PS3 to support USB keyboard, mouse and PSP

PS3 gaming was also given another boost with the announcement that the Sony Playstation 3 will support keyboard and mouse gameplay - something that rival console manufacturer Microsoft has announced it will not be supporting. PC gamers looking to make the shift to console gaming will no doubt welcome Sony's move to support keyboard and mouse gameplay. The keyboard and mouse will connect to the console via USB, and it is currently unclear whether the console will allow the connection of any USB keyboard or mouse, or whether it will be restricted to authorised peripherals. Sony has also announced that its Playstation Portable (PSP) handheld gaming device will connect to the PS3 via Bluetooth. The PSP will function as a remote control for the next-generation console, allowing PS3 users to browse files and folders without leaving the sofa. It will also be possible to transfer photos and films between the two devices. The PSP will not, however, function as a controller for the PS3.

Source: PS3 Reporter

PS3 Pre Order Status

So far it seems like Game Crazy is the only store in the U.S accepting pre order on PS3. We have heard that International game retailer Lik Sang is offering PS3 pre order but we need more confirmation from those who actually did it.

Here are the list of Game Crazy retailer stores that are accepting PS3 Pre Order:

California:

Bay Area: $50 cash upfront to pre order PS3
Thanks Unknown!

Rosevill: $50 cash to pre order PS3
Thanks Matt!

Sandiego: $50 to pre order PS3

Pensylvania:

4403 Southmont Way Easton, PA 18045 (610) 253-6998 is accepting PS3 pre order with $50 deposit.
Thanks Deniz!

Virginia

The Gamecrazy in Fredericksburg, VA has been taking reservations for the PS3 for the past few months.
Thanks Tim!!

Ohio

Game Crazy in Wooster Ohio is taking Pre-Orders $50.00 Down
So far it seems like Game Crazy is the only store in the U.S accepting pre order on PS3. We have heard that International game retailer Lik Sang is offering PS3 pre order but we need more confirmation from those who actually did it.

Here are the list of Game Crazy retailer stores that are accepting PS3 Pre Order:

California:

Bay Area: $50 cash upfront to pre order PS3
Thanks Unknown!

Rosevill: $50 cash to pre order PS3
Thanks Matt!

Sandiego: $50 to pre order PS3

Pensylvania:

4403 Southmont Way Easton, PA 18045 (610) 253-6998 is accepting PS3 pre order with $50 deposit.
Thanks Deniz!

Virginia

The Gamecrazy in Fredericksburg, VA has been taking reservations for the PS3 for the past few months.
Thanks Tim!!

Ohio

Game Crazy in Wooster Ohio is taking Pre-Orders $50.00 Down
Thanks Rob!!

Source: PS3 Valut

Why spend so much on a PS3 pre-order, and then actually buy the system when you can get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Playstation 3 release date confirmed!

(PS Reporter.com) recently found out that Sony’s next-generation Playstation 3 console will be released in Spring 2006 - it was confirmed by Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer at a recent SCE business strategy meeting. No word yet on whether the PS3 release will be staggered or simultaneous worldwide, but Sony looks set to continue its dominance of the Japanese market: a recent survey revealed that 72.3% of current-generation Japanese console owners said they would be buying the PS3 when it comes out.

Source: PS3 Reporter

Why spend so much on a PS3 pre-order, and then actually buy the system when you can get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

PS3 Grill

"PS3Grill truly is the grill to be placed in the center of living rooms in homes around the world."

"The PS3Grills BBQ chip, the RBSX "Real BBQ Synthesizer" based on Nvidia technology revolutionises the way taste is created."

-Ken Kutaragi

Source: PS3 Grill

Unofficial PlayStation 3 (PS3) FAQ

General Information

When will the PS3 released in North America?

The slated release period for PS3 is spring of 2006. (SCEA)

What is the price of the PS3?

The estimated prices for the PS3 range from $399-$500. (CNN, Gamespot)

What is included in the North American PS3 bundle?
To Be Announced

What colors will the PS3 available in?
White, Silver, and Black.

Can the unit be displayed horizontally/vertically?
Yes, the console can be positioned vertically or horizontally just like the PlayStation 2 console.

How many controllers can the PS3 support?
The PS3 can support up to 7 bluetooth controllers.

What is the primary format of media utilized by the PS3?
Blu-ray Disc (BD). Blu-ray drives utilize a blue-violet laser as a posed to the red infrared glazers used in typical DVD and CD players. The result is higher-quality output coupled with more information (25 gigabytes per layer) per disc.

How much will games cost?
Games are rumored to cost $70-$79 US dollars or $83-$94 Canadian dollars. (Game Geek News)

Can I play my PlayStation/PlayStation 2 games on the PS3?
Yes, the PlayStation 3 is fully backwards compatible with other consoles in the PlayStation family. (SCEA)

What resolutions are available on the PS3?

• 480i
• 480p
• 720p
• 1080i
• 1080p

What are Sony's plans for the structure of PS3's online service?
To Be Announced

Games, Blu-ray Movies, etc.

Where can I see a list of all the announced Games, Movies, etc?

• Games
• Announced PlayStation 3 Games
  

• Blu-ray Movies
  
• Announced Blu-ray Movies

PS3 Media

Official Press Releases:

• Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to launch it's next generation computer entertainment system, PlayStation 3 in Spring 2006 - May 16, 2005

Press Conference Video:

• PlayStation 3 Unveiled - E3 2005

Image Library:

• E3 2005
• Vertical w/ controller
• Horizontal topside
• Horizontal topside
• Vertical frontal
  
• Vertical rear
• Vertical topside
• Vertical topside (White, Silver, Black)
• Vertical top
  
• Bluetooth Controller
• Press Conference 1
• Press Conference 2
• Press Conference 3
• Press Conference 4
• Press Conference 5
• Press Conference 6
• Press Conference 7
• Press Conference 8
• Press Conference 9
• Press Conference 10
• Press Conference 11
• Press Conference 12
• Press Conference 13
• Press Conference 14
  
  
• CES 2006
• Horizontal frontal
• Horizontal frontal
• Horizontal rear/top
• Vertical Black/Horizontal Silver
  
  
• Game Screenshots
• Killzone 3
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• Warhawk PS3
• Tekken 6
• Devil May Cry 4
• I-8
• Fatal Intertia
• Heavenly Sword
• MotorStorm
• Genji 2
• Vision Gran Turismo
• Formula One 06
• The Getaway 3
• Mobile Suit Gunda
  

Source: Playstation.com Forums

Sony Surveys Online Interest

Sony has issued a survey to some members of the media and others within the gaming community gauging the interest of a more feature-filled online gaming environment.

While Sony hasn't come out publicly to announce any Xbox Live-type online service, the survey questions indicate that the company is at least kicking around the idea. Some of the most intriguing questions ask about PC to PSP to PS3 interfacing, standard USB keyboard support, Eyetoy-compatible lobbies and in-game media sharing.


The survey is as follows:

1. On a typical day, how often do you play games online?
2. Do you own a PSP?
3. What is your preferred Online gaming format?
4. What Online Gaming Formats do you own?
5. Do you think you will purchase a PS3?
6. A single identity and password for all online games?
7. Global Lobbies allowing you to play against anyone in the world?
8. Game Lobbies should be language based. (English, French, German etc)
9. Game Lobbies should be based geographically.
10. A standard, interactive lobby structure for all games.
11. Headset support in all online games?
12. A QWERTY keyboard as standard for messaging.
13. USB Keyboard support for every online title.
14. Friend List allowing you to see online/offline status?
15. Friend List allowing you to see what game your friends are playing?
16. Private Messaging across games?
17. A feedback rating allowing you to choose who you play against?
18. Ability to remove players out via a majority vote?
19. Game Host has the ability to remove players?
20. Automatically filter opponents based on connection quality?
21. The ability to download music, game demos and other content?
22. Ability to access the dedicated game forum whilst in game?
23. Ability to take screenshots during the game and share them with friends?
24. Ability to take movie clips in game and share them with friends?
25. Ability to play my music during a game?
26. An in game grief reporting system?
27. Ability to access and manage your gaming profile via PC, PSP as well as PS3?
28. Community features without the need for a game disc.
29. Ability to choose an Avatar for all online titles.
30. The inclusion of a web browser.
31. A specific lobby only for Adults.
32. Service should feature a Global Ranking system for each game.
33. Game Lobbies should be Eyetoy compatible.

Source: Next Gen Biz

US PS3 in November?

Pacific Crest Securities analyst Even Wilson has predicted that Sony's PlayStation 3 will launch in November in North America, preceded by a summer launch in Japan and followed by a March 2007 European launch.

Wilson's glance into the crystal ball, reported in Marketwatch this week, is just the latest in a string of often conflicting theories from US analysts about Sony's launch dates for the next-generation console - but is interesting since Wilson also goes on to predict unit volumes for the system.

He believes that the PS3 will launch with a million units in Japan in summer, with similar volumes seen at the US launch in November, and presumably a similar number again when the system arrives in the European market in March.

Read More at EuroGamer.Net

Medal of Honor for PS3, X360

Electronic Arts has finally confirmed reports that EA LA is working on Medal of Honour Airborne for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with PC, PS2 and Xbox versions also in development.

The game's due out in winter 2006, and puts you in the boots of Boyd Travers, Private First Class of the 82nd Airborne Division. Unlike previous MOH games, you'll have full control of your airdrop behind enemy lines, allowing you to try and make for a starting point on the ground of your design.

Read More at EuroGamer.net

Porn studio signs on for Blu-ray

The Blu-ray camp has picked up its first major pornography studio in a deal to carry its adult content in the future.

Digital Playground has announced that it will be moving its films to the Blu-ray standard as soon as a supplier becomes available.

Source: Computing.co.uk

PlayStation 3 graphics - the truth

Last week we were blown away by what PS3 games should look like, but was it all a hoax?

News has surfaced that the nVidia graphics chip to be used in PlayStation 3, codenamed RSX, isn’t finished yet and that the ‘real-time’ footage and images shown at Sony’s conference in Los Angeles last week couldn’t have been powered by nVidia’s new super chip.

According to T3’s sister videogames site CVG, nVidia’s chief financial officer Marv Burkett revealed at the JP Morgan Technology Conference in San Francisco that the silicon required to build the RSX chip won’t be available until September, meaning that the chip isn’t a reality yet. In defence of the PS3 demos shown at the E3 games show, he said that a combination of nVidia chips with a similar amount of power must have been used.

So does this mean that the footage shown at Sony’s recent E3 conference exaggerated what PS3 is capable of graphically? Not necessarily, however when Sony first unveiled PS2, its ‘real-time’ tech demos seriously embellished the console’s graphical talents. That said, PS3’s Cell processor alone is capable of staggering visual feats even without the RSX chip. Stay tuned for more on PS3 over the coming months.

Source: T3

PlayStation 3 region-free?

Word has it that Sony’s next-gen giant might be the first console to officially play games from any territory.

Our courtship with next-gen gaming begins in a mere 23 days with the UK launch of Xbox 360 on 2 December. But whereas Microsoft’s upcoming machine is somewhat of a hussy - its services and talents laid bare from day one – PlayStation 3 remains the mysterious mistress of gaming’s next era. Sure we’ve been drip-fed nuggets of promising technical info, stunning screenshots and movie demos since its unveiling in May (see story), but the puzzle is by no means complete. However, today another exciting piece may have fallen into place, because according to our sister site CVG, Sony’s upcoming console could adopt PSP’s region-free games policy.

This well-informed speculation has surfaced off the back of a recent interview in which Michael Ephraim, Sony’s MD of Computer Entertainment Australia, stated that “if you look at the fact that it will support high-definition TV, which will be a global standard, there’s a good likelihood that it will be global region, as for example we’ve done with PSP�. Granted, Ephraim isn’t pulling the strings when it comes to the development of PS3, nonetheless being a top dog at Sony his words definitely suggest that this new region-free approach is definitely a real possibility.

Stay tuned for more on the PS3 saga as it breaks.

Source: T3

Sony's PS3 Game Screenshots

A screenshot from Metal Gear Solid 4

Take a look at all the other Playstation 3 game screenshots here

Looks impressive? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Microsoft CEO trashes PS3

Think the second-place pressure is getting to their heads? In an interview with Investor's Business Daily at the Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had this to say:

"[N]obody knows when PlayStation 3 is going to come. The rumours are it will come out in the spring, but only in Japan. And nobody knows what PlayStation 3 is going to cost. PlayStation 3 has a (Blu-ray Disc) drive built in, so who knows what the heck they're going to charge for the thing, because those are very expensive drives. Who the heck knows what the games are going to look like for PlayStation 3?" he joked. "So, a lot of questions. And Sony has no strategy for an online service."

Source: Euro Gamer

List Of Sony Playstation 3 Games

List Of Sony PS3 Games

0-9

* 2 Days to Vegas - Steel Monkeys *
* 6GUN II - BattleBorne Entertainment *

A

* Alan Wake - Remedy Entertaiment *
* Alone in the Dark - Atari *
* Angel Rings (tentative name) - SCEI FP
* Avalon - Climax
* Akira Kurosawa's Oni - Koei
* Armored Core 4 - From Software *

B

* Broken Saints - Gnosis *
* Black Blade - From Software
* Bladestorm - Omega Force/Koei
* Brothers in Arms 3 - Ubisoft

C

* Clown Combat - Eagle Claw

D

* The Darkness - Majesco/StarBreeze *
* Dark Sector - Digital Extremes *
* Dark RPG - From Software
* Data-Fly - Origo Gaming Entertainment *
* Def Jam 3 (working title) - EA Games *
* Demonik - Terminal Reality *
* Devil May Cry 4 - Capcom
* Diabolique: License to Sin - Metropolis Soft.
* Driver 5 - Atari
* Dynasty Warriors - Koei
* Dirty Harry (working title) - Warner Bros. IE *

E

* Elveon - 10tacle Studios *
* Endless Saga - Webzen
* Eyedentify - SCEI FP
* The Eye of Judgment (tentative name) - SCEI FP
* Extreme (tentative name) - Taito

F

* Fatal Inertia - Koei
* Fear & Respect - Midway *
* FIFA 06 - EA Sports *
* Fight Night Round 3 - EA Sports
* Fifth Phantom Saga - Sega
* Final Fantasy XIII - Square Enix
* Formula One - Studio Liverpool FP

G

* Genji 2 - SCEI FP
* The Getaway 3 (working title) - Team SOHO
* The Godfather: The Game - EA Games *
* Gradius VI - Konami
* Grand Raid Offroad - Asobo Studios *
* Grand Theft Auto IV - Rockstar Games
* Gundam World - Namco

H

* Heavenly Sword - SCEE

I

* I-8 (Untitled) - Insomniac (SCEA)
* Infraworld - Quantic Dream

J

* John McTiernan Game (Untitled) - Ubisoft

K

* Killing Day - Ubisoft *
* Killzone 2 - Guerrilla Games
* King Kong - Ubisoft *
* King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 3 - SNK Playmore *

L

* L.A. Noire - Team Bondi
* Lair - Factor 5 FP

M

* Madden NFL 2006 - EA Sports *
* Makai Wars - Nippon-ichi Software
* Medal of Honor: Airborne - EA
* Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Konami
* Metronome - Team Tarsier *
* Mobile Suit Gundam - Bandai *
* Monster Carnival (tentative name) - SCEI FP
* MotorStorm - SCEE FP

N

* NBA Live 06 - EA Sports *
* NBA2K6 - 2K Sports *
* Need for Speed (New Generation Project) - Electronic Arts
* Notcom Racing - ForwardGames *
* NioH - Koei

O

* Old West Game (Untitled) - Rockstar Games
* Omikron 2 - Quantic Dream

P

* Possession - Blitz Games *
* Pro Mahjong Final (tentative name) - Athena
* Project Assassin - Ubisoft
* Project D - Michaelsoft
* Project Delta - Playlogic International *
* Project Embrace - Origo Gaming Entertainment *
* Project Extreme - Taito
* Project Force - From Software
* Project Psychic - Taito
* Psychopath - Titan Productions *

Q

R

* Rengoku: The End of the Century - Hudson
* Resident Evil 5 - Capcom *

S

* Scarface: The World is Yours - Vivendi Universal *
* Secret Service - Tigon *
* Section 8 - TimeGate
* Seikan (tentative name) - Astroll
* ShadowClan - Tiger Hill
* Shin Megami Tensei - Atlus
* Shin Ten Makai VI (tentative name) - Idea Factory
* Silent Hill 5 - Konami
* Sonic the Hedgehog - Sega *
* Spider-Man 3 - Activision
* Stranglehold - Tiger Hill *
* Stuntman 2 - Reflection
* Super Robot - Banpresto

T

* Tekken 6 (working title) - Namco
* Test Drive Unlimited - Eden Studios *
* Theseis - Track7 Games *
* The Punisher - THQ
* Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 3 - Ubisoft *
* Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 4 - Ubisoft *
* Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - Activision *
* Tracer - Gaia Industries
* True Crime 2: Streets of Hong Kong - Luxoflux

U

* Unreal Tournament 2007 - Epic Games

V

* Vision Gran Turismo - Polyphony Digital FP

W

* WarDevil - Unleash the Best Within - Digi-Guys *
* Warhawk - Incognito FP
* Way of the Samurai 3 (tentative name) - Spike
* Winning Eleven - Konami *
* The World of Mana - Square Enix

Y

Z

Legend

A "*" after the game denotes that it is found on other gaming consoles.

A "FP" after the game denotes that it is first party or second party (paid for by Microsoft)

Some games are subject to change prior to release

Source: PS3 News

Sounds impressive? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Chris Morris Believes PS3 Will Sell For $500

CNN's resident gamer Chris Morris believes PS3 will sell for $500

CNN's resident gamer Chris Morris is taking an educated guess at the possibly delayed PlayStation 3's price: Morris believes the system will sell for $500. based on various developers and analysts. The rumors have set a price range from as low as $400 to as high as $700

As Joystiq ponts out Chris Morris' article will be released to a mainstream audience, full of parents who might find the price tag a bit too expensive for their little hell raiser.

At a price tage of $500, Sonny will have to market their new console as more of a complete entertainment system rather than just simply a next gen console. At one point last year, based on manufacturing costs, some believed the PS3 would cost twice as much as the Xbox 360. For everyone’s sake, lets hope that rumor is false.

Source: PS3 News

Is this price too expensive for you? Then now is the chance for you to get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

5 Questions for Sony

GamingHobo Asks Sony the tough questions
Sony firm on a Spring launch date for PS3

With the launch of the PS3 expected sometime this year, GamingHobo asks Sony some questions regarinding HD, online play, and industry dominance as well as other important issues.

Gaminghobo asks Sony the "tough" guestions

The third in this series of articles with the focus being on Sony this time. Again, please remember, this is a purely hypothetical exercise but one I hope will be interesting and provide some talking points. The question are as follows:

1. So the ‘HD era’ begins with the PS3? Why should we care?
2. What will set the PS3 apart from the rest?
3. Can you match Xbox Live?
4. Can you maintain your dominance?
5. PSP and PS3 – how will they interact?

So the ‘HD era’ begins with the PS3? Why should we care?
Ah the ‘HD era’ – one of my favourite topics! Microsoft may have been guilty of over playing the significance of HD then Sony, “the HD era starts with us,� are positively obsessed with the subject. So if the PS3 will be the only console to provide full HD is this something, as gamers, we should care about? For majority of us I think the answer is no. There will be a vocal minority with the money and the desire for a full High-Def experience, be it movies, games or otherwise and for them the PS3 will be perfect. But the expense of a top of the range HDTV to go with what will be an expensive gaming machine, with games also going up in price, is not an attractive situation for most of us in the real world.

Answer: Only for some, but by no means not all.

What will set the PS3 apart from the rest?
Putting aside ‘HD era’ hype what will set the PS3 apart from its competitors? At the moment things are made all the more complicated by the ongoing debate about how powerful the PS3 will actually be. At this point it’s pretty much impossible to know. Many people have been quick to condemn the E3 demos that weren’t real-time gameplay; and this seems to have brought all sorts out of the woodwork claiming either that PS3 will blow everything out of the water, or that it’s hopelessly buggy and incomplete. I have taken on a simple view, ignore everything apart from my own intuition. Whatever happens PS3 games will look very good, that much is obvious, lets just leave it at that. As for the actual question at hand the PS3 will likely deliver much the same things as the PS2. So a stronger focus on Japanese titles, especially RPG’s, new versions of games we’ve played before, MGS and GTA, and so on. Perhaps some new Eye-Toy games? Hopefully Sony might reveal more in the future, as will be discussed further down, but they still have plenty to prove to me.

Answer: Bigger and shinier than everything else, not sure what else yet.

Can you match Xbox Live?
With the PS2, Sony seemed to be happy to allow individual companies to supply their own online platforms. This was not an unreasonable policy but the services provided had no chance of matching those supplied by Xbox Live. Sony has said nothing on the topic so far apart from the fact you will be able to play online, no surprises there. It is, at this point, unknown whether Sony will change their online strategy to compete with Microsoft like-for-like. On a more general point it is unlikely that either Nintendo or Sony will be able to match Live! considering the amount of money Microsoft have chucked at it. Since Sony and Nintendo are committed to (mostly) free services this won’t change any time soon.

Answer: Probably not.

Can you maintain your dominance?
Love them or hate them Sony have beaten a strong path from newcomers to all powerful industry leaders in practically no time at all. So can they keep it up? We already know that the PlayStation brand has a massive and loyal following but in the next-generation competition will be more fierce than Sony have ever known it. Nintendo seem to have found a new and exciting direction for gaming and Microsoft are mounting a more serious challenge to Sony’s dominance this time around. I have no doubt they will still lead the competition in market share but, one can’t help think, they won’t be as dominant as they have been through the two previous generations. Only time will tell.

Answer: Some definite doubt.

PSP and PS3 – how will they interact?
This could be a potentially interesting facet of the PS3 and might add some extra value to the package. As yet there has been little information forthcoming but I’m sure we will hear more on the subject. The potential is there for multimedia integration using the hard drive on the PS3 and this would fit in with Sony’s ambitions to create a multimedia centre with all components created by Sony. In this respect they are competing with Microsoft not just as a gaming machine.

Answer: Not sure yet but it will be important.

Source: Gaming Hobo | PS3 News

1st Gen PS3 Games Much More Impressive Than 1st Gen Xbox 360 Games

Tommy Tallarico who review games for G4 and who also has been involved in over 200 game projects in his 15 years in the game biz has made some interesting comments about the PS3 games that are currently in development. After seeing some of the games in action he was clearly impressed with what he saw, stating that the first generation of PS3 games is much more impressive than what we have seen on the Xbox 360 so far

[ "Unfortunately I am under strict NDA and cannot mention any titles. The gameplay graphics look a little better than minor... but it more of the way the worlds and environments are being created and built. For example... in Project Gotham racing if you stop on the side of the road and look at a tree... it is basically just two texture maps pasted together in a cross pattern (like games have done for the past 10 years)... but some of the stuff I'm seeing on the PS3 has every element of a tree including branches, leaves, etc... and it all gets affected by the wind as your car passes by... as well as the lighting. Not saying the 360 CAN'T do that... I'm just saying that from what I've seen.... I'm a lot more impressed with the 1st generation PS3 titles compared to the 1st gen 360 titles. "]
- Source: IGN Forums

Source: PS3 News

PS3 Games to share region encoding on Blu-ray

Sony PS3 games may not be region coded

New information has been released suggesting that the Blu-ray disc format, which will be used by Sony on their upcoming Playstation 3 console, will have only one encoding for both the US and Japanese game markets. From the article: "Japanese reports are surfacing that Blu-ray disc will adopt a new region encoding scheme that will put Japan and the rest of East Asia into the same region as North and South America. If this region encoding applies to Blu-ray games, this would mean that PS3 games could flow easily between Japan and North America."

If the reports are true, there will be the following four regions:

• Region 1: North America, South America, and East Asia (excluding China)
• Region 2: Europe (including Turkey), and Africa
• Region 3: China, Russia and others
• Region 4 (null): no region specified, playable anywhere.

Let the mod-free trade and selling of PS3 imports commence.

Source: PS3 News

Europe May See The PS3 in September

Contary to the Spring rumors going around, Europe may have to wait until September for the PS3

With the Xbox 360 already launched and “somewhat� available, let the PS3 rumor mills kick into high gear. Revolution-Europe Forums has word that the PS3 will hit Europe this September. Price and packaging has yet to be decided. Our tipster said that he knew for a fact this info was posted by someone who works for a Scandinavian game outlet.

If this rumor is true, then this throws that March 2006 world-wide launch theory out the window. Smart money says Japan will get it first and then a staggered release for America and Europe.

There should be a press conference in February sometime that will give an update as to the actual release date of the PS3 as well as a detailed list of games that will be made available at that time as well.

Source: PS3 News (some content shown here is edited)

Grand Theft Auto For The PS3?

Rumor or Truth: PS3, Grand Theft Auto, and London Coming Together?

There are rumors that one of the most greatest games ever will be available late in 2006 on the up and coming game console. Grand Theft Auto is rumored to be in the making for the PS3 to the delight of many gamers who have been waiting for the PS3 to hit the shelves. Grand Theft Auto has been highly controversial, but definitely a favorite of many gamers.

The game is rumored to be Grand Theft Auto London, a grand twist on the game we have all become so familiar with. A Rockstar employee rumors the game to be in the making. Apparently, the London GTA will be set in the late 1990’s. It’s an interesting idea, for sure, and something that will make a lot of those who have been holding out for the PS3 quite happy.

This could be nothing more than a bad rumor though, because as long time GTA fans may remember, there was a PC edition of GTA in the late 1990’s that was titled Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. So, rumor or remake? What do you think?

Source: PS3 News

5 Reasons To Wait For The Sony Playstation 3

Following the release of the Xbox 360 and now that everyone can see just what it can do, the debates on the have begun to spring up all over the net like wildfires. While much of the debate won’t be solved until closer to the Playstation 3s launch when more is known, there are still enough revealed details about the PS3 to form a checklist of what appear to be strong advantages for the PS3 over it’s adversary, the Xbox 360. These advantages should be noted by all gamers prior to taking the plunge and dishing out the dollars to jump on the next-gen bandwagon prior to the next-gen competition being released.

Here are the things every gamer interested in buying a next-gen console should know:

1. Blu-Ray technology being used for the game drive. Indeed, while the fact that this drive has not yet been released is definitely a drawback, especially in combination with the “Cell� not hitting production yet, the possibilities of this drive make it very appealing. In contrast, the Xbox 360’s drive can currently only play standard DVD’s at only decent speeds, but the Blu-Ray technology can hold disks that hold as much as 5 times as much data as DVD’s and this data is all read at a much faster speed. Even better is that Blu-Ray technology can read DVD disks as well, allowing it to play PS2 games and movies in addition to the PS3’s own library of games.

2. The third party support and unique games. While the Xbox 360 will have its own impressive line-up of unique titles hitting the system, Sony still has plenty of great games that it has exclusive to its own next-gen console. Games such as Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots should not be overlooked by any means.

3. The “Cell.� While the Xbox 360 has a good processor, it is really not as impressive and doesn’t have nearly the potential of the Cell. While the true potential may not be seen for a long time (hopefully development will be completed sometime soon!), the Cell truly seems to be an amazing processor that will greatly improve the PS3’s stock in this epic console race.

4. Other PS3 hardware should also be given consideration. While Microsoft generally tends to go for standard hardware (good hardware, but standard), Sony is having a lot of its hardware custom made, which always helps the reliability of a console. Indeed, the Xbox 360 is much improved over the Xbox in this department, but Sony’s PS3 still has the hardware edge (despite claims from Microsoft that the Xbox 360 actually will outperform the PS3 – this remains to be seen).

5. Reliability. While this one is still up in the air, the advantage will most likely fall onto the PS3. The Xbox 360 has had numerous problems that gamers are furious about. No doubt that Microsoft will fix these problems soon, but the fact that they are there really hurts the reputation. Sony is always good at making sure they have a reliable product.

Source: XBox Today

Sounds impressive? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Sony Playstation 3 VS. Microsoft's XBox 360

VS.

The question on everyone's mind... which is better? Sony's Playstation 3 or Microsoft's XBox 360? Let's settle this once and for all with the facts below:

CPU
PS3 - 7 SPE's @ 3.2Ghz each. 512kb L2 Cache.
Xbox 360 - 3 Cores @ 3.2Ghz each. 1MB L2 Cache.

Memory
PS3 - 256MB of XDR RAM (Main) & 256MB GDDR3 @ 700MHz (Video).
Xbox 360 - 512MB GDDR3 RAM @ 700 Mhz DDR (Shared).

Graphics
PS3 - Custom NVidia Card @ 550Mhz.
Xbox 360 - Custom ATI Card @ 500Mhz.

Storage
PS3 - Removable Hard-Drive
Xbox 360 - Removable Hard-Drive (20GB)

Display
PS3 - 1080p Standard.
Xbox 360 - 720p minimum. 1080i Optional.

Network
PS3 - 1000mbit Ethernet. Wi-Fi. Bluetooth 2.0
Xbox 360 - 100mbit Ethernet. Wi-Fi

Audio
PS3 - 5.1 Digital
Xbox 360 - 5.1 Digital

Disc Media
PS3 - CD, DVD, Blu-ray
Xbox 360 - CD, DVD

Release Date
PS3 - Spring 2006
Xbox 360 - November 2005

Source: Sony Playstation 3 News

Free Sony Playstation 3 Podcast

More talk goodness. This time IGN's PlayStation experts discuss Sony's mystical PS3.
by IGN Staff

January 5, 2006 - PlayStation 3 is on everyone's mind. That's not good... We want to be on everyone's mind! And so to kill two birds with one stone, we IGN PlayStation editors gathered in a cushy room around a few microphones and spoke about all things PlayStation 3. The result is a very candid but informative and structured conversation.

If you want to learn about the PlayStation 3, you'll definitely want to check out the following Podcast. Just download the below linked MP3 and you'll be treated to a nicely moderated talk that touches on the system's launch, its potential, the possibility of it all being smoke and mirrors, how it compares with the 360, and even what we know of some PS3 games.

We must say, after listening to the Xbox channel's disastrous debut Podcast (think cavemen and cave clubbings), we were a bit hesitant to stamp our good PlayStation name on this new IGN feature. But Jeremy, Ivan and Tal did quite well and for almost 20 minutes, too!

Don't believe? Get with the downloading!

IGN PlayStation 3 Roundtable Podcast

Source: IGN.com

The Sony PlayStation 3 Cell Chip

The PlayStation 3's CPU is a revolutionary new chip codenamed "Cell�. It is being developed by an alliance between Sony, Toshiba and IBM. The system will use chip-to-chip interface technology and memory technology from the Rambus group.

Cell's first public demonstration has been announced for the 2005 E³ conference, while the first technical details were released at the February 2005 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC). Patent applications have also given us valuable information regarding the Cell chip’s architecture.

The CPU's supposed distributed processing features have lead to speculation that many items in the home, with differing numbers of Cell chips, can pool their power.

Early versions of the chip will be 90-nm, with a change to a 65-nm process, if cost and performance allow. Abstracts from presentations at the ISSCC, show the Cell processor running at 4.6 Ghz.

In December 2004, Nvidia announced that they have made a multi-year agreement with SCEI to develop the PlayStation 3's GPU, which is a custom variant of their next-generation graphics processor. In fact, they had worked for two years on the chip before making the announcement. They were previously responsible for the GPU in the Xbox console.

The 'Cell' chip which will consist of 234 million transistors, and have a die size of 221mm sqaured. A single Cell is theoretically capable of achieving a maximum of 256 billion floating-point operations per second (GFLOPS). This astounding single precision (32bit) floating point performance has been achieved by using a new radical architecture.

The Cell chip uses a highly parallel architecture with a total of 9 cores. These cores consist of a custom general purpose PowerPC processor core which is connected to 8 "synergistic processing elements" or SPE’s for short though a central bus called the element interface bus [EIS].

The PPC core is the brains and the SPE’s are the main workers in this design. Unlike some other parallel processors the Cell can be clocked very high, in fact with voltages ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 volts it can reach clock speeds of 3.2 to 5.2GHz. At 4GHz each SPE can achieve a theoretical maximum of 32GFLOPS.

Source: Playstation 3 Portal

The following is a Powerpoint presentation of the 'cell' technology. You need Powerpoint, or a powerpoint emulated program to play it. Click below to view, or right click and "Save Target As" to download".

Source: PS3Land.com

Sony Playstation 3 Specifications

The Sony Playstation 3 is one powerful machine! The following are the PS3 specs...

CPU

• Cell Processor
• PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
• 1 VMX vector unit per core
• 512KB L2 cache
• 7 x SPE @3.2GHz
• 7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
• 7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
  
  * 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for redundancy
  total floating point performance: 218 GFLOPS

GPU

• RSX @550MHz
• 1.8 TFLOPS floating point performance
• Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2 channels

Sound

• Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell- base processing)

Memory

• 256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz 256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz

System Bandwidth

• Main RAM 25.6GB/s
• VRAM 22.4GB/s
• RSX 20GB/s (write) + 15GB/s (read)
• SB< 2.5GB/s (write) + 2.5GB/s (read)

System Floating Point Performance

• 2 TFLOPS

Storage

• Detachable 2.5" HDD slot x 1

I/O

• USB Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0)
• Memory Stick standard/Duo, PRO x 1
• SD standard/mini x 1
• CompactFlash (Type I, II) x 1

Communication

• Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) x 3 (input x 1 + output x 2)
• Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)

Controller

• Bluetooth (up to 7)
• USB 2.0 (wired)
• Wi-Fi (PSP)
• Network (over IP)
  

AV Output

Screen size:
• 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
  HDMI:
• HDMI out x 2
  Analog:
• AV MULTI OUT x 1
  Digital Audio:
• DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1

Disc Media

CD:
• PlayStation CD-ROM, PlayStation 2 CD-ROM, CD-DA, CD-DA (ROM), CD-R, CD-RW, SACD, SACD Hybrid (CD layer), SACD HD, DualDisc, DualDisc (audio side), DualDisc (DVD side)
  
  DVD:
• PlayStation 2 DVD-ROM, PlayStation 3 DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW
  
  Blu-ray Disc:
• PlayStation 3 BD-ROM, BD-Video, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE
  

Source: Playstation 3 Portal

Sounds impressive? Why not get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!

Free Sony Playstation 3 Pictures

PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Full View)
Sony Computer Entertainment America

The PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) looks even better than the artistic mock-ups we've seen. With wireless controllers, WiFi and broadband connectivity, hard-drive support and an incredibly fast cell processor, the PS3 is more machine than we could have dreamed for. While the PS3's specifications and design may change between now and the Spring 2006 release date, rumors have it that they will only get better.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Colors)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The PS3 is being shown in three different colors: white, silver and black. It should be noted that when the PSP debuted at E3 last year it too was shown in several colors, but as of yet, only black has shipped.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) Wireless Controller

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The Sony PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) currently features support for up to 7 Bluetooth wireless controllers. The PSP can be used as a WiFi controller, and the USB ports (6) can support controllers as well.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Front View)

Sony Computer Entertainment

The front view of the PS3 shows a motorized slot loading Blu Ray Disc reader, as well as four USB ports. The PS3 can use wireless controllers, so there is no need for controller ports.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Back View)

Sony Computer Entertainment

The back of the PS3 sports a myriad of ports. It includes a place for the power cable AV connections and two additional USB ports, bringing the total to six.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Top View)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The top of the PS3, which would be the right side if you used the PLAYSTATION 3 horizontally, sports a large cooling vent, behind which is the cooling fan.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Left Side)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The left side of the PS3 (or top if you use it on it's side) features the PLAYSTATION 3 Logo, as well as what may be the power/reset button.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Right Side)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The right side of the PS3 is flat and can also serve as its bottom, if used horizontally.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Face)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

This angle of the PLAYSTATION 3 shows that unlike the PS2, which is flat, or the Xbox 360 (which is concave) the PS3 is convex, or, curved up-wards.

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PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 Corner View)

Sony Computer Entertainment America

The PLAYSTATION 3 is a magnificent machine, both elegant and futuristic. Though the PS3 could change before Spring of 2006, the design will likely remain the same, due to critical praise and expediency in manufacturing.

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Source: About.com

Now that you have seen the Playstation 3 pictures, and it looks quite attractive, do you want to get a Free Playstation 3 Pre-Order? Yup, that is correct! Stay away from the hassles of waiting in long lineups for you can get it the simple way .... straight to your doorstep! Free! Interested? Then find out how to get a Free PS3 Pre-Order now!