn't have a pointing device built into the controller just tilt, and no rumble. So already its not as good. Similarly they went with the old ps1 design joypad, - why not update it like the Xbox360 pad? because painting it silver doesn't cut it. (I was right the 1st time, they did paint it!;)

sony just shot themselves in the foot because they took out HDMI from their BASE machine( there was only supposed to be one model?!) What idiots. they find enough money to put useless tilt into an old psx pad but not enough money for HDMI port. Jokers.

[WickedSkin]

Yaaay! They re-releases the controler microsoft ripped off! Or did M$ ripp of the dreamcast controller?

[enjoymarcus]

Remember guys, the Wii wand is not the Revolution, Nintendo are yet to announce another surprise innovation . . . apparently.

[CharlyBure]

Does the $599 pack comes with a DMS5 pro modchip?

[dreary79]

Does the $599 pack comes with a DMS5 pro modchip?

No that one is $799 USD pre-installed. Although full release line-up will be included on the hard drive.